In the heart of the Mekong River basin, the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Laos’s Bokeo province has emerged as a focal point of both economic ambition and international controversy. Positioned across the border from Chiang Saen district in Thailand’s Chiang Rai province, this enclave—backed by a 99-year concession to the Chinese-led Dong Ngiew Kham Group of Companies—has recently made headlines for its efforts to combat call-centre gangs, a scourge plaguing the region. Yet, as Laos intensifies its crackdown, questions linger over whether the zone is truly shedding its reputation as a “grey area” or merely polishing its image under the watchful eyes of global observers.
The Golden Triangle SEZ, often associated with shadowy dealings due to its proximity to Myanmar and Thailand, has been thrust into the spotlight amidst a broader regional push against transnational crime. Since early January 2025, a joint initiative between the Laotian government’s Golden Triangle SEZ Protection Agency and the zone’s Administrative Council has sought to dismantle criminal networks operating within its borders. This move mirrors parallel efforts by the Thai government, which has targeted similar gangs along its frontiers with Myanmar and Cambodia. According to Laos police deputy chief Brigadier-General Wanton Surisak, strict law enforcement over the past two years has “significantly reduced” the social impact of these gangs on local communities, with plans to further tighten the noose in 2025.
A Zone of Contradictions
Spanning a region historically synonymous with illicit trade, the Golden Triangle SEZ is a paradox. On one hand, it boasts an investment value exceeding US$3 billion, with sprawling infrastructure projects including an eight-lane road, a 300-bed hospital, the Golden Triangle International Border Crossing, and Bokeo Airport, designed to handle over 2 million passengers annually. Education facilities have expanded to secondary level, and the zone has been promoted as a model for economic development in Laos, drawing frequent visits from government officials and even national leadership. On the other hand, its quieter streets in 2025—marked by shuttered restaurants, pubs, and hotels—tell a different story. A recent on-site survey by Nation TV revealed a stark contrast to the bustling atmosphere of 2023, with locals attributing the decline partly to the crackdown on call-centre gangs by Laotian, Chinese, and Vietnamese authorities. 
The zone’s casino at the Dok Ngiew Kham Hotel, a symbol of its economic allure, continues to operate, though with fewer customers. Large-scale construction persists, yet abandoned buildings dot the landscape, raising questions about the sustainability of this development model. The shadow of Zhao Wei, a prominent figure linked to the zone’s casino operations and president of the SEZ Council, looms large despite his absence from public events in recent months. At the 22nd Cotton Tree Blossom Festival—an annual celebration of the zone’s grandeur—Vice President Gao Long took centre stage, affirming the SEZ’s alignment with China’s Belt and Road Initiative and its commitment to planned growth over the past 18 years. Zhao Wei’s absence, however, has fuelled speculation about internal shifts, though no official explanation has been provided.
Political Backing and Public Messaging
The Laotian government’s endorsement of the SEZ remains unequivocal. At the festival’s opening, General Vilay Lakhamphong, Laos’s Deputy Prime Minister and Public Security Minister, presided alongside senior officials, signaling robust state support. Their presence, coupled with the launch of the second Golden Triangle Art Exhibition, which showcased paintings themed around “peace,” appeared designed to project an image of stability and progress to the outside world. Military and political leaders walking arm-in-arm with SEZ executives underscored a unified front, portraying the zone as a strategic asset with advanced transportation links by air and water.
This messaging aligns with broader geopolitical dynamics. The SEZ is increasingly positioned as a linchpin in Laos-China relations, often described in regional discourse as “the dragon rising in the Mekong River basin.” The collaboration between Laotian and Chinese authorities to address criminal activities in the zone reflects a shared interest in stabilising the area, both economically and in terms of security. Yet, the international community remains sceptical. Allegations persist that the SEZ serves as a hub for illicit activities, despite claims from figures like Zhao Wei, who previously told Nation TV that the area is a “safe tourist destination” rather than a grey zone—a assertion difficult to verify without firsthand experience.
Cracking Down on Call-Centre Gangs
The crackdown on call-centre gangs, a form of organised crime often linked to cyber fraud and human trafficking, marks a significant shift in the SEZ’s governance. These gangs have exploited the region’s porous borders and lax oversight to establish operations, often luring vulnerable individuals with false promises of employment. The joint efforts of Laos, China, and Vietnam have introduced visible measures, such as 24-hour hotline numbers displayed in key areas and the deployment of officials to ensure public safety. While Brigadier-General Surisak’s assertion of a “significant reduction” in gang activity lacks independent corroboration, local accounts suggest a tangible impact, with many illicit businesses ceasing operations.
However, the problem is far from eradicated. The Thai government’s parallel operations frequently mention the Golden Triangle SEZ in connection with these criminal networks, indicating that while progress has been made, the zone’s reputation remains tarnished. If confirmed, sustained cooperation between regional governments could further dismantle these networks, though experts caution that without addressing underlying socio-economic vulnerabilities—such as poverty and lack of opportunity in border areas—such efforts may only displace the issue elsewhere.
Economic Ambitions vs. Ethical Concerns
The Golden Triangle SEZ encapsulates Laos’s broader economic aspirations. With a complete transportation system and strategic location, it is poised to become a gateway for trade and tourism in the Mekong region. Its alignment with the Belt and Road Initiative amplifies its significance, offering Laos a chance to leverage Chinese investment for national development. Yet, this ambition comes at a cost. The zone’s association with controversial figures and activities raises ethical questions about the nature of such partnerships. If the SEZ is to shed its “grey area” label, transparency in governance and genuine community benefits—beyond infrastructure—will be essential.
For global observers, the SEZ’s trajectory offers a lens into the complexities of development in a region marked by historical conflict and economic disparity. The Laotian government’s visible support, exemplified by high-level attendance at cultural events, suggests a long-term commitment to the project. However, the absence of key figures like Zhao Wei and the visible decline in local commerce hint at underlying challenges that official narratives may obscure.
A Future in Balance
As the Golden Triangle SEZ navigates its dual identity as an economic powerhouse and a contested space, its future hinges on balancing growth with accountability. The crackdown on call-centre gangs is a step forward, but without verifiable data on crime reduction and broader reforms to ensure ethical investment, scepticism will persist. For now, the zone remains a microcosm of the Mekong region’s broader struggles—caught between the promise of prosperity and the perils of exploitation.
The international community will continue to watch whether this enclave can truly transform into a “white city” of opportunity, or if it will remain mired in ambiguity. As Laos and China deepen their partnership, the Golden Triangle SEZ stands as both a symbol of ambition and a test of whether economic progress can coexist with integrity in one of South East Asia’s most complex borderlands.
