Operations of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Laos are facing uncertainty after the Trump administration’s recent decision to temporarily pause all foreign assistance programs.
On 4 February, less than 24 hours after shutting down its headquarters in Washington, D.C., USAID announced that all staff, both in the US and abroad, would be placed on administrative leave starting 7 February.
The administrative leave will hit "all USAID direct hire personnel... with the exception of designated personnel responsible for mission-critical functions, core leadership and specially designated programs."
"Thank you for your service," the statement read.
Reports suggest that the new Trump administration plans to keep fewer than 300 of the...
The newly constructed Huay Vang Hay irrigation reservoir in Phonthong village, Champasack, is set to significantly impact local agriculture, benefiting approximately 1,760 families.
With a storage capacity of 47 million...
Laos' inflation rate eased to 15.5 percent in January, compared to 16.9 percent in December 2024, according to a report by the Lao Statistics Bureau.
The decline in inflation rate...
In an effort to stabilize the national economy and reduce reliance on foreign currencies, the Bank of Laos and the Lao government are set to implement new regulations aimed...
Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone has called on the agriculture and forestry sectors to enhance production and exports while reducing reliance on imports, emphasizing this objective as a national priority...
Broom-making is more than just a craft in Bokeo’s Kang village, it’s a long standing tradition that has been passed down for generations.
On 24 January, this dedication was officially...
The Lao government has announced plans to boost tourism in Vientiane Capital with the theme "Vientiane's Sustainable Tourism," The initiative aims to incorporate innovative technologies into tourism management and...
Starting 1 May, Thailand's Ministry of Tourism and Sports will introduce the digital arrival card (TDAC), also known as the "TM.6 online" system, for all foreign passport holders, replacing the traditional paper form.
The digital arrival card aims to streamline the arrival process as well as enhance the country’s security by tracking tourists during their stay in Thailand amid security concerns.
Under the new system, travelers will be required to submit personal and travel details online prior to their arrival in Thailand, including essential information such as passport data and the address of their intended stay. The system applies to all non-Thai passport holders whether arriving by air, land, or sea.
This...
The Lao government has announced plans to boost tourism in Vientiane Capital with the theme "Vientiane's Sustainable Tourism," The initiative aims to incorporate innovative technologies into tourism management and create new attractions for...
As 2025 kicks off, Khammouane Province is setting its sights on boosting tourism and drawing in more visitors this year.
The province is ready to become a top spot for both local and international...
The Lao Ministry of Health warned residents of Vientiane Capital of a series of respiratory diseases that normally come along with the cold season, including Norovirus and Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). In the notice, the authorities also mentioned a mild risk of Cholera entering the country through Thailand.
According to the official document from the Lao government, released on 31 January, Norovirus and Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) are the most contagious seasonal diseases across the region. Medical experts say these viruses normally...
On 25 January, Lao and Japanese martial artists gathered at the Budo Center to showcase the performance disciplines of Kendo, Aikido, Karatedo, and Judo. The demonstration included a variety of training techniques, fighting...
The Lao youth football team, with three groups of players from the WIG NAGA club, competed in the 2024 Jaifa King’s Cup in Lopburi, Thailand, on 5 December.
The tournament saw teams from ten...
Operations of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Laos are facing uncertainty after the Trump administration’s recent decision to temporarily pause all foreign assistance programs.
On 4 February, less than 24 hours after shutting down its headquarters in Washington, D.C., USAID announced that all staff, both in the US and abroad, would be placed on administrative leave starting 7 February.
The administrative leave will hit "all USAID direct hire personnel... with the exception of designated personnel responsible for mission-critical functions, core leadership and specially designated programs."
"Thank you for your service," the statement read.
Reports suggest that the new Trump administration plans to keep fewer than 300 of the agency’s 10,000 workers, reducing it to a smaller version of the agency itself. Employees stationed overseas have 30 days to return to the US.
The USAID website had gone offline on 1 February, returning on 4 February with the layoff announcement.
The aid arm of US foreign policy, USAID funds health and emergency programs in around 120 countries, including the world's poorest regions.
This recent decision, however, has significantly impacted low-income countries where the agency has invested substantial funds.
In 2024, the humanitarian agency...