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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Latest News
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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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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Luang Prabang Film Festival’s Lao Filmmakers Fund Awards Funding To Eleven Local Film Projects
Lao filmmakers fund supports largest selection to date, again
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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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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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Team Member Tests Positive For COVID-19
Yesterday the management of J&C Group was notified that one of our team members had been confirmed as having the COVID-19 virus.
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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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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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Irrawaddy Dolphins On Verge Of Local Extinction In Laos
Officials from Laos’ Department of Livestock and Fisheries are attempting to protect the last two remaining Irrawaddy dolphins in the Mekong River, after two other dolphins died in June.
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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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Three Die, 20 Injured In Road Accidents During Lockdown
Traffic accidents that occurred during the recent 15 days of lockdown in Vientiane resulted in three fatalities and injury to 20 people.
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China-Laos Railway Kicks Off “Dynamic Testing”
The first dynamic testing train departed from the Vientiane Station of China-Laos Railway on Wednesday morning and headed north to the Laos-China border town of Boten to kick off the dynamic testing along the China-Laos Railway.
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Lao Researchers Find New Clues To Elimination Of Malaria
Lao researchers have discovered a new method that has the potential to speed up the elimination of malaria worldwide
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Thailand Is Laos’ Largest Trading Partner, China And Vietnam Are Top Export Markets
Thailand is Laos’ largest trading partner but the country’s main export markets continue to be China and Vietnam.
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Covid Outbreak Posing Challenge To Poverty Reduction, Hunger
The rising number of Covid infections is hindering Laos’ efforts to battle poverty, with the country one of many in the world that are home to nearly 700 million malnourished people.
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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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More Heavy Rain Expected Countrywide
Thunderstorms, heavy rain and gusting winds will prevail across Laos from October 13-19, while flooding and landslides are possible in some areas from October 13-16
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Thai Police Warn ‘Squid Game’ Viewers
Thai police on Sunday cautioned that Squid Game, a popular South Korean survival drama on Netflix, contains violent scenes that could leave a negative impression on viewers.
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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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Lao Professor Wins Asia Innovation Award
A university lecturer has raised the profile of Laos in the field of medicine after winning an international award.
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Man Injured In Vientiane Shooting
A man was shot and injured in Xiengda village, Xaysettha district, while riding his motorbike at 6.30pm on Monday, although the reason for the shooting is unknown
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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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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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Price Of Construction Materials Surges, Labour Rates Dip
People hoping to build a house this coming dry season will have to think twice now that the price of many construction materials on sale in Vientiane has risen sharply.
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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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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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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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36 Tea Garden Wins Gold Award At World Tea Contest
The 36 Tea Garden in Pakxong district, Champassak province, has won first place in the category of Black Tea, winning a gold award at the World Tea Championship Competition.
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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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Heavy Rain, Wind Gusts To Lash Laos This Week
Thunderstorms accompanied by heavy rain and gusting winds will pass over Laos from September 23-26, putting some provinces at risk of flooding and landslides
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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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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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Land, Air Travel Suspended To Comply With Covid Restrictions
Passengers on public transport, whether wanting to travel by road or air from or to Vientiane, will have to wait another 11 days after city authorities announced a lockdown on Sunday.
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Changing Weather Patterns In Laos Linked To Increase In Typhus Cases
Changing weather patterns in Laos may be responsible for an increase in bugs responsible for the neglected tropical diseases scrub typhus and murine typhus
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BOL Gives Update On Authorised Money Exchange Units
Some 419 money exchange units have become representatives of commercial banks and will operate under the authorisation of the bank, in an attempt to tackle the difference in currency exchange rates between banks and money-changing outlets.
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Bats in Laos Caves Harbour Closest Relatives To Covid-19
Bats dwelling in limestone caves in northern Laos were found to carry coronaviruses that share a key feature with SARS-CoV-2, moving scientists closer to pinpointing the cause of Covid-19.
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Laos Pushes Into Crypto As It Authorises Mining And Trading
Laos has authorised the mining and trading of cryptocurrencies, in a policy shift by the debt-laden south-east Asian nation that positions it to profit from the crackdown on digital currency mining in China.
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Giant Buddha Statue Plan Rankles Residents of Laos’ Capital
A Chinese firm’s plans to build a 100-meter-high Buddha statue in low-lying Vientiane encapsulate China’s outsized economic presence in Laos
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Covid-19 Control Measures Extended
The Lao government has extended Covid-19 prevention and control measures until September 30, expanding a night-time travel ban to provinces hit by a community outbreak.
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Authorities Fear Major Outbreak Of Delta Variant
Locally-transmitted cases of Covid-19 are on the rise in Vientiane and other provinces, sparking fears that this could cause a major community outbreak as most cases involve the highly contagious Delta variant.
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Lao Filmmaker Receives Award At International Film Festival Oldenburg
Lao filmmaker, Producer/Director at Lao Art Media Company Mattie Do recently received the 2021 German independence Honourary Tribute Award.
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Lao Startups Facing Challenges
Lao startups are facing challenges in their efforts to help strengthen the national economy, including a lack of legislation that supports their set up and administration, with little incentive from the government.
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Health Chiefs Mull Third Dose Of Covid Vaccine
Health authorities say that a third dose of Covid-19 vaccine could be an option in the future, to further boost the body’s immune system against new Covid strains such as the Delta variant.
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BOL Requires Currency Exchange Units To Partner With Commercial Banks
BOL issued a notice informing currency exchange units nationwide to register with commercial banks to ensure their operations are carried out under the authorisation of the banking system.
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Chinese Investments In Laos Soar, But Little Wealth Is Spread
Not counted is the cost in damage to the country’s environment and Lao citizens’ loss of homes and livelihoods, experts say.
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Widespread Outbreak Expected In Champassak As Delta Variant Reported
Champassak province is facing an outbreak of Covid-19 in Pathoumphon district, which is expected to be more severe than the first outbreak in Pakxe city because the new cases involve the Delta variant of the virus.
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Laos Records Lowest Trade Deficit, US$24 Million In August
Laos registered a record low trade deficit of US$24 million in August compared to the previous records of the year, with the two-way trade value amounting to US$880 million
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Healthcare Staff Contract Covid Despite Being Fully Vaccinated
A total of 126 people have contracted Covid-19 after being fully vaccinated
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More Than 4 Million People Vaccinated Against Covid
As of August 29, nationwide 2,420,333 people had received a first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine and 1,784,707 people had been given two doses.
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Covid-19 Measures Intensified In 15-day Extension
The government has extended Covid-19 prevention and control measures for another 15 days until September 15, with some measures being strengthened.
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Start Of New School Year Postponed
Education authorities have postponed the start of the new academic year, along with school registration and entrance exams to colleges, universities and vocational education centres in several provinces.
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Vientiane Bans Night Travel, Closes Businesses And Schools As Virus Spreads
Vientiane authorities have introduced new restrictions, including a ban on night travel and closure of some businesses and schools, as the community outbreak of Covid-19 widens.
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Laos Records Highest Trade Deficit Of US$99 Million In July
Laos registered a record trade deficit of US$99 million in July, with exports valued at US$374 million and imports at a US$473 million, comprising a total two-way trade value of US$847 million.
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Covid-19 Measures Extended Until Sep 2
The government has extended Covid-19 prevention and control measures for another 15 days until September 2 with some measures intensified amid rising imported cases.
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Laos Records 440 New Covid Cases, 2 More Deaths
A total of 11,753 total cases of Covid-19 have now been recorded in Laos with the announcement on Friday of 440 new cases, while two more deaths from the virus were also reported.
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Laos-China Railway Announces 200 Jobs For Lao People
The company on Tuesday invited interested applicants to apply for the jobs concerning the maintenance of communication, engineering and power supply equipment on the railway.
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Govt To Regulate Illegal Lotteries
Lotteries based in foreign countries including Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, China and even the Republic of Korea have been sold illegally in Laos, even though Laos has its own legal lottery.
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Vientiane Closes Schools, Beefs Up Virus Control Measures
Vientiane authorities have ordered the closure of schools in the capital as part of the government’s measures to contain community outbreaks of Covid-19.
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Govt Reveals Debt Payment Plan
Revenue earned from potential mining operations, revamped state enterprises and from other as yet untapped sources will be used to pay debts amounting to almost US$14 billion
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College Graduates in Laos Face Bleak Job Prospects Amid Pandemic Shutdowns
Recent college graduates in Laos are having trouble finding work, as businesses continue to shut down in the face of economic difficulties tied to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Attapeu, Champassak Order Local Lockdowns After Spike In Covid Cases
Authorities in Champassak and Attapeu provinces have ordered lockdowns to stem the spread of Covid-19 outbreak after locally-transmitted infections were reported.
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Savannakhet City Under Lockdown
Savannakhet provincial authorities have ordered a lockdown in Kaysone Phomvihane city until August 23, after locally-transmitted Covid infections were reported on August 5.
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Govt Spells Out Plans To Tackle Drug Problem
The government is acting with great determination to curb the use of and trade in drugs across Laos, amid the spiralling trafficking of narcotics.
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PM Pledges Massive Cut In State Vehicle Spending
Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh has told the National Assembly (NA) that his administration will make huge reductions in spending on vehicles.
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US Has Opportunity To Establish Stronger Economic Ties With Laos
The United States has an opportunity to reset its relationship with Laos and establish a future-oriented partnership based on economic development to offer a complement to Chinese influence.
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Thai Baht Could Sink Even Further, Analyst Warns
Thailand’s baht could weaken further after reaching its lowest point since late 2017 level of 33 baht per USD, an analyst at Krungsri Securities said on Wednesday, as the economy is challenged by its most severe Covid-19 outbreak so far.
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PM Extends Covid Restrictions
The government has extended a prime ministerial order aimed at curbing the spread of Covid-19 for another 15 days, based on the increase in the number of imported cases of the dangerous virus, which has killed seven people in Laos.
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Rollout Of Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Underway
Health authorities will continue to use the Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine despite some unexpected side effects being reported by a few people.
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Laos, Switzerland Cement Ties With Further Aid Pledged For Laos
Laos and Switzerland have agreed to enhance their longstanding ties and cooperation, with Switzerland promising assistance valued at 65 million Swiss Francs to Laos over the next four years.
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Sangthong District, Villages in Vangvieng Locked Down As Locally Transmitted Cases Reported
Authorities have ordered a lockdown in Sangthong district of Vientiane and villages in Vangvieng district of Vientiane province after locally transmitted cases of Covid-19 were reported.
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Govt No Longer Accepting Iron Ore Pilot Project Proposals
New proposals for the survey, extraction and export of iron ore in the form of pilot projects will no longer be considered, the Prime Minister’s Office has announced.
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Seventh Person Dies From Covid-19
The Champassak Taskforce for Covid-10 Prevention and Control reported the death of a 38-year-old man, who lived in Veunsom village, Khong district.
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Laos Faces Spiralling Budget Deficit
The escalating deficit will ramp up the government’s public debt burden, posing challenges for Laos in sourcing more funding to address the shortfall.
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BOL To Take Urgent Action On Differences In Exchange Rates
The Bank of the Lao PDR (BOL) is now working to tackle several unresolved issues related to financial matters, including differences between the exchange rates in the market and banks.
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Can China’s Belt and Road Open Up Landlocked Laos?
As a 420 km high-speed railway nears completion, two Chinese-built highways have been given the green light. Will these projects open up Laos, or make it a crossing point on China’s Belt and Road?
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Laos To Get 1.4 million Doses Of Covid Vaccine In Coming Weeks
China and the United Kingdom will provide Laos with more than 1.4 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines in coming week or weeks, the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control said on Tuesday.
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Southern Provinces Order Lockdowns As Covid Cases Surge
Taskforces for Covid-19 Prevention and Control in Xekong, Attapeu and Savannakhet provinces have ordered localised lockdowns from July 23 to 29 in a bid to stem the spread of infection as more cases are identified.
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Covid Taskforce Names Priority Provinces For Vaccinations
The National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control is prioritising the rollout of Covid-19 vaccinations in Champassak, Savannakhet, Khammuan and Saravan provinces.
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Vientiane Police Crack Down On Gun Trade
The illegal online trade in firearms is partly responsible for the increase in the number of robberies and murders taking place in Vientiane, police say, while officers are cracking down on the trade.
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Once Asia’s Top Performer, The Thai Baht Is Now Becoming The Region’s Worst-Hit Currency
The Thai baht, once the strongest-performing currency in Asia before the pandemic, has been steadily falling in 2021 and is this year’s worst-hit currency in the region
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Nearly Two Thirds Of Global Drowning Deaths Occur In Asia Pacific
Source: Vientiane Times In 2019, over 144,000 people drowned in the Asia Pacific region, accounting for 61 percent of global
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Laos Records US$932 Million Trade Value In June
Laos saw a record US$932 million in the value of imports and exports for June, but recorded a trade deficit of US$62 million
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More Workers Needed For Lao Garment Industry
The garment industry in Laos requires more workers, both skilled and unskilled, with almost all garment factories in Vientiane now reopening as lockdown restrictions are lifted.
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Villages Inundated As Heavy Rain Lashes Two Provinces
Many villages in at least two provnces of Luang Namtha and Luang Prabang provinces are suffering from flooding following torrential rain in recent days, according to local media.
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LCB’s Depositors To Be Repaid
Officials of the Bank of Lao PDR (BOL) have confirmed that customers or depositors of the Lao Construction Bank Limited (LCB) will be repaid once data of the bank’s depositors are provided.
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Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 Vaccine Delivered To Laos
Laos on Monday received more than one million doses of the Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine donated by the United States (US) government.
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Covid Restrictions Extended, Some Lifted To Ease Economic Impacts
The surge in imported cases of Covid-19 has prompted the government to extend the virus control measures outlined in Prime Ministerial Order No. 15 for another 15 days until August 3.
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Covid-19 Claims One Life, 131 New Cases Reported
A man has died after returning from neighbouring Thailand where he was tested positive for Covid-19, Lao authorities said on Sunday.
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Virus Taskforce Announces Fourth Death From Covid
The death of an elderly man from Covid-19 brings the total number of fatalities from the virus to four, the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control announced on Thursday.
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Vientiane Court Sentences Covid Spreaders To Jail
Vientiane People’s Court on Thursday handed down prison sentences to six people after finding them guilty of spreading Covid-19, facilitating illegal entry and exit from Laos, and deliberately concealing the movements of foreigners who entered Laos illegally.
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Vientiane Police Net Huge Drug Haul
Police discovered almost 17 million amphetamine tablets when they stopped a truck on the 450 Road in Xaythany district, Vientiane, on Tuesday.
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Second Doses Of Pfizer, Sinopharm Vaccines Available From Today
Health workers will begin providing second doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccines on Thursday as part of the immunisation campaign to vaccinate 50 percent of the population by the end of this year.
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Savannakhet Gets Tough On Covid Rule Breakers
Savannakhet provincial authorities will hand out fines ranging from 10-30 million kip to individuals or businesses found to be breaking the rules on Covid-19 prevention.
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Nam Theun 2 Shareholders, Govt Partner In World’s Largest Hybrid Floating Solar Project
The government and shareholders in the Nam Theun 2 hydropower plant have agreed to develop Nam Theun 2-Solar, the largest hybrid floating solar project in the world.
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Laos To Get 1 Million Doses Of Covid-19 Vaccine On Thursday
One million doses of the Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine are set to reach Laos on July 15, giving a boost to the government’s efforts to protect people from the Covid-19.
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Govt Extends Ban On Imported Cattle, Beef Products
The government has extended the ban on the import of cattle and other beef products due to an outbreak of lumpy skin disease, which is continuing to spread in various areas of the country.
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Laos Fears Outbreak Of Delta Variant Of Covid
Authorities fear the spread of the highly infectious Delta variant of Covid-19 after nine imported cases have been reported in Laos.
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Govt To Take Stronger Action To Contain Spread of Covid-19
The government has vowed to take stronger action to contain the spread of Covid-19 and to tackle economic difficulties created by the pandemic.
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Champassak Runs Out Of Covid Treatment Facilities
Champassak province is running out of facilities to accommodate people who test positive for Covid-19, with many infected Lao nationals now returning from Thailand.
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Laos, Russia Agree To Cement Ties, Broaden Cooperation
Lao and Russian foreign ministers have agreed that both sides will work together to cement ties and broaden cooperation between their two countries.
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Three Provinces Order Lockdowns In Virus-Affected Villages
Authorities in Vientiane, Saravan and Champassak provinces have ordered lockdowns in villages deemed to be at risk of Covid-19 transmission, following new cases of the virus.
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Covid Taskforce Orders Use Of Track And Trace QR Code
People living in Laos and entering the country will be required to install the LaoKYC programme on their smartphones so they can use the Lao Sou Sou service to scan a QR code.
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Laos Extends Lockdown Measures Until 19 July
The government has decided to extend a Prime Minister’s Order designed to control the Covid-19 outbreak for another 15 days, amid growing concerns over the surge in infections in neighbouring countries.
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Laos To Sell Vietnam Its Wind Power With Mitsubishi’s Help
Japanese trading conglomerate Mitsubishi Corp. will develop a massive onshore wind farm in Laos that will supply electricity to Vietnam.
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First Laos Green Coffee Competition is Underway
The first green coffee competition ever to take place in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic is underway, part of a broad multi-stakeholder effort to boost the country’s agricultural sector and forge international market connections.
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Laos Grapples With Rising Inflation
The consumer price index has continued to surge despite measures imposed by the government to manage the prices of goods in local markets.
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Vangvieng Authorities Call For Lockdown Of District
Vangvieng district authorities have asked Vientiane provincial authorities to consider ordering a lockdown in the district after cases of Covid-19 were reported in the area recently.
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Govt Approves Bokeo-Boten Expressway Linking China, Thailand
The government has approved the construction of an expressway running between Bokeo province and Boten, which will link China and Thailand through Laos.
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32 New Covid Cases Reported, Including 3 Delta
Laos has confirmed 32 new cases of Covid-19 cases, with three people testing positive for the highly infectious Delta variant of the virus.
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Laos’ trade deficit exceeds US$54 million in May
China is the largest market for Lao exports, while Thailand remains one of Laos’ main importing countries with imports reaching a record value of US$227 million in May.
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26 New Cases Of Covid Reported
The National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control on Monday reported 26 new cases
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New Shipment Of Vaccine To Arrive Next Month
Health officials will roll out round 3 of the vaccination programme next month, when target groups will be given the AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccines.
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Lao Airlines Announces Changes To Domestic Flight Schedule
Lao Airlines has announced that flights to several domestic destinations will resume on June 27 and July 2, after being initially planned for June 25.
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Vientiane To Vaccinate 80% Of Adults Against Covid-19 By Year End
Vientiane authorities have an amitious plan to have 80 per cent of its population vaccinated against Covid-19 to create herd immunity and break the chain of Covid-19 infection by the end of this year.
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Concerns Increase Over New Covid-19 Variants
The National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control has expressed concern about emerging variants of the virus
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First Train Test On Laos-China Railway Planned For August
The first trial run of a train on the under-construction Laos-China railway is scheduled to take place in August.
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Laos Voices Appreciation Of Asia-Europe Partnership
Laos values the Asia-Europe Partnership as an important forum for promoting cooperation and understanding between the peoples of the two regions.
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Ministry Eases Covid Restrictions For Education, Sports
The Ministry of Education and Sports is now allowing kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, vocational schools, colleges and universities in areas of provinces that have no new coronavirus infections to reopen. However, all schools, colleges and universities in Vientiane will remain closed
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Lao Airlines To Resume Domestic Flights On June 25
Lao Airlines has announced that it will resume domestic flights on June 25, with several weekly flights to different provinces that will carry travellers who have received Covid-19 vaccines.
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Lockdown Extended But More Restrictions Lifted
The government has extended the lockdown for another 15 days until July 4 but has eased some restrictions to alleviate the hardship caused by the Covid-19 outbreak and gradually normalise the situation.
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Police Make Breakthrough In Motorbike Theft
Vientiane police arrested a group of young men after they allegedly stole numerous motorbikes, tracking them down to a guesthouse in Xaymoungkhoun village, and confiscated nine bikes found in their possession.
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500,000 Doses Of Sinopharm Vaccine Arrive From China
This is the fifth delivery of vaccine produced by Sinopharm (China National Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd.) and will be used to vaccinate people aged 18 to 60 under the government’s National Deployment and Vaccination Plan.
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Villages Inundated As Heavy Rain Lashes Provinces
Thousands of people in many provinces are suffering from flash floods after heavy rain in recent days has inundated their communities.
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State, Private Sectors Set Up Joint Venture Dry Port Company To Develop Lao Logistics
A joint venture agreement was signed in Vientiane on June 10 to establish Thakhek Dry Port Co Ltd, which will develop “Thakhek Dry Port” as a gateway for international goods and encourage Laos to become a regional and international logistics service centre.
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Coffee Set To Boost Laos-EU trade
The value of coffee sold by Laos to the European (EU) market is likely to increase thanks to additional EU support for the trade.
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Laos Govt Approves Vientiane-Pakse Expressway Route Selection
The Lao government has recently approved the route selection for Vientiane-Pakse Expressway Project recommended by a Chinese engineering company.
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Laotians Still Affected by Wartime Use of Agent Orange, Study Finds
The survey found that 500 people in Laos under 50 years of age have congenital disabilities that may be associated with their parents’ or grandparents’ exposure to toxic herbicides during the war.
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Heavy Rain Expected Until June 14
Heavy rain and gusting winds will continue throughout Laos until June 14 and flooding and landslides are possible in all areas of the country, the Meteorology and Hydrology Department has warned.
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Laos At High Risk Of Major Outbreak, Officials Warn
Although the number of new Covid cases is continuing to fall, further community outbreaks remain a great concern in Vientiane.
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Additional Funding To Help Laos Reach 50 Percent Vaccination Target
An additional US$15 million was made available on June 9 to help Laos stop the spread of Covid-19, following an agreement between the World Bank and the government, according to World Bank
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Taskforce Sets Conditions For Entry And Exit From Vientiane
The Vientiane Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control has specified the conditions under which local residents, government officials and members of organisations may enter or exit the capital from now until June 19.
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Ministry Issues New Guidance To Tackle Corruption, Bureaucratic Malpractices
Authorities have issued a new guidance to prevent officials in-charge of natural resources and environment affairs from committing corruption and bureaucratic malpractices.
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Concerns Intensify Over Blood Clots In Covid Patients
News that a diabetic woman who contracted Covid-19 had two legs amputated last week because of blood clots has sparked further alarm about the complications that can be caused by the virus.
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Lockdown Extended For 15 Days, Some Restrictions Lifted
The government has extended the lockdown for another 15 days until June 19, with restrictions to continue in areas of infection known as red zones, while some virus control measures have been eased.
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Markets Under Scrutiny In Covid Crackdown
The government is keeping a close watch on Vientiane’s markets and is taking steps to reduce the risk of the Covid-19 virus spreading after it was found that several infected people had visited markets.
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Save Lives, Save Laos
Masks save lives !
All masks are produced locally, high quality, with all proceeds donated to organizations supporting the fight against COVID-19 !
WHO Validates China’s Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine For Emergency Use
The World Health Organisation (WHO) validated on Tuesday the CoronaVac COVID-19 vaccine developed by Chinese pharmaceutical company Sinovac for emergency use.
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Pfizer Vaccine Will Be Used To Protect Most Vulnerable
The government will use this batch to vaccinate 50,300 people above the age of 60 and with underlying health conditions, under the National Deployment and Vaccination Plan.
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100,620 Doses Of Pfizer Vaccine Expected Soon
Some 100,620 doses of Pfizer vaccine are expected to arrive in the coming days, according to the Centre of Information and Education for Health, Ministry of Health.
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Ministry Asks Telecom Operators To Cut Charges, Increase Internet Speed
Telecom operators plan to cut the charges for voice calls by 15 percent, as well as increase internet speeds, so that people can study online and work from home more easily during the Covid-19 outbreak.
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Smoking-Related Deaths Remain A Cause For Concern
Laos has the second worst record of all Asean countries with regard to smoking-related deaths, even though health officials have worked to raise public awareness of the harmful effects of tobacco.
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Hopes Rise For End To Lockdown As Covid Cases Dwindle
Lao people are hoping that the government will be able to control the spread of Covid-19 after only one new case of the virus was reported on Monday.
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City Authorities Issue Fire Warnings
A house fire has prompted Vientiane authorities to request people to check their electrical appliances and replace old wiring and other electrical equipment, after numerous fires have been blamed on electrical faults.
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Utilities Reduce Electricity And Water Tariffs For Households
The state-run Electricite Du Lao (EDL) and Vientiane Water Supply State Enterprise have cut power and water tariffs by three and five percent respectively to help people cope with the impact of the Covid-19 crisis.
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Oudomxay Police Seize 1 million Amphetamine Pills
Oudomxay provincial police last week arrested a couple after stopping their vehicle and discovering more than 1 million amphetamine pills and 48 bags of drug precursor chemicals weighing 1,200kg.
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Next Vaccine Shipment Expected Soon
The government is speeding up the Covid-19 vaccination programme as it now has enough vaccines for 760,000 people, while waiting for the next delivery to arrive.
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Vientiane-Pakxe Expressway Awaiting Govt Approval
Construction of the Vientiane-Pakxe expressway will go ahead after the government gives the green light for the proposed route, when feasibility studies on all sections of the highway will begin.
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More Villages Named Red Zones As Covid Spreads
Twenty-nine villages have been named as red zones, meaning they will remain under 24-hour surveillance and general entry and exit is banned in an attempt to contain the Covid-19 virus.
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56 More Infections Raise Covid Total To 1,878
The National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control on Tuesday warned that it will be difficult to prevent the spread of Covid-19 if people with the virus fail to provide information about those they have come into contact with.
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Laos To Get Additional Doses Of Russia’s Sputnik V Vaccine
Negotiations are currently underway regarding the supply of additional doses of Russia’s Sputnik V Covid-19 vaccine to Laos
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Police Nab Man For Fake News Post
Police detained a 23-year-old man after he posted a clip on social media which falsely implied there had been a plane crash in Luang Prabang province.
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