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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Government
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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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A number of vehicles are expected to be withdrawn from Party and state leaders as well as senior officials after action has been taken to retrieve surplus cars in accordance with a new regulation.
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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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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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Entry-Exit Rules Explained As Full Reopening Begins On Monday
The government has dropped six entry requirements that were previously imposed to contain the spread of Covid-19, with Laos fully opening up to travellers on Monday.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Inflation In Laos Jumps To Highest Point In 15 Months
The prices of goods and services in Laos continue to rise at a rate unseen since August 2020, increasing by 5.27 percent in December last year when compared to the figures for the same period in 2020.
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Spiralling Price Of Pork Hits Vientiane Consumers
Households in Vientiane are suffering additional financial hardship as the price of pork rises yet again, taking the market price to yet another record high.
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Police Issue List Of Items Banned On Trains
The Railway Police Department of the Ministry of Public Security has issued a list of items that passengers are banned from taking into stations and on trains, as part of overall security measures.
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Govt Vows To Slash Red Tape, Boost Revenue
The government has pledged to remove barriers that hinder business operations in Laos while speeding up bitcoin mining by authorised companies.
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Lao Govt Bans Import Of Cattle, Pigs, Goats, Chickens, Freshwater Fish And Other Agricultural Products
The government has banned the import of certain types of agricultural produce, livestock and fish, aimed at spurring the farming of these crops and animals in Laos to boost the economy and generate more revenue for farmers.
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Schools Prepare To Resume Face-To-Face Classes
Education authorities are assessing the readiness of schools in Vientiane to restart face-to-face classes in Grade 5 of primary schools and Grades 4 and 7 of secondary schools following months of closure due to the Covid outbreak.
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Thai Company To Spend US$1 billion On Lao Smart City
Amata Corporation, a major industrial estate developer in Thailand, plans to invest US$1 billion in the construction of the Amata Smart and Eco City in northern Laos.
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Ministry Eases Requirements For Discharged Covid-19 Patients
Health authorities have lifted restrictions on Covid-19 patients following discharge from hospital, allowing them to resume their lives without further testing or isolation.
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Health Centre Predicts 14,321 Cases Of HIV This Year
The National Centre for HIV/AIDs and Sexually-Transmitted Infections (STI) expects to identify more than 14,000 people with HIV this year, with most cases expected to occur in Savannakhet province.
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Road Traffic Accidents Remain Large Killer Of Young People
Road accidents are among the single most common cause of death among people aged 5-29, a senior official has said.
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Thai Cabinet Orders Quick 2nd Bridge Between Nong Khai And Laos
The Thai cabinet has ordered the State Railway of Thailand to quickly design and build a second bridge from Nong Khai province to Laos, to connect to the new China-Laos railway.
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World Bank Optimistic About Growth Of Lao Economy
The World Bank has predicted that Laos will see economic growth of 4.5 percent in 2022 and 4.8 percent in 2023 despite projected slower growth of the global economy.
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Laos Sees Rise In Trade Value, But Deficit Persists
The total value of goods imported and exported by Laos in December rose to over US$1.1 billion
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Covid Claims 421 Lives In 2021
Health authorities say that 421 people died from Covid related causes last year and that more than 100,000 people contracted the virus.
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S. Korea’s EDCF Funds The Construction Of UHS Hospital In Laos With Consultancy Support From SNUH
The new hospital will enhance Laos’ health and medical environment as well as provide professional training and health research.
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Health Ministry Targets 87.25 Percent Covid Immunisation By Year’s End
Health officials are speeding up the Covid vaccination programme, aiming to vaccinate 87.25 percent of the population by the end of this year.
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Laos Detects 1st Case Of Omicron Variant
The Omicron variant has been detected in a passenger arriving on flight AK7552 from Malaysia on Sunday.
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Govt Inks Deal On Electronic Civil Management System
The government is developing an electronic civil registration and vital statistics system to increase capacity to collect demographic statistics and produce and disseminate reliable and timely socio-economic and poverty information.
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Murder Rate Climbs In 2021
The year 2021 saw some brutal crimes committed, which hit the headlines and caused deep consternation among members of the public.
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Govt Orders Probe Into Sale Of Train Tickets
Comments posted on social media say some people are buying tickets from the railway operator and selling them on at an inflated price.
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Public Works Ministry Sets Water Rates For 2022
Water suppliers will set different rates according to the volume used by a household
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Commerce Ministry Encourages Copyright Registration
Source: Vientiane Times All commodities produced in Laos will have copyright protection under the Property Law after it has been
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Lao Factory Producing Molacovir For Treatment Of Covid Patients
State Enterprise Pharmaceutical Factory No. 3 in Vientiane is manufacturing a revolutionary new drug named Molacovir for use in the early stages of Covid-19.
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Laos Records A Trade Deficit Of US$131 Million In November
The Lao PDR’s international trade volume for November reached US$912 million with exports valued at US$390 million and imports estimated at US$521 million
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VAT Reduced To 7% Under Amendments To Lao Tax Laws
The applicable VAT rate on importing goods and supply of goods and general services will be reduced from 10% to 7% from January 1, 2022
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Airport Staff Prepare For Arrival Of First Tourists
The government is preparing Covid control measures to be put into practice when the country reopens to tourists on January 1, as well as readying designated travel zones for visitors.
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Govt To Remove Difficulties Hampering Exports To China
The pandemic has led to Chinese authorities putting in place strict measures to monitor drivers and cargo bound for China. This has resulted in thousands of cargo vehicles on both sides of the border facing long waits.
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Laos Adopts New Measure To Combat Corruption: Party Expulsion
Officials dismiss nine government employees who embezzled funds in Bokeo province.
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Green Travel Zones Of Laos Ready To Welcome Visitors
Several tourist sites located within green travel zones in provinces across Laos are ready to welcome visitors from next month under “new normal” conditions amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
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Vientiane Bans Large Gatherings, Parties During New Year Celebration
Vientiane Taskforce Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control has issued a notice banning all large gatherings and parties during the celebration of New Year.
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Ministry Spells Out Plan For Reopening Of Schools
The Ministry of Education and Sports has outlined 10 measures and 40 recommendations for the safe reopening of schools during the Covid-19 outbreak.
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Why Laos Thinks This Serpent God Deserves UNESCO Status
Topping temples, slithering on weavings. Nagas are a cultural treasure in this Southeast Asian country.
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Luang Namtha Bans Trucks Amid Huge Backlog Awaiting Entry To China
About 350 trucks have been arriving at the Boten checkpoint each day but Chinese authorities are allowing only 150 to cross the border.
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EDL To Cover 95 Percent Of Demand Of Households By Yearend
The Electricite du Laos (EDL) is hopeful of meeting 95 percent of the electricity demand of households in the country by the end of this year
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Create A Centralised Statistical Database, Deputy PM Advises
Lao Deputy Prime Minister advised the Lao Statistics Bureau to coordinate statistics and information and create a single database that would ensure greater efficiency in the presentation and use of statistics throughout the country
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Korean Company To Carry Out Feasibility Study For Upgrade Of Luang Prabang International Airport
The government has given the green light to the Korea Airport Corporation (KAC) to carry out a feasibility study for the upgrade of Luang Prabang International Airport
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Team Europe Unveils EUR550 Million Partnership With Laos
Eight European partners, together with the Lao government, on Friday launched the Team Europe Strategy for Laos for 2021-2025
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Govt To Open Doors To Visitors From 17 Countries
Travel destinations will be limited because of the difficulties involved in opening up the whole of the country while Covid control measures are in place.
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PM’s Office Approves Resumption Of Tourism On January 1
The Prime Minister’s Office on Wednesday officially set January 1 as the start of the resumption of tourism in Laos and approved an action plan on the designation of green travel zones where tourists will be protected against Covid-19.
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Govt Prepares For Return Of Tourists
The government is preparing to reopen Laos to visitors, with plans to initially resume tourism activities in selected areas of the country
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Lao Economy Expected To Grow 4.2 Percent Next Year
The Lao economy is projected to grow by 4.2 percent in 2022, driven by commercial production for exports and opportunities and benefits arising from the Laos-China Railway.
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Laos Records Trade Deficit Of US$336 Million
Despite racking up a trade deficit of US$336 million in the first 11 eleven months of 2021, the government is hopeful that its planned trade targets will be reached by the end of year.
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Govt Appoints Committee To Prepare For Return Of Tourists
The committee will formulate procedures to facilitate the return of tourists and their travel within Laos, including immigration regulations and the electronic tracking of visitors following their arrival.
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Lao Govt Approves Green Tourism Plan With A View To Reopening Specific Areas To Tourists Next Month
Under the scheme, Lao and foreign visitors who wish to travel to green tourism zones must have had two doses of a Covid vaccine less than 14 days prior to travel.
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Vientiane Schools Collect 16.3 Tonnes Of Recycled Waste
Ten schools in Sikhottabong district, Vientiane, have collected 16.3 tonnes of recycled waste through the use of waste recycling banks
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Eleven Die, 44 Injured In UXO Accidents During 2021
The National Regulatory Authority (NRA) for the UXO/Mine Action Sector recorded 31 UXO accidents over the course of 2021, in which 44 people were injured and 11 died.
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Public, Private Sectors Gear Up For Return Of Tourists
The public and private sectors are making plans to reopen Laos to fully vaccinated tourists in 2022, although the details regarding quarantine upon entry are still being debated.
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Laos Tightens Border Controls In Response To Omicron
Lao authorities have ordered stricter controls at borders with neighbouring countries after the first case of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 was confirmed in Thailand on Monday
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Doctors Recommend Covid Booster Shots
Doctors say that people who have tested positive for Covid-19 and those who have already had two Covid vaccinations can have a third jab to boost the body’s immunity to the virus
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PM Issues Decree On National Dress
Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh has issued a decree spelling out the details of the traditional dress to be worn by men and women when attending ceremonial events
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Domestic Rail Services To Begin On December 4
To begin with, tickets will be on sale at railway stations but will not be available online, and travel will be limited to destinations within Laos because of the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak
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Govt In Need Of Massive Financial Support
The government will require 18.7 trillion kip (US$1.8 billion) to address the projected fiscal deficit and repay domestic and overseas loans by the end of this year
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Laos Receives Another 600,000 Doses Of Covid Vaccine
The Ministry of Health on Monday received more than 600,000 doses of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine donated by Finland, Sweden and the Netherlands through the COVAX Facility.
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New Roadmap To Drive Sustainable Wood Production, Exports
A new export roadmap for the wood processing sector will promote sustainable wood production and the export of wood products through the inclusion of more value-added products.
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Covid Jabs Planned For Children Aged 6-11 In January
The government will begin a nationwide rollout of Covid-19 vaccinations for children aged 6 to 11 starting in January
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Thailand To Open Nong Khai Land Border With Laos
Travellers will be allowed to enter by land (at Nong Khai’s border checkpoint, starting 24 December, 2021), air and sea provided that they meet the vaccination and testing requirements.
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UN Resolution To Upgrade Laos From LDC
The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a resolution to upgrade Laos from the least developed country category (LDC)
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Laos’ Trade Deficit Exceeds US$45 Million In October
Laos registered a record monthly trade deficit of US$45 million in October, when total two-way trade was worth US$819 million
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Laos To Have First University Hospital
Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH) of the Republic of Korea has agreed to advise the Ministry of Health on the construction of a hospital under the University of Health Sciences (UHS-Laos).
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64.5 Percent Of Adults Now Vaccinated Against Covid
A total of 64.5 percent of adults in Laos have now been vaccinated against Covid-19
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Speeding, Drunk Driving Common Among Vientiane Drivers
Almost three-quarters of drivers in Vientiane routinely break speed limits and nearly a third of people driving in the evening have been drinking alcohol
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Railway Inauguration Planned For December 3, Passenger Transport Date Not Yet Decided
Inauguration of the 426-km Laos-China railway and the start of freight transport are scheduled for December 3, but a precise date for the start of passenger services has not been yet decided
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Lao Manufacturer To Make Molnupravir For Covid Treatment
The Ministry of Health has given approval for State Enterprise Pharmaceutical Factory No. 3 to produce molnupiravir, an oral medication used in the treatment of Covid-19.
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Motorists Nationwide Hit By Yet Another Hike In Fuel Prices
Source: Vientiane Times Motorists in Vientiane and provinces across Laos are in the hot seat again as the retail prices
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LaoSafe To Drive Improvements In Health And Hygiene Practices
LaoSafe comprises a series of health and hygiene standards for different subsectors of the tourism and hospitality industry
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China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand Begin 111th Joint Mekong River Patrol
Law enforcement authorities from China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand joined forces on Tuesday to conduct the 111th joint Mekong River patrol.
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Latest Shipment Of Chinese Covid Vaccine Arrives
About 1.9 million doses of the Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine donated by China arrived at Wattay International Airport
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Govt Rejects Proposal To Buy Its Stake In BCEL
The government has declined a request by the Phousy Group to purchase a major stake in a leading Lao bank, the Banque pour le Commerce Exterieur Lao Public (BCEL).
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Boten Border Crossing Reopens For 3-Day Test Run
Chinese authorities have reopened the border crossing from Boten into China for a three-day test run
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Covid-19 Measures Eased For Schools, Businesses
Covid-19-related restrictions were eased to allow schools at all levels across the country to reopen
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Health Ministry Issues Guidelines On Self-Isolation At Home
Health authorities are advising people with Covid-19 who have mild or no symptoms to self-isolate at home instead of going to a hospital
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No Decision Made On Proposed Purchase Of BCEL
No decision has yet been made on the proposed purchase of a major stake in the Banque pour le Commerce Exterieur Lao Public (BCEL) currently held by the Ministry of Finance
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PM Orders Vaccinations For 12-17 Age Group
Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh has ordered health authorities to begin vaccinating children aged 12 years and older so that schools can reopen.
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First Building Of New Mahosot Hospital Handed Over To Laos
Construction of the first wing of the new Mahosot Hospital in Vientiane has been completed and was officially handed over to Laos by China
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Laos Could Lose Millions With Closure Of Boten Border Crossing
Laos may lose millions of dollars from lost exports to China now that Chinese authorities have closed the Boten International Checkpoint, a major travel and trade route between the two countries.
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Ministries To Outline Plans To Reopen Laos
The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism was assigned to work with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control and other relevant bodies to draw up a standardised plan for the reopening process.
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Asia Foundation, Supreme Court Partner To Strengthen Legal Aid
The Foundation’s support aims to promote the rule of law through fairer, more consistent, and more transparent delivery of justice.
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Lao Motorists Stunned By Record High Fuel Price
The cost of all types of fuel in Laos, especially in Vientiane, is likely to hit a record high this year
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Year-On-Year Inflation Rate Hit 4.17 Percent In September
Laos saw the year-on-year inflation rate moving up from 3.81 percent in August to 4.17 percent in September
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Tackle Inappropriate Land Occupation, Lack Of Compensation: Lao Front
The Lao Front for National Development has told the National Assembly (NA) to push the government to address inappropriate occupation of land and the lack of compensation given to people affected by development projects.
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Govt Pledges To Diversify Energy Sources To Minimise Imports
The government has vowed to diversify its sources of energy by developing solar, wind power and coal-fired power plants to address the electricity shortage in the dry season.
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Laos, Thailand Keen To Reopen Land Border, Boost Connectivity
Laos and Thailand have agreed to set up a working committee to further discuss details and regulations concerning the reopening of their shared land border.
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Long Lines Form At The Pumps As Laos Runs Low On Gas
Filling stations began to post signs reading “No Gas” or “Temporarily Closed” around Nov. 1, and supplies have fallen since
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Govt To Push Businesses To Boost Production For Chinese Market
The government is set to hold talks with business operators to encourage them to produce more of the goods required by Chinese buyers
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Millions More Covid Vaccines Expected, Govt Aims For 70 Percent Vaccination Target
The government is striving to vaccinate as much as 70 percent of the adult population by the end of this year
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Laos’ Electricity Earnings Soar By 12 Percent
Laos earned US$2,012 million from the export of electricity in the first nine months of this year, an increase of 12 percent compared to the same period last year.
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Laotian Govt Budget Expected To Gain $194M From Crypto Miners By 2022
Lawmakers reportedly plan to use the extra revenue for “priority programs,” including paying down the national debt and responding to the pandemic.
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Govt Extends Covid Controls But Keen To Open Schools, Factories
The government has in general extended Covid-19 control measures for another 15 days but has lifted some restrictions in order to ease the economic impacts, such as the reopening of more schools and factories.
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500,000 More Doses Of AstraZeneca Vaccine To Arrive Today
Some 500,000 more doses of Astra Zeneca’s Covid-19 vaccine, provided by the COVAX Facility, will arrive at Wattay International Airport today.
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Laos Makes Asia’s Largest Ever Drug Bust
Police in Laos have made the biggest single drug seizure ever recorded in Asia
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Laos’ Economy To Grow At Only 2.1 Percent This Year: IMF
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is projecting that Laos will see economic growth of just 2.1 percent this year, down from the 4.7 percent growth rate predicted in April.
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Weather Bureau Issues Flood Alert
People should prepare to move their belongings and animals to safe places in the event of flooding and should keep track of weather forecasts in the coming days.
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Annual Vientiane Boat Racing Festival Cancelled Amid Covid-19 Outbreak
Vientiane authorities have cancelled all events that are traditionally part of the annual boat racing festival, which had been planned from October 20-30.
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Trade Union Body To Seek Hike In Minimum Wage
The Lao Federation of Trade Unions (LFTU) plans to ask the government to approve an increase in the monthly minimum wage from 1.1 million kip to 1.3 million or 1.5 million kip.
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New Bokeo International Airport Expected To Be Completed In Months
The construction of new Bokeo International Airport with capability of accommodating 200-seat aircraft such as Airbus A320, Boeing 737 and ATR-72 is expected to take a few months to complete.
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Number Of New Covid Cases Alarmingly High: Taskforce
The number of new locally-transmitted Covid cases recorded over the past five days remains high, especially in the provinces of Vientiane, Khammuan, Savannakhet and Luang Prabang.
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Lao Flag Symbol Inspires Passenger Train Design For Laos-China Railway
The symbol of the Lao flag with its three colours has inspired the design of the first train that will run on the Laos-China Railway.
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China To Provide 6.8 Million Doses Of Covid Vaccine This Year
Source: Vientiane Times The Chinese government aims to provide about 6.8 million doses of the China-made Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine to
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Motorists Grapple With Fuel Shortage In Vientiane
Motorists in Vientiane are struggling to find premium grade and regular fuel for their vehicles after some petrol stations ran out of supplies
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Govt Pledges To Reduce Nation’s Debt By 2023
The government has vowed to reduce the total public and publicly guaranteed debt stock to 64.5 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by the end of 2023.
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Laos To Receive 1.5 Million Doses Of Vaccine This Week
Laos will receive another 1.5 million doses of Covid-19 vaccine from the governments of China and Republic of Korea this week, a senior health official has confirmed.
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Govt Targets Errant Motorists With Tough New Fines
The government has strengthened the traffic regulations by imposing heavy fines for violators, with fines for drunk driving now ranging from 150,000 to 1,500,000 kip depending on the type of vehicle.
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What Does The Data Tell Us About Electricity Pricing In Laos?
Many Lao people feel they deserve lower prices because the country has built dozens of electricity-generating plants over the years. EDL officials, however, maintain that electricity is already cheap and that people should use it more economically.
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Laos Targets 1 Percent Electric Vehicle Use By 2025
Laos is promoting the use of clean energy in the transport sector as part of measures to translate the government’s policy into an action plan until 2025, a strategy for 2030, and a vision for 2050.
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Tropical Storm Lionrock To Bring More Rain
Tropical storm Lionrock will pass over northern and central Laos from October 10-12, bringing thunderstorms, rain and squalls, while flooding and landslides are also possible
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Motorists Hit By Yet Another Fuel Price Hike
This mean that motorists in Vientiane and the provinces will pay extra for fuel this month. This follows several changes in retail prices recently.
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PM Outlines Measures To Contain Covid Outbreak
As of September 6, Laos’ infection rate stood at about 0.37 percent of the population with the death rate at 0.0003 percent.
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Medics Struggle To Cope With Rising Number Of Covid Patients
Health authorities say that Covid response measures are being strengthened and that patients have adequate access to healthcare.
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Luang Prabang Police Intercept Transport Of Over 3 million Amphetamine Tabs
Luang Prabang provincial police on Monday arrested three men as they were driving vehicles loaded with a huge stash of more than 3 million amphetamine pills.
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Police Detain 32 People For Breaking Lockdown Rules
A team of commando police have detained 32 youngsters after they were found drinking and taking drugs at a hotel in Phonsinuan village, Sisattanak district, Vientiane, in blatant violation of the lockdown rules.
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Bureau Outlines Three Main Causes Of Inflation
The Lao Statistics Bureau has highlighted three main underlying causes of inflation, amid rising concerns over the ongoing health crisis and food security.
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Laos Enlists Japan Startup For Study On Digital Currency
Laos will explore issuing its own digital currency with support from a Japanese financial technology startup that was involved in a similar effort by Cambodia
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Decree Orders Huge Cut In Spending On State Vehicles
The government has issued a new decree that will massively reduce spending on state vehicles.
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Party Hints At State Body Downsize
The Lao People’s Revolutionary Party has instructed state agencies to reorganise their body structure amid growing public demands for more effective and efficient delivery of public services.
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Laos Extends Covid-19 Measures Till October 15
The Lao government has extended measures to counter the Covid-19 outbreak for another 15 days until October 15 as infections have continued to rise.
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Most Stations On Laos-China Railway Now Complete
Most of the stations on the Laos-China Railway are now complete ahead of the planned opening of the railway in December.
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PM Orders Re-Negotiation For Fair Benefits In Mining, Energy Projects
Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh has told the Ministry of Energy and Mines to re-negotiate with the operators of hydropower and mining projects to ensure fair benefits from such projects
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Vietnam Bids To Woo Cambodia, Laos From China
Recent meeting of Southeast Asian nations’ leaders underlined Hanoi’s push to restore strong ties with its old neighboring allies
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Vientiane-Hanoi Expressway Under Study
The Lao and Vietnamese governments are considering the feasibility of building an expressway linking Vientiane to Hanoi, with assistance from the government of Japan.
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Mitsubishi Invests In Laos Wind Farm Project, Biggest In Southeast Asia
Japanese trading house Mitsubishi Corp. has invested in a massive wind power plant project in Laos to deliver electricity to Vietnam, in what would be the biggest onshore wind farm in Southeast Asia.
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Lao Economy Suffering Due To Covid-19 Outbreak
This year’s Covid-19 outbreak has deepened the impacts on Laos’ economy, resulting in business shutdowns, growing health concerns, and falling sales.
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Vaccinations Continue Despite Lockdown
People are advised to go to any of these locations, which include Lao-ITECC, the Chinese temple in Dongpalaeb village, and hospitals in the capital’s nine districts.
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Covid Cases In Vientiane Hit Daily High, Nationwide Total Exceeds 20,000
The new record of locally-transmitted cases in Vientiane was largely the result of outbreaks in garment factories which accounted for almost 90 percent of the cases in the capital
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Covid-19 Delays Economic Recovery In Laos: ADB
The unanticipated Covid-19 pandemic has delayed economic recovery in Laos, with consumption hit hard by the virus control measures implemented since April
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Fuel Prices Set To Rise Again
Motorists across Laos will have to spend more on petrol as the Ministry of Industry and Commerce issued a notification on Wednesday increasing the prices of all types of fuel.
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Covid-19 Approaches Large-Scale Community Outbreak: Health Minister
Outbreaks of Covid-19 in some parts of the country are approaching large-scale community transmission, technically known as Level III, Minister of Health Prof. Dr Bounfeng Phommalaysith has warned.
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Authorities Reverse Decision On Shop Closures
Vientiane authorities have revised their decision on the closure of retail and wholesale outlets and will now allow shopping malls, department stores, supermarkets and minimarts to remain open.
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City Authorities Impose Travel Restrictions As Lockdown Tightens
Police and security authorities are placing strict controls on travel and many roads in the capital are now blocked off following new restrictions imposed as a result of the latest lockdown.
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Vientiane Orders Closure Of Non-Essential Goods Shops, Supermarkets
Vientiane authorities have ordered shops and markets that sell items that are not absolutely essential to close until September 30, as an additional measure to contain the Covid-19 outbreak.
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More Than Two Million Doses Of Covid Vaccine To Arrive This Year
Laos will receive another 2,434,580 doses of Covid-19 vaccine from the Chinese and Australian governments as well as the private sector this year
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