Which currency became Laos’s official money in 1952?

The Lao kip became Laos’s official currency in 1952.

The kip was introduced during the period when Laos was part of the French Union, replacing the French Indochinese piastre as the country’s national currency. The Bank of the Lao P.D.R. issues the modern kip, whose ISO 4217 code is LAK.

The currency has undergone major changes during Laos’s political history. A Pathet Lao kip was issued in areas controlled by the revolutionary movement in 1975, and after the Lao People’s Democratic Republic was established, a new kip replaced earlier issues in 1979.

The kip is divided into 100 att, although att coins are not commonly encountered because of inflation and low denominations. The Lao kip is distinct from Thailand’s baht and Cambodia’s riel, despite Laos sharing borders with both countries.