The Ministry of Public Security (Lao language: ກະຊວງປ້ອງກັນຄວາມສະຫງົບ) is the ministry of the interior of Laos. The current minister is Lieutenant General Vilay Lakhamfong.
Structure and organization The Ministry of Public Security comprises several "branches of service", which include the local police, traffic police, immigration police, border police, and other police units.
Traffic Police Department The Traffic Police Department is responsible for ensuring road safety for people using vehicles to prevent accidents and ensure safety. The Traffic Police handled almost 6800 road accidents in 2025 alone.
Public Security Department The Public Security Department is responsible for maintaining public order via suppressing rioters, robbers, criminals, etc.
Central Security Department The Central Security Department is responsible for protecting high-ranking officials and key government facilities in Laos.
List of Ministers of Public Security Somseun Khampithoun (1961-1978) Maichantan Sengmani (1978-1980) Sisavath Keobounphanh (1980-1985) Asang Laoli (1985-2002) Sutjai Thammasit (2002-2005) Thongbanh Sengaphone (2005-2014) Somkaew Silawong (2015-2018) Vilai Lhakhamfong (2018-present)
International cooperation In order to increase its capacity to address issues such as the illegal drugs trade and human trafficking, the Ministry of Public Security has established working relations with a number of foreign government agencies and international organisations, including UNODC and UNICEF.
Human rights issues The security forces subjected to the ministry have occasionally been accused of human rights violations.Amnesty International Their persecution of Christians in Laos is among the heaviest in the world.Open Doors USA Particularly, members of the Hmong ethnic group have been subject to violence by security forces.
Ranks Officers
Enlisted
See also Crime in Laos Directorate of National Coordination (DNC) Laotian Civil War Lao People's Armed Forces Royal Lao Police
References
External links Country data Laos – National Police and Paramilitary forces humansecuritygateway.info List of current Lao government's ministers, including Public Security.