Laos PM Hands Over New School Building in Phongsaly, Boosting Education Infrastructure

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, a Politburo Member of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee, on September 10, 2026, officially handed over a newly constructed school building in Mok Kok Noy Village, Samphan District, Phongsaly Province. This initiative is part of the government's broader efforts to improve educational facilities for local communities. The Prime Minister was accompanied by a delegation of central-level officials and was welcomed by Mr. Santi Keoyasan, Chairman of the Phongsaly Provincial Administration Committee, along with provincial and district authorities and local residents from various ethnic groups. During the ceremony, Mr. Thongtue Kiasabong, Party Secretary of Samphan District, briefed the Prime Minister on the district’s work during 2020–2024, its development directions for 2025–2029, and key tasks for 2026. Mr. Niksan Phommavichit, Chairman of Niksan Mining Development Co., Ltd., presented an overview of the school construction project, which was approved under Decision No. 496/PPA dated June 5, 2025. Construction commenced on December 4, 2025, and was completed on May 28, 2026. The single-storey school building, measuring 8 metres by 49 metres, comprises five classrooms, a teachers’ office, and a restroom, with a capacity for up to 200 students. The project was designed by the Samphan District Office of Public Works and Transport and constructed by Mani Chansap Import-Export Sole Co., Ltd., at a total cost of 3.3 billion kip. The school was formally handed over to the Phongsaly Provincial Department of Education and Sports and subsequently to the Samphan District authorities for management and use. Additionally, Niksan Mining Development Co., Ltd. provided relief supplies worth 130 million kip to five cantons and the school in Mok Kok Noy Village. Following the handover, Prime Minister Sonexay and provincial and district leaders participated in a ribbon-cutting and nine-gong ceremony, toured the new school building, and engaged in a tree-planting activity. This investment in educational infrastructure reflects the Laotian government's commitment to enhancing the country's education standards and pursuing sustainable development. Under its one-party system, Laos seeks to leverage domestic resources and international cooperation for socio-economic advancement. Relations with neighboring countries, particularly China and Vietnam, play a significant role in economic development and infrastructure projects. Despite economic challenges, continuous investment in education is crucial for future human capital development. Information Source: KPL Laos News