Crime and Pollution in Vientiane

Crime Data in Vientiane

Crime Perception and Concerns

In 2024, Vientiane, the capital city of Laos, is characterized by a low level of reported crime, showcasing generally positive public perceptions of safety.

Residents feel safer both during the day and night, reflecting their confidence in public safety measures despite concerns about corruption.

Some notable concerns include:

• Property Crimes - The perception of property crimes such as theft and burglaries is low. Residents express lesser anxiety regarding the possibility of these crimes, reflecting a certain degree of security in their living areas.
• Drug-Related Issues - Concerns about drug-related crimes are minimal, indicating that such activities might not be as prevalent or threatening compared to other urban centers in the region.
• Violent Crimes - Feelings of safety regarding violent crimes remain strong, with very few residents worrying about assaults or muggings. This sentiment underscores the relative safety in terms of physical violence.
• Public Safety - Vientiane's population generally feels secure during daylight hours, and this sense of safety extends into the nighttime. The city’s public spaces are seen as safe environments, supporting a peaceful urban life experience.

Crime Trends and Safety

• Rising Crime Concerns - Despite overall safety, there is a growing concern about increasing crime trends, particularly related to corruption and bribery, that could undermine trust in public institutions.
• Specific Fears - Specific fears relating to discrimination based on ethnicity or religion, as well as the possibility of being attacked, are significantly low, suggesting good community relations. However, there are concerns about broader systemic issues involving governance.

Summary of Crime in Vientiane

While Vientiane's inhabitants enjoy a generally safe environment, which reflects positively on the city's quality of life, tackling corrupt practices remains a critical focus for maintaining and bolstering public trust and safety.

Air Quality and Pollution Levels

Despite Vientiane's efforts to manage urban growth and environmental health, pollution remains a pressing concern in 2024.

Air quality is notably poor, with issues exacerbated by traffic and industrial emissions, raising public health concerns.

• PM2.5 (Fine Particulate Matter) - The PM2.5 levels in Vientiane are alarming, significantly impacting respiratory health especially in densely populated areas.
• PM10 (Coarse Particulate Matter) - The PM10 levels add further to air quality issues, contributing to the high pollution index and impacting overall environmental conditions in the city.

Waste and Noise Pollution

Residents express significant dissatisfaction with waste management, highlighting garbage disposal as a critical urban management issue in Vientiane.

Noise pollution is comparatively moderate, with stress points identified around traffic-heavy areas, though light pollution does not seem to be a major issue.

• Garbage Disposal Satisfaction - There are widespread concerns over ineffective garbage disposal systems. This is a significant urban challenge, affecting both environmental quality and city esthetics.
• Noise and Light Pollution - While noise pollution poses some challenges, particularly in central and commercial districts, it is less of a concern compared to the more pervasive problem of waste management.

Green Spaces and Water Quality

Vientiane's green spaces, while undervalued, offer potential improvement areas for both ecological balance and recreational activities.

Water quality is a concern for residents, with mixed reviews on accessibility and purity which suggests the need for better infrastructural support.

• Green and Parks Quality - Public perception of parks and green spaces is negative due to potential underinvestment or maintenance issues. This marks an opportunity for urban planners to enhance livability.
• Drinking Water Quality - The city's drinking water quality doesn't meet public satisfaction fully, indicating room for enhancement in both accessibility and contamination prevention measures.