Slower Growth Projected For Lao Economy: World Bank
Economic performance in Laos could be compromised by slowing global demand, rising debt, and a reliance on short-term economic fixes to cushion against food and fuel price increases
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Author: J&C Admin
Typhoon Noru To Bring Heavy Rain, Thunderstorm To Most Of Laos
Typhoon Noru is expected to hit the central and southern provinces of Laos today, bringing heavy rain and thunderstorm to most of the country
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Govt Pledges To Tackle Public Debt, Price Increases
The government has vowed to further address mounting public debt and the vulnerability of the macroeconomy to prevent the country from being dragged into default.
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Police In Laos Seize Meth Pills In Major Drug Bust
The truck was stopped near the Kings Roman Casino, which is located in a special economic zone of Laos that operates virtually autonomously of national law.
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Laos, Thailand, China To Build New Railway Bridge For Freight
Laos, Thailand, and China are thinking about building a new railway bridge, running parallel to the first Lao-Thai friendship bridge
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Over 25,000 People Infected With Dengue In Laos Since January
The highest number of dengue patients was reported in Vientiane capital
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Thailand Grants Visa Extension For Tourists To Stimulate Upcoming High Season
Effective from 1 October, 2022, until 31 March, 2023, for tourists from countries/territories entitled for a visa exemption and visa on arrival to Thailand.
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Economic Recovery In Laos Delayed Due To Rising Prices, Supply Disruptions: ADB
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has lowered its 2022 economic growth outlook for Laos to 2.5 percent from 3.4 percent projected in April and to 3.5 percent from 3.7 percent for 2023.
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Luang Prabang Film Festival Returns in December
The UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang, Laos, will once again host filmmakers, film industry professionals, and fans of Southeast Asian cinema at this annual event.
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Make Your Own Soda !
Say goodbye to sugar and calories, and hello to fresh sparkling hydration at home or on-the-go ! Available now at J&C Group !!
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Noncommunicable Diseases Responsible For 45 Percent Of Deaths In Laos
Four noncommunicable diseases – cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – claim 30,000 lives annually and are responsible for 45 percent of all deaths in Laos
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PTT Focuses On Sustaining Its Business Operations
The company’s policy is linked to the unfavourable global economic outlook and continuing depreciation of the kip, which are impacting on businesses in Laos.
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Rail Operator To Provide Overnight Parking At Vientiane Station
The Laos-China Railway Company Limited has announced that it will provide overnight parking and toilet facilities at the station in Vientiane.
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Weeks After Tropical Storm Ma-On Batters Northern Laos, Residents Struggle To Recover
Hundreds of people are displaced amid widespread damage in Oudomxay province
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Laos Limits High-Ranking Government Officials To Only 2 State-Owned Vehicles
Prime Ministerial Decree 599 demands excess vehicles be returned in push to rein in corruption.
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Low Income Earners Concerned About Food Expenses
People with low incomes across the country are concerned about their growing expenses on food following a steep rise in the prices of agricultural and food products.
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Innovation Through Collaboration
DiscoverLaos and J&C Group have recently formed a new strategic partnership
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Laos-China Rail A Boon For Thais
Cross-border tourism flows increase, and fresh goods exports find new markets
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Major Thai Agencies Predicting Repeat of Bangkok’s “2011 Great Flood” – City Will Disappear Altogether By 2100 Unless Govt Acts
Some of the direst warnings in more than a decade have been issued from two major Thai sources regarding severe flooding this year in Bangkok, the Thai capital.
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Fitch Plans To Withdraw Ratings Of Laos
Fitch Ratings plans to withdraw the ratings on Laos in approximately 30 days from the date of this commentary for commercial reasons.
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Dreamy Rooftop Restaurants In Bangkok With Epic Views
See the best rooftop restaurants in Bangkok offering delicious food, immaculate vibes, and breathtaking views over Thailand’s capital.
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Claims Of Default In Laos Are Bankrupt
Geo-economic factors mean that the concerns about Laos defaulting are unrealistic.
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Ride-Hailing Firm’s EV Answer To Inflation In Laos
“The EV is one of the keys to fight inflation,” Loca chief executive Souliyo Vongdala tells the Straits Times.
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Lao Films To Be Screened At KAEN Film Festival In Thailand
Three Lao films will be screened at the 6th KAEN Film Festival in Thailand to promote the country’s movies to international audiences.
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Govt To Reform Lao Airlines
The government has set up a committee to carry out business reforms in the state-owned Lao Airlines to ensure that the national flag carrier becomes self-sustained in financial management.
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Riverside Villages Put On Alert For Possible Flooding
villages along the nation’s main rivers have been warned to be alert for rising water levels following torrential rainfall in recent days, with people in low-lying areas advised to be prepared for floods
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Lao Commerce Ministry Registers Rise In New Businesses
Retail and wholesale outlets together with car and motorbike repair businesses accounted for 29.4 percent of all new business registrations in the first six months of 2022.
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Thousands Affected By Floods In The North
Thousands of people in northern areas of Laos are suffering after rivers flooded following several days of heavy rain.
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Laos Meets Target Of Vaccinating 80% Of Population Against Covid-19
Source: TheStar A total of 5,885,061 Lao people have had one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, equaling 80.2 per cent
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Laos’ Trade Deficit Reaches US$114 Million In July
The main importing countries of Laos include Thailand, China, Vietnam, the United States, and Japan.
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Luang Prabang Is Top Favourite With Thai Tourists
The town of Luang Prabang, which is renowned for Unesco’s listing of its old quarter as a world heritage site, has seen 90 per cent of room reservations made by Thai visitors since Laos lifted all entry restrictions in May.
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Laos Welcomes 42,197 Tourists In First Six Months Of 2022
Laos has seen a surge in the number of visitors following the lifting of travel restrictions in January as the Covid-19 pandemic subsided.
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Vientiane City At High Risk Of Widespread Dengue Outbreak
On August 7, the Centre of Information and Education for Health, under the Ministry of Health, reported that 15,661 people had contracted dengue fever so far this year and 16 people are known to have died from the virus.
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Lao Govt Approves Tax Cut On Diesel To Ease High Prices
Removal of the excise tax charged on diesel is in response to a request from fuel businesses and importers, who are struggling source sufficient funds to buy fuel.
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Inflation In Laos Rises To 25.6 Pct In July
The higher prices of fuel and consumer goods and the continuing depreciation of the Lao currency kip are among the main factors driving the inflation.
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Govt Fights Extravagance, Promotes Frugal Spending
The government has outlined measures to reduce extravagance and promote austerity, to cut waste and ensure effective use of the state budget for the intended purpose and the maximum benefit of the nation.
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The HIV Response Is In Danger, The Promise Of Ending AIDS Is Under Threat
The human cost of a stalled HIV response is chilling. Globally, more than 1.5 million people became infected with HIV last year. That’s 4,000 people every day, more than a quarter of them young people aged 15-24.
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Vangvieng Takes Steps To Address Complaints Around Overpricing
As tourists return to Laos, with many coming from Thailand, there have been complaints about the high prices charged at some hotels, guesthouses and restaurants.
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Association: Fuel Supply Will Be Normalised In The Near Future
The government is holding talks with the Lao Fuel and Gas Association over the possibility of importing another shipment of fuel, as it is expected that current stocks will be depleted by the end of this month,
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Lao Migrant Workers Send Home Millions Of Dollar This Year
During the first six months of this year, Lao nationals working in other countries transferred millions of US dollar in remittances to Laos, with most of the money going to their parents.
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Laos Health Ministry Sets Dengue Control Campaign As Top Priority As Cases Are Rising Fast In Country
All sectors of society and government need to assist, lead and cooperate in preventing and combatting dengue fever using standard control measures.
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Thai Tourists Killed, Injured In Laos Bus Crash
Three Thai tourists were killed and 18 others injured when a tour bus and a 10-wheel truck collided on a road in Savannakhet province of Laos on Sunday night.
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Laos Plans To Import Fuel From Saudi Arabia
The Lao government is committed to ensuring that sufficient supplies of fuel are provided to meet public demand and boost economic growth after a countrywide fuel shortage in May and June caused widespread disruption.
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Lao Authorities Order Golden Triangle SEZ To Suspend Hiring Locals
Authorities in northern Laos are calling on businesses in the Chinese-run Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (SEZ) to suspend hiring of Laotians to work as “chat girls” in an effort to curb abuses, including human trafficking.
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Laos Among Countries With Highest Inflation In SE Asia
Laos has one of the highest inflation rates in the region, with the price rise recorded 23.6 percent year-on-year in June, according to ADB
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Rail Operator Increases Train Services
The lack of seats and the difficulty in obtaining tickets led passengers to make complaints on social media about the problems encountered, with many people having to wait for hours in long lines to buy tickets. This forced the company to expand its services.
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Will Laos Be Sanctioned For Embracing Russia?
The West has pressed Laos to ditch Russia and support its sanctions but the SE Asian nation has stayed true to its old Cold War ally
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Call For Urgent Monkeypox Response
Health authorities are running out of time in the battle to control the global monkeypox outbreak
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Section II Of Lao-Thai Railway Delays Opening
The Phase II of the project comprises a 7.5km extension of the railway from the Thanalaeng station at the Thai border to the Vientiane station.
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Govt Pledges To Stabilise Macro Economy
The government pledged to ensure sufficient fuel is available by pursuing market-based mechanisms, saying this would minimise damage to the economy and small-scale commercial production.
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Just Scan To Pay: S’pore And 4 SEA Countries To Link QR Code Payments By Nov, Bypassing USD
The central banks of five Southeast Asian (SEA) countries have agreed to link their payment systems by November of this year, in order to allow for easier transactions for travellers within the region.
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People Call For Steps To Prevent Cheating Of Tourists In Luang Prabang
A number of Lao social media users have called on authorities to take immediate action to prevent the cheating of foreign visitors by some vendors at popular tourist destinations such as Luang Prabang.
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Soaring Prices Put Squeeze On Low-Wage Earners
The year-on-year inflation rate hit 23.6 percent, the highest figure ever recorded since May 2000.
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Developing Asia’s Economic Outlook Downgraded As China Growth Slows
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has lowered its economic growth forecast for developing Asia including Laos to 4.6 percent this year, from 5.2 percent projected in April.
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Households With Mosquito Larvae May Be Subject To Fines
The Vientiane Health Department has instructed the capital’s nine district health offices to fine home owners if health authorities repeatedly find mosquito larvae in or around their property.
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World Population Day: A Time To Support Individuals’ Rights
Local authorities around the country, as well as families, teachers and communities, must do more to uphold the rights of local people and ensure their needs are met, according to Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment, Dr Sthabandith Insisienmay.
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Laos Dam Leaks Normal, Says Thai Partner
Reported leaks at the sides of the Nam Theun 1 Hydropower dam under construction in Laos were not a cause for concern and were normal when a dam began storing water
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Nam Phou Fountain Square To Be Restored To A Public Park
City authorities have invited architects, other experts, and the departments concerned to give their opinions on the best use of the square.
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Chinese Investors Buy Up More Land In Laos
Land surrounding a new railway station in the capital is in high demand, sources say.
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Tourist Levy Hits Further Turbulence With Fears It Could Harm Airline’s Effort To Boost Flight Numbers: Thailand
Thailand’s efforts to introduce a foreign tourism levy on incoming passengers and arrivals to the kingdom have been postponed again with the assistant permanent secretary at the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Mongkon Wimonrat, at this time, citing concerns about how to record the arrival of passengers by sea and land to the country as the reason for the delay and the continuing hiatus relating to the measure.
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Laos To Raise Minimum Wage From August 1
The monthly minimum wage in the country will be increased to 1.2 million kip (US$78) starting on August 1.
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Why China Can’t Let Laos Default
Laos faces intensifying economic and financial crises and there is likely no way out without some form of a Chinese bailout or debt forgiveness.
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Lao Fishermen Return To Malaysia, Despite Risks
Few of the fishermen are there legally, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation
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Why A Monopoly Like The Lao Electricity Company Is Making Losses
Electricite du Laos (EDL), a monopoly company which should generate a significant amount of revenue from its dominance in the energy market, has been operating at a loss for many years and has accumulated huge debts.
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Foreign Ministry Takes Steps To Tackle Lao Passport Debacle
There has been a surge in passport applications since the government reopened the country for international travel in January.
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A Fuel Shortage Is Driving Laos — Which Is On The Brink Of A Debt Default — To Seek Out Cheap Russian Oil
Russian gas is 70% cheaper than supplies from other international sources, according to Nikkei, citing local media.
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Inflation Hits 22-Year High Of 23.6 Percent
The inflation rate in Laos hit 23.6 percent year-on-year in June, the highest figure ever recorded since May 2000 as surging prices of energy and consumer goods continue to deepen hardship and create new pains for the Lao public.
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Police Seize Almost 600,000 Amphetamine Pills In House Raid
Chanthabouly district police have uncovered a major drug ring in the capital and confiscated nearly 600,000 amphetamine tablets as well as equipment used to produce the pills.
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New Rail Link To Speed Up Logistics, Transport Operations
A track change station was officially opened at the Vientiane Logistics Park on Friday, creating an official link between the Laos-China Railway and the Laos-Thailand Railway.
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Almost 80 Per Cent Of Population In Laos Vaccinated Against Covid-19
Some 5,833,738 people have had one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, equal to 79.5 percent of the total population, according to the Lao Ministry of Health
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PM: Embezzlement, Lax Management Key To Losses By State Enterprises
Embezzlement by executives and staff, combined with poor management, are the main reasons for the chronic losses suffered by state enterprises, the Prime Minister has told the National Assembly (NA).
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Lao Govt Proposes Law On Weapons Management
As connectivity to countries in the region and further afield expands, drug gangs are proliferating and buying weapons and explosives illegally, both across Laos and online.
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Laos Records Over 4,000 Cases Of Dengue So Far This Year
More than 4,000 cases of dengue were recorded from January to June 26, while four people have died from the virus
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PM: Govt Mulls Curbs On Imports To Save Foreign Currency
The premier said changes to the quantity of vehicles, alcoholic beverages and other imported luxury items would be considered, so that shrinking foreign currency reserves could be kept for essential goods.
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Lao Authorities Rescue Nearly 500 Workers From Golden Triangle SEZ
Many of the workers are human-trafficking victims lured to the Chinese-run special economic zone for jobs.
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Laos Installs New Central Bank Chief, Limits FX Sales
Laos lawmakers on Monday approved the appointment of a new central bank chief and two deputy prime ministers
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Laos Gives Green Light For Investment In EVs
The government’s policy for promoting EVs includes zero percent tariffs, an excise tax of only three percent and a value-added tax of seven percent in order to lower the prices of EVs
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Thailand Pass, Covid Insurance To End July 1
Thailand Pass registration and compulsory Covid-19 insurance will be lifted for all people arriving in Thailand from July 1
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Looming Debt Crunch Positions Laos As Next Possible Asia Default
Source: Bloomberg Laos, with dwindling cash reserves and surging inflation, is facing some of the same strains that pushed Sri
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Govt Eyes 4.4 Percent GDP Growth Despite Economic Woes
The Lao government will aim for Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of at least 4.4 percent over the last six months of this year
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State Enterprise Reform: Some Now Profitable, Others Dissolved
Two banks previously owned by the state and which suffered chronic losses have begun making a profit following major reforms that saw a 70 percent stake in the banks sold to local investors
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Surge In Travel From Laos
More than 2,000 Lao people are arriving in Nong Khai province every day after the Thai-Laos border checkpoint reopened.
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Thailand’s PM Hails Lao Help In Crime Fight
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has thanked Laos for cooperating with Thai authorities to suppress crime along the Thai-Lao border and crack down on transnational call centre scams.
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What Is And Isn’t Allowed As Thailand Legalizes Pot
On June 9 (Thursday), cannabis and hemp finally become legal in Thailand and can be used not just for medical purposes but also as a cash crop.
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China-Laos Railway Extending Through To Thailand
Expansion of the route makes Thailand a ‘China Plus One’ Option
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Gang Arrested Over Kidnap & Murder
Police have arrested 13 people including a woman on charges of killing two men and burying them in waste ground in Mai village, Sikhottabong district, Vientiane, in March.
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Central Bank Tightens Monetary Policy
The move is aimed at reducing the amount of money in circulation and curbing the spiralling inflation rate, which was recorded at 9.9 percent in April.
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What’s Causing The Currency Crisis In Laos?
Mounting foreign liabilities and thin foreign exchange reserves have left the nation of 7 million acutely vulnerable to global financial shocks.
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Gunmen Fire At Cars On China-Backed Lao Expressway
Three people were injured in the shooting, including 1 who remains in a coma.
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Asia’s Synthetic Drug Trade Booms, With Record Meth Seizures
Laos registered a more than a 660% jump in interceptions of meth tablets in 2021
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Thailand’s Personal Data Protection Law Comes Into Force On June 1
The law will provide assurance to members of the public that their personal data will be protected and will not be used by unauthorised people.
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Laos To Benefit As Pfizer Slashes Drug Prices For Poorest Nations
Pfizer Inc plans to sell its entire portfolio of brand-name drugs at cost in as many as 45 lower-income countries, including Cambodia and Laos, one of the most comprehensive and ambitious drug-access programmes ever announced by a large pharmaceutical manufacturer.
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Laos On Alert For Monkeypox Among Tourists
Lao health authorities are monitoring tourists for cases of monkeypox, following a report from the World Health Organisation (WHO) that cases of the disease have emerged in several countries.
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Traffic Slow At Main Vientiane-Thailand Border Crossing
Few people have crossed the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge linking Vientiane to Nong Khai province in Thailand since the government reopened all international border crossings on May 9.
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Leaving Laos For Good ? How To Plan A Move Abroad
Planning a move abroad is a significant undertaking that requires a great deal of thoughtful consideration.
We have prepared a checklist to help you get organised.
Thailand Pass Remains in Place
Foreigners are still required to download Thailand Pass prior to entering Thailand
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Armed Robbers Attack Woman In Sikhottabong, Vientiane
The use of guns to commit crimes in Vientiane is becoming increasingly common, with most incidents occurring at night.
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Fuel Shortage Soon To Be Resolved, Lao Govt Says
The government says the fuel crisis will be resolved in the near future as it will provide Thai baht and US dollars to fuel importers by authorising additional foreign currency payments to oil companies so they can import more fuel.
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Mekong Records Highest Water Level In Several Years
The Mekong River has recorded higher water levels this year after four straight years of low flow and drought
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Govt Takes Steps To Withdraw Excess Vehicles From Leaders
A number of vehicles are expected to be withdrawn from Party and state leaders as well as senior officials after action has been taken to retrieve surplus cars in accordance with a new regulation.
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Thai Visa: How To Apply For Multiple-Entry 6-Months Tourist Visa (May 2022)
Foreigners working & living in Laos are allowed only 2 journeys to Thailand per year through any international land boundary checkpoint to Thailand. On the third entry a visa is needed.
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Lao Economy Grinding To A Halt As Fuel Crisis Deepens
A plummeting currency, dwindling foreign reserves, and a spike in global oil prices have led to shortages across the country.
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Train Tickets Available In Advance At Luang Prabang Ticket Unit
Tickets for the Laos-China Railway can now be booked four to seven days prior to the departure date at the Luang Prabang ticket service unit.
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Businesses And People Hit By Depreciating Local Currency
The value of the Lao kip has dropped significantly since last year against the backdrop of volatility in the global fuel market due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
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J&C Insurance Brokers Awarded Top Selling Agent 2021
Named as ‘Top Selling Agent’, J&C Insurance Brokers was recognized for their exceptional performance in 2021 – by Lanexang Assurance!
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Fuel Shortage Causing Hardship For Lao People
Fuel shortages forced petrol stations in Vientiane and some provinces to close on Monday, with many of desperate motorists going from one station to another in the hope of filling up their tanks.
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Thai Border Checkpoints Ready For Laos Reopening Today
Thai authorities are preparing for border reopening with Laos after the neighbouring country lifts entry restrictions from Monday.
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Laos Announces Full Reopening Starting May 9
The government has announced that all international border crossings will reopen, so that Lao and foreign nationals, well as stateless people, can enter and exit Laos freely.
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Inflation Rate Closes In On Two Digits
The year-on-year inflation rate in Laos surged to 9.9 percent in April, the highest figure recorded since January 2016
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Covid-19 Cases In Laos Surpass 200,000 But Infections Are On A Downward Trend Despite Festive Season
The National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control reported in an announcement yesterday that the Covid-19 situation had not been dramatically affected by new year celebrations.
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Thailand to Implement 300-Baht Fee for Foreign Arrivals
Thailand will begin charging international arrivals a 300-baht tourism fee in the third quarter of this year. The fee will be used to provide benefits such as insurance and emergency assistance to foreign travelers.
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Thunderstorms, Rain, Strong Winds Possible In All Areas
Temperatures across Laos will remain high, while thunderstorms, heavy rain, hail and squalls are possible from April 29 to May 2, forecasters warn.
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Govt Agrees In Principle To Raise Minimum Wage
The government has agreed in principle to increase the minimum wage in a bid to ease the hardships suffered by many people amid the rising cost of living.
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Almost 100 Percent Vaccination Coverage In Tourism Zones
A total of 99.67 percent of people living in areas of the country designated by the government as Tourism Green Zones have been vaccinated against Covid
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Laos Records Trade Surplus Of US$100 mn In March
Laos registered record two-way trade of US$1,100 million, including exports of US$600 million and imports worth approximately US$500 million, in March, resulting in a trade surplus of US$100 million.
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Road Tax 2022 Must Be Paid By The End Of June
Payment of the tax is obligatory and people who make late payments or fail to pay at all will be fined.
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Thailand Drops PCR Test On Arrival, No SHA Hotel, ATK Test ‘Optional’
Thailand’s Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration has just announced major changes to the county’s Test & Go program, part of the broader Thailand Pass.
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Broker of the Year 2021 – J&C Insurance Brokers Awarded
J&C Insurance Brokers is an award-winning and leading independent insurance specialist in Laos offering customer-tailored solutions.
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Price Of Imported Goods Soars To Record High
The cost of imported household goods surged by 15-50 percent in April compared to the figure recorded in January
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People With Omicron Can Become Reinfected – Taskforce
People who become infected with the Omicron variant of Covid and recover still have a two-threefold risk of reinfection compared to other Covid variants.
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LoudChat: Laos Launch First Communication App
LoudChat, Laos’ first communication app was launched last week by the Ministry of Technology and Communications and Sirichalernxay Sole Co., Ltd.
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Happy Lao New Year 2022! Sokdee Pi Mai Lao 2565!
The entire J&C Group team wishes you abundance and joyous moments this Pi Mai 2565.
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New EMU Train Of China-Laos Railway To Serve Lao Festival Travel Rush
Source: Global Times The third Lane Xang EMU train for the China-Laos Railway has arrived in the Lao capital Vientiane
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Laos Issues Tax Obligations for Non-Resident E-commerce and Digital Platform Providers, Joins Other ASEAN Markets
Under the new rules, non-resident e-commerce and digital platform providers must register for a tax identification number (TIN) via an online portal to file and pay their taxes. Further, they must register and pay value-added tax (VAT) if their annual revenue meets a certain threshold.
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Inflation Jumps To Record High
The year-on-year inflation rate in Laos surged 8.5 percent in March, even more than expected, and rose to the highest figure recorded since January 2016.
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Govt To Mull Cut In Excise Tax To Reduce Price Of Fuel
The government will consider cutting or even waiving excise tax on the price of imported oil, to reduce skyrocketing prices at petrol stations.
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Govt Approves Reduced Civil Servant Quota For 2022
The approved the number is down from the quota of 1,600 new civil servants approved in 2021 and the figure of 2,000 allocated in 2020.
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Covid Taskforce Issues Advice On Booster Doses
The taskforce advises that the severity of infection will decrease as people gain stronger immunity to Covid with each additional dose of vaccine.
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World Bank Downgrades Lao Economic Growth Rate To 3.8 Percent
Laos’ economy is projected to expand by 3.8 percent in 2022, down from the 4.5 percent growth rate predicted in October last year, and 3.3 percent in the downside scenario, according to the World Bank’s latest report.
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Lao Govt Mulls Full Reopening For Foreign Tourists
The government is mulling full reopening of the country to foreign tourists after piloting the first phase of partial reopening for targeted groups of visitors.
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Updated Measures For Entering Thailand Announced, Starting April 1st
Travelers are no longer required to provide a negative RT-PCR test within 72 hours of departure. However, the RT-PCR test requirement for the on-arrival date remains unchanged.
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Govt Seeks Procurer Of 183 Electric Vehicles For Leaders
The government is looking for a suitable company to purchase electric vehicles (EVs) for use by Party and state leaders, aiming to switch to EVs as the price of petrol soars.
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Low Minimum Wage Causing A Worker Shortage
The Lao Federation of Trade Unions (LFTU) has called on businesses, including garment factories, to pay workers the increased minimum wage, which rises from 1,100,000 kip to 1,500,000 kip per month this year.
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More Factories To Manufacture Molavir
Source: Vientiane Times The Ministry of Health has authorised three privately-owned pharmaceutical factories to produce molnupiravir, an oral medication used
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EDL Suffers Electricity Theft Worth 200 Billion Kip
Electricite du Laos (EDL) lost more than 200 million kip last year due to illegally modified electricity meters and other forms of electricity theft.
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Laos’ Health Ministry To Roll Out Second Round Of Covid-19 Booster Shots
Fourth Covid-19 vaccinations will be offered to frontline workers, people with immunodeficiency or chronic disease, and people over the age of 60.
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Longer Lao New Year Holiday Announced, State Offices Banned From Celebrating
The Prime Minister’s Office on March 23 issued a notice announcing the new year holiday.
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Education Ministry Stops Face-To-Tace Classes In Primary Schools
The Ministry of Education and Sports has ordered an end to face-to-face classes at state and private pre-schools and Grades 1-4 of primary schools in areas that have reported more Covid cases.
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Govt To Slash Fuel Prices
To reduce the pressure of rising food prices, the government will cut the cost of fuel by 650 kip per litre for premium fuel, 540 kip per litre for regular fuel and 610 kip per litre for diesel
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Covid Cases Will Continue To Rise, Taskforce Predicts
The National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control has warned that Omicron infections will continue to surge in the next two or three months if people act irresponsibly and do not take precautions.
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Inflation In Laos Higher Than GDP Growth
Inflation in Laos has surged higher than the projected rate for the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), sparking fears among many people regarding the impact on their living standards.
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Laos Fragrance Brand Scents Success In Hugely Competitive Market
Laos’ first perfume brand HSMM Fragrance launched two new scents – “Lady of Lao” and “Black Intense” – at the 2021 Outstanding Entrepreneurs “Made in Laos” Award ceremony held in Vientiane la
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Man Stabbed To Death In Luang Prabang
The rising murder rate in Laos is a cause of concern and is attributed in part to growing drug use and gambling.
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Labour Ministry To Set Up Worker Database
A Labour Registration and Data Platform will be set up in Vientiane for the compilation of information concerning both Lao and foreign nationals working in Laos.
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Foreign Currency Deficit Among Economic Challenges Confronting Laos
Laos’ overall balance of payments situation is negative despite a trade surplus of US$1.32 billion in 2021 because foreign exchange inflows represent only 26.45 percent of the total export value.
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Inflation Jumps To Six-Year High Of 7.3 Percent
The year-on-year inflation rate jumped to 7.3 percent in February, the highest figure recorded in Laos since January 2016.
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Ministry Mulling Cancellation Of Lao New Year Festivities
The Ministry of Health is considering cancelling Lao New Year festivities because of the Omicron outbreak, with the number of new Covid cases reported each day having risen from under 200 to upwards of 800.
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Rail Operator Opens Ticket Office In Luang Prabang
Laos-China Railway Company Limited opened a ticket office in Luang Prabang city on Thursday, giving rail passengers an option to queueing for tickets at the station.
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Work On Vientiane-Vung Ang Railway Expected To Start In November
The railway, estimated to cost US$5 billion, is a proposed line that the Lao and Vietnamese governments have agreed to jointly develop. It would enable landlocked Laos to access the deep seaport – the closest feasible seaport to Vientiane.
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Exim Bank ‘Reckless’, Sought ‘Collateral Advantage’ When Selling Don Chan Palace Hotel, Rules Court
The properties included the Don Chan Palace Hotel, a 5-star international hotel constructed on a swathe of land measuring almost 176,000 sq metres along the Mekong River in Laos valued at US$140 million.
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Global Fuel Price Hike Affecting Oil Supply In Laos
The rise in price of imported fuel means that retail prices in Laos will inevitably continue to rise.
The price of oil is factored into the cost of production, meaning that product prices will also rise.
Laos Power Plant Deals In The Pipeline
Developers and operators of four hydroelectric power plants in Laos will sign power purchase agreements with energy policymakers in Laos and Thailand within May under a plan to promote more renewable energy.
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Fuel Price Hike Impacts Flights, Regular Transport Services Unchanged
Lao Airlines – the national flag carrier – has decreased domestic flights to balance its revenues and expenditure.
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Unpopular Thailand Pass Entry Rules May End
The principal advantage would be to end pre-authorization for vacationers and enable them to fly to Thailand armed only with their documents: passport, airticket and a negative pre-flight RT-PCR test result.
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Laos Face Third Wave Of COVID-19
A rise in cases of the Omicron variant, particularly in Vientiane, may be causing the country to experience its third wave
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Imperial Tobacco Accused Of Cheap Laos Product Deal
Imperial Tobacco has been accused of allowing a trade in cheap cigarettes in Laos through a special deal with the country’s government.
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Measures To Free Stranded Trucks, Rail Transport To China Outlined
Lao authorities will ask their Chinese counterparts to consider reopening more border crossings to allow trucks carrying goods to enter China as hundreds remain stranded at the Boten-Mohan crossing on the Laos-China border.
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Police Seize Over 3 Million Amphetamine Tablets In Roadside Drug Bust
Police in Vientiane province found 3,398,000 amphetamine tablets and 25kg of crystal methamphetamine when they stopped and searched a pick-up truck being driven by two women.
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Fuel Prices, Currency Depreciation Drive Up Inflation In Laos
Fuel prices have increased six times in a period of just two months and 10 days, sparking greater concerns about the rising cost of living in Laos.
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HIV Prevention Failing In Rural Communities
Rural people lack information about the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections (STI), which is one of the reasons for continuing HIV infection in Laos.
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Lao Govt Sets Ambitious Trade Surplus Target
The government is aiming for a trade surplus of at least US$1.55 billion this year, despite the country’s economic difficulties triggered by the Covid pandemic.
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Almost 70 Percent Of Population Have Had First Covid Jab
A total of 5,940,724 people had received a first dose of a Covid vaccine, equal to 69.43 percent of the population
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Minimum Wage Hike Still Problematic
Attempts to increase the minimum wage are meeting with resistance because of the impacts on businesses caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
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Tensions Among Truckers On Laos-China Border Again Erupt Into Fistfights
The latest melee began after a Chinese trader cleared the way for his Lao driver to cut ahead in line.
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United States Center for Disease Control Raises Thailand To Its Highest Level Of Travel Risk Due To Covid-19
This means that it is recommended for all travelers from the US to avoid traveling to Thailand.
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New Affordable Treatment Available For Covid In Laos
A drug to treat Covid-19 in Laos will soon be available in the form of Molacovir, at a relatively cheap price and with guaranteed quality.
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Luang Prabang City Receives Asean Clean Tourism Award
To receive an Asean clean tourism district standard award, a district must be able to show good standards of cleanliness at hotels, guesthouses and restaurants.
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Laos’ Expensive Gamble On Electricity May Dim Its Economic Future
Laos took on huge debt to become the “Battery of Southeast Asia,” but sales are not as robust as hoped.
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Ukraine Crisis Clouds Southeast Asia’s Fragile Tourism Recovery
Travel industry figures fear the war in Ukraine could derail the much-anticipated recovery of tourism-dependent economies in Southeast Asia just as COVID-19 travel restrictions are finally being lifted across the region.
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Lao Govt Launches Online Visa Application Portal As Covid Curbs Eased
The Lao government has launched an online visa application portal to ease entry procedures for foreign nationals and Lao nationals living overseas.
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Taskforce Introduces Scheme To Create Covid-Free Families
The Vientiane Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control is taking steps to ensure that local residents take more responsibility in efforts to prevent the spread of Covid.
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Vientiane’s Businesswomen To Back Economic Recovery By Hosting Carnival
The Vientiane Women’s Union plans to contribute to the nation’s economic recovery amid economic and financial difficulties caused by the Covid-19 pandemic by organising its first carnival.
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Rail Operator Spells Out Process For Ticket Purchase
Passengers on the Laos-China Railway may purchase only two tickets at a time and must present their ID card and Covid-19 vaccination certificate when buying tickets at the new sales outlet in the city centre
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Inflation Rate In Laos Hits Highest Point In 2 Years
The year-on-year inflation rate in Laos jumped to 6.25 percent in January, the highest figure recorded since January 2020.
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Laos And Thailand Agree To Reopen Border
The decision was made after Lao ambassador to Thailand Seng Soukhathivong paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister and Defence Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha to mark the occasion of his 4.5 years at Government House.
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Laos Records First Locally-Transmitted Case Of Omicron
The National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control has warned the public to be vigilant following the identification of the first locally-transmitted case of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 in Borikhamxay province.
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Thailand To Relax Rules For International Arrivals From March 1 Despite COVID Surge
Thailand is set to relax rules for international arrivals from March 1st despite the continual surge in COVID-19 infections in the country.
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Laos-China Railway To Operate Additional Train
The Laos-China Railway Company has announced it will operate a slower-speed train in addition to the two existing high-speed EMU trains to meet the growing needs of passengers.
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Train Tickets To Go On Sale At Vientiane Center, Online Sale Planned
Tickets for travel on the Laos-China Railway will soon go on sale at the Vientiane Center
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Rising Inflation Sparks Public Concern
In the past 42 days, fuel prices have risen four times, causing heated debate among members of the public who are increasingly concerned about the spiralling cost of consumer goods.
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Health Ministry To Vaccinate Children Aged 6-11
The government will begin a nationwide rollout of Covid-19 vaccinations for children aged 6 to 11 next month, so that schools can reopen safely.
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Laos Records Trade Surplus Of US$41 Million In January
Laos recorded a trade surplus of US$41 million in the first month of this year, with China continuing to be the country’s largest export market.
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Lao Taskforce Issues Omicron Alert
The warning issued by The National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention is in an attempt to prevent a community outbreak of Omicron in Laos.
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Rail Operator Asks For Government’s Help To Resolve Problems
LCRC also asked the government to counter negative publicity concerning the railway as well as for assistance with other issues
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China And Russia Position Themselves For Laos’ Fast-Approaching Post-LDC Era
Source: EAF Despite closed international borders and rolling lockdowns due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, the Lao People’s
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Huge Truck Backlog At Chinese Border Due To Covid Screening
Hundreds of trucks loaded with goods are stranded at the Boten-Mohan crossing on the Laos-China border, with strict Covid screening procedures causing long delays.
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Tigers May Now Be Extinct In Laos: WWF
For almost the past 10 years, there has been no information or images of tigers recorded on camera traps in Laos, so it can be said that these creatures may have been hunted to extinction and have disappeared from forests.
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NTP Launches Free Fuel Delivery Service
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce has authorised NTP Public Company to launch a free-of-charge fuel delivery service so that members of the public can receive the best service and cut travel costs, amid record high fuel prices.
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Laos Recorded Trade Surplus Of US$1 billion In 2021
China topped the list of five main countries for exports with a figure of US$ 2,221 million, and the others were Thailand (US$ 2,187 million), Vietnam (US$ 1,220 million), Australia (US$ 348 million), and Switzerland (US$ 116 million).
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Lao Authorities Rescue Women Trapped In Chinese-Run Economic Zone
Some women who could not pay off debts they owed to their employers were forced into prostitution.
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Biden Administration Lifts What Critics Call ‘Backdoor Immigration Ban’ On Laos
The measure is a “great first step to undo some of the harm that’s been done by the Trump administration,” Kham Moua, of the nonprofit Southeast Asia Resource Action Center, said.
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Laos Has Second Highest Inflation Rate In Asean
Laos is suffering from one of the highest inflation rates in the region, raising concerns as the population suffers from financial hardship
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Laos Has Enough Vaccine To Inoculate Total Population: Covid Taskforce
Laos has now received more than 18 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines, which is sufficient to inoculate the total population of more than 7 million people, the Covid-19 taskforce has said.
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Japan Pledges US$8.78 Million For Early Warning Systems
The government of Japan has agreed to provide 1 billion yen (US$8.78 million) to install weather-related early warning systems in six provinces of Laos.
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Children Start Return To Classrooms
Many children returned to classes on Monday, with most being final-year students in primary and secondary schools.
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Thailand Ranked 5th Best Worldwide For Retirees By French Magazine
One of only two Asian destinations to feature in Capital magazine’s top 10 list for retirees
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Police Raid Nets Over 36 Million Amphetamine Pills
Bokeo provincial police recently broke up a drug ring in Huayxai district when they arrested four suspects in possession of more than 4 tonnes of amphetamine.
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Laos To Raise Monthly Minimum Wage To $134
Policymakers in Laos are studying a proposal to rise the country’s minimum wage as inflation and an increasing cost of living bites particularly low-earners
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Thailand To Open Its Doors To Lao Workers Again, But Many May Prefer To Sneak Back In
COVID requirements and high employment fees mean some will enter the country illegally.
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‘The Long Walk’ Trailer: Mattie Do Is a First for Laos as Both Female Filmmaker and Horror Director
The critically acclaimed film by Laos’ first female filmmaker Mattie Do premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2019 before playing at the Toronto International Film Festival.
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