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...

Luang Prabang Pushes for Green Destination Certification to Boost Sustainable Tourism

Luang Prabang is taking steps to further enhance its tourism sector by exploring the possibility of receiving the prestigious Tourism Destination Award from the...

Phu Quoc Airport Set for Mega Upgrade Ahead of APEC 2027

Phu Quoc International Airport in Kien Giang Province will undergo major expansion and upgrades to support the 2027 APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Economic Leaders'...

Green and Smart Mobility Launches EV Platform, VinFast Car Sales in Laos

On 17 May, Green and Smart Mobility Joint Stock Company (GSM), the operator of Xanh SM – Southeast Asia’s first all-electric ride-hailing service officially...

Cassava Exports from Laos Surge as Railway Boosts Trade Efficiency

Cassava exports from Laos have grown significantly in early 2025, thanks to increased shipments along the Laos-China Railway.  In the first five months this year,...

Six Dead from Poisonous Mushrooms: Xayabouly Health Authorities Issue Urgent Warning

On 13 May, the Xayabouly District Health Office issued a public warning following a series of mushroom poisoning cases that have resulted in six...

Laos Approves New Dry Port Project in Bolikhamxay

Laos has taken a new step toward becoming a regional trade hub by leasing land for a new dry port next to the 5th...