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Friday, February 7, 2025
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Trump’s Foreign Aid Freeze Disrupts USAID Projects in Laos

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...

Economy

Irrigation Water Reservoir Set to Benefit 1,760 Families in Champasack

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...

Inflation Rate Eases to 15.5% in January

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...

Laos to Introduce New Rules to Strengthen Lao Kip, Reduce Reliance on Foreign Currency

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...

Lao Government Calls for Boost in Agricultural Production in 2025

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...

Traditionally-crafted Bamboo Brooms Earn National Recognition

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...

Vientiane Launches Sustainable Tourism Initiative with Innovative Technology for Growth

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...

Travel

Thailand to Launch New Digital Arrival Card

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...

Vientiane Launches Sustainable Tourism Initiative with Innovative Technology for Growth

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...

Khammouane Sets Sights on Tourism Boom in 2025 with New Attractions, Eco-Friendly Initiatives

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...

Health & Environment

Ministry Warns of Norovirus and HMPV, Urges Caution in Vientiane Capital

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...

Sport

Audience Invited to Try Martial Arts at Japanese Budo Event in Vientiane

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...

Lao Teams Shine at Jaifa King’s Cup with U8 Championship Win

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...

Politics

Over 4800 Lao Nationals Set to Face Deportation from the United States

More than 4,000 Lao nationals are among the over 1.4 million individuals in the United States with final deportation...

Ministry of Health pilots text message vaccine reminders for childhood immunizations

On 30 January, the Ministry of Health celebrated the start of a 12-month pilot that will see text message...

Government Empowers Teachers in Rural Laos Through Workshop

Over 1,120 educators are participating in training workshops this month, aimed at improving classroom management and helping non-Lao speaking...

Laos to Reintroduce Sub-Districts in Nationwide Administrative Reform

Laos is planning to reintroduce sub-districts, known as "Ta Saeng," as part of a nationwide administrative restructuring aimed at...

Feature

Trump’s Foreign Aid Freeze Disrupts USAID Projects in Laos

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...

Over 4800 Lao Nationals Set to Face Deportation from the United States

More than 4,000 Lao nationals are among the over...

Ministry of Health pilots text message vaccine reminders for childhood immunizations

On 30 January, the Ministry of Health celebrated the...

Government Empowers Teachers in Rural Laos Through Workshop

Over 1,120 educators are participating in training workshops this...

Laos to Reintroduce Sub-Districts in Nationwide Administrative Reform

Laos is planning to reintroduce sub-districts, known as "Ta...

MRC Secretariat Welcomes New Leadership

Busadee Santipitaks has officially taken on her role as...