ASEAN Regional Coalition to #StopDigitalDictatorship something unprecedented occurred: for the first time in history, the Lao people refused to cower in fear. Using the power of social media, they boldly criticised the government’s incompetence and economic injustices without reservation, mainly on the Facebook platform. This courageous act marked a historic turning point, demonstrating the irrepressible spirit of a populace determined to hold their leaders When the Rich get Richer, and the Poor get Poorer… Young people are escaping Despite the government’s attempts to curb inflation, the average rate for the year stood at 31.23% by 2023 end40, exacerbating inequalities and impoverishing large segments of the population, disproportionately impacting low-income earners and marginalised accountable, no matter the consequences.36 communities. Lao PDR (Laos) has incurred debt Sadly, this period of online empowerment was of prosperity, as the country grapples with the short-lived. Following the rise of a new Lao Prime consequences of heavy borrowing and economic Minister, Sonexay Siphandone, in December 2022, dependence.41 As a result, the rising cost of living repression against Lao people resurged. This was is placing immense strain on households already compounded by a tragic event on April 29, 2023, struggling to make ends meet, pushing many further when Jack Anousa, a Lao youth democracy activist, into poverty. Meanwhile, the wealthy elite are able to fell victim to an attempted murder due to his online navigate the inflationary environment, often benefiting activism. A few weeks later, Bounsuan Kitiyano, a from investments and assets that shield them from 56-year-old Lao activist affiliated with the ‘Free Laos’ the worst effects of rising prices. This widening democracy group and recognized as a political refugee gap between the rich and the poor underscores the who had fled to Thailand, fell victim to transnational systemic inequalities ingrained within the economic repression. His lifeless body was discovered on May structure, where inflation serves to further entrench 17, 2023, in Ubon Ratchathani Province, situated in the disparities between the privileged few and the the Isaan region of Thailand. marginalised many.42 37 38 and faced distress as a result of China’s promise [Young people] aren’t even thinking about change, it’s a feeling of how am I going to get out of this country - I’m stuck here, there’s no future for me. If you see your country becoming a colony of China, you see a government that is totally corrupt, and you cannot speak up because if you do you might be killed - would you want to stay?39 –Emilie Palamy Pradichit, Founder & Executive Director of Manushya Foundation Lao PDR 125