Phontham Visapra

Laos, South Korea Leaders Move to Deepen Cooperation on Crime, Economy, Security

Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith met with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in Seoul on 15 December to discuss closer cooperation on transnational crime,...

Over Half a Million Evacuated in Cambodia, Thailand During Border Clashes

More than 500,000 people have fled their homes to safety in Thailand and Cambodia since the start of a reignited border conflict, both governments...

Laos Reports 21 UXO Victims Amid Ongoing Clearance Efforts

The unexploded ordnance (UXO) sector in Laos continues to face significant challenges.  In the first 11 months of 2025, Laos saw 11 UXO accidents, resulting...

Major Japan Quake Leaves 30 Injured

By Hiroshi HIYAMA/AFP - A major earthquake off northern Japan left at least 30 people injured, authorities said on 9 December, damaging roads and leaving...

SEA Games to Open in Thailand After Chaotic Build-up

By Matt SURRUSCO/AFP - The Southeast Asian Games officially open in Bangkok on 8 December, against a backdrop of chaotic organization, with fresh border...

Laos Sets Timeline for LDC Graduation, Begins Work on Readiness Assessment

Laos is moving ahead with preparations for its expected graduation from Least Developed Country status, with authorities targeting a transition period spanning 2026 to...

Survivors Pick Up Pieces in Flood-Hit Indonesia as More Rain Predicted

By Marchio GORBIANO and Taris IMAN/AFP - Survivors in Indonesia were piecing back shattered lives Friday after devastating floods killed more than 1,750 people...

Princess Aiko Shares Thoughts on Six-Day Trip to Laos

Her Royal Highness Princess Aiko of Japan has shared her thoughts following her first official overseas visit, concluding a trip to Laos from 17...

Laos-Vietnam Trade, Investment Surges as Leaders Eye USD 5 Billion Target

Trade between Laos and Vietnam reached USD 2.6 billion in the first ten months of 2025, a 50 percent rise from last year.  These numbers...

Over 500 Women in Attapeu Receive Funding to Boost Nutrition, Household Farming

More than 500 women in Sanamxay district, Attapeu Province, have received over LAK 1.27 billion (USD 58,417) in financial support aimed at improving household...

Lao Railways Launches First Cross-Border Freight Service Using Its Own Rolling Stock

On 2 December, Lao National Railways introduced a new freight operation linking Thanaleng Station in Vientiane with Nong Khai Station, Thailand, across the Mekong. The...

Thailand’s Afternoon Alcohol Sales Ban Lifted Ahead of New Year Celebrations

Laotian Times and AFP - Thailand has officially lifted its decades-old ban on alcohol sales between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM, a move aimed...

Laos, Vietnam Agree to Strengthen Defense, Security, Economic Cooperation

Laos and Vietnam have signed 12 cooperation documents aimed at tightening coordination across defense, security, economic ties, and provincial partnerships during a two-day state...

Laos, Cambodia Boost Energy Cooperation in High-Level Talks

Laos and Cambodia have agreed to deepen their energy partnership.  From 26 to 28 November, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn led...