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Vientiane Meeting Highlights Grassroots Security and Economic Stability


Vientiane: Key officials, department heads and media representatives gathered in Vientiane on September 9, 2026 for a dissemination and study meeting on major Party documents, including the Resolution of the 3rd Plenary Session of the 12th Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP).

According to Lao News Agency, the meeting focused on key directions for political and socio-economic development, grassroots governance, national security, economic management and information and education work. Participants studied three major documents: the Resolution of the 3rd Plenary Session of the 12th Central Committee; Resolution No. 62/CCPC, dated July 9, 2026, on strengthening Party leadership over grassroots political establishments in connection with rural development, poverty reduction and the ‘Three Builds’ directive; and Resolution No. 60/CCPC on the outcomes of the 6th Party Congress of the Party Organization of the Commission for Information and Education of the Party Central Committee (CIEC
C).

The meeting also disseminated the 5-Year CIECC (2026-2030), which comprises nine key programmes and 42 projects to be implemented through 2030. Speaking at the meeting, Khamphan Pheuyavong, Head of the Commission for Information and Education of the Party Central Committee (CIECC), stressed that the implementation of Party policies and resolutions must begin at the grassroots and municipal levels.

He highlighted ongoing coordination among relevant sectors, including the Ministry of Home Affairs, to strengthen community security, protect agricultural production, combat drug trafficking and maintain stable trade and economic activities. He said transnational and domestic security challenges remained a concern, particularly cybercrime, scam operations, call centres and unauthorised businesses. Authorities have reportedly apprehended around 770 people suspected of involvement in cross-border scam networks for investigation.

Khamphan noted that illegal networks have increasingly moved into less visible loca
tions, including urban areas, restaurants and residential communities, requiring stronger monitoring at the local level. District and municipal authorities have also been instructed to strengthen household registration, monitor the movement of transient workers and strictly manage foreign labour.

Regarding economic performance, he said the national economy had faced pressure from global trade tensions, fluctuations in raw material prices and high production costs during the first half of 2026. Nevertheless, GDP growth was estimated at 5-6%, while inflation fell to around 7.7%. Average income increased by approximately 5.4%.

To support economic stability, the government is prioritising domestic production and import substitution, while improving revenue collection through digital monitoring systems covering restaurants, hotels and other businesses. Public expenditure will also be subject to tighter controls.

Khamphan stressed the need for continued investment in rural infrastructure, road maintenance and so
cial welfare, particularly to support low-income and vulnerable households and strengthen sustainable livelihoods. He called for closer coordination among local authorities, security forces and administrative bodies to strengthen grassroots security, support socio-economic development and maintain national stability.

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Laos and Vietnam Share Insights on Governance and Coordination


Vientiane: The Organization Board of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee, in collaboration with experts from the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, convened a seminar in Vientiane on September 8, 2026, to discuss working methods, leadership styles, and coordination between Party and administrative authorities at various levels.



According to Lao News Agency, the seminar, themed ‘Working Methods, Style, and Coordination Relations between Party Committee Secretaries and Chairpersons of Administration Committees at the Capital, Provincial, District, and Municipal Levels,’ was presided over by General Vilay Lakhamphong. He is a Political Bureau Member of the LPRP Central Committee and a Permanent Member of the Secretariat of the LPRP Central Committee.



The event was attended by several prominent figures, including Sisay Leudetmounsone, a Political Bureau Member of the LPRP Central Committee and Head of the Party Central Committee’s Organization Board, along with other Political Bureau members, members of the Party Central Committee Secretariat, provincial and capital Party secretaries, and a delegation of Vietnamese experts.



During the seminar, Nguyen Ba Chien, Director of the Academy of Public Administration and Civil Service from Vietnam, shared insights on Vietnam’s practice of having officials hold dual positions, such as Party secretaries also serving as People’s Council chairpersons. This presentation explored the model’s origins, benefits, and challenges, providing a learning opportunity for the Lao side to consider adapting it to their context.



General Vilay Lakhamphong emphasized the seminar’s role in reinforcing the strong traditional friendship and cooperation between the two countries’ Parties, States, and peoples. He noted that this exchange is part of fulfilling the memorandum of understanding between the two Political Bureaus and the cooperation agreement for 2026-2030.



In the latter part of the seminar, Sisay Leudetmounsone presented draft reports on regulatory frameworks concerning the working methods and relations between Party Committee secretaries and administration committee chairpersons at various administrative levels. These regulations aim to enhance coordination and establish clear mandates and responsibilities for officials.



Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary of the LPRP Central Committee and President of the Lao PDR, concluded the seminar by urging participants to study and adapt the Vietnamese governance model to Laos’ circumstances. He underscored the importance of people-centred development and the principle of democratic centralism in governance.



Furthermore, he addressed the re-establishment of the Ta Saeng level, underscoring its potential to bolster Party leadership and grassroots management. He encouraged officials to define roles and responsibilities clearly to strengthen local socio-economic development and reduce poverty in Laos.

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Education Minister Highlights 60th Anniversary of International Literacy Day


Vientiane: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thongsalith Mangnomek, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education and Sports, has issued a statement marking the 60th Anniversary of International Literacy Day, observed on September 8, 2026.

According to Lao News Agency, the statement highlights that UNESCO declared September 8 as International Literacy Day in 1966, and the 60th anniversary signifies a vital milestone in the ongoing global efforts to promote the fundamental right to education and advance social equality.

This year’s observance operates under the theme ‘Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity.’ The theme underscores literacy as a crucial foundation not only for personal development but also for environmental protection, peacebuilding, and sustainable shared prosperity.

Over the past six decades, significant progress has been made in global literacy. However, the statement notes that more than 739 million adults and young people worldwide still lack basic literacy skills, with 63% of them being women.
Additionally, rapid advances in digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) are reshaping societies and economies.

In this evolving context, literacy now extends beyond traditional reading, writing, and basic numeracy. It encompasses digital and AI literacy, enabling individuals to use technology safely and creatively, alongside information literacy, financial literacy, vocational skills, and green competencies.

The statement also stresses the significance of lifelong learning, which empowers citizens to adapt to global changes, develop new skills, create added value, and contribute to sustainable development.

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Laos, Australia Handover Updated English Curriculum for Government Officials


Vientiane: The Australian Government today officially transferred the updated English for Lao Government Officials (ELGO) curriculum to its Lao counterparts, signifying a pivotal moment in Australia’s ongoing support to enhance English language skills within the Lao Government.



According to Lao News Agency, the ceremony took place at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Vientiane, drawing key representatives from the Australian Embassy to the Lao PDR, the Ministry of Education and Sports, the Laos Australia Institute (LAI), and several partner institutions, including the National Academy of Politics and Public Administration, the Institute of Foreign Affairs, the National University of Laos, the Ministry of National Defence, and the People’s Police Academy.



The revamped curriculum features Student Books, Teacher Guides, and audio resources divided into three modules. Developed collaboratively by LAI and Lao government counterparts, the updated materials aim to meet the changing needs of government officials and enhance practical English skills for both regional and global interactions.



Australia’s Deputy Head of Mission to the Lao PDR, Ms. Benita Sommerville, emphasized that the curriculum handover demonstrates Australia’s dedication to supporting Laos’ human resource development goals. She noted, “The new ELGO curriculum is a significant achievement, helping to strengthen English capability across the Lao Government. English skills enable Government of Lao leaders and staff to engage in international trade, diplomacy and development projects, and to access technology, research and professional networks.”



The event also highlighted the ELGO development process, training successes, distribution milestones, and insights from the 2025 ELGO case study. The study revealed positive feedback on the curriculum, noting improved teacher confidence, professional development, and expanded English vocabulary for learners.



This handover bolsters the sustainable implementation of ELGO across Lao government institutions and underscores the strong partnership between Australia and Laos in education, human resource development, and regional engagement.

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Thailand Approves 1.78 Billion Baht Financing for New Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge


Vientiane: The Thai Cabinet on September 8, 2026 approved financial assistance totalling 1,783 million baht for the Lao PDR to support construction of a new Mekong River bridge linking Ban Xieng Maen in Chomphet District, Luang Prabang Province, with Luang Prabang.



According to Lao News Agency, the project will be implemented through Thailand’s Neighboring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA) and will involve construction of a reinforced concrete bridge approximately 500 metres long, together with approach roads connecting the bridge to the main highway network.



Under the financing arrangement, 50% of the funding will come from the Thai government’s annual budget for fiscal years 2028-2031, while the remaining 50% will be provided through loans raised by NEDA from domestic financial institutions and on-lent to the Lao government.



The financial assistance is subject to conditions aimed at supporting Thai businesses. These include requirements for Thai construction contractors and consulting engineers to participate in the project, as well as the use of construction materials produced in Thailand for at least 50% of the contract value.



The new bridge is expected to strengthen transport connectivity between Luang Prabang and neighbouring Thailand and facilitate travel, trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.

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Chinese PLA “Peace Train” Medical Team Arrives in Laos


Vientiane: The Chinese medical support team participating in the China-Laos “Peace Train-2026” joint humanitarian medical rescue exercise arrived in the Lao capital Vientiane on Sunday morning. The team will conduct a 17-day joint exercise and medical service program with the medical support team of the Lao People’s Army.

According to Lao News Agency, Bouasing Inthavong, deputy director of the General Logistics Department of the Lao People’s Army, joined representatives from both sides in attending a warm welcome ceremony. Song Caiping, captain of the “Peace Train” medical team, said at the ceremony that the Chinese participants had completed 11 rounds of intensive medical skills training before departure and had conducted realistic combat drills en route.

Bouasing expressed gratitude for the assistance China has provided to Laos in the health sector in recent years. He said that, with the continued and in-depth development of the “Peace Train” series of activities, medical support exchanges and cooperation
between the two militaries have established a sound mechanism and system, marking a new stage in mutual trust and cooperation in the medical field between the two sides.

According to a member of the Chinese command and coordination group for the joint exercise, this year’s exercise is being held against the backdrop of the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Laos, the “China-Laos Friendship Year,” and the fifth anniversary of the opening of the China-Laos Railway. It is the sixth time the two militaries have held this series of joint exercises.

The exercise will further enhance the two militaries’ capabilities in joint command, joint rescue, and joint prevention and control in medical support, demonstrating their deep military friendship and mutual trust while continuing to build a model for bilateral military cooperation and exchanges.

Following the exercise, the medical team will travel to Vientiane, Savannakhet, Champasak, and Attapeu provinces to provide medi
cal services, including specialized diagnosis and treatment and academic lectures. These activities are expected to further deepen strategic mutual trust, expand practical cooperation, and promote medical exchanges between the two militaries toward more comprehensive, in-depth, and regularized development. They will also contribute to advancing the building of a China-Laos community with a shared future toward higher standards, higher quality, and higher levels.

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Luang Namtha Flooding Causes More Than 4.195 Trillion Kip in Damage


Vientiane: Severe flooding hit Luang Namtha Province from August 29 to 31, affecting all five districts and more than 24,800 people, according to a report by Luang Namtha Provincial News on September 7, 2026.



According to Lao News Agency, the flooding followed several consecutive days of heavy rainfall, causing extensive damage to infrastructure, government property, homes, and personal assets. The affected districts included Luang Namtha, Sing, Long, Viengphoukha, and Nalae. In total, 81 villages, representing 23.14 percent of all villages in the province, were affected.



The disaster impacted 4,420 households and 24,849 people, with 457 households suffering severe impacts. Additionally, 12 houses were completely swept away by floodwaters. Public infrastructure and government properties also incurred damage, complicating recovery efforts in the affected communities.



The total estimated damage has exceeded 4.195 trillion Lao kip, highlighting the disaster’s significant impact on communities and infrastructure across the province. Provincial authorities continue to assess the full extent of the damage and the needs of affected communities as they proceed with recovery and rehabilitation efforts.

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Champasak Welcomes More Than 678,000 Tourists in 2026


Vientiane: (KPL) A delegation from the Department of Culture and Tourism of Khammuane Province visited Champasak Province from September 3-5, 2026, to exchange experiences and lessons on culture and tourism development.



According to Lao News Agency, the delegation, led by Mr. Manothong Phongsavat, Acting Head of the Department of Culture and Tourism of Khammuane Province, met with officials from the Department of Culture and Tourism of Champasak Province, led by Mrs. Tedavan Keophilavanh, Head of the Department. The two sides exchanged experiences in key areas, including the development and management of model cultural villages, promotion of artists, regulation of artistic and literary performances, preservation and promotion of cultural heritage, and organisation of major traditional festivals such as the Wat Phou Festival.



In tourism, discussions covered the management and promotion of tourism businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and tourist sites, collection of tourism statistics, assessment of Dok Champa and star ratings, and the management of tourism business associations, including the collection and use of tourism funds. Mrs. Tedavan outlined Champasak’s tourism potential, which is concentrated in four major zones: the Cultural-Natural Zone, Wat Phou World Heritage Zone, Bolaven Plateau Zone, and Siphandone (4,000 Islands) Zone.



In 2026, Champasak recorded more than 678,000 tourist arrivals and generated over US$110 million in tourism revenue, equivalent to 107 percent of the annual target. Mr. Manothong highlighted Khammuane Province’s tourism potential, which includes 210 major tourist attractions, particularly natural and historical sites associated with the Sikhottabong civilisation. More than 359,000 tourists visited the province during the first six months of 2026.



The two sides also discussed challenges, including access infrastructure to tourist sites, limited budgets for tourism promotion, and the need to update regulations governing tourism businesses to keep pace with current developments. The exchange was seen as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation and share practical experience between the two provinces in promoting sustainable development in culture and tourism.

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Laos and Cambodia Unveil Logo to Celebrate 70 Years of Diplomatic Ties


Vientiane: The Lao PDR and the Kingdom of Cambodia on September 7, 2026, officially launched the logo commemorating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.



According to Lao News Agency, the ceremony took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Lao PDR. It was co-chaired by Mr. Anoupharb Vongnorkeo, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao PDR, and Mr. Pha Nong, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Cambodia to the Lao PDR. The event saw participation from relevant officials representing both nations.



The newly launched logo is a symbol of the enduring friendship, solidarity, and productive cooperation shared by Laos and Cambodia over the past seventy years. This logo will play a significant role in official activities and commemorative events throughout the year 2026, celebrating the shared history and achievements of the two nations.



Laos and Cambodia, which share a border and deep historical, cultural, and social ties, have enjoyed a strong relationship since establishing diplomatic relations on July 5, 1956. Over the years, the two countries have continuously worked to strengthen their friendship and cooperation in various sectors.



In a significant development in 2019, the two countries upgraded their bilateral relations to a Comprehensive and Long-Term Strategic Partnership. This strategic partnership marked a milestone in their bilateral ties and reaffirmed their joint commitment to enhancing cooperation for mutual benefit.