Jungle Vegas: How China’s gamblers are pouring into a casino in Laos’ notorious Golden Triangle

Kings Romans, a Chinese-owned casino complex in Ton Pheung district, Bokeo, is the centrepiece of a 10,000-square metre “Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone” set up by communist-ruled Laos with investment from its giant neighbour.

The other Golden Triangle nations, Thailand and Myanmar sit just across river, an intersection that has long hosted illicit activities — from drugs and human trafficking to weapons smuggling and the sale of rare species.

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