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Saturday, August 2, 2025
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Lao, Korean Flavors Come Alive at “Thongtaek Tastes of Korea” in Vientiane

A three-day cultural food event called “Thongtaek Tastes of Korea” is taking place from 1 to 3 August, at Parkson Shopping Center in Vientiane. The event is organized to promote cultural exchange and strengthen ties between Laos and South Korea through food, music, and art. Visitors will have the chance to enjoy traditional Lao and Korean dishes at food booths set up at the venue.   Korean products will also be on display and available for purchase, giving people a chance to explore items that are popular in South Korea. The event will feature photo zones designed to reflect Korean culture, allowing visitors to take memorable pictures. There will be live performances throughout the event,...

Economy

Laos Provinces Show Steady Economic Growth in First Half of 2025

Several provinces across Laos have reported solid economic progress in the first half of 2025, according to recent updates from local government offices. Vientiane Province posted moderate growth of around...

Laos, Myanmar Stuck at 40% Tariff Rate as US Reciprocal Trade Regime Takes Effect

The United States' updated reciprocal tariff regime officially took effect today, hitting several Southeast Asian economies with a range of steep new import taxes.  Despite weeks of last-minute diplomacy, Laos...

Laos Kicks Off Fundraising Campaign to Relive Floods Damage Amidst Public Doubts

Laos has launched a fundraising campaign to relieve damage caused by Typhoons Wutip and Wipha that wreaked havoc in the country across the first half of 2025.  The initiative quickly...

Laos, Vietnam Open New Drug Rehabilitation Center in Vientiane Province

On 30 July, the governments of Laos and Vietnam officially opened a new treatment and rehabilitation center for individuals struggling with addiction to illegal substances in Phonhong District, Vientiane...

Typhoon Wipha Kills 4, Leaves 4 Missing as Storm Batters 34 Districts Across Laos

Typhoon Wipha has killed four people and left four others missing after sweeping through 34 districts in multiple provinces across Laos. The storm battered nearly 15,000 families, damaged more...

Laos’ Inflation Eases to 5.3 Percent in July

Laos recorded an inflation rate of 5.3 percent in July, continuing a downward trend from 7.2 percent in June and 8.3 percent in May, according to recent government data. The...

Travel

Vientiane’s Running Boom: More Than Just Exercise, It’s a Movement

In recent years, Vientiane has seen a quiet but steady rise in running culture. Once considered a niche activity, running is now gaining traction across the capital, thanks to city races, charity events, and grassroots groups that are making the sport more visible, and more social. One of the figures inspiring this shift is Lodkeo Inthakoumman, one of Laos’ top female runners from Champasack Province in the south. She has gained recognition for her strong performances in national and regional long-distance events, helping to raise the profile of running in Laos.   Benefits Behind the Movement Running is more than just a growing trend, it offers a wealth of physical and mental benefits....

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

A 1,000-Pound Unexploded Bomb Found Near Homes in Bolikhamxay

On 16 July, Residents of Namphao Village in Khamkeut District, Bolikhamxay Province, found a massive unexploded bomb while excavating land to build a house. The bomb was found just five meters from residential homes. The Unexploded Ordinance (UXO) clearance team that inspected the site on 23 July confirmed the device as a 1,000-pound bomb weighing over 453 kilograms. According to their assessment, an explosion would cause severe damage within a 1.5-kilometer radius, potentially devastating the surrounding residential area.  Authorities stated that...

Sport

Vientiane’s Running Boom: More Than Just Exercise, It’s a Movement

In recent years, Vientiane has seen a quiet but steady rise in running culture. Once considered a niche activity, running is now gaining traction across the capital, thanks to city races, charity events,...

Lao Runner ‘Lodkeo’ Dominates Pattaya Marathon

Lodkeo Inthakoumman secured another victory by finishing first in the half marathon at the Pattaya Marathon 2025, held from 19 to 20 July in Thailand. “I trained six days a week, balancing both work...

Politics

Laos, Russia Strengthen Partnership with Nuclear Roadmap, Key Agreements

Laos and Russia are taking their 65-year friendship to a new level after President Thongloun Sisoulith’s visit to Moscow...

Laos Braced for Blow of Trump Tariff Threat

AFP - Hawking clothes outside the garment factory where her daughter toils inside, a Lao vendor weighs US President...

Laos, Vietnam Open New Drug Rehabilitation Center in Vientiane Province

On 30 July, the governments of Laos and Vietnam officially opened a new treatment and rehabilitation center for individuals...

Lao President Reaffirms Commitment to Deepening Ties with Russia Ahead of Official Visit

Ahead of his official visit to the Russian Federation from 30 July to 1 August, Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith...

Feature

Vientiane’s Running Boom: More Than Just Exercise, It’s a Movement

In recent years, Vientiane has seen a quiet but steady rise in running culture. Once considered a niche activity, running is now gaining traction across the capital, thanks to city races, charity events, and grassroots groups that are making the sport more visible, and more social. One of the figures inspiring this shift is Lodkeo Inthakoumman, one of Laos’ top female runners from Champasack Province in the south. She has gained recognition for her strong performances in national and regional long-distance events, helping to raise the profile of running in Laos.   Benefits Behind the Movement Running is more than just a growing trend, it offers a wealth of physical and mental benefits. Dr. Channita Langsy, a Hematology specialist in Vientiane capital, explained why running is a powerful form of exercise.   “Running is one of the most popular activities because it strengthens the body’s endurance, especially the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems, which in turn improves sleep quality,” she said. “Mentally, even a run of 5 to 10 kilometers triggers the release of endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine, substances that boost mood and reduce stress.” Over time, Dr. Channita added, running helps lower the risk of metabolic...

Laos, Russia Strengthen Partnership with Nuclear Roadmap, Key Agreements

Laos and Russia are taking their 65-year friendship to...

Laos Braced for Blow of Trump Tariff Threat

AFP - Hawking clothes outside the garment factory where...

Laos, Vietnam Open New Drug Rehabilitation Center in Vientiane Province

On 30 July, the governments of Laos and Vietnam...

Lao President Reaffirms Commitment to Deepening Ties with Russia Ahead of Official Visit

Ahead of his official visit to the Russian Federation...

Death Toll Rises in Thai-Cambodian Clashes Despite Ceasefire Call

By Suy Se with Montira Rungjirajittranon in Bangkok/AFP -...