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.
Category: Laos
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.
Laos Adopts 2027-2030 Rural Development Agenda, Reforms Treasury Rules to Fund It
The First Extraordinary Session on the 10th Lao National Assembly concluded its five-day session from July 6 to 10 with adoption of the 2027-2030 National Agenda on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication, alongside the approval of adjacent fiscal measures by near-unanimous vote. The Agenda sets out what Vientiane intends to deliver to the countryside by 2030, while the two finance laws govern the framework that will have to pay for it.
World Bank Forecasts Modest 3.8% Growth for Laos in 2026
On July 9, the World Bank published the June 2026 Laos Economic Monitor, revealing that the country’s economy will grow modestly at 3.8% in 2026.
Laos Recorded 2.1 Million Foreign Visitors in Early 2026
On July 6, Laos reported strong tourism growth during the first five months of 2026, welcoming more than 2.1 million international visitors, according to a government report presented at the First Extraordinary Session of the 10th National Assembly. The figure represents a year-on-year increase of 8% and reaches 47% of the country’s annual target of 4.46 million foreign arrivals.
Myanmar’s President Tours Laos for New Deals amid Growing ASEAN Scepticism
Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing paid a state visit to Vientiane from July 3 to 5, commencing his first series of official visits to an ASEAN member state. The visit was made at the invitation of Laotian President Thongloun Sisoulith and coincided with the commemoration of 70 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Laos Records 144 Fire Incidents in First Half of 2026
On July 2, Laos recorded 144 fire incidents across the country during the first half of 2026, leaving eight people dead, two injured and causing property damage valued at more than 319.6 billion Lao kip (14,3 million US dollars), according to the Fire Prevention and Suppression Police Department.
Laos Outlines H2 Priorities with Agricultural Exports Spearhead Growth
The Lao government initiated a series of meetings in the last week of June, with a focus on reviewing the country’s development progress throughout the first half of the year and further identifying priority deliverables for the subsequent second half of the year (H2).