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...

Thahao Reservoir Irrigation Project Set to Benefit Over 2,100 Families in Savannakhet

The Thahao reservoir and irrigation project currently under construction in Savannakhet Province is expected to benefit 2,174 families once completed. Located in Nakhum village, Outhoumphone...

Japan Supports Water Supply Improvements in Phongsaly Province

Japan has provided grant assistance of USD 17,400 to support a new water supply project in Phongsaly Province, aimed at improving access to safe...

Fifth Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge Generates LAK 47.5 Billion in First Month of Operation

The 5th Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, which officially opened on 27 December 2025, generated more than LAK 47.5 billion (approximately USD 2.2 million) in state...

Laos, China Boost Oversight of Key Projects Ahead of 65th Anniversary

Laos and China are ramping up the monitoring of key infrastructure and energy projects as they prepare for the 65th anniversary of their diplomatic...

Lao Government, Thai Firm Sign Deal for 100MW Solar Farm in Bolikhamxay

The Government of Laos and Thai company APDL Solar Power Sole Co., Ltd. signed an agreement on 25 February to conduct a feasibility study...

Golden Triangle SEZ Tax Revenue Plunges 49% in 2025 as Hundreds of Businesses Shut Down

Tax revenue in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Bokeo Province dropped nearly 49 percent in 2025, following the closure of 551...