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Monday, November 17, 2025
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Trump Calls Thailand, Cambodia After New Clashes

AFP - US President Donald Trump said he called Thailand and Cambodia on Friday to bolster the peace deal he helped broker, after fresh clashes erupted between the Southeast Asian neighbors. Trump co-signed a truce between the two countries on 26 October during a tour of Asia, touting it as one of several peace deals around the world that he believes should win him the Nobel Peace Prize. But Thailand suspended the deal on Monday after an alleged landmine blast, and the two sides traded accusations of new clashes on Wednesday in which Phnom Penh said a civilian was killed. Addressing reporters on Air Force One as he flew to Florida, Trump...

Economy

National Road No. 13 South in Savannakhet Set for Major Rehabilitation

A major 79-kilometer section of National Road No. 13 South is set for restoration after Savannakhet authorities on 13 November approved a new plan to study, design, and upgrade...

Laos Uncovers Widespread Corruption, Records Billions in Losses Over Five Years

Laos has uncovered widespread corruption cases nationwide over the past five years, identifying 334 individuals implicated in financial misconduct between 2021 and 2025, with total losses exceeding LAK 642.93...

Lao State Fuel Company Set to Transform into Public–Private Joint Venture

The Lao government is moving to restructure the Lao State Fuel Company (LSFC) into a public–private joint venture as part of its broader overhaul of major state-owned enterprises, according...

EDL-Gen Signs an Agreement to Boost Floating Solar, Carbon Credit Initiatives

On 10 November, Électricité du Laos Generation Public Company (EDL-Gen) signed an agreement with South Korean firm CS Tech Co., Ltd. to develop floating solar installations on its hydropower...

National Assembly Calls for Action on Roads, Education, Agriculture

At the 10th Ordinary Session of the 9th National Assembly on 11 November, members proposed measures for the government to address key challenges highlighted in the national socio-economic development...

Construction Begins on National Road No. 2W Upgrade Project Worth USD 10 Million

On 11 November, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) signed a contract with China Jianxai International Economic and Technical Cooperation Co., Ltd. to construct and maintain a...

Travel

Free Bus Services on Opening and Closing Days of the 12th National Games

Vientiane Capital will provide free Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and public bus services on 15 and 25 November, coinciding with the opening and closing ceremonies of the 12th National Games, to facilitate the movement of athletes, officials, and spectators.  The initiative, announced by the Vientiane Public Works and Transport Department on 11 November, aims to reduce traffic congestion, improve accessibility, and ensure the smooth flow of participants and visitors during the major national sporting event. According to the official notice, three main free routes will operate on these two days. The first route will run from the That Luang area near Saphanglane Lake (Nongbone intersection) to the Lao National Stadium at KM...

ASEAN Rail Tourism Corridor Takes Center Stage at Mekong Tourism Forum 2025

Laos hosted the Mekong Tourism Forum 2025 in Luang Prabang from 24 to 27 June, spotlighting the proposed ASEAN Rail Tourism Corridor (ARTC) as a key initiative to boost regional travel and connectivity. Held...

Luang Prabang Scores Silver for Sustainable Tourism 2025–2027

Luang Prabang has set a new benchmark for sustainable tourism in Laos by earning the Green Destinations Silver certification for 2025–2027.  Soudaphone Khomthavong, Director of the Luang Prabang Provincial Culture and Tourism Department, accepted...

Health & Environment

Philippines Halts Search After Over 200 Killed in Typhoon Kalmaegi as Super Typhoon Fung-wong Nears

By Laotian Times and AFP - Rescue work was suspended and preemptive evacuations began Saturday as Typhoon Fung-wong bore down on the Philippines, days after another storm killed at least 204 people. Fung-wong, expected to be a "super typhoon" before making landfall, bears a huge footprint, with a radius that could cover "almost the entire country," a government meteorologist said. "Apart from the strong winds, we can also expect heavy rains ... 200 millimetres (eight inches) or higher rainfall, which can...

Sport

Japan’s Princess Aiko to Visit Vientiane, Luang Prabang in First Official Trip Abroad

Laos and Japan are marking a milestone year in their relationship. Her Imperial Highness Princess Aiko will visit Laos from 17 to 22 November, her first overseas trip since coming of age.  The 23-year-old...

Free Bus Services on Opening and Closing Days of the 12th National Games

Vientiane Capital will provide free Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and public bus services on 15 and 25 November, coinciding with the opening and closing ceremonies of the 12th National Games, to facilitate the...

Politics

Japan’s Princess Aiko to Visit Vientiane, Luang Prabang in First Official Trip Abroad

Laos and Japan are marking a milestone year in their relationship. Her Imperial Highness Princess Aiko will visit Laos...

Australia Reaffirms Commitment to Laos with Another Humanitarian Relief Delivery under Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2025

Australia continues to demonstrate its strong partnership with Laos by delivering emergency relief supplies to support Laos’ efforts in...

Thailand Suspends Cambodia Deal After Landmine Injures Troops

AFP - Thailand announced on Monday, 10 November, it was suspending the implementation of a peace agreement with neighbouring...

Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh to Visit North Korea in Mid-November

Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane will make an official visit to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) from...

Feature

Into the Dark: Exploring Laos’ Cave Tourism Industry

Home to some of the most complex rock formations in Southeast Asia, Laos looks to cash in on cave tourism. Since the late 19th century, the geological wonders of Laos have captured the interest of foreign explorers, not just for its striking mountain ranges, fertile Mekong River floodplains and waterfalls – but also for what lies beneath the surface. Countless caves have been revealed within the towering karst massifs and limestone mountains that dominate much of Laos’ picturesque landscape. While many of these subterranean beauties have been transformed into worthy tourist attractions, others are in a continual state of exploration. For fast-developing Laos, whose major economies are mining and tourism, the caves represent an opportunity to unlock the potential of swathes of the landlocked country’s remote areas to the world. As the sport of spelunking gains traction, isolated villages are looking to cash in on this rise in visitors. Yet as experts have pointed out, great care needs to be taken in balancing the complex needs of locals and the conservation of the cave’s delicate ecosystems – one wrong step can cause irreversible damage – with the commodification of Laos’ natural...

Thailand Suspends Cambodia Deal After Landmine Injures Troops

AFP - Thailand announced on Monday, 10 November, it...

Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh to Visit North Korea in Mid-November

Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane will make an official...

New Boten-Mohan Shuttle Enhances Connectivity, Regional Integration

On 3 November, Laos and China officially launched the...