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Thursday, December 26, 2024
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Latest

Controversial Love Charm Service Goes Viral in Singapore

A Singaporean company is offering a unique 'love ritual' service that promises to bring back lost lovers, drawing both fascination and skepticism online. The service, priced at SGD 500 (USD 360), is offered by Element Mustika, a Singapore-based spiritual store. The company claims the ritual is performed by a Thai master, named James from Chiang Mai, who boasts over 20 years of experience. The master asserts he is the only practitioner in Thailand with the secret knowledge of the “bloodworm love ritual,” passed down through ancient texts. Clients are asked to provide photos and details of their desired partners and then simply wait for the charm to take effect. According to the...

Economy

Houaphanh Province to Expand Flight Services Amid Tourism Boom in 2025

Starting January 2025, airlines are set to increase flights to Houaphanh province to accommodate the growing number of tourists. On 26 December, Malaythong Bounyaxay, Head of the Houaphanh Provincial Information,...

LOCA Sparks EV Revolution in Laos with 40 Fast-Charging Stations

In response to the rising adoption of EVs, LOCA, an electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure in Laos, has set up 40 fast-charging stations across Laos in 2024, focusing on major...

Mekong River Commission Launches Education Hub, One Mekong App in Vientiane

On 23 December, the Mekong River Commission (MRC) celebrated the opening of its Education and Visitor Center and the launch of the One Mekong app at its headquarters in...

Companies Struggling to Pay Employees Under New Wage Rules

Despite a recent nationwide increase in the minimum wage, many employers in Laos are still paying their workers less than the mandated amount. Employers argue that wages should reflect workers'...

Bamboo Concession Project to Boost Local Economy in Oudomxay Province.

On 20 December, Oudomxay Province signed a concession agreement with Ammata Lao Lanexang Co., Ltd., a private company, granting them the rights to utilize a total of 697 hectares...

Vientiane Faces Higher School Dropout Rates in 2023-2024

Dropout rates in Vientiane Capital increased by approximately 13.3 percent during the 2023-2024 school year, government officials said. On 17 December, during a National Assembly meeting, Head of the Department...

Travel

Houaphanh Province to Expand Flight Services Amid Tourism Boom in 2025

Starting January 2025, airlines are set to increase flights to Houaphanh province to accommodate the growing number of tourists. On 26 December, Malaythong Bounyaxay, Head of the Houaphanh Provincial Information, Culture, and Tourism Department reported that the tourism atmosphere in Houaphan Province is “very busy” “The accommodation facilities in the province are full almost every day,” said Malaythong, adding that the flights from Vientiane to Houaphanh province are currently full.  “Therefore, there will be more flights from to Houaphanh province provided by Lao Airlines, Lao Skyway, and Lanexang Airways to accommodate and satisfy the increasing number of tourists next year.” Although confirming the increase in flights, the provincial tourism official noted that the...

Laos Welcomes Over Five Million Tourists in 2024, Generating Over USD 1 Billion

Laos has recorded over five million tourists this year, exceeding expectations and generating more than USD 1 billion in revenue, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone announced on 18 November. According to the PM, domestic tourist...

Laos Earns Over 200 ASEAN Tourism Awards, Global Acclaim

Laos continues to shine on the global tourism stage, earning 219 ASEAN Tourism Standards Awards for its dedication to sustainability and exceptional travel experiences.  On 26 November, Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism Suansavanh...

Health & Environment

Mekong River Commission Launches Education Hub, One Mekong App in Vientiane

On 23 December, the Mekong River Commission (MRC) celebrated the opening of its Education and Visitor Center and the launch of the One Mekong app at its headquarters in Vientiane, Laos. The event also marked the 20th anniversary of Laos hosting the MRC. The new center showcases interactive exhibits, maps, books, and real-time monitoring tools that highlight the Mekong River's history and its role in regional cooperation. It will host educational programs, conferences, and learning sessions for researchers, students, and...

Sport

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...

Lao Bodybuilders Shine at World Championship, Claim Two Gold Medals

Two Lao bodybuilders, Chintana Khambounheuang and Khamla Samavong, each won a gold medal at the 15th World Bodybuilding Championship held in the Maldives from 5 to 11 November. Chintana claimed gold in the Swimming...

Politics

Mekong River Commission Launches Education Hub, One Mekong App in Vientiane

On 23 December, the Mekong River Commission (MRC) celebrated the opening of its Education and Visitor Center and the...

Laos, China Launch QR Payment System for Cashless Tourism

Traveling between Laos and China is now easier with a QR payment system that enables tourists to make cashless...

New LEAD Project Aims to Improve Education, Professional Development in Laos

To enhance higher education in Laos, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has launched the "Laos Higher...

Australia, Laos Work Together to Improve Education Sector in Savannakhet.

The Australian Embassy, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Sports of Laos, visited Savannakhet Province last week...

Feature

Creative Economy Revolution: How ASEAN’s Youth are Leading the Charge

On 2 to 5 December, the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Summit 2024 brought together 100 young leaders from across ASEAN and Timor-Leste in the World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang, under the theme "Connecting the Creative Economy."  The event, supported by the US Department of State, the US Embassy in Vientiane, and YSEALI, was implemented by STELLA and Quack, two youth empowerment groups in Laos. One of the key highlights of the Summit was the opportunity for participants to engage in masterclasses on cutting-edge topics such as "Creative Economy and Strengths of ASEAN's Creative Industries." But what exactly is the creative economy, and why is it important for the ASEAN region, especially for Laos? For Phetmany Viyadeth, the Founder of UTD Education Centre in Laos, the creative economy holds immense potential for the country. "I've met so many talented and kind individuals from various creative careers who share a creative mindset, and we share a common interest in supporting our community. I've learned that collaboration and shared ideas are key to driving change, especially in the creative economy," she said. From the perspective of Keopanya Sengsoulivong, Manager of Pakse Youth Power, the creative...

Mekong River Commission Launches Education Hub, One Mekong App in Vientiane

On 23 December, the Mekong River Commission (MRC) celebrated...

Laos, China Launch QR Payment System for Cashless Tourism

Traveling between Laos and China is now easier with...

New LEAD Project Aims to Improve Education, Professional Development in Laos

To enhance higher education in Laos, the United States...

Australia, Laos Work Together to Improve Education Sector in Savannakhet.

The Australian Embassy, in collaboration with the Ministry of...

Laos, Korea Launch Water Management Project to Boost Agriculture

Laos and South Korea have launched a USD 5.6...