Lao and Vietnamese Communist forces finally conquered the whole country in 1975. There has been considerable anti-government guerrilla activity in the northwest. A pawn in the super-power conflict until 1990, by 1992, the Communist leaders were still in full political control despite economic liberalizations. Communist persecution of Christians was harsh between 1975 and 1978. Thereafter, restrictions were eased, though the churches are suspected as potentially subversive, and are watched.
Restrictions remain on public evangelism, building of churches and links with foreign organizations.
Buddhism is regaining some of its old influence. The Church suffered much in the early years under Communism. Two-thirds of all Christians fled, others backslid, but those who remained stood firm through years of isolation. Many others were converted in the ensuing years, and the Church is steadily growing. Much of Laos has yet to be evangelized.