On October 31, tourism infrastructure across several destinations in southern Laos has undergone extensive improvements under a regional development project, with upgrades spanning roads, bridges, passenger facilities and visitor attractions in the Champasak province.
Category: Laos
Laos National Assembly Addresses Severe Domestic Talent Crunch
Addressing the second ordinary session of the 10th National Assembly on October 9, Lao Minister of Labour and Social Welfare Phoxay Sayasone outlined the government’s action plan to tackle domestic labour shortage issues.
Laos Names New Prime Minister and National Assembly Chairman as Government Sets 2026 Priorities
On October 5, Laos appointed Saleumxay Kommasith as the new Prime Minister (PM) and elected Sonexay Siphandone as the new Chairman of the National Assembly. The succession was made following the death of former National Assembly Chairman Xaysomphone Phomvihane in August. The leadership changes come as the government sets priorities for the final months of 2026.
Laos Leverages China Ties, Courting BRI Partners to Invest
Laos has continued to deepen ties with its long-standing partner China while promoting its investment potential in an attempt to realise its National Socio-Economic Development Plan 2026-2030.
Laos and Belarus Forge Closer Economic Ties, Mineral Mining Investment Opportunities Explored
Laos and Belarus are set to implement their existing pledges into concrete projects, the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported on September 4.
Laos Deepens Tourism Outreach in Japan as Visitor Numbers Rise
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism formalised the initiative on August 17 by signing a Terms of Reference (TOR) with Jumping Tour Co., Ltd. at Muang Thanh Hotel in Vientiane. Under the three-year agreement, with a possible one-year extension, Jumping Tour CEO Shigeyoshi Abe will serve as the Laos’ Tourism Representative in Japan.
Vietnam, Laos Advances Defence Healthcare Cooperation Through Medical Training
On July 29, Vietnam and Laos agreed to expand military medical cooperation by strengthening personnel training, technology transfer and specialist healthcare programmes, reinforcing long-standing defence ties between the two countries.
Laos Begins Three-Month Buddhist Lent with Nationwide Temple Observances
On July 29, thousands of Buddhists visited temples across Laos to commemorate Boun Khao Phansa, the annual festival that marks the beginning of Buddhist Lent and the three-month Rains Retreat.
Laos-Thailand US$5bn Mekong Hydropower Project on Track for 2030 Power Generation
The Thai-Lao joint Luang Prabang Mekong Hydropower Project is reportedly 72% complete, as broadcast by municipal television on July 18 after both sides’ representatives inspected the site to assess construction progress.
Laos Faces Australian Criticism Over Backpacker Poisoning Case
On July 17, the Australian government criticised Laos over its handling of the investigation into the deaths of six foreign backpackers, including two Australians, who died after drinking methanol-contaminated alcohol in Vang Vieng in November 2024.