Order on Strengthening Management of Religious Activities in Bokeo Province (Governor of Bokeo Province, No. 17.5/Provincial Office)

Article 1

To: Provincial-level agencies and departments, the Secretariat of the Provincial People’s Assembly, the Provincial Defense and Security Command, the District Governors of all 5 districts in the province, the State Enterprise Management Office, the Provincial Political and Administrative School, and all village-level administrative authorities within the province. Pursuant to the Law on Local Administration (Amended) (No. 68/NA, December 14, 2015); Pursuant to the Government Decree (No. 315/G, August 19, 2016) and the Guideline on the Management and Protection of Religious Activities in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (No. 16/M, November 9, 2016); Pursuant to the Order of the Governor of Bokeo Province (No. 303/PO, March 15, 2017) on Strengthening the Suppression and Resolution of Prominent Negative Phenomena within the Province. Since 2015, the Party Committee and Administration of Bokeo Province have focused on organizing the implementation of the resolutions of the Xth Party Congress and the resolutions of the Provincial Party Congress, and have vigorously implemented the National 8th Five-Year Socio-Economic Development Plan in four key areas with a high spirit of endeavor. At the same time, to ensure high political stability, social order, peace and security, and strong unity among all ethnic groups in Bokeo Province, Party Committees and Administrations at all levels have prioritized grassroots engagement to strengthen political foundations, develop rural areas, eradicate poverty, promote the “Three Builds” work, and continue organizing the implementation of Order No. 27/G on Strengthening the Suppression and Resolution of Negative Phenomena in Society, Government Decree No. 315/G, the Guideline No. 16/M on the Management and Protection of Religious Activities in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, and the Order of the Governor of Bokeo Province No. 303/PO (March 15, 2017) on Strengthening the Suppression and Resolution of Prominent Negative Phenomena within the Province. The contents of these documents have been disseminated to Party Committees and Administrations at all levels, all ethnic groups, all social strata, and village-level grassroots organizations, ensuring broad and deep awareness and understanding. Nevertheless, we still observe negative phenomena in society, particularly religious activities that do not comply with national regulations and laws, which continue to occur persistently and show a tendency to expand and spread. These manifestations include: deceptive, misleading, and enticing propaganda and agitation to recruit religious followers; religious activities that deviate from canonical teachings, contradict science, and conflict with traditional customs and the policies and guidelines of the Party and State; activities with a nature of dividing unity among ethnic groups and religions; separatist tendencies that distance individuals from village administrative authorities and a reluctance to fulfill civic duties; and, in general, the appointment of religious organizations and clergy, religious activities, and the construction of places of worship, churches, and meditation centers, most of which have not been approved by relevant authorities or administrative bodies at all levels. To strengthen the management of religious activities in Bokeo Province, ensuring they are orderly, peaceful, secure, and in compliance with the provisions of Decree No. 315/G and Guideline No. 16/M, the Governor hereby issues this Order.