Development

Former MRC Chief Anoulak Kittikhoun Named First Lao Head of Mekong Institute

Former Mekong River Commission (MRC) Chief Executive Officer Anoulak Kittikhoun has been appointed Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Mekong Institute, becoming the first Lao national to lead the regional organisation. The appointment was announced during Mekong Forum 2026, held in Bangkok on 22–23 July, where the institute...

Trade, Energy, Tourism Drive Laos-Vietnam Economic Ties Past USD 1.3 Billion

Trade between Laos and Vietnam reached USD 1.305 billion during the first six months...

Laos Must Spend More on Healthcare as Costs Rise, World Bank Says

Healthcare in Laos is under growing financial pressure, and the country can no longer...

Thailand, China and Vietnam Fuel Laos’ Tourism Growth in 2026

Laos welcomed nearly 2.6 million international tourists in the first half of 2026, up...

Laos Launches Cultural Association to Preserve Heritage, Build Soft Power

On 16 July, Laos established a new cultural association tasked with preserving national heritage...

Laos Proposes Tax Relief for Small Businesses Under Revised Income Tax Law

On 24 June, Laos proposed amending the Income Tax Law to exempt unprofitable small businesses from taxes, aiming to ease their burden and improve...

Laos, South Korea Launch Medical University Project in Vientiane

Laos is establishing the first infrastructure for the University of Health Sciences (UHS) in Vientiane Capital, aiming to advance the medical sector through human...

Laos Clarifies LAK 3,000 Telecom Fee After Viral Video Sparks Public Doubt

A government official has clarified the purpose of the LAK 3,000 (USD 0.14) monthly telecom "security fee" following public backlash sparked by a viral...

Lao Government Launches USD-70-Million Upgrade of National Road 13 South

The Lao government has launched a major infrastructure project to upgrade a key section of National Road 13 South, aiming to boost trade, regional...

Lao Government Launches Legal Pathway for Jobs in Korea’s Fishery Sector

Laos is set to deploy workers to South Korea’s fisheries sector for the first time under the E-10-2 visa program, a move aimed at...

Laos Approves Cost-Cutting Road Policy to Boost Infrastructure

The National Assembly has approved a new policy aimed at promoting road construction and repair across the country, as proposed by the Minister of...