How Fast Is the Gaming Market in SE Asia Growing?
Source: Laos News Gaming has grown immensely in popularity since the turn of the century, but how fast is it
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Latest News
Business Operators Urge Cut In Transportation Costs
The business sector has requested the government find ways to reduce transportation and customs clearance costs to ensure that the collection of fees is done strictly under the Lao President’s Decree.
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Social Media Rumours Harming National Vaccination Campaign
Rumours about the death of an infant after being immunised against measles-rubella and polio have been cited as one reason why the nation’s vaccination campaign is not achieving the desired results this year.
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Laos-China Railway On Track Despite Covid-19 Pandemic
Construction of the Laos-China railway is progressing as planned despite the obstacles posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
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Vientiane To Spend 7.4 billion Kip To Repair Roads, Prevent Flooding
Many roads are in need of repair after suffering damage during heavy rain
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Luang Prabang Film Festival’s Lao Filmmakers Fund Awards Seven Grants To Local Film Projects
A psychological thriller about a young woman experiencing trauma and two new features from first-time directors are among those to win support from the 2020 Lao Filmmakers Fund
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More Rain Forecast For Central, Southern Areas
Weather forecasters are warning people in central and southern Laos to expect more showers and strong winds this week.
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Dengue Cases In Laos Reach 6,203
The highest number of 1,457 dengue patients were recorded in the Lao capital Vientiane
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Laos The Latest China Debt Trap Victim
Laos set to cede majority control of its national power grid to China to service Belt and Road debts
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Lao Govt Partners With Hi-tech Company In Land Surveys
Lao Govt and Space Eye Lao Co., Ltd. (Spel) will partner in the study and development of a modern land management system in Laos using digital technology.
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Lao Athlete Tests Positive For Covid-19 Upon Return From Russia
A 29-year-old Army athlete on Friday confirmed positive for Covid-19 upon his return from Russia.
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New Initiative Launched To Address Cyberbullies
Lao authorities have established a new mechanism to address cyberbullying as increasing numbers of people are using social media as a tool to defame others online
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Agriculture Growth Rate Falls Below Target
The agriculture sector is expected to grow at a rate of just 0.9-1.7 percent this year, well below the target of 2.8-3 percent
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Lane Xang Minerals Resumes Operation At Sepon Mine
The primary gold project is expected to generate about US$30 million in government revenue and economic benefits
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Laos Records 142 New Cases Of Dengue Fever
The Lao Ministry of Health on Saturday reported 142 new cases of dengue fever, bringing the total number of infections to 5,923, and 11 deaths were recorded.
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Weekly Humanitarian Flights Organised To Repatriate Lao Overseas
Lao students who have completed their studies and government officials participating in short-term training courses overseas will be able to return home via weekly scheduled humanitarian flights.
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EDL, CSG Sign Agreement To Establish Transmission Line Firm
EDLT plans to invest about US$2 billion in building Laos’ national backbone power grid and cross-border power grid interconnection for Laos and its neighbouring countries
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Laos Faces Sovereign Default As Forex Reserves Dip Below $1bn
The country’s foreign exchange reserves have fallen below $1bn, less than Laos’ annual debt payments
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Laos To Lose Favourable Trading Status After LDC Graduation
Laos could face a trade loss of US$102 million under the special tariff scheme if the country graduates from the UN’s Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2024
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Lao Telecom Officially Launches 5G System
Lao Telecommunications Public Company (Lao Telecom) has officially launched the 5G system, which is the first network in Laos.
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Migrants From Neighboring Countries Sneak Into Laos, Sparking COVID Fears
Migrants from China, Myanmar, and Vietnam are increasingly entering Laos by boat and through lightly-guarded border crossings, avoiding more heavily inspected international checkpoints
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7-Eleven Signs Agreement with CP ALL to Operate 7-Eleven Stores in Laos
The first 7-Eleven-branded convenience store in Laos is expected to be open in Vientiane
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Pilot Launch Of New ‘Phuket Model’ To Let Tourists In Likely Next Month
A new model to reopen Phuket to foreign tourists is expected to be piloted in the middle of next month
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Laos To Lose US$483mil In Export Revenue Over COVID-19
The country is still facing a huge trade deficit
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Thailand Not Opening To Foreign Tourists Any Time Soon
Thailand will not be fully reopened to foreign tourists along the lines of the so-called “Phuket Model” any time soon because the government has to consider too many details
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Inflation In Laos Remains Sore Point For The Poor
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) remains high in Laos despite the government increasing measures to curb rising prices at Lao markets.
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Garment Makers To Focus On Domestic Market As Foreign Orders Slump
The Lao garment industry is in a slump following a significant drop in orders from foreign countries due to the Covid-19 pandemic and must now rely on the domestic market to sustain its long-time workforce.
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13 Vietnamese Caught Sneaking Into Laos
Border guards in central Vietnam are investigating 13 people who paid a smuggling ring to help them enter Laos, and later Thailand, to find jobs.
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Land Disputes Remain A Challenge For Vientiane Authorities
Land disputes have become one of the most difficult issues for authorities in the national capital because of growing demand for land
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Cabinet Instructs Business-Friendly Policy Improvements, Tightening Of Border Crossings
Chaired by Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith, the two-day meeting told officials in charge to improve policies to promote small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
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Thailand Appeal Court Upholds Life Sentence For Lao Drug Kingpin Mr. X
Thailand’s Appeal Court has upheld a life sentence for Lao drug kingpin Xaysana Keophimpha, better known as Mr. X
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Hin Nam No To Gain World Heritage Status By 2022
Source: Vientiane Times Laos is hopeful that Hin Nam No (Karst) National Protection Area in Bualapha district of Khammuan province
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Fiscal Deficit Ramps Up Pressures On Lao Government
An elevated fiscal deficit will result in growing public debt, which will ramp up pressure on the country’s debt servicing capacity amid the Covid-19 crisis.
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Laos: Illegal Trade With Terrestrial Vertebrates In Markets And Households
It’s not a surprise to anyone that numerous vertebrate species are being sold at different wildlife markets, but at the moment there is still no comprehensive understanding of how much people are involved in those actions in Laos (Lao PDR), nor what the impact on local wildlife populations really is.
Read more Two People Test Positive For Covid-19 Upon Arrival From Abroad
Two more people have tested positive for Covid-19 after arriving in Laos by air, bring the total number of cases confirmed in Laos to 22, authorities announced on Friday.
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Vinamilk Poured An Additional $ 41 Million Into The Dairy Project In Laos
Vinamilk’s investment capital in Lao-Jagro has increased from 25.4 million USD to 66.4 million USD. Additional capital increased to build the first two farms in the complex of high-tech dairy farms in Laos.
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Ministry To Increase CCTV Camera Coverage In City
The Ministry of Public Security will increase the coverage of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in the capital, with an aim to improve surveillance, monitor crimes better, and help police deal with anti-social elements.
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Moody’s Downgrades Laos’s Rating To Caa2, Outlook Changed To Negative
Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) has downgraded the Government of Laos’s issuer rating to Caa2 from B3 and changed the outlook to negative.
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Laos Reports 75 Deaths From Road Accidents In July
A total of 75 people were killed in 518 road accidents in Laos during July
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Lao Zoo Refocuses Vision From Entertainment To Education
Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife (LCTW) is improving Lao Zoo at Ban Keun village in Thoulakhom district, Vientiane province to turn it from a place focusing on entertainment into a hub for conservation and education about native fauna.
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Govt, GIZ Launch Project To Promote SMEs
The project will focus on Promotion of Strengthening Regional Structures for Small and Medium Enterprise Promotion in Asean.
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Govt Takes New Steps To Prevent Second Wave Of Covid-19
The continuing spread of Covid-19 in neighbouring countries and beyond has forced Laos to intensify measures to protect the tiny nation against a second wave of the virus.
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Inflation Rises In Laos Amidst Covid Pandemic
The inflation rate is increasing in Laos despite the government’s measures to regulate the prices of goods in the local markets.
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Chinese Workers and Gamblers Illegally Stream Into Laos to Avoid Quarantine
Laos has detained and deported hundreds of Chinese nationals in recent months for illegally entering the country to sidestep a mandatory 14-day coronavirus quarantine period and head straight to casinos to gamble or work
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Top 3 Expos Of Laos Postponed To 2021 Due To Covid-19 Crisis
The organisers of the top three expos of Laos have announced that LaoBuild 2020, Lao Food & Hotel 2020 and LaoCafe 2020 have been rescheduled to June 17-19, 2021 in line with the government’s Covid-19-related restrictions.
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Laos To Lose Millions Of Dollars Remitted By Workers Due To Covid-19 Crisis
Laos expects to lose millions dollars in remittances from overseas workers this year following the return of thousands of Lao citizens to the country due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
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Laos Toughens Anti-Money Laundering Measures
Source: Vientiane Times The National Committee for anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) has reviewed the progress of preparations
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J&C Marketing Seminar with AustCham Lao
“Marketing Over Coffee” is back with its second edition “Top 5 Facebook Metrics: What they tell you about your business”
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Lao Brewery Park Renovation Grants For Vientiane Hit 3.4 Billion Kip
Source: Vientiane Times Lao Brewery Co. Ltd has granted 3.4 billion kip combined to renovation projects for Chao Fa Ngum
Read more New COVID-19 Case After 102 days: Laos
The Lao Ministry of Health reported one new COVID-19 case on Friday for the first time after 102 days.
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Gold Prices Rise Further Amid Covid-19 Pandemic
Gold jewellery prices in Laos on Wednesday were almost 8.8 million kip per baht-weight (15 grams) and 2.2 million kip a sleung (3.75 grams)
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Nation Needs To Focus On Fight Against Dengue Fever
Health authorities say officials and the public have achieved excellent results in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic, but Laos now needs to prevent an outbreak of a virulent form of dengue fever this rainy season.
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Vientiane To Trace All Illegal Internet Cafés
Some cafés found operating without a licence as well as some open for online gaming and gambling or selling drugs
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Silent Killer Claiming Thousands
The scourge of liver fluke infection can be halted if there is a will to take action
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Vientiane Unearths Plan To Send Power Lines Underground
Vientiane authorities have given the green light to three companies for a pilot project to redirect overhead electrical cables underground as part of long-term beautification plans for the city’s downtown.
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Lao Airlines To Resume Flights On Vientiane-Hanoi Route
State-run Lao Airlines plans to soon resume its international service from Vientiane to Hanoi in Vietnam, with two flights a week on Mondays and Fridays.
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Private Hospital Project In Need Of Foreign Skilled Workers
The Covid-19 crisis resulted in an indefinite delay for the project to build the largest private hospital in Laos.
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Strong Monsoon Generating Thunderstorms In Central, Southern Regions
A strong prevailing southwest monsoon will increase cloud cover across Laos and is expected to lead to thunderstorms with rain and strong winds from July 16-19.
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Lao Central Bank Imposes New Regulation For Currency Exchanges
The Bank of the Lao PDR has come up with a new administrative rule designed to administer currency exchange businesses amid the appreciation of international currencies against the Lao kip.
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Vientiane Authorities Set Prices Of Rice To Protect Consumers
Authorities in Vientiane have set the maximum rates of rice to protect consumers and ensure price stability amid the economic crisis because of natural disasters and the Covid-19 pandemic.
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COVID-19: Will AirAsia Be The Next Airline To Fold?
Auditors Ernst & Young noted the “existence of material uncertainties that may cast significant doubt on the group’s and the company’s ability to continue as a going concern.”
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Nearly One-Third Of Tourism-Related Businesses ‘May Shut Down Permanently’: Thailand
The Tourism Council of Thailand estimates that in the next three months up to 30 per cent of tourism-related businesses in Thailand are at risk of shutting down permanently
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Social Media Uproar After Lao Schoolboy Kicked Out of Exam For ‘Wrong’ Haircut
Source: RFA A Lao middle-school student near the country’s capital Vientiane was removed from class in the middle of an
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Four Shot Dead, One Wounded During Bokeo Armed Robbery
Four Chinese nationals were killed and one was injured during an attempted armed robbery in Tonpheung district, Bokeo province on Tuesday with local police still hunting for the assailant.
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Processing Factories Struggle To Stay Afloat
Many manufacturers in Laos are facing challenges to stay afloat even as the government has given them the nod to resume business.
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Dengue Fever Cases In Laos Rise To 2,345
Source: Xinhua Dengue cases in Laos have reached 2,345 with seven deaths since January, Lao Ministry of Health reported in
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French Int’l School Ends School Year With Perfect Score
100% Baccalaureate success rate including 83.3% of honourable mentions: these are the results of the French International School of Vientiane for the school year 2020.
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Widespread Heavy Downpours Forecast Across Laos
Regions across Laos have been put on alert for flash floods and landslides after weather forecasters warned an active low pressure system will increase heavy rains in parts of the country during July 1-5.
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Insurance Cover for USD100,000 Stipulated for all Returning Foreigners To Thailand
The regulations state that passengers must show they have medical insurance which applies in Thailand and covers anything and everything to do with covering COVID19. The minimum medical coverage in Thailand is for an amount of not less than USD100,000.
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Laos Suffering From Limited Sources Of Foreign Currency
Source: Vientiane Times Laos needs at least US$4 billion in foreign currencies to purchase goods from other countries each year,
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Laos: Decision On Trademark Registration Process
The Decision brings clarity to certain important provisions of the Amended Law on Intellectual Property No. 38/NA, published in May 2018.
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Laos To Establish Centre For Food Quality
Source: The Star Laos will establish the National Center for the Quality Inspection of Foodstuff and Beverage to ensure the
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Despite Recent Denials, NokScoot Is Closing Down
The Covid-19 pandemic has claimed another victim – regional budget airline NokScoot is closing down.
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PRI·MED Medical Products Announces New Medical PPE Manufacturing Facility in Laos
PRI·MED Medical Products (PRI·MED), a worldwide leader in manufacturing single-use medical personal protective equipment (PPE) including face masks, gowns and examination gloves – has today announced the development of a new manufacturing facility in Vientiane, Laos
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One-Stop Service ‘Still Can’t Be Implemented’: DPM
The one-stop service introduced by the government to enable the completion of service procedures at one location is still not implemented effectively
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No Chance Of Vietnam Resuming International Flights In July: Experts
Vietnamese carriers’ plans to resume international flights next month will come to naught, given fresh Covid-19 outbreaks in Asia and other factors, experts say.
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Some Foreigners To Be Allowed Entry From July 1: Thailand
Thailand will allow some foreigners to enter the country from July 1, in an easing of the months-long travel lockdown.
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Police Targeting Hit-And-Run Drivers In The Capital
So far this year three drivers involved hit-and-runs have been arrested in the capital with the accidents resulting in three fatalities
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Laos’ Revenues From Coffee Rise Despite Reduction In Plantations
The value of coffee exported by Laos increased as the price of local coffee beans was better this year
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Thai Immigration Crackdown On Illegal Migrants Flowing Back Into The Country
The country’s porous borders have been an ongoing issue with some 5 million+ illegal immigrants floating around Thailand at any one time.
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EDL To Slash Electricity Bills For Thousands Of Householders
Electricity du Laos (EDL) will reduce electricity prices for households using less than 461kwh per month for the three months of April, May, and June as part measures to offset the financial impact of COVID-19 in the country.
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International Flights To Thailand Won’t Resume Until September, Says Aviation Authority
Thailand Civil Aviation Authority (CAAT) has said it will be September before international flights to and from the country resume.
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More Restaurants Resume Services, Some Remain Closed
Several restaurants in Vientiane and tourist destinations across Laos continue to be closed after suspending operations several months ago due to the Covid-19 crisis, and some operators are now seeking new ways to earn a living.
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Importers, Exporters Face Further Trade Barriers
Importers and exporters in Laos are grappling with several challenges despite the government’s active efforts to reduce procedures and trade barriers.
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Laos Praised For Quick Virus Response
International health organisations on Thursday praised Laos’ early response and countrywide networks for containing the novel coronavirus after the Southeast Asian nation declared itself free of the virus earlier this month.
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New Decree Promotes Unity Among Ethnic Groups
The government has promulgated a prime ministerial decree designed to promote unity among the nation’s diverse ethnic groups.
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Laos Has Avoided A Major Health Crisis, Yet To Be Immune To Global Economic Downturn
The Lao PDR has so far avoided a major health crisis but has not been immune from the global economic downturn as the COVID-19-induced economic recession has affected the country through multiple channels including tourism, trade, investment, commodity prices, exchange rates, and lower remittances.
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Vientiane-Vangvieng Expressway Over 70 percent Complete
Source: Vientiane Times Construction of a 113.50-km expressway linking Vientiane and Vangvieng is now over 70 percent complete and authorities
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Laos Announces Victory Over Covid-19
The Lao government announced an initial victory in the battle against Covid-19 after all 19 patients infected by the virus were discharged from hospital
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Laos-China Railway Almost 90 Percent Complete
Construction of the Laos-China railway was 89.43 percent complete as of the end of May with Lao authorities calling for the project developer to progress work according to plan.
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Singapore Firm To Build US$1.7 billion Coal Power Plant In Laos
Laos has approved a Singapore energy firm’s plan to build a 1,000 MW coal-fired power plant in the southern province of Sekong.
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No Troubles With Covid-19 But Laos Reports 48 More Cases Of Dengue Fever
Laos has reported no new Covid-19 case for more than 50 days but it still has plenty to handle with dengue fever.
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Real Estate Market Expected To Drop Sharply This Year
The real estate market in Laos is expected to decline by 15 percent to 20 percent this year because of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and a continuing economic slowdown.
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Labour Ministry Orders Businesses To Pay Workers Amid Virus Outbreak
The Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare has instructed businesses in the production and service sectors to respect the Law on Labour, related laws, and regulations on the payment of workers affected by the Covid-19 outbreak.
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Foreign Ministry Issues Update On Entry And Exit Rules
In its latest announcement issued on June 1, the ministry said an application must also be made to the Secretariat of the National Taskforce Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control
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BOL Launches Real Time Financial System
Bank of the Lao PDR (BOL) has officially launched the Lao Payment and Settlement System (LaPASS), a real-time gross settlement system, to promote a more efficient financial system.
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Private Quarantine Facilities At Own Cost Offered To Returning Foreigners: Thailand
Foreigners and Thai nationals returning to Thailand from abroad can choose special services at their own expense during their 14 days of quarantine on arrival.
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Nikon Lays Off 700 Workers In Laos and Thailand As Part Of “Structural Reform”
Nikon Corporation has announced that they’ve reduced the number of employees in their Imaging business by 700 at its factories in Thailand and Laos – around 10% of their workforce in each of those locations.
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Govt Lifts More Restrictions On Road To ‘New Normal’
The government has lifted more of the restrictions put in place to curb the Covid-19 outbreak, enabling people to gradually return to a ‘new normal’ based on Laos’ good track record in keeping the virus at bay.
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Foreigners Allowed To Enter Thailand On Case-By-Case Basis
Under phase 3 of the lockdown relaxation, foreigners with work permits or permission from the Labour Ministry or other government agencies will be allowed to enter the country after registration
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Mass Unemployment The New Normal In SE Asia
A new International Labor Organization report suggests that more than one in six young people worldwide has stopped working since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, while the rest have seen their working hours cut by almost a quarter.
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Laos’ Tax Collections Decrease Due To Covid-19 Pandemic And New Tax Law Adjustment
Laos will not be able to achieve the target for tax collections this year due to the Covid-19 crisis and the implementation of the adjusted new tax law.
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Petrol Stations Increase Fuel Prices
Petrol stations across Laos on Wednesday increased retail prices of petrol and diesel
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Engaging Men And Boys For A More Equal Post Covid-19 Society
Did you know that in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, on average, the time a woman spends on housework, child care, caring for the sick can be as much as four times more than men?
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New Law On Cinema Spells Out Oversight Rules
A new Law on Cinema has come into effect, providing guidelines about the steps filmmakers must undertake before engaging in or shooting a film in Laos.
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Commercial Crops In Vientiane Impacted By Drought
Various projects in Vientiane for the promotion of dry season commercial crops have been impact by a drought and the lack of water in irrigation systems.
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Amended Law On Insurance In Laos
The amended law addresses insurance activity in Laos, insurers’ daily operations, and termination and liquidation of an insurance company.
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PM Advises Energy Ministry To Clarify Electricity Charges
Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith has directed the Ministry of Energy and Mines to clearly explain the electricity tariff structure following concerns raised by society about increased monthly bills.
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Authorities Debunk Smoking’s Alleged COVID-19 Defence As Hot Air
A review of studies by public health experts convened by the World Health Organisation on April 29, found that smokers are more likely to develop severe disease with COVID-19, compared to non-smokers.
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COVID-19 To Impact Lao PDR Growth, Debt In 2020: World Bank Report
Between 96,000 and 214,000 additional people are estimated to fall into poverty as a result of the pandemic, jeopardizing past gains.
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Vientiane Water Reduces Household Tariffs By 5 Percent
Vientiane Water Supply Enterprise will reduce its rates from May to July for household customers by five percent with the change coming into effect next month.
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Gradual Reopening Of Int’l Borders
39 days no infections prompts gradual reopening of int’l borders
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Little Laos Teeters Towards Big Debt Crisis
Laos will be hard-pressed to meet its external debt obligations
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Health Officials Strive To Take Sting Out Of Dengue Fever
Health authorities are advising provincial health departments to actively monitor their areas in the fight against dengue fever, as the prevalence of the disease in the provinces is higher this year than last.
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Laos Can Expect Higher Rate Of Drug Inflow From Golden Triangle: UNODC
UNODC warns that the synthetic drug market in East and Southeast Asia is continuing to expand and diversify
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Hot Conditions, Thunderstorms Forecast Until Next Week
Many regions across the country will continue to receive hot weather and thunderstorms, with strong winds and light rain from May 20-26
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Small Earthquake Shakes Laos’ Central Region
A small earthquake registering 2.6 on the Richter scale struck central Vientiane province at a depth of 1 km below the earth’s surface recently with no damage to property reported.
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Lao Economy Needs Cash Injection
The government needs to speed up the provision of the loans it has approved as this is one of the best ways to help Lao businesses survive amid the Covid-19 pandemic
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Students Return To School As Covid-19 Restrictions Ease
The government has announced all students nationwide can go back to schools on June 2, while final-year classes in primary, lower and upper secondary schools began on Monday.
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Unemployment Spirals Due To Covid-19 Outbreak
The perennial challenge of unemployment in Laos has been further exacerbated by the Covid-19 outbreak as large numbers of people have been laid off from their jobs.
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Travel Restrictions Lifted As More Lockdown Measures Eased
The government has lifted travel restrictions to enable people to travel freely around the country as Laos eases more Covid-19 prevention measures to minimise the impact on livelihoods and the economy.
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Fitch Revises Laos’ Outlook to Negative, Affirms Rating at ‘B-‘
Fitch Ratings has affirmed Laos’ Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at ‘B-‘ and revised the Outlook to Negative from Stable.
Read more Dengue Fever Claims Two Lives
Two people have died following a nationwide outbreak of dengue fever in the first five months of this year, with Vientiane and Xayaboury provinces recording the most cases.
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More Thunderstorms Forecast To Rumble Across The Country
Thunderstorms, strong winds and hail are forecast for northern, central and southern provinces from May 15-17, while storms and light rain will affect some regions from May 18-19,
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Petrol Prices In Laos To Decrease
The new lower rates for fuels will come into effect across Laos from 4 pm on May 14.
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Laos Sets Criteria For Entry And Exit
All people entering Laos will have to undergo a health check, be tested for Covid-19 and be placed in quarantine for 14 days
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Lao Migrant Workers Clear Quarantine, Return Home, After Crossing Back From Thailand
More than 6,000 Lao migrant workers held in camps in quarantine after returning from Thailand have now gone home
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Laos Extends Flight Ban
The ban on flights to Laos continues with no end date in sight as far as government announcements go
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Laos’ Exports Drop Further Amid COVID-19 Crisis
The value of Laos’ exports this year have dropped from US$410 million in January to US$209 million in April because of the impact of the global Covid-19 pandemic.
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Farmers Told To Brace For Dry Three Months
Laos farmers are expected to have difficulty finding enough water for wet season rice planting from May to July as hotter weather brings less rain
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Over 100 Houses Damaged By Hailstorm In Xieng Khuang
A hailstorm and heavy rain swept across Kham district of Xieng Khuang province recently, damaging more than 100 houses in the area
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Shopping Centres Reopen To Public
Many large shopping centres have resumed operations after being temporarily closed in line with the government’s orders to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
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Thai Prototype Vaccine Passes Test With Flying Colours
Thailand has made progress in developing a vaccine for Covid-19 after laboratory trials of a prototype proved successful
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Businesses Must Implement Virus Measures To Prevent New Outbreaks
Enterprises operating during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic must strictly implement precautionary measures to avert further outbreaks of the virus, authorities have advised.
Read more Govt Strictly Monitoring People Entering Laos To Prevent Spread Of Covid-19 / 5.5.2020
The government is strictly implementing preventive measures and monitoring people entering Laos at the borders to prevent the spread of Covid-19
Read more Laos Cautiously Optimistic Over Covid-19 / 4.5.2020
Some prevention and control measures that were previously enforced are still in place to prevent a second wave of infections.
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Strong Winds, Storms Forecast Countrywide
Southern and central regions can expect light rain and strong winds from May 4-7, while thunderstorms, hail and strong winds are possible throughout the country from May 8-10
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Lao Airlines Suspends All Flights
The state-run Lao Airlines will suspend all domestic and international flights in order to prevent, limit and control the spread of Covid-19.
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Schools To Remain Closed Until At Least May 18
Students and teachers nationwide will have to be patient as authorities have proposed that primary and secondary schools and tertiary education institutions remain closed with an expected reopening from May 18.
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Temporary Easing of Lockdown Restrictions
The new guidelines issued by the Lao PM are temporary measures to prevent and control the virus and will begin from 4th to 17th May 2020.
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Work Completed On Laos’ Third Longest Tunnel For Railway Link With China
Work on the country’s third longest tunnel at Namor district in Oudomxay province, which is part of the Laos-China Railway Project and has a length of 9020 metres, has been completed.
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Lockdown Eased, But Thailand Remains Closed To Foreign Tourists For Another Month
Though Thailand will allow some businesses to reopen from Friday (May 1), the country is still not ready to welcome foreign tourists, say government officials.
Read more Govt Discusses Post-Lockdown Measures / 29.4.2020
The government looks set to keep some strict measures in place as part of its bold policy to control the spread of COVID-19
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60 Fires In First Three Months Of Year
A total of 60 fires were reported around the country in the first three months of this year
Read more Authorities Urge Public To Get Ready Against Deadly Dengue
Health authorities are calling on the public to make preparations against the dengue virus this rainy season after one person has already died from the disease this year.
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Schools Expected To Reopen On May 11 Under Close Supervision
State and private kindergartens, primary and secondary schools and tertiary education institutions along with sporting activities, are expected to reopen on May 11 amid strict measures.
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Easing of Lockdown Restrictions Proposed
Six restrictions under the current lockdown could be eased after May 3 if there are no more confirmed case of coronavirus by that date, authorities have suggested.
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Ministry Says Parents Of Students In Private Schools Must Pay 50 Percent Of Fees
Private schools must pay 50 percent of the salaries of teachers, while parents must pay 50 percent of the fees for students for the month of April.
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Ban On Inbound Flights Continues: Thailand
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) is planning to extend its inbound flight ban for another 15 days
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Vientiane Cuts Waste Disposal Fee By 50 Percent
The waste disposal fee for residents, entrepreneurs and organisations in Vientiane has been reduced by 50 percent from April to June this year.
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Lao Health System Continues To Offer Immunization Services Despite COVID-19 Pandemic
Despite the arrival of COVID-19 in the Lao PDR last month, the health system here is continuing to provide essential health services – and in particular immunization
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PM Extends Restrictions For Virus Control, Some Eased To Minimise Economic Impact
The prime minister told the cabinet to remain tough in enforcing his Order No. 6 which imposes tougher prevention and control measures, and measures imposed by the relevant authorities.
Read more Factories, Businesses To Operate Amid Lockdown
Factories and businesses at the heart of the Lao economy will be able to resume their operations amid the extended lockdown ordered by the Prime Minister to combat the Covid-19 pandemic.
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Lao Tourism Income To Decline At Least US$350 Million In 2020
Laos is expecting tourism revenues to fall by at least US$350 million (3,111 billion kip) this year with the sector to cut 2 percent off the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP).
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Bushfires Destroy 100,000 Hectares Of Forests
More than 100,000 hectares of forests in Luang Namtha province were destroyed by bushfires that raged for more than a month
Read more No New Cases For 10 Days / 22.4.2020
No new cases of infection have been reported for 10 straight days
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Covid-19: Cleaner Air, Well Not In Laos
The COVID-19 movement restrictions have had one good side-effect: the air is cleaner and clearer everywhere. Everywhere? Not quite!
Read more Widespread Thunderstorms, Strong Winds Forecast Until Sunday
Many regions across the country are expecting thunderstorms and strong winds with the public being urged to be on alert
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Lao Airlines To Resume All Domestic Flights Next Month
Lao Airlines will resume flights on all domestic routes next month after operations were suspended during April 1-19 to help prevent the spread of Covid-19.
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Thailand Extends Foreigners’ Visas As Coronavirus Cases Slow
Thailand’s cabinet approved a second automatic visa extension for foreigners for three more months until July 31
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Thailand Warns Food Delivery Apps For Overcharging Amid Coronavirus Outbreak
Thailand’s anti-monopoly watchdog warned food delivery platforms they could face fines for charging higher commissions
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Twelve Predictions For Life After Coronavirus: Travel & Tourism
12 predictions for the travel and tourism industry in Asia
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Trade Deficit Spikes In March
Laos recorded a trade deficit of US$118 million in March, which was higher than the figures for January and February.
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Local Authorities Urged To Enforce PM’s Order On Lockdown
Local authorities must ensure that Prime Minister’s Order No. 6, aimed at preventing the spread of Covid-19 by putting a lockdown in place, is enforced
Read more Taskforce Confirm No New Cases For 7 days / 19.4.2020
No new COVID-19 cases have been recorded in Laos for seven consecutive days with the total number of confirmed infections unchanged at 19 as of Sunday
Read more Schools, Centres Of Higher Education To Remain Closed
The Ministry of Education and Sports announced on Friday that all schools and tertiary centres of education will remain closed from April 22 to May 3 as part of government efforts to curb the Covid-19 outbreak.
Read more No New Cases For Four Days / 16.4.2020
A second patient hospitalised with Covid-19 was discharged and allowed to go home
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Japanese Man Wanted Over Alleged Murder Of Norwegian Woman In Laos
Police have placed a 38-year-old male Japanese national on an international wanted list over the alleged the murder of a Norwegian woman earlier this year.
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Lockdown Extended Until 03 May !
Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith has extended the current lockdown for Laos until 3 May 2020.
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Vientiane Focuses On Food Security Amid Covid-19 Pandemic
Authorities in Vientiane have taken steps to ensure food security amid the challenges posed by the Covid-19 outbreak, which has resulted in problems in transporting agricultural products from other provinces.
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Nearly 300 Lao Workers Strike Over Unpaid Wages at Chinese Garment Factory
Hundreds of workers staged a protest last week at a Chinese garment factory in the Lao capital, saying the firm did not pay their wages for March and ignored government orders to close the factory to combat the COVID-19 outbreak.
Read more One Covid-19 Patient Recovers, No New Cases Reported / 14.4.2020
A patient who contracted Covid-19 and has been undergoing treatment in hospital has tested negative for the first time, and no new infections have been reported
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Investors Call The Government Considers Import And Export Goods Via Local Checkpoints
Businesses engaged in foreign trade have asked the government to allow imports and exports via local and traditional border checkpoints
Read more Another Covid-19 Case Confirmed, Bringing Total To 19 / 12.4.2020
Another person in Vientiane has tested positive for Covid-19 after sharing a room with a friend who had contracted the virus, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 19.
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Need Support? We Are Still Here For You!
As all J&C teams have switched to “home office”, we assure you that J&C Group continues to support you, your family, and/or your company.
Read more Avoid Parties As COVID-19 Cases Hit 18 / 11.4.2020
Taskforce urges members of the public to avoid parties during the Lao New Year break
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Lao Economic Growth Shrinks Amid Drop in Production, Spending
Economic growth in Laos has slowed as production and consumer spending drop amid fears of a spread of the coronavirus, with growth expected to shrink by about 50 percent
Read more No New Covid-19 Cases / 10.4.2020
A total of 82 people who were displaying Covid-19 symptoms and had close contact with patients all tested negative for the coronavirus yesterday, meaning that there are no new cases
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Xaysettha Revokes Ruling On Temporary Village Membership Fee
Authorities in Xaysettha district, Vientiane, have revoked a notice they had issued following complaints from local residents about the plan to charge a fee for the provision of a temporary certificate of village membership.
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Laos Goes To The Movies
Local filmmakers are starting to overcome financing and censorship constraints
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Almost 90 Killed Nationwide In Road Accidents In March
Nearly 90 people were killed in road accidents across the country during March
Read more Dining Out With Friend Leads To 16th Confirmed Virus Case / 9.4.2020
A Lao student in Vientiane was confirmed as the nation’s sixteenth COVID-19 case on Thursday following eating and drinking with a friend last month who was later found to be infected.
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No Public Access To Pimai Water Traditions At Temples
The pouring of purified perfumed water to ceremonially shower Buddha images in temples by members of the public would typically occur across the country during next week’s Lao New Year period.
Read more Another Student Confirmed With COVID-19 / 8.4.2020
A 20-year-old Lao female student who returned home from England has been confirmed as infected with COVID-19, taking the total number of cases to 15 nationally
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Laos Changes Conditions For Covid-19 Tests
The National Taskforce Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control has eased the conditions for free Covid-19 tests in order to reduce the threat posed by the Coronavirus to Laos.
Read more Two New Cases Carry Covid-19 Infections To 14 / 7.4.2020
Two more Covid-19 cases have been confirmed in Laos with the total number rising to 14, after additional tests returned positive
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Looking For Passengers On TG574, 23rd March 2020
The Lao authorities have asked that those who have traveled on flight TG574 Bangkok-Vientiane on the 23/03/2020 to come in and get tested.
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Authorities In Northern Provinces Seek More Volunteers To Control Bushfires
Many thousand hectares of forests in the northern provinces have been destroyed by bushfires, prompting authorities to mobilise more volunteers to control the flames.
Read more Lao Woman Studying In The UK Infected By Coronavirus / 6.4.2020
A 20-year-old woman from Vientiane has been infected by the Coronavirus, taking the total number of infections in Laos to 12
Read more Laos Confirms New Covid-19 Case
A foreign national working in Laos has tested positive for Covid-19, taking the total number of cases in the country to 11.
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Laos Follows WHO Guidelines Strictly To Prevent COVID-19
Laos has strictly implemented measures by following the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO) on prevention of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Capital’s Air Quality Readings Improve As Smoke Clears
Air quality tests in Vientiane are returning safer readings as recorded levels of particulate matter (PM) 2.5 pollution begin to reduce toward acceptable standards in the capital
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Access, Equity Reasons For Private Health Facilities Closure
Shut down of private hospital and clinics nationwide to ensure public has maximum possible equity in access to free and high standard quality COVID-19 testing and treatment facilities
Read more No Covid-19 Cases For Two Consecutive Days
The National Taskforce Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control on Friday reported there had been no more reported cases of Covid-19 for two days, with the total number of confirmed cases remaining stable at 10.
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Govt Pledges Food Security During Outbreak Fears
There are sufficient imported sources of consumer goods to maintain food security Lao authorities have said.
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Police Arrest Man For Murder At Patuxay Monument
Vientiane police have arrested a man on suspicion of involvement in a murder at the Patuxay monument in the capital on Monday, officials said on Wednesday.
Read more Laos Confirms New Covid-19 Case, Bringing Total To 10
A female Vientiane resident, 21, was confirmed today as being infected with coronavirus, bringing the total infections to 10 people.
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Laos Allows Shuttle Flights To Evacuate Foreigners
Shuttle flights will be allowed for countries to pick up their citizens from Laos
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Vientiane Bus Suspends All Services
Vientiane State Bus Enterprise (VSBE) suspended its services on every route in Vientiane and to other provinces yesterday following the cancellation of international routes on March 23.
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Chinese Medical Team Arrives In Laos To Help Fight COVID-19
A team of Chinese medical experts, along with medical materials, arrived in Lao capital Vientiane by a chartered plane Sunday morning to assist Laos to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
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