Laos has achieved a big step in its telecommunications system by adding fiber optic cable that stretches 98,524 kilometers. This means more villages across the country can now get mobile phone signals.
Over 90 Lives Lost in April to Road Accidents, Drunk Driving Remains Major Factor
A total of 96 individuals lost their lives in road accidents across Laos in April, with a significant number of these collisions attributed to drunk driving. The Traffic Police Department of the Ministry of Public Security’s latest report highlighted a worrying trend, revealing 710 accidents in April alone—a notable increase from the previous month.
Vietnam’s Top Security Official to Lam Confirmed as President

BANGKOK (AP) — Vietnam’s top security official To Lam was confirmed Wednesday as the nation’s new president.
Lam was confirmed by Vietnam’s National Assembly after his predecessor resigned amid an ongoing anti-corruption campaign that has shaken the country’s political establishment and business elites and has resulted in multiple top-level changes in government.
Vietnam’s presidency is largely ceremonial, but his new role as head of state puts the 66-year-old in a “very strong position” to become the next Communist Party general secretary, the most important political position in the country, said Nguyen Khac Giang, an analyst at Singapore’s ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute.
World Leaders Plan New Agreement on AI at Virtual Summit Co-hosted by South Korea, UK

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — World leaders are expected to adopt a new agreement on artificial intelligence when they gather virtually on Tuesday, 21 May, to discuss AI’s potential risks but also ways to promote its benefits and innovation.
Laos Mandates Graphic Health Warnings on Cigarette Packages to Combat Smoking Epidemic
The Lao Ministry of Health has mandated that 75 percent of all cigarette packages must feature graphic health warning images by December this year. This initiative aims to curb smoking and its associated health risks, particularly among the nation’s youth.
North Korea’s World Cup Qualifiers Moved from Pyongyang to Laos
North Korea’s World Cup qualifying matches against Syria and Myanmar have been relocated from Pyongyang, North Korea, to Vientiane, Laos. This decision marks the third and fourth time in recent months that international football matches have been moved out of North Korea.
World Bee Day: Celebrating the Role of Bees in Our Ecosystem
Today, 20 May, the world celebrates World Bee Day, an international event dedicated to recognizing the critical role bees and other pollinators play in sustaining our ecosystem.