“Laos’ BRI Projects Deliver Tangible Benefits, Not a Debt Trap” – Diplomat
The belt and road initiative is bringing tangible benefits for both countries and is not a debt trap according to chinese diplomat.
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Transportation – Vehicles
Laos-China Railway Carries More Than 4 Million Tonnes of Freight
The amount of cross-border freight transported by the Laos-China Railway has risen to more than 4 million tonnes.
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Train Tickets to Khamsavath Station Now on Sale
Tickets for travel on the Laos-China Railway can now be purchased at the station in Khamsavath village, Xaysettha district, Vientiane.
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The Phase II of the Lao-Thai Railway is Completed
Phase II of the Lao-Thai Railway Construction Project (Section II) has been fully completed and is ready to be opened for use by the public.
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Lao Airlines Resumes Flights to Changsha China
Lao Airlines resume flights to Changsa, China.
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Finance Ministry Orders Vehicle Owners to Pay Road Tax Before September
Individuals, legal entities and organisations that own or use any kind of vehicle must pay the road tax for 2023 before September.
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Rail Operator Reminds Passengers to Get a Chinese Visa Before Travelling
Passengers travelling to Xishuangbanna are expected to get visa prior to departure .
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Laos-Vietnam Railway Construction Could Begin by the End of 2023
The construction of Laos-Vietnam Railway may start at the end of this year or early next year according to its developer.
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Historic Cross-border Passenger Trains Travel Between Vientiane and Kunming
The first train making a direct journey from Vientiane to Kunming in China left the Lao capital on Thursday morning.
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Traffic Police Chief Issued 15 Rules Over Lao New Year
The Traffic Police Department has issued 15 rules for road users to follow over the Lao New Year period.
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480 Vientiane Traffic Police to be on Duty During Pi Mai Lao Festivities
The Vientiane Traffic Police Department has arranged for 480 traffic police to be stationed during Pi Mai Lao celebrations.
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Laos-China Railway will Start Cross-border Service Before Pi Mai Lao
The cross-border service of Laos-China railway will open a day before Pi Mai Lao 2023.
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Laos-China Rail to Start Cross-Border Service by April
The Laos-China Railway Company Limited will be opening the cross-border service…
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PM Orders Installation of Immigration Checkpoints at Train Stations to Cope with Visitor Influx
Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone has asked for urgent action to set up immigration booths at stations on the Laos-China Railway.
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85 People Die in Road Accidents in February
A high number of road accidents where reported last month alone according to the Traffic Police Department.
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Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand Strengthen Transport Connectivity
The 23rd preparatory conference of Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand was recently held in the central Lao province to review their cooperation.
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Lao Consul in China Visits World’s largest Bus Manufacturer
The Lao Consul in China and his delegation visited the factory of the world’s largest bus manufacturer, Yutong bus company.
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China-Laos Railway Records New High of Daily Passenger Number
The number of passengers travelling on the China-Laos Railway is continuing to grow, posting an increase of 256.2 percent
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Laos-China Railway to Start Online Ticket Sales Next Week
The Laos-China Railway Co., Ltd. will begin selling train tickets online through the LCR ticket app
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Lao Airlines to Resume Flights to Danang This Month
Lao Airlines is set to bring back flight going to Danang.
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Japan Provides 52 Buses for Vientiane
The government of Japan has donated busses to help improve public transport in Laos capital.
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Prime Minister Urges Rail Operator to Improve Services
Lao Prime Minister urge the rail operator to improve its services to give passenger a better experience.
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Lao Airlines to Operate Flights From Pakse to China Starting Mid-2023
Lao Airlines announced that they open direct flights going to China mid this year.
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Peugeot Brand to Launch in Laos
Premium French brand PEUGEOT expands to Laos as part of its Asean expansion strategy.
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For the First Time Train Brings Goods from China-Laos-Thailand
A train carrying goods and produce between China, Laos, and Thailand – and back to China – has made its first journey along the newly completed Lao-China railway.
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Laos, Cambodia Further Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation
Bilateral cooperation has been constantly promoted to strengthens area such as national defense and public security, economy and trade.
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Laos Tourism Number to Rise as Government Prepares for Return of Chinese Tourists
The Lao government and private sectors are actively preparing for the arrival of Chinese tour groups.
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Jeju Air to Expand Flights to Laos and Vietnam
Jeju Air Co., the Republic of Korea’s biggest low-cost carrier will expand flights to Laos and Vietnam in April after three years of their suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Kakao Mobility to Enter Laos This Year
Kakao Mobility will establish a mobility platform in Laos and a service suited for the Laotian market this year with Vietnamese mobility firm LVMC Holdings.
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5th Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge Connecting Bueng Kan with Bolikhamsai to Open in 2024
5th Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge connecting Bueng Kan with Bolikhamsai to open in 2024
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No Progress On Northern Highway Sections, There Are Many Outstanding Tasks
Although its construction has been surveyed and studied for many years, the highway project has not progressed.
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Are Laos’ New Railways A Solution To Its Lack Of Trade With The West?
Transport costs are not the only problem facing the country, but reducing them could help spur progress in other areas.
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New Freight Station On The Laos-China Railway in Oudomxay Province Is Set To Boost Regional Trade
All seven freight stations on the Laos-China Railway are now operational following the opening of Xay station in Oudomxay province on Tuesday.
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Thailand Looking To Benefit From Spill Over Of Laos China Rail Link
The Association of Thai Travel Agents (Atta) believes that about 3 million Chinese tourists may use the almost 423 km long electrified railway that runs between the Lao capital of Vientiane and Boten town in northern Laos bordering China.
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Laos Launches Study On Electric 2-Wheelers
The Study examines the financial viability and environmental sustainability of implementing a battery swapping system model for electric two-wheelers in Vientiane, to help achieve the government’s 2030 target of 30 percent electric vehicle penetration
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Handsfree Only: New Penalties For Using A Mobile Phone While Driving In Thailand
Those caught using their mobile phones without a hands-free set-up are subject to a fine from 400 to 1,000 baht
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Going Electric? Choosing An Electric Motorbike Or Scooter
A series of articles on things to consider when choosing an EV, what models are available and where.
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Local Drivers Chafe At Costly Fees At Lao-China Railway Station
Drivers are charged high fees to enter the station even to deliver or pick up passengers.
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Most Traffic Accidents In September Caused By Drunk Driving And Speeding
Police said most accidents occurred when people drove in the wrong lane or changed direction suddenly.
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Laos-China Railway To Operate Normal-Speed Train Soon
The Laos-China Railway plans to begin operating ordinary train service to ease the rising demand for train travel, especially at the weekend.
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Innovation Through Collaboration
DiscoverLaos and J&C Group have recently formed a new strategic partnership
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Ride-Hailing Firm’s EV Answer To Inflation In Laos
“The EV is one of the keys to fight inflation,” Loca chief executive Souliyo Vongdala tells the Straits Times.
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Govt To Reform Lao Airlines
The government has set up a committee to carry out business reforms in the state-owned Lao Airlines to ensure that the national flag carrier becomes self-sustained in financial management.
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Thai Tourists Killed, Injured In Laos Bus Crash
Three Thai tourists were killed and 18 others injured when a tour bus and a 10-wheel truck collided on a road in Savannakhet province of Laos on Sunday night.
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Rail Operator Increases Train Services
The lack of seats and the difficulty in obtaining tickets led passengers to make complaints on social media about the problems encountered, with many people having to wait for hours in long lines to buy tickets. This forced the company to expand its services.
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Section II Of Lao-Thai Railway Delays Opening
The Phase II of the project comprises a 7.5km extension of the railway from the Thanalaeng station at the Thai border to the Vientiane station.
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Tourist Levy Hits Further Turbulence With Fears It Could Harm Airline’s Effort To Boost Flight Numbers: Thailand
Thailand’s efforts to introduce a foreign tourism levy on incoming passengers and arrivals to the kingdom have been postponed again with the assistant permanent secretary at the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Mongkon Wimonrat, at this time, citing concerns about how to record the arrival of passengers by sea and land to the country as the reason for the delay and the continuing hiatus relating to the measure.
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Foreign Ministry Takes Steps To Tackle Lao Passport Debacle
There has been a surge in passport applications since the government reopened the country for international travel in January.
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New Rail Link To Speed Up Logistics, Transport Operations
A track change station was officially opened at the Vientiane Logistics Park on Friday, creating an official link between the Laos-China Railway and the Laos-Thailand Railway.
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Thailand Pass, Covid Insurance To End July 1
Thailand Pass registration and compulsory Covid-19 insurance will be lifted for all people arriving in Thailand from July 1
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Surge In Travel From Laos
More than 2,000 Lao people are arriving in Nong Khai province every day after the Thai-Laos border checkpoint reopened.
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Thailand Pass Remains in Place
Foreigners are still required to download Thailand Pass prior to entering Thailand
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Thai Visa: How To Apply For Multiple-Entry 6-Months Tourist Visa (May 2022)
Foreigners working & living in Laos are allowed only 2 journeys to Thailand per year through any international land boundary checkpoint to Thailand. On the third entry a visa is needed.
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Train Tickets Available In Advance At Luang Prabang Ticket Unit
Tickets for the Laos-China Railway can now be booked four to seven days prior to the departure date at the Luang Prabang ticket service unit.
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Fuel Shortage Causing Hardship For Lao People
Fuel shortages forced petrol stations in Vientiane and some provinces to close on Monday, with many of desperate motorists going from one station to another in the hope of filling up their tanks.
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Thai Border Checkpoints Ready For Laos Reopening Today
Thai authorities are preparing for border reopening with Laos after the neighbouring country lifts entry restrictions from Monday.
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Laos Announces Full Reopening Starting May 9
The government has announced that all international border crossings will reopen, so that Lao and foreign nationals, well as stateless people, can enter and exit Laos freely.
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Road Tax 2022 Must Be Paid By The End Of June
Payment of the tax is obligatory and people who make late payments or fail to pay at all will be fined.
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Thailand Drops PCR Test On Arrival, No SHA Hotel, ATK Test ‘Optional’
Thailand’s Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration has just announced major changes to the county’s Test & Go program, part of the broader Thailand Pass.
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New EMU Train Of China-Laos Railway To Serve Lao Festival Travel Rush
Source: Global Times The third Lane Xang EMU train for the China-Laos Railway has arrived in the Lao capital Vientiane
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Govt To Mull Cut In Excise Tax To Reduce Price Of Fuel
The government will consider cutting or even waiving excise tax on the price of imported oil, to reduce skyrocketing prices at petrol stations.
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Updated Measures For Entering Thailand Announced, Starting April 1st
Travelers are no longer required to provide a negative RT-PCR test within 72 hours of departure. However, the RT-PCR test requirement for the on-arrival date remains unchanged.
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Govt Seeks Procurer Of 183 Electric Vehicles For Leaders
The government is looking for a suitable company to purchase electric vehicles (EVs) for use by Party and state leaders, aiming to switch to EVs as the price of petrol soars.
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Govt To Slash Fuel Prices
To reduce the pressure of rising food prices, the government will cut the cost of fuel by 650 kip per litre for premium fuel, 540 kip per litre for regular fuel and 610 kip per litre for diesel
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Rail Operator Opens Ticket Office In Luang Prabang
Laos-China Railway Company Limited opened a ticket office in Luang Prabang city on Thursday, giving rail passengers an option to queueing for tickets at the station.
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Work On Vientiane-Vung Ang Railway Expected To Start In November
The railway, estimated to cost US$5 billion, is a proposed line that the Lao and Vietnamese governments have agreed to jointly develop. It would enable landlocked Laos to access the deep seaport – the closest feasible seaport to Vientiane.
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Global Fuel Price Hike Affecting Oil Supply In Laos
The rise in price of imported fuel means that retail prices in Laos will inevitably continue to rise.
The price of oil is factored into the cost of production, meaning that product prices will also rise.
Tensions Among Truckers On Laos-China Border Again Erupt Into Fistfights
The latest melee began after a Chinese trader cleared the way for his Lao driver to cut ahead in line.
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Rail Operator Spells Out Process For Ticket Purchase
Passengers on the Laos-China Railway may purchase only two tickets at a time and must present their ID card and Covid-19 vaccination certificate when buying tickets at the new sales outlet in the city centre
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Laos And Thailand Agree To Reopen Border
The decision was made after Lao ambassador to Thailand Seng Soukhathivong paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister and Defence Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha to mark the occasion of his 4.5 years at Government House.
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Thailand To Relax Rules For International Arrivals From March 1 Despite COVID Surge
Thailand is set to relax rules for international arrivals from March 1st despite the continual surge in COVID-19 infections in the country.
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Laos-China Railway To Operate Additional Train
The Laos-China Railway Company has announced it will operate a slower-speed train in addition to the two existing high-speed EMU trains to meet the growing needs of passengers.
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Train Tickets To Go On Sale At Vientiane Center, Online Sale Planned
Tickets for travel on the Laos-China Railway will soon go on sale at the Vientiane Center
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Rail Operator Asks For Government’s Help To Resolve Problems
LCRC also asked the government to counter negative publicity concerning the railway as well as for assistance with other issues
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Police Issue List Of Items Banned On Trains
The Railway Police Department of the Ministry of Public Security has issued a list of items that passengers are banned from taking into stations and on trains, as part of overall security measures.
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Road Traffic Accidents Remain Large Killer Of Young People
Road accidents are among the single most common cause of death among people aged 5-29, a senior official has said.
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Thai Cabinet Orders Quick 2nd Bridge Between Nong Khai And Laos
The Thai cabinet has ordered the State Railway of Thailand to quickly design and build a second bridge from Nong Khai province to Laos, to connect to the new China-Laos railway.
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Govt Orders Probe Into Sale Of Train Tickets
Comments posted on social media say some people are buying tickets from the railway operator and selling them on at an inflated price.
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Road Accidents Claim 831 Lives In 2021
A total of 831 people died in road accidents across the country in 2021, with the cost of the damage to vehicles estimated at over 92 billion kip.
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More Trains To Run Over New Year Weekend
The Laos-China Railway Company Limited is laying on more train journeys over the New Year holiday from December 30-January 3.
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Airport Staff Prepare For Arrival Of First Tourists
The government is preparing Covid control measures to be put into practice when the country reopens to tourists on January 1, as well as readying designated travel zones for visitors.
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Chinese Embassy In Laos Cracks Down Soaring Intl Air Ticket Prices
Rising international ticket prices have triggered a new round of crackdowns, with yet another embassy taking measures to curb skyrocketing airfares while also strengthening the supervision of ticket sales channels.
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Thai-Lao Bridge In Nong Khai Remains Closed Over Omicron Fears
A plan to reopen an international bridge linking Thailand and Laos in Nong Khai has been deferred indefinitely as the Thai government tightens measures to curb the spread of the fast-growing Omicron variant.
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Korean Company To Carry Out Feasibility Study For Upgrade Of Luang Prabang International Airport
The government has given the green light to the Korea Airport Corporation (KAC) to carry out a feasibility study for the upgrade of Luang Prabang International Airport
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Despite COVID-19, China Expects 1 Mln Passenger Trips On New Laos Rail Link
China expects more than 1 million passenger trips to be made on a newly opened high-speed rail link to Laos during the peak Lunar New Year travel season early next year, despite COVID-19 travel restrictions.
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Over 5,500 People Travel On Railway Since Inauguration
Over 5,500 people have bought tickets to travel on the Laos-China railway in the first five days since passenger services were offered starting on December 4.
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Lao Airlines, Bus Station Have No Plans To Compete With Railway
Lao Airlines and the Northern Bus Station in Vientiane do not plan to make any changes to their services or ticket prices in a bid to attract customers
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Public, Private Sectors Gear Up For Return Of Tourists
The public and private sectors are making plans to reopen Laos to fully vaccinated tourists in 2022, although the details regarding quarantine upon entry are still being debated.
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Domestic Rail Services To Begin On December 4
To begin with, tickets will be on sale at railway stations but will not be available online, and travel will be limited to destinations within Laos because of the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak
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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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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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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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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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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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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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Thailand Now Reopens (Incl. For Laos)! Summary of Thailand Pass and Guidelines Upon Arrival Explained
Under the new traveling rules, travelers are now categorized into three groups.
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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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“AutoMarche” Largest Online Marketplace Debut In Laos
‘AutoMarche.com.la’ is the largest online marketplace in Laos, connecting used car “buyers” and “sellers”.
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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 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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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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Laos Targets 1 Percent Electric Vehicle Use By 2025
Laos is promoting the use of clean energy in the transport sector as part of measures to translate the government’s policy into an action plan until 2025, a strategy for 2030, and a vision for 2050.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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Go Green! Go Electric
Go Green! And stay covered with the best EV motor insurance in Laos!
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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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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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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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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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No Travel Privileges Even With Two Doses Of Vaccine
Everyone entering Laos must comply all of the standard Covid-19 prevention and control measures, even if they have had two doses of a Covid vaccine, a senior government official has said.
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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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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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Motorists Warned Of Repairs To Kasy-Nan Road
Vehicles, especially heavy trucks, are advised to avoid using the section of Road No. 4C running from Kasy district in Vientiane province to Nan district in Luang Prabang province while the road is under repair.
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Korea Airports Corporation To Enter Korea’s First Airport Development Project In Laos
The Ministry of Planning and Investment of Laos selected Korea Airports Corporation as a feasibility study provider for the Luang Prabang airport development project.
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Hike In Premium Grade Fuel Price To Hit Motorists’ Pockets
Petrol stations in the capital and Vientiane province are now selling premium grade fuel at 11,289 kip per litre, which is the lowest price in the country.
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Lockdown Travel Curbs Lead To Sharp Drop In Traffic Accidents
The ongoing lockdown in Vientiane has resulted in a significant drop in the number of traffic accidents as fewer people are on the roads due to the restrictions on travel.
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After A Day Of Confusion, Govt Dismisses Capital’s Lockdown Proposal
The government has decided not to lock down Vientiane after considering a request by city authorities to impose the drastic measure until the end of this month.
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Thailand Braced For Infections Spike After Detecting UK COVID-19 Variant
Source: Thaivisa Thailand has detected at least 24 cases of the coronavirus variant B.1.1.7 first identified in Britain, a government health
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Power Supply For Laos-China Railway Completed
The Laos-China Railway Power Supply Project has been completed on schedule, paving the way for the planned operation of the railway in December.
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Thai Govt Confirms List Of Approved Vaccines For Foreigners To Enter Thailand With Reduced Quarantine
The Thai government has released its latest guidelines and requirements for foreign tourists wanting to enter the country.
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Pi Mai Lao Celebrations Limited To Traditional Events
Provinces across the country will organise scaled-down events to celebrate Lao New Year (Pi Mai Lao) from April 14-16 this year.
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Do’s & Don’t If You Have An Accident In Laos
For foreigners, driving in Laos can be very different to driving in their home country. Motorbike riders frequently drive on the wrong side of the road and cars do not always respect Lao road rules. Those new to the country will need to take great care to avoid accidents.
If an accident does occur, here are some tips on what to do & not to do:
Thailand Approves Quarantine Waiver For Tourists
The coronavirus task force on Friday gave the green light to Phuket to receive vaccinated visitors directly from July, without subjecting them to quarantine, after the island inoculates 70% of its residents.
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Motorists Warned To Avoid Kasy-Nan Road
Motorists driving between Vientiane and Luang Prabang are advised to avoid the section of Road No. 4C
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Fuel Prices Rise For Fourth Time This Year
Source: Vientiane Times Motorists across the country are rushing to petrol stations to fill up their tanks after the government
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Ministry Seeks Changes To Expressway Toll, Currency Exchange Rates
The Investment Promotion Department of the Ministry of Planning and Investment has advised the Laos-China Joint Expressway Development Co., Ltd. to revise the toll rate currently charged for pick-up trucks and also the dollar-kip exchange rate
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Expressway Operator Clarifies Toll Charges
All vehicles using the newly-opened Vientiane-Vangvieng expressway must pay the set toll rates, except in the case of an emergency or accident, when specially designated ambulances can enter free or charge.
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China-Laos Railway Tracks Laid To Luang Prabang, Achieving Yearly Goals
The China-Laos railway tracks have successfully extended from Lao capital Vientiane to northern Laos’ transport hub Luang Prabang on Tuesday, thus accomplishing all the construction targets set at the beginning of 2020.
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Vientiane-Vangvieng Expressway Officially Open For Motorists
Motorists will now have the convenience of travelling from Vientiane to Vangvieng in an hour following the opening of a new expressway linking the capital to the popular tourist destination on Sunday.
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Govt, Private Sector Mull Use Of Electric Vehicles
The government and private sector are partnering to promote the development of electric vehicles to encourage the use of clean energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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Opening Of Vientiane-Vangvieng Expressway Delayed
Authorities have postponed the opening of the 113.50-km expressway linking Vientiane and Vangvieng as work on the project is not yet fully complete.
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Laos Eagerly Anticipates Opening Of First Expressway
The Vientiane-Vangvieng section is about 110 km long, designed as a two-way four-lane expressway with a design speed of 80 km to 100 km per hour.
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79 Killed In Road Accidents In Laos In October
A total of 79 people were killed in 604 road accidents in Laos in October, according to the latest report from Lao Ministry of Public Security.
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International Border Crossings Remain Closed To Ordinary Travellers: Latest Update
The Prime Minister’s Office issued the update on Saturday, relaxing some of the restrictions in a bid to gradually normalise the situation and mitigate economic impacts.
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Squabble Over Why Repatriation Flight For 40 Aussies From Laos Was Stopped From Landing In Cairns
A blame game has erupted between Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk over who withdrew permission for a repatriation charter flight from Laos to land in Cairns.
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Tourism Businesses In Laos Slash Prices To Woo Local Travellers
Tour and hospitality business operators have massively cut the cost of their services and package tours to make prices more affordable and encourage Lao people to take vacations around the country.
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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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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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Vehicle Technical Inspection
As in any other country, all vehicles in Laos have to undergo regular inspection to ensure that it conforms to regulations governing safety. Inspections are required every year with the exception for new cars who are good for the first two years.
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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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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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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-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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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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Petrol Stations Increase Fuel Prices
Petrol stations across Laos on Wednesday increased retail prices of petrol and diesel
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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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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.
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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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Almost 90 Killed Nationwide In Road Accidents In March
Nearly 90 people were killed in road accidents across the country during March
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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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Foreigners Can Apply For Lao Stay Extensions
Foreigners who cannot leave Laos at this time, because all borders are closed to prevent the spread of Covid-19, can request extensions on their stay.
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Finance Ministry Warns Motorists To Pay 2020 Road Tax
The Ministry of Finance issued a notice last week reminding vehicle owners to pay the road tax by the end of this month, or face a fine.
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Fuel Prices Drop Despite Concerns Over A Shortage Of Supply
Fuel prices fell on Monday morning in line with the trends in the world market even though people are worried about a shortage of supplies
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Health Certificates Required Of All Visitors: Thailand
The Thai government will extend the requirement of medical certificates and health insurance from Sunday to cover all visitors to the country regardless of nationalities to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
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Northern Laos Province Closes 10 Border Crossings With Vietnam
Authorities in northern Laos’ Huaphan province on Sunday (March 15) called for the temporary closure of 10 traditional border crossings with Vietnam
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Bangkok Airways announces flight suspensions VTE-BKK
Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited has announced a decrease in flight frequency as well as flight termination on certain domestic and international routes to be in line with current passenger demand.
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Thai Airways Clips Tail Of Parked Business Jet At Vientiane Airport
During taxi at Laos, the A330 clipped the tail of a parked Gulfstream IV business jet (M-YWAY) damaging both aircraft.
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Road Accidents Kill 122 In January
Police attributes most of the incidents to speeding and drunk driving.
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Lao Airlines To Suspend Flights To South Korea
Source: Vientiane Times Laos’ national airline, the Lao Airlines State Enterprise, will suspend flights to the Republic of Korea beginning
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Road Tax 2020 Reminder
Vehicle owners are urged to pay the 2020 Road Tax or face a penalty. The Ministry of Finance issued a
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Pay Road Tax Or Get Stopped At The Border
Vehicle owners who have not paid road tax will not be permitted to cross the border into other countries
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Work On Vientiane Expressway No. 1 Project Begins
Construction of the mega Vientiane Expressway No. 1 officially began yesterday, with the project aiming to ease traffic congestion and respond to economic growth in the Lao capital.
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Lao Vehicle Imports, Exports To Be Processed Using Single Customs Window
All vehicle imports and exports will have to be recorded under the Lao National Single Window (LNSW) system at the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge checkpoint starting on March 1.
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Experts Recommend Policy, Technical Standards For Electric Vehicles In Laos
Experts met to make recommendations on policies and technical standards in the transition from internal combustion engine vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs).
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Police Warn Public Over Car Break-Ins
The Vientiane Traffic Police Department is warning motorists to take steps to protect their vehicles following a spate of car burglaries
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Thailand Turns To China For High-speed Rail Boost
China has become a major player in the railway industry and, as a result, many countries — including Thailand — are working with China to develop their own high-speed rail networks.
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Laos Plans To Begin Work On Laos-Vietnam Railway in 2021
On behalf of the Lao Government, the Ministry of Planning and Investment and PetroTrade signed a memorandum of understanding on October 15 to study and complete a detailed design of the railway.
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Tour Bus Plunges Into Ravine in Laos, Killing 13 Chinese Tourists
A tour bus skidded off a road and plunged into a ravine in northern Laos’ Luang Prabang province Monday afternoon, killing at least 13 Chinese nationals and injuring 31 others, a Lao police officer said.
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Avoid Black Henna Tattoos Or Risk Permanent Scaring
Black henna tattoos are a popular holiday ‘souvenir sought after by many visitors to Asean’s holiday resort locations due to their allegedly non-permanent nature and the mistaken belief that they are safe, even for children.
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China-Laos Railway Marred By Compensation Issues And Pollution
The new China-Laos railway is spanning the Mekong River and drilling through mountains. So far, many local Laotians are seeing more trouble than benefits from the project.
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Extension to Wattay International Airport Planned
Source: Vientiane Times The government is planning to expand Vientiane’s Wattay International Airport to meet the growing need for passenger
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Travel Insurance by APA
Our Travel Insurance covers accidents and illnesses incurred on your trips in Laos or abroad.
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Petrol Stations Hike Prices Nationwide
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce has announced an increase in fuel prices across the country in line with changes in the global oil prices.
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Thailand Resisting Falling Into Rail Debt Trap
Despite Thailand’s vow to rely on domestic funding as it expands its network of high-speed railways, it could soon accept the offer of a low-interest loan from the Export-Import Bank of China (CEXIM), raising concerns about whether the country is on the verge of falling into a debt trap.
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Patuxai – Victory Gate Vientiane
When the USA donated cement and funds to expand the airport in Laos, the Laotians built a massive monument instead.
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Pi Mai Lao: 8 Rules To Follow
Vientiane Public Security Headquarters announced eight regulations, aimed at maintaining social order during Lao New Year (April 14-16).
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Scoot Is Now Offering Singapore’s First Direct Flight To Laos
Singaporeans can now hop on a direct flight to Luang Prabang and Vientiane, after budget carrier Scoot unveiled three new weekly flights to Laos on April 1.
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China’s US$7 Billion Railway Link To Laos Is Almost Half Done, On Schedule To Begin Service In 2021
The 414km railway from Yunnan’s provincial capital of Kunming to the Laotian capital of Vientiane would cut travelling time to three hours, from three days
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Lao Vehicle Market Forecast To Grow This Year
The vehicle market in Laos is likely to accelerate in 2019 as the government has improved its trade promotion policy and car manufacturers are offering incentives to boost sales.
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Pay Road Tax 2019 Or Face A Big Fine
Large fines meted out by authorities on slow paying vehicle owners are forcing more to pay their road tax on time and helping to fill the government’s coffers
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Lao Airlines Takes Off For Shanghai
Lao Airlines, the national flag carrier, has launched a weekly flight to Shanghai to serve the expected influx of Chinese tourists and other passengers during Visit Laos-China Year 2019.
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Scoot Launches New Laos Route From Perth
Fly from Perth, via Singapore, to Luang Prabang and Vientiane from $189 each way.
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Revealed: the special button that allows bent taxi drivers to rip off customers: Thailand
An online video showed what one taxi driver was doing to rip off his customers.
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Thai Embassy In Vientiane Issues Warning To Visa Runners
Source: ThaiVisa People who have a history of staying in Thailand using only tourist visas or ‘in-out’ border runs are
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Laos Faces Tourism Setback
Laos will close its “Visit Laos Year 2018 promotion well short of the 5 million tourist arrivals target
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Update: Thailand To Allow Again Land Border Entry for Expats In Laos And Other Neighboring Countries
The Interior Ministry regulation will be amended to allow foreigners who receive a visa waiver for 30 days and travel into Thailand via land immigration checkpoints or land border checkpoints to enter the country with an unlimited number of visa waivers per calendar year.
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Police Announce Traffic Plans For That Luang Festival
The police have announced plans for parking and road access during this year’s That Luang festival from November 16-22, hoping to ease the traffic congestion that always plagues this popular event.
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Myanmar-Laos Border Gate Receives International Status
The border gate between Myanmar and Laos has been upgraded and given international status, according to the Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population.
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Plain Of Jars Potential As Unesco World Heritage Site Considered
A meeting will be held this week in Xieng Khuang province to report on the progress made for the consideration of the Plain of Jars (Thong Hai Hin) as a potential UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Lao Tax: Everyone Who Travels Pays
Sources at the friendship bridge said there were no exceptions and the tax applied to all foreigners regardless of their travel documents, include foreigners who are resident in Laos.
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Laos Slaps A Dollar Tax On Tourists
Almost forgotten but on the brew for years the much talked about tourist tax was quietly introduced at all of Lao PDR’s border checkpoints 1 October.
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Vientiane Airport: International Expansion As China Tourism Booms
Vientiane Airport has doubled the size of its international terminal, supporting a Laotian initiative to boost tourism. Laos expects Vientiane’s international passenger traffic to double over the next five years, driven by a rapid increase in visitor numbers.
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Motorists Advised To Avoid Damaged Roads
Motorists travelling to Phongsaly province are advised to avoid sections of national roads 1A, 2E and 1B, which have been severely damaged and are blocked by landslides in places.
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