Savannakhet:National Assembly member Somboun Sihanat from Constituency 13 has urged the government to expedite road repairs and enhance measures to control youth access to entertainment venues.
According to Lao News Agency, Mr. Somboun addressed these issues during the 2nd Ordinary Session of the 10th National Assembly on October 5, 2026. He commented on the government’s 2026 socio-economic development plans, state budget, and monetary plans, along with the directions for 2027.
He highlighted the poor state of roads, exacerbated by the rainy season and flooding, which has led to public criticism. Key transport routes, roads leading to tourist attractions, and access roads to railway stations remain in disrepair, affecting transportation and the tourism sector’s image.
Mr. Somboun suggested that the government allocate a special budget for prompt repair and maintenance of these strategic roads and railway access routes. He emphasized the importance of transparent bidding processes and accurate cost estimates to ensure the efficient use of public funds.
In addition, he expressed concerns about young people’s access to entertainment venues. Field monitoring indicated that over half of the patrons at some pubs, bars, and entertainment venues were underage.
He called on relevant ministries and authorities to enhance inspections and enforce age restrictions strictly. Mr. Somboun recommended adopting effective practices from neighboring countries, such as checking identification documents to prevent underage entry into entertainment venues. He stressed that stronger enforcement is crucial to protect young people and ensure their wellbeing as future contributors to the country.
