Author: lwadmin

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.

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.

Vientiane: Road accidents claimed 53 lives across Laos in August 2026, according to figures from the Traffic Police Department, although the number of accidents, injuries and fatalities declined compared with the previous period.

According to Lao News Agency, the department recorded 397 road accidents nationwide, down by 56 cases. The crashes damaged 721 vehicles, a decrease of 65, and injured 550 people, including 189 women, 145 fewer than in the previous period. Of the 53 fatalities, 13 were women. The overall death toll fell by seven compared with the previous period.

Vientiane recorded the highest number of road accidents, with 116 cases in August, up by 22 from the previous period. The accidents damaged 238 vehicles, an increase of 39. A total of 117 people were injured, 11 fewer than previously, while 18 people were killed, down by 12.

According to the Traffic Police Department, driving under the influence of alcohol was the leading cause of road accidents. Other major causes included speeding, unsafe changes of direction, failure to give way, dangerous overtaking, vehicle technical problems, and violations of traffic signs and restrictions.

Accidents were most frequent between 5pm and midnight, when 202 cases were recorded, followed by 151 cases between 8am and 4pm. Saturday recorded the highest number of accidents. People aged 31-50 accounted for the largest share of those involved in accidents, followed by those aged 16-30. By occupation, manual workers recorded the highest number of accidents, followed by people engaged in trade and commerce.

Bokeo, Xayabouly, Houaphanh and Sekong provinces, as well as the expressway, reported no road fatalities during the month. Despite the overall decline in accidents and casualties, road crashes continued to cause substantial economic losses. Property damage and other losses were estimated at LAK 40.05 billion (LAK 40,046,830,000), about LAK 22.8 million higher than in July.

Vientiane: The Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) is fully prepared to assume the presidency and host the Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions (3RC-CCM), with preparations for the high-level international event nearing completion.

According to Lao News Agency, Ms. Mukdavanh Sisoulith, Director General of the Department of International Organizations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Head of the Secretariat of the Lao National Regulatory Authority, stated that Lao authorities have made comprehensive preparations to ensure the successful organisation of the conference.

Since the beginning of 2026, Lao authorities have worked closely with the Convention on Cluster Munitions Implementation Support Unit (ISU-CCM) and the United Nations in preparing for the conference. Preparations cover substantive and technical matters, logistics, reception arrangements, and security. The government has also established a National Steering Committee, supported by specialised working groups, to strengthen coordination among relevant ministries and agencies and regularly monitor progress.

Substantive preparations are proceeding as scheduled. The Host Country Agreement between the Lao PDR and the United Nations has been signed, while negotiations on key outcome documents, including the Vientiane Capital Action Plan (VCAP 2027-2031) and the Political Declaration, are in their final stages. The documents are expected to be submitted to States Parties for consideration and formal adoption during the conference, which will take place in Vientiane from September 14-18, 2026.

A large number of high-level delegations from around the world are expected to attend. Invitations and conference documents have already been circulated to States Parties and relevant international organisations. Preparations at the conference venue and related facilities are also nearing completion, with government agencies and the private sector working together to ensure that all necessary arrangements are in place.

Ms. Mukdavanh expressed confidence that the Lao PDR will successfully fulfil its responsibilities as President and host of the Third Review Conference, drawing on its experience in hosting international conferences and the strong cooperation of domestic stakeholders and international development partners. She reaffirmed the Lao PDR’s commitment to ensuring that the conference is conducted effectively and contributes to the country’s responsibilities under the Convention on Cluster Munitions.

Vientiane: Authorities and residents have been urged to closely monitor pig populations following the deaths of an entire herd of domestic pigs in Phialat Village, Sangthong District, Vientiane. The incident was reported on September 3 after local residents discovered that all pigs in the herd had died from unknown causes. According to preliminary information from the owners, African swine fever (ASF) is suspected, although the cause of death has not yet been officially confirmed.

According to Lao News Agency, the suspected cases come amid reports of pig deaths in other parts of Laos. Xayabouly Province had previously issued a notice restricting the sale and consumption of pork in several districts as authorities responded to suspected disease transmission. Reports indicate that 1,949 pigs in affected areas have either died or been culled. Of these, 1,294 died, while 655 were culled as a disease-control measure to help prevent further transmission.

Authorities have also reported finding a significant number of dead wild boars in the Nam Phouy National Protected Area, raising concerns about the possible spread of the disease among wild pig populations. Residents and pig farmers are advised to remain vigilant, monitor their animals closely, and promptly report unusual illness or sudden deaths to the relevant veterinary and livestock authorities.

ASF does not infect humans, but outbreaks can cause serious economic losses to farmers and the pork industry because of the disease’s high mortality rate among pigs.

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.

Vientiane: Laos has seen a steady increase in international tourist arrivals since 2024. Statistics for 2025 showed that more than 3 million foreign tourists visited the country during the first eight months of the year, an increase of 15% compared with the same period in 2024.

According to Lao News Agency, for 2026-2030, Laos has set a target of attracting 22 million tourists, or an average of around 4.5 million visitors annually. Achieving this target will require concerted efforts by the government, tourism businesses, and communities.

The outlook is encouraging, with Geographic Expeditions (GeoEx), a leading global tour company, naming Laos among its seven destinations to visit in 2027 in its ‘Where to Travel in 2027’ selection. This provides an additional opportunity to promote Laos as an attractive international destination.

To capitalise on this opportunity, however, Laos must address several challenges. Improving tourism infrastructure should be a priority, particularly roads connecting national highways with local communities and tourist attractions. The government is also advancing major transport projects, including the upgrading and expansion of National Route 13 and studies of expressway and railway connections linking Vientiane with other parts of the country and neighbouring countries.

Tourism facilities must also be upgraded to meet growing demand. Existing tourist attractions should be improved, while new destinations, hotels, restaurants, and other tourism services should be developed to appropriate standards.

At the same time, Laos should make greater use of its natural and cultural assets. Protecting forests, rivers, and other natural resources is essential to maintaining the clean environment and scenic landscapes that increasingly attract visitors seeking authentic experiences.

Lao culture is another major tourism asset. Traditional lifestyles, cuisine, architecture, handicrafts, performing arts, festivals, and customs offer visitors opportunities to experience the country’s distinctive cultural identity.

Historically, the Lane Xang period was associated with a distinctive civilisation and rich cultural traditions. These heritage assets, together with Laos’ mountains, forests, rivers, streams, and diverse landscapes, provide a strong foundation for tourism development.

Although Laos is a landlocked country, its natural and cultural wealth offers considerable potential for attracting visitors. If these resources are carefully developed, promoted, and protected, they can generate sustainable economic benefits for local communities, businesses, and the country as a whole while ensuring that this heritage is preserved for future generations.

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.