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China to Launch Online Entry Forms for Foreign Travelers Starting 20 November

China is set to introduce a new digital immigration system that allows foreign visitors to complete arrival forms online before entering the country.  Beginning 20 November, travelers can submit their entry information through multiple platforms, including the National Immigration Administration (NIA) official website, China’s Government Service Platform, the “NIA 12367” app, as well as WeChat and Alipay mini-programs. QR codes on physical Arrival Cards will also link directly to the online form for easy access. Travelers who are unable to complete the process in advance will still have the option to fill out forms at immigration checkpoints using either digital terminals or traditional paper forms.  Seven categories remain exempt from completing arrival...

Economy

New Boten-Mohan Shuttle Enhances Connectivity, Regional Integration

On 3 November, Laos and China officially launched the cross-border shuttle service between Boten and Mohan, during a ceremony attended by officials from both countries. The service is the first...

New Partnership Strengthens River Data, Forecasting, Sustainable Development in Laos

MRC - The Mekong River Commission (MRC) and the Government of Australia have reinforced their long-standing partnership with additional support and new digital tools to improve water monitoring and...

Over 2,500 Vientiane Students, Teachers to Support 12th National Games

The Vientiane Capital Department of Education and Sports announced that 2,583 teachers and students from eight schools across the city will take part in supporting the 12th National Games,...

National Road No. 13 South Rehabilitation Project Launches in Khammouane, Savannakhet

Rehabilitation work on National Road No. 13 South is set to begin, covering 38 kilometers from Tha Khaek district in Khammouane Province to Se Bang Fai district in Savannakhet...

ASEAN SOAR Together Empowers MSMEs with Digital Boost at ABIS 2025

On 31 October, the ASEAN Foundation, in partnership with TikTok Shop and the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) Malaysia, showcased the success of the ASEAN SOAR Together program at...

Laos Kicks Off First-Ever Digital Census with Nationwide Field Data Collection

UNFPA - Santiphab Phomvihane, Minister of Finance and Deputy Head of the National Steering Committee for the 2025 Population and Housing Census, led a field visit in Vientiane Capital...

Travel

China to Launch Online Entry Forms for Foreign Travelers Starting 20 November

China is set to introduce a new digital immigration system that allows foreign visitors to complete arrival forms online before entering the country.  Beginning 20 November, travelers can submit their entry information through multiple platforms, including the National Immigration Administration (NIA) official website, China’s Government Service Platform, the “NIA 12367” app, as well as WeChat and Alipay mini-programs. QR codes on physical Arrival Cards will also link directly to the online form for easy access. Travelers who are unable to complete the process in advance will still have the option to fill out forms at immigration checkpoints using either digital terminals or traditional paper forms.  Seven categories remain exempt from completing arrival...

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

Laos Launches Emergency Response After First Polio Outbreak in Nearly a Decade

Laos has confirmed its first polio outbreak in almost ten years, with three cases reported in Savannakhet Province, prompting an urgent nationwide vaccination campaign. The Ministry of Health said the cases involved a three-year-old boy from Nathong village, who developed paralysis in June, and two girls, aged one and three, from Tang Waiy village in Xonnabouly district. Laboratory tests confirmed all three were infected with circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 1 (cVDPV1). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), this strain is...

Sport

Over 2,500 Vientiane Students, Teachers to Support 12th National Games

The Vientiane Capital Department of Education and Sports announced that 2,583 teachers and students from eight schools across the city will take part in supporting the 12th National Games, scheduled from 15 to...

SEA Games Mascot Redesign Sparks Debate Over National Identity

The redesign of the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games 2025 mascot has stirred debate in Thailand, as organizers replaced the original seven colorful characters with two new figures featuring the colors of the...

Politics

New Boten-Mohan Shuttle Enhances Connectivity, Regional Integration

On 3 November, Laos and China officially launched the cross-border shuttle service between Boten and Mohan, during a ceremony...

Laos Reaffirms Commitment to Inclusive Growth and Social Progress at UN Summit

Laos has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive, people-centered development and called for stronger international cooperation to tackle poverty and...

Lao-Hmong Refugee Kaohly Her Makes History as St. Paul’s Next Mayor

State Representative Kaohly Her made history on 4 November, becoming the first woman and first Hmong American elected mayor...

Laos Sets New Economic Direction Under 2026–2030 Development Strategy

Laos is setting an ambitious new course for national growth as the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the...

Feature

Construction of New, Mega Cultural Park in Vientiane Commences

Construction of Lanxang Cultural Park kicked off on August 9 with a ground-breaking ceremony for the project. It is expected to take about nine years to complete the USD 80 million-construction project, which is divided into three different phases. Inside the park, which will cover about 88 hectares in Dongsang Hin Village, in Vientiane’s Xaythany district, there will be a play zone, an aquatic garden, a cultural park, a botanic garden, a zoo, a commercial and hotel zone, and a residential development area, among others. In March this year, the Lao government chose a private investment firm, The Lanxang Cultural Park Development, to develop the park. At that time, the president of the firm, Mr. Khonekham Inthavong, said the construction of the amusement and water park was slated for completion within two years, followed by the official launch of services, and then the rest of the project will continue. Mr. Khonekham added that he expected the park, which will be designed to attract both domestic and international visitors, to become one of the top tourist attractions in Vientiane. The firm is owned by Oceano Company which specializes in road construction, real estate development, and insurance...

New Boten-Mohan Shuttle Enhances Connectivity, Regional Integration

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

Laos Reaffirms Commitment to Inclusive Growth and Social Progress at UN Summit

Laos has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive, people-centered development...

Lao-Hmong Refugee Kaohly Her Makes History as St. Paul’s Next Mayor

State Representative Kaohly Her made history on 4 November,...

Laos Sets New Economic Direction Under 2026–2030 Development Strategy

Laos is setting an ambitious new course for national...

Thai Ex-Pm Thaksin’s Party Elects New Leader After Daughter’s Exit

One of Thailand's largest political parties, founded by ex-premier...