Politics

Laos, Vietnam Set USD 4 Billion Trade Goal as Economic Ties Grow

Laos and Vietnam are pushing to take their economic partnership to the next level, with both countries targeting USD 4 billion in bilateral trade in 2026. The goal follows a strong year for trade, with two-way trade reaching USD 3.196 billion in 2025, up 12 percent from the previous year. The...

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 Formalizes Shanghai Cooperation Organization Dialogue Partner Status

Laos has strengthened its regional ties after formally confirming its status as a Dialogue...

Railway Expansion, Education Reform Among Key Issues at National Assembly

Expanding the railway to southern Laos, rolling out a new school system, reducing poverty,...

Myanmar’s Leader Wraps First ASEAN Visit in Laos, Signs Mekong Dam Study

Myanmar's recently elected President, Min Aung Hlaing, who seized power in the 2021 military...

Laos, Philippines Discuss Direct Flights to Boost Trade, Investment, Tourism

Foreign Ministers of Laos and the Philippines discussed the possibility of starting direct flights between the two countries to boost trade, investment, and tourism...

Malaysia Makes Owning LGBTQ+ Swatch Punishable by up to 3 Years in Jail

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Malaysia’s government said Thursday that all Swatch products that contain lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer elements — including...

Laos Reviews Preparations for ASEAN Chairmanship at PM-led Meeting

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone chaired a meeting attended by senior officials and ministers on Thursday to assess progress in the preparation for Laos' upcoming...

Chart Thai Pattana Party Joins Pheu Thai-Led Coalition to Form New Government in Thailand

In a move to strengthen their political coalition in Thailand's House of Representatives, the Pheu Thai Party welcomed the Chart Thai Pattana Party along...

Hospital Opens Doors to “One-Stop” Services For Survivors of Violence for First Time in Laos

The Ministry of Health unveiled the nation’s first hospital-based One-Stop Service Unit (OSSU) for survivors of violence in Mahosot Hospital on Monday. The OSSU...

Laos to Receive THB 1.8 Billion Loan From Thailand to Develop Khamsavath Station in Vientiane Capital

Laos is likely to receive a loan worth THB 1.8 billion (around USD 51 million) from Thailand to develop the Khamsavath Station in Vientiane...