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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Lao Economy
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 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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China-Laos Railway Extending Through To Thailand
Expansion of the route makes Thailand a ‘China Plus One’ Option
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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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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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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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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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As Borders Reopen, Labor Shortage Looms In Laos’ SEZs
Lao workers are returning to Thailand where they can make more money.
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More Than 2,000 People Enter Laos After Country Reopens
Over 2,000 people, both Lao and foreign nationals, have entered Laos at land borders and the airport in Vientiane since the government reopened the country last week.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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BOL Issues Licences For Cryptocurrency Exchange Platforms
The Bank of the Lao PDR (BOL) has issued licences authorising two companies to trade in cryptocurrencies, namely Lao Digital Assets Exchange (LDX) and Bitqik.
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Phongsavanh Group Breaks Ground For Smart City Development Project
Phongsavanh Group Co., Ltd. (PSVG) on Thursday held a groundbreaking ceremony to start construction of a model modern city project named ‘the Smart City Development Project’ at the Vientiane Industry Zone.
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Declining Coffee Production In Laos Needs Urgent Attention: LCA
The Lao Coffee Association (LCA) is worried about a steep decline in coffee production and a gradual increase in prices of the commodity.
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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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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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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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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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Chinese Embassy In Laos Cracks Down Soaring Intl Air Ticket Prices
Rising international ticket prices have triggered a new round of crackdowns, with yet another embassy taking measures to curb skyrocketing airfares while also strengthening the supervision of ticket sales channels.
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Thai-Lao Bridge In Nong Khai Remains Closed Over Omicron Fears
A plan to reopen an international bridge linking Thailand and Laos in Nong Khai has been deferred indefinitely as the Thai government tightens measures to curb the spread of the fast-growing Omicron variant.
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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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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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Despite COVID-19, China Expects 1 Mln Passenger Trips On New Laos Rail Link
China expects more than 1 million passenger trips to be made on a newly opened high-speed rail link to Laos during the peak Lunar New Year travel season early next year, despite COVID-19 travel restrictions.
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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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Over 5,500 People Travel On Railway Since Inauguration
Over 5,500 people have bought tickets to travel on the Laos-China railway in the first five days since passenger services were offered starting on December 4.
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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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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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Lao Airlines, Bus Station Have No Plans To Compete With Railway
Lao Airlines and the Northern Bus Station in Vientiane do not plan to make any changes to their services or ticket prices in a bid to attract customers
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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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First Cold-Chain Train Launched On China-Laos Railway
It is the first train involved in cold-chain logistics on the 1,035-km China-Laos Railway, a landmark project of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation
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Tickets For First Journey On Laos-China Railway Sold Out
A large number of people turned up at the rail station in Vientiane on Saturday after the Laos-China railway officially opened for service on Friday.
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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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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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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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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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China-Laos Railway Earns Top Marks
A high-speed railway connecting China’s southwest with Laos has been given the thumbs-up－even before services get underway this coming week
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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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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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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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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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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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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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That Luang Festival Downsized Due To Covid Outbreak
The That Luang festival (November 17-19) will be limited to religious and other traditional festivities
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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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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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Ministry Mulls Route Of Vientiane-Vietnam Expressway
The government is discussing the planned route of an expressway running from Vientiane through Xaysomboun, Xieng Khuang and Huaphan provinces to the Vietnamese border.
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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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