Authorities in Xanakham District, Vientiane Province, destroyed equipment seized from illegal gold dredging operations along the Mekong River, reinforcing the government's commitment to environmental protection and public order.
The Lao government and the World Bank reviewed the progress of the rural poverty and malnutrition reduction project, focusing on conditional cash transfers to support vulnerable families, particularly pregnant women and children under two.
The Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs held final consultations on a draft decree to regulate foreign media operations, aiming to replace the 2015 framework with clearer, more enforceable guidelines.
SKSUAAI Wellness Co., Ltd. has signed an MOU with the Department of Civil Aviation to conduct a feasibility study for a new premium private reception centre at Wattay International Airport.
Lane Xang Minerals Limited (LXML) has donated a new US$135,000 surgical facility to Vilabouly District Hospital to bolster local healthcare infrastructure and improve patient access to essential services.
The Luxembourg government has donated US$875,000 worth of vaccines to Laos to improve maternal and child health. This contribution is part of a long-term partnership aimed at strengthening public health infrastructure and expanding access to immunization in remote areas.
Attapeu authorities have granted a 30-year land concession of 528 hectares to six private companies for a durian plantation project, aiming to restore degraded land and boost agricultural exports and local employment.
The Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES), supported by Australia, has launched the Women In Leadership (WIL) program to enhance female leadership and promote gender equality within the ministry.
The Bank of the Lao PDR has decided to maintain its 7-day base interest rate at 8% to manage persistent inflationary pressures and currency depreciation, reflecting a cautious monetary policy stance.
In May 2026, the Lao government outlined new guidelines to revitalize the tourism industry. As a key pillar for foreign currency earnings, tourism recovery is a top priority for Laos amidst its current economic challenges, with the government focusing on infrastructure development and enhanced promotional efforts.
The Lao People's Revolutionary Party held its 3rd Plenary Session to review the first half of 2026 and set priorities for the remainder of the year. President Thongloun emphasized poverty reduction, rural development, and anti-corruption measures as core national agendas.
At the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, Lao PDR highlighted its commitment to climate-resilient urban development and addressed the urgent challenges of rapid urbanization.
Houaphanh Province launched an exhibition to promote the sustainable use of non-timber forest products, aiming to boost local incomes and market access with support from international partners.
Government agencies, local administrations, and party organizations across Laos are holding a series of meetings to disseminate and study the resolutions of the 12th National Congress of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, aiming to consolidate party leadership and national policy alignment.
The Lao Ministry of Technology and Communications marked World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, highlighting ITU-supported infrastructure development and the national push toward a digital economy, with strategic goals set through 2040.
Vientiane and Ho Chi Minh City have signed a new five-year memorandum of understanding to strengthen their partnership. The agreement focuses on building on previous successes and preparing for the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in 2027.
Archaeologists have discovered the remains of 37 individuals inside a giant stone jar at the Plain of Jars in Xieng Khouang, Laos, providing significant new insights into ancient burial practices.
The Lao government has signed a concession agreement for the 80MW Xekaman 4 hydropower project in Sekong Province. This initiative aims to export electricity to Vietnam, further advancing Laos's ambition to become the 'Battery of Southeast Asia.'
The Dialogue for Innovative and Sustainable Growth (DISG) has appointed Mr. Masuo Kuremura as its new Chairman. The platform aims to deepen Japan-ASEAN economic integration through four strategic pillars, moving beyond traditional one-way support toward mutual value co-creation.
Laos and Thailand have signed an MOU to standardize Mekong River navigation safety and pollution prevention. This agreement marks a key step in regional cooperation, aligning with Laos' strategic goal to become a land-linked logistics hub.
The governments of Laos and Cambodia have agreed to strengthen cooperation against online scams and transnational crimes. During high-level talks in Phnom Penh on May 14, officials signed a 2026 cooperation memorandum focusing on intelligence sharing, border security, and infrastructure development to curb organized criminal networks.
The Lao government is stepping up efforts to strengthen public debt management and curb inefficient borrowing. Following a successful reduction of public debt from 112% of GDP in 2022 to 88% in 2025, officials are now focusing on further fiscal consolidation and revenue modernization to ensure long-term macroeconomic stability.
Amazon will phase out local fulfilment in Singapore, shifting focus to international store offerings. The move highlights the company's struggle to compete against regional e-commerce giants like Shopee and TikTok Shop, which dominate through low prices and content-driven commerce.
Southeast Asian nations are recalibrating tourism strategies toward intra-regional travel as Middle East tensions disrupt long-haul flights and drive up costs, forcing a shift in market focus.
Lao Deputy Prime Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane visited New Zealand to strengthen bilateral ties, marking over six decades of diplomatic relations. Both nations agreed to expand cooperation in human resource development, UXO clearance, and economic sectors.
Lao PM Sonexay Siphandone met with the Kyrgyz Ambassador to reaffirm bilateral ties and cooperation, marking the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Laos health authorities have initiated a review of the national health service accreditation policy to enhance service quality and patient safety, aiming for international standards.
Attapeu province has approved a 30-year forest restoration project, allowing six private companies to cultivate durian on 528 hectares of degraded land in Sanamxay district, aiming to boost exports and local employment.
Progress on the second phase of the Vientiane-Hanoi Expressway continues in Bolikhamxay Province, with environmental surveys and compensation data collection underway across four districts.
Attapeu Province has announced an ambitious plan to restore 8,800 hectares of forest in 2026, aiming to combat rising environmental degradation and align with national goals to reach 70 percent forest coverage by 2035.
Authorities in Vientiane Province have suspended a pig farm's operations after untreated wastewater caused mass fish deaths in the Nam Cheng river. This follows a similar incident at a cassava factory last month, raising concerns over industrial waste management in Laos.
Thai authorities seized over 150kg of ivory and animal remains in Nong Khai, intended for smuggling into Laos. Linked to a separate arrest in Loei, the incidents highlight a persistent cross-border wildlife trafficking network along the Mekong River.
The Lao Ministry of Education and Sports has launched a nationwide campaign to boost interest in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), aiming to bridge the gap between labor market demands and student career choices, particularly in tourism and agriculture.
The governments of Laos and Vietnam have signed a cooperation plan to deepen ties in tourism, cultural exchange, and heritage preservation. Ahead of the 2027 anniversaries, the initiative focuses on AI-driven promotion and the 'three countries, one destination' strategy to boost tourism.
Laos and New Zealand foreign ministers met to strengthen cooperation in education, trade, and UXO clearance, reaffirming their long-standing diplomatic ties since 1963 and committing to practical future outcomes.
Widespread misuse of household antibiotics has led to critical health complications in Vietnam's ICUs. This trend highlights a severe public health crisis that also threatens Laos, where unregulated access to antibiotics remains a significant concern.