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Tuesday, July 15, 2025
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Prime Minister Orders Nationwide Digital ID Integration in Laos

This Week

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone issued a directive, mandating the full integration of citizen databases and identity (ID) card systems across all ministries and state organizations. 

The 8-July order requires all ministries, local authorities, and state agencies to immediately begin implementing chip-based identification cards as part of a unified digital governance framework.

The order mandates the immediate launch of a chip-based ID card and a unified database as the backbone of digital governance.

The digital ID system will streamline public services and improve coordination among government agencies. The system is designed to boost administrative efficiency while strengthening national security measures and supporting broader socio-economic development goals.

Comparison Between Laos’ Traditional ID Card System (2014 to present) and the New Digital ID Card System. (Photo credit: ວິທະຍຸປ້ອງກັນຄວາມສະຫງົບ fm101,5 Mhz)

It will also be essential for identity verification and accessing services like taxes, social security, education, healthcare, business licenses, and banking. The Ministry of Public Security has been designated as the primary agency responsible for developing and managing the national citizen database. Meanwhile, other key ministries including Justice, Finance, Health, Education, Labor, and Foreign Affairs must ensure their sectoral data systems are prepared for secure integration and seamless data exchange capabilities.

This directive builds upon earlier digital transformation efforts, including the Ministry of Technology and Communications’ 7 May announcement that Laos was prepared to advance its digital ID program. 

The digital ID project officially launched in July 2024 during high-level discussions between Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith and then-Vietnamese President To Lam, coinciding with Laos’ ASEAN Chairmanship responsibilities.

President of Laos, Thongloun Sisoulith (Right) welcomed then-Vietnamese President, To Lam (left). Vientiane Capital, Laos. 11-12 July 2024. (Photo: Lao National Radio)

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