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...

Lao Ministry Reports Major Reading Gains Among Students in Champasack, Attapeu Provinces

Over 29,000 young students in the southern Champasack and Attapeu provinces have significantly improved their reading abilities, said the Ministry of Education and Sports...

Inflation Eases to 8.3% in May, But Key Prices Remain High

The inflation rate in May stood at 8.3 percent, showing a significant drop from 11.1 percent in April, according to a report from the...

Laos, Malaysia Open New Rail-Sea Trade Corridor

Laos and Malaysia have launched a new trade corridor to improve regional logistics and strengthen economic ties, providing a direct route from Laos to...

Laos, Thailand Partner to Boost Buddhist Education for Monks

Laos and Thailand have signed a new agreement to enhance Buddhist education for Lao monks through scholarships, academic exchanges, and institutional support. On 21 May,...

Vientiane Discusses Restoration Plan of Historic Black Stupa

The iconic That Dam, or Black Stupa, one of Vientiane’s most culturally significant landmarks, is set to undergo a major restoration as part of...

Laos Nears Launch Southeast Asia’s Largest Wind Farm

Laos is set to launch its first wind farm, and the largest in Southeast Asia, by the end of the year, with all 133...