Explore past headlines, AI summaries and source reporting. Full articles follow the FREE and PRO access rules.
Page 39
Lao Front leader Kikeo and Australian Ambassador Jones met to discuss deepening cooperation in education, health, and social welfare, reaffirming Australia's commitment to supporting Laos's national development and regional stability.
Three UXO clearance programs in Khammouane Province successfully destroyed 926 items of unexploded ordnance between April 2025 and March 2026, exceeding their collective targets by 132%.
The first annual conference of the SEAP Forests IP was held in Laos, launching a $227 million regional initiative to protect primary forests through sustainable landscape management in Laos, Papua New Guinea, and Thailand.
President Putin’s upcoming visit to China underscores Beijing’s growing role as a global diplomatic hub. This follows high-level US-China talks and the celebration of 65 years of Laos-China relations, where Laos reaffirmed its commitment to the Belt and Road Initiative and deepening infrastructure cooperation.
Skyrocketing jet fuel prices are severely impacting Southeast Asian low-cost carriers (LCCs). Facing reduced demand and financial strain, many airlines are cutting capacity, raising concerns about the broader impact on the region's tourism and economy.
A three-month training programme for journalists from the Asia-Pacific region has commenced in Beijing. The initiative aims to deepen mutual understanding through professional media exchanges, lectures on China's socio-economic development, and field visits across the country.
The Cambodian Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts has protested against Thailand, condemning tourism and religious activities at border temples as a violation of sovereignty. Phnom Penh asserts these sites fall under its territory per the 1904 Franco-Siamese Treaty and warns against attempts to create a 'fait accompli' on the ground.
While Laos accelerates its digital transformation, true maturity requires moving beyond visible app launches to prioritize robust backend governance and long-term maintenance.
The National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) has issued a stern warning against the digital manipulation of riel banknotes on social media, citing concerns over national dignity and cultural identity. The move follows the circulation of fake banknotes featuring political figures, with officials reminding the public that currency alteration is a legal offense.
Thailand's bid to nominate 'Chud Thai' for UNESCO recognition has sparked concerns in Cambodia regarding potential historical confusion. As Southeast Asian cultures share deep roots, the debate highlights the need for academic honesty and mutual respect in cultural heritage preservation.
FINA Microfinance and the British Education Centre (BEC) have partnered to offer collateral-free student loans and financial planning services, aiming to increase access to international education for Lao students.
The Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has launched a digital pesticide inspection training program across five provinces to enhance food safety standards and agricultural export competitiveness.
Scientists have identified a new giant dinosaur species, Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis, in Thailand, marking it as the largest ever found in Southeast Asia. The discovery highlights significant paleontological links to related species found in Laos.
Electricite du Laos-Generation Public Company (EDL-Gen) has returned to profitability, bolstered by a recovery in hydropower generation and increased electricity sales. This turnaround marks a critical development as the company navigates ongoing debt challenges and currency volatility.
The Lao Ministry of Public Security has repatriated 485 Chinese nationals to China following their involvement in large-scale telecom fraud and illegal gambling operations. This move underscores the government's commitment to curbing cross-border cybercrime within its borders.
The European Film Festival 2026 will take place in Vientiane from 21–24 May at the Institut français du Laos, offering free screenings with Lao and English subtitles.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks in Beijing on May 14, 2026, agreeing on a new vision for bilateral relations over the next three years and emphasizing the importance of economic cooperation and strategic stability.
The Lao government has officially requested Vietnam's support and expertise in preparation for hosting the 2031 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games), aiming to leverage Vietnam's experience to bolster infrastructure and operational capacity.
Lao Brewery’s Sustainable Rice Project has enabled over 400 farming families in Vientiane to boost incomes through sustainable cultivation, yielding 1,500 tonnes of rice using water-saving techniques.
The European Film Festival returns to Vientiane from May 21-24, 2026, at the Institut Français du Laos, showcasing diverse films from eight European countries to promote cultural exchange.
The Ministry of Public Security in Laos has mandated that tour operators provide confirmed hotel reservations for the entire duration of a visitor's stay, aiming to modernize tourism management and enhance security amidst a sharp rise in international arrivals.
Lao health authorities reported a significant drop in malaria cases from nearly 4,000 in 2021 to 269 in 2025. The country is now seeking international funding to sustain progress toward a malaria-free status by 2030.
Laos and Vietnam have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (2026-2030) to enhance media cooperation, focusing on AI-driven information management and capacity building through 15 training programs over the next five years.
Researchers have unearthed fossils of Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis, a 27-meter-long sauropod, marking it as the largest dinosaur ever discovered in Southeast Asia.
Thailand is set to end its 60-day visa-free entry policy for tourists, reverting to the previous 30-day limit. This change is expected to impact cross-border tourism and business travel, including from neighboring Laos.
A Vietnamese firm has announced a USD 50 million investment in a coffee cultivation and processing project in southern Laos, aiming to boost agricultural exports and strengthen economic ties between the two nations.
Authorities in Oudomxay province detained 50 foreign nationals for illegal immigration. This crackdown is part of Laos' broader regional efforts to combat transnational cybercrime and illegal scam networks.
Somxay Coffee Farm, based in Laos' Bolaven Plateau, showcased premium Arabica beans at World of Coffee Asia 2026 in Bangkok. Representing a sustainable model involving over 1,000 farming households, the company gained significant international interest, highlighting the growing global potential of Lao specialty coffee.
Authorities in the central province of Nghe An have recovered the remains of 72 Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts who died in Laos during wartime, reflecting long-standing bilateral cooperation.
Lao authorities detained 605 foreign nationals, primarily Chinese, in a major raid on cybercrime syndicates in Savannakhet province. The first group was deported on May 13 under bilateral police cooperation agreements.
Laos is intensifying efforts to eliminate schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease, with support from China and Switzerland. The country aims to achieve zero locally-transmitted cases by 2035 through mass treatment and improved sanitation.
Assurances General Laos (AGL) held its 2026 annual agents meeting in Vientiane, reviewing 2025 performance and launching a 2026-2030 strategic plan to bolster service quality and market share nationwide.
South Korea has suspended the recruitment of seasonal workers from four Thai provinces due to a significant rise in unauthorized overstays, raising concerns about potential impacts on regional labor schemes.
Laos has launched a new initiative, supported by the FAO, to boost chilli pepper exports to China and South Korea, focusing on value chain analysis and attracting foreign investment.
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport is prioritizing transport safety following a series of fatal road accidents. The ministry plans to tighten vehicle inspections, introduce mandatory annual health checks for drivers, and enhance regulatory oversight of transport stations to improve public safety and service standards.
General Secretary and President of Vietnam To Lam met with Vientiane Mayor Athsaphangthong Siphandone in Hanoi to reinforce bilateral cooperation between the two capitals.