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Friday, September 19, 2025
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Lao Delegation Marks 15 Years of Cluster Munitions Convention at Geneva Meeting

Laos, led by Deputy Foreign Minister Anouparb Vongnorkeo, participated in the 13th Meeting of States Parties to the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM), held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 16 to 19 September.  Speaking at the event, Anouparb highlighted the Convention’s anniversary as both a milestone in collective achievements and a moment to renew global commitments.  He emphasized the need to strengthen international cooperation and mobilize resources to meet the Convention’s humanitarian goals, while reaffirming Laos’ commitment to implementing the CCM and Sustainable Development Goal 18. On the same day, Laos and Ireland co-hosted a side event titled “A Fifteen-Year Journey: Lao PDR’s Story Under the Convention on Cluster Munitions.” The event reviewed...

Economy

Tourist Arrivals in Laos Increased by 15 Percent in First Eight Months of 2025

Laos welcomed over 3,061,928 international tourists in the first eight months of 2025, a 15 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024, according to the Tourism Development...

Wind Power Project in Savannakhet Nears Completion, on Track for Commercial Operation by End of 2025

The Savan 1 Wind Power Project in Savannakhet reached 85 percent completion and is expected to begin commercial operations by the end of 2025, with electricity set to be...

Sekong Province Offers LAK 50 Million, University Placement for Outstanding Students

Students in Sekong Province who graduate from grade 12 with a red diploma in the 2025–2026 academic year will receive LAK 50 million (USD 2,306) and support to continue...

Chao Anouvong Stadium Renovation on Track for Late 2026 Completion

The renovation of Vientiane’s Chao Anouvong Stadium is on track and is expected to be completed by October 2026, the Ministry of Education and Sports said.  The project, valued at...

New Cross-Border Infrastructure Project to Strengthen Connectivity in Southern Laos

Authorities in Attapeu have officially launched construction of a major infrastructure project designed to improve cross-border transport and stimulate regional economic growth. The initiative includes the construction of a...

Asian Development Bank Funds USD 41M for Primary Healthcare in Laos

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD 41 million financing package to strengthen primary health care in Laos. According to ADB, the Green Primary Care Project will improve...

Travel

Tourist Arrivals in Laos Increased by 15 Percent in First Eight Months of 2025

Laos welcomed over 3,061,928 international tourists in the first eight months of 2025, a 15 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024, according to the Tourism Development Department.  ASEAN visitors remain the largest group, with Thailand leading at 977,675 arrivals, followed by Vietnam with 790,403, China with 750,650, South Korea with 127,379, and the United States with 49,934. The most popular attractions continue to be nature-based and cultural tourism, with Vientiane Capital, Vientiane Province, Luang Prabang, and Champasack drawing the highest numbers of visitors.  Luang Prabang alone recorded over 2.15 million tourists in the first seven months of 2025, an 83.8 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024....

ASEAN Rail Tourism Corridor Takes Center Stage at Mekong Tourism Forum 2025

Laos hosted the Mekong Tourism Forum 2025 in Luang Prabang from 24 to 27 June, spotlighting the proposed ASEAN Rail Tourism Corridor (ARTC) as a key initiative to boost regional travel and connectivity. Held...

Vientiane Launches Sustainable Tourism Initiative with Innovative Technology for Growth

The Lao government has announced plans to boost tourism in Vientiane Capital with the theme "Vientiane's Sustainable Tourism," The initiative aims to incorporate innovative technologies into tourism management and create new attractions for...

Health & Environment

Lao Civil Servants Eligible for Up to 6.5 Months of Maternity Leave

Female civil servants in Laos are entitled to maternity leave ranging from four to six and a half months, depending on circumstances, under the newly amended Civil Servants Law. Standard maternity leave lasts four months and can be taken before or after childbirth. For cesarean deliveries, leave is four and a half months, while mothers expecting twins receive an additional two months, totaling six and a half months.  In the event of a miscarriage, one month of leave is granted, with...

Sport

Chao Anouvong Stadium Renovation on Track for Late 2026 Completion

The renovation of Vientiane’s Chao Anouvong Stadium is on track and is expected to be completed by October 2026, the Ministry of Education and Sports said.  The project, valued at JPY 4.171 billion (approximately...

Laos Announces 33 Sports for 12th National Games

The Ministry of Education and Sports has confirmed that 33 sports will be contested at the 12th National Games, set to take place in Vientiane Capital from 15 to 25 November. Minister of Education...

Politics

Lao Delegation Marks 15 Years of Cluster Munitions Convention at Geneva Meeting

Laos, led by Deputy Foreign Minister Anouparb Vongnorkeo, participated in the 13th Meeting of States Parties to the Convention...

Laos Receives Over 1000 Tons of Rice Aid to Support Disaster Recovery

On 16 September, Laos received 1,050 tons of rice donated by China, Japan, and South Korea to assist disaster-affected...

Laos Reaffirms Interest in Joining BRICS, Deepens Ties with Russia

Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphadone has reaffirmed Laos’ interest in joining BRICS, a key alliance of emerging economies, stating...

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Concludes State Visit to Laos

Cuban President and First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, concluded...

Feature

Back in Business: How Tourists Are Reviving Laos’ Hotels, Restaurants, Communities

After years of pandemic-induced quiet, Laos is seeing its hotels fill up, restaurants reopen, and communities come back to life, thanks to a new wave of returning international tourists. According to official data, Laos welcomed more than 2.3 million tourists in the first half of the year of 2025. The surge in visitors is giving a much-needed boost to the country’s hospitality sector, which struggled during and for years after the COVID-19 pandemic.  From boutique hotels in Luang Prabang to riverside restaurants in Vientiane, businesses are reopening, restaffing, and reimagining the experience for today’s traveler. Laos is also gaining international attention. In its annual ranking, Lonely Planet placed the country fourth on its list of the Top 30 Best Places to Visit in 2025.  The guide highlights the country’s affordability and accessibility, particularly with the introduction of a sustainable high-speed rail, as well as must-see destinations such as VangVieng, Vientiane’s Pha That Luang, and the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang. But beyond easier access and affordability, visitors say what keeps them coming back is something more personal: the peaceful vibe, warm hospitality, and authentic cultural experiences. Local Businesses Stepping Up Hotels and restaurants are...

Lao Delegation Marks 15 Years of Cluster Munitions Convention at Geneva Meeting

Laos, led by Deputy Foreign Minister Anouparb Vongnorkeo, participated...

Laos Receives Over 1000 Tons of Rice Aid to Support Disaster Recovery

On 16 September, Laos received 1,050 tons of rice...

Laos Reaffirms Interest in Joining BRICS, Deepens Ties with Russia

Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphadone has reaffirmed Laos’ interest...

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Concludes State Visit to Laos

Cuban President and First Secretary of the Central Committee...

Lao President Thongloun Wraps Up China Visit with Focus on Friendship, Future Cooperation

Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith concluded a four-day visit to...