The Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare has announced a new minimum wage policy, aiming to support workers facing economic challenges due to rising living costs and the depreciation of the Lao kip.
Under the new regulation, employers in the private sector, including production, business, and service units, as well as the household sectors are required to pay a minimum monthly wage of LAK 2.5 million (USD 114), effective on 1 October.
This wage increase applies to all workers earning less than the set threshold, excluding overtime, welfare payments, and other benefits.
Additionally, a subsistence allowance of LAK 900,000 (Approximately USD 41) will be provided to unskilled workers without formal education or training, ensuring that everyone receives fair compensation.
Employers who currently pay below the new wage must adjust salaries accordingly, while those already meeting or exceeding the minimum wage are encouraged to maintain their pay standards.
Previously, the minimum wage was LAK 1.6 million per month (approximately USD 75). However, with the cost of living rising sharply, the government has deemed it necessary to further support workers across the country.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/wage1.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2024-11-21 11:36:002024-10-09 11:37:31Lao Government Increases Minimum Wage to Combat Rising Living Costs
The Champa Maker team from Laos achieved 6th place out of 193 at the First Global Challenge Robotics Competition Held in Athens, Greece, from 26-29 September.
Competing against top robotics teams from around the world, the Lao team demonstrated exceptional skills and determination, earning recognition on the global stage.
“This is the first time our team has made it this far into the finals, and I couldn’t be more proud of our young contestants from Laos,” said Khanthanou Luangxaysana, an engineering professor at the National University of Laos and a Champa Maker team mentor. “They showcased their ability to think critically and innovate using STEM principles, from designing robot mechanisms to managing and solving complex problems during the competition.”
The competition saw fierce battles in both the Ranking Matches and Round Robin Matches.
In the Ranking Matches, the Champa Maker team won 8 out of 12 matches, accumulating a score of 789 points, securing their spot among the top 32 teams in the Round Robin phase.
In the Round Robin Matches, the team won one match out of four, finishing with 557 points.
“Every match required careful strategic planning and strong communication to maximize our points,” Professor Khanthanou added. “Our team learned that having a solid strategy and working together were crucial to success in each round.”
Preparing for the competition, the team invested time in researching, calculating, and planning using STEM concepts.
“Our goal was to merge theory with hands-on practice, ensuring that when problems arose, the team could troubleshoot and resolve them efficiently,” Khanthanou said.
These results solidified the Lao national team’s position in the top 10 globally, marking the country’s best-ever performance in the Robot Global Challenge.
“Bringing STEM education to Lao youth is a key mission of the Champa Maker Club,” he said. “We aim to create opportunities for young people to learn how to use science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to systematically analyze and solve problems. This competition experience is helping shape the next generation of leaders who will drive Laos forward.”
The First Global Challenge Robotics Competition is held in a different country each year. The event aims to promote collaboration and problem-solving skills among youth, addressing global challenges in engineering and technology.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/champaa.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2024-11-20 11:34:002024-10-09 11:35:45Lao Team Shines at Global Robotics Challenge, Achieves Historic 6th Place
“The Heart of Teacher” (Nuan Saeng), the second Lao film of 2024, fresh out of the theaters, the movie is soon to be released on online platforms. Stay tuned for updates on the official LaoFilm page.
Directed by Somphong Phondy, this new film draws inspiration from the literary work “Teacher Nuan Saeng” by Lao author Suvanda Chansuaivanpheng, reimagining the narrative to resonate with modern viewers.
The story follows Nuan Saeng, a kind-hearted recent graduate who begins her teaching journey in Xieng Khouang Province. Her character embodies determination and compassion as she faces the myriad challenges of educating children in a region marked by socio-economic struggles and the lingering threat of unexploded ordnance.
“Teacher shortage is serious in rural areas, our production team wants to spread the importance of education by representing through the character Nuan Saeng as a resilient and brave teacher that dedicates herself for students,” Director Somphong said. “This could be a slight inspiration for all teachers or whoever that loved this job to realize their valuable role that it could be in any aspect even in the countryside.”
As Nuan Saeng navigated her new role, she confronted not only the academic challenges faced by her students but also the dangers posed by unexploded bombs in the region. A risk that many children in rural areas face daily.
Somphong’s vision for the film aligns with the Lao government’s commitment to enhancing educational opportunities. With support from the government, the project aims to raise awareness of the vital role education plays in fostering resilience and growth within communities.
However, filming presented its own set of challenges, particularly during the rainy season. Somphong noted that harsh weather conditions complicated the shooting schedule, while working with local background actors—students and villagers—added an extra layer of complexity to production.
Another challenge involved coordinating with background actors, who were local students and villagers. This made the process more difficult and time-consuming compared to working with professional actors.
Leading the cast is Vilayvanh ‘Touny’ Komphengmy, who portrays Nuan Saeng. With a degree in Community and Rural Development, Touny feels a deep connection to her character and the cause of improving villagers’ lives. Joining her is Monick ‘Nick’ Seesouphan as Bounthavy, the village guard who supports Nuan Saeng in overcoming obstacles.
“I want to reflect the genuine lifestyle of Lao people in rural areas, capturing moments like children playing at school or fishing by the river,” Somphong shared. “We should celebrate the unique charms of Laos without trying to copy other countries, and be proud of what we have”
“The Heart of Teacher” not only pays tribute to the teaching profession but also serves as an inspiration for educators across the nation. By showcasing the struggles and triumphs of teachers like Nuan Saeng, the film highlights the key role they play in shaping the future of Laos.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Laotian-Times-Feature-Image-Recovered-1.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2024-11-19 11:32:002024-10-09 11:33:34New Film ‘The Heart of Teacher’ Honors Teachers in Rural Laos
Lao Government Increases Minimum Wage to Combat Rising Living Costs
The Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare has announced a new minimum wage policy, aiming to support workers facing economic challenges due to rising living costs and the depreciation of the Lao kip.
Under the new regulation, employers in the private sector, including production, business, and service units, as well as the household sectors are required to pay a minimum monthly wage of LAK 2.5 million (USD 114), effective on 1 October.
This wage increase applies to all workers earning less than the set threshold, excluding overtime, welfare payments, and other benefits.
Additionally, a subsistence allowance of LAK 900,000 (Approximately USD 41) will be provided to unskilled workers without formal education or training, ensuring that everyone receives fair compensation.
Employers who currently pay below the new wage must adjust salaries accordingly, while those already meeting or exceeding the minimum wage are encouraged to maintain their pay standards.
Previously, the minimum wage was LAK 1.6 million per month (approximately USD 75). However, with the cost of living rising sharply, the government has deemed it necessary to further support workers across the country.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/10/02/lao-government-increases-minimum-wage-to-combat-rising-living-costs/
Lao Team Shines at Global Robotics Challenge, Achieves Historic 6th Place
The Champa Maker team from Laos achieved 6th place out of 193 at the First Global Challenge Robotics Competition Held in Athens, Greece, from 26-29 September.
Competing against top robotics teams from around the world, the Lao team demonstrated exceptional skills and determination, earning recognition on the global stage.
“This is the first time our team has made it this far into the finals, and I couldn’t be more proud of our young contestants from Laos,” said Khanthanou Luangxaysana, an engineering professor at the National University of Laos and a Champa Maker team mentor. “They showcased their ability to think critically and innovate using STEM principles, from designing robot mechanisms to managing and solving complex problems during the competition.”
The competition saw fierce battles in both the Ranking Matches and Round Robin Matches.
In the Ranking Matches, the Champa Maker team won 8 out of 12 matches, accumulating a score of 789 points, securing their spot among the top 32 teams in the Round Robin phase.
In the Round Robin Matches, the team won one match out of four, finishing with 557 points.
“Every match required careful strategic planning and strong communication to maximize our points,” Professor Khanthanou added. “Our team learned that having a solid strategy and working together were crucial to success in each round.”
Preparing for the competition, the team invested time in researching, calculating, and planning using STEM concepts.
“Our goal was to merge theory with hands-on practice, ensuring that when problems arose, the team could troubleshoot and resolve them efficiently,” Khanthanou said.
These results solidified the Lao national team’s position in the top 10 globally, marking the country’s best-ever performance in the Robot Global Challenge.
“Bringing STEM education to Lao youth is a key mission of the Champa Maker Club,” he said. “We aim to create opportunities for young people to learn how to use science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to systematically analyze and solve problems. This competition experience is helping shape the next generation of leaders who will drive Laos forward.”
The First Global Challenge Robotics Competition is held in a different country each year. The event aims to promote collaboration and problem-solving skills among youth, addressing global challenges in engineering and technology.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/10/01/lao-team-shines-at-global-robotics-challenge-achieves-historic-6th-place/
New Film ‘The Heart of Teacher’ Honors Teachers in Rural Laos
“The Heart of Teacher” (Nuan Saeng), the second Lao film of 2024, fresh out of the theaters, the movie is soon to be released on online platforms. Stay tuned for updates on the official LaoFilm page.
Directed by Somphong Phondy, this new film draws inspiration from the literary work “Teacher Nuan Saeng” by Lao author Suvanda Chansuaivanpheng, reimagining the narrative to resonate with modern viewers.
The story follows Nuan Saeng, a kind-hearted recent graduate who begins her teaching journey in Xieng Khouang Province. Her character embodies determination and compassion as she faces the myriad challenges of educating children in a region marked by socio-economic struggles and the lingering threat of unexploded ordnance.
“Teacher shortage is serious in rural areas, our production team wants to spread the importance of education by representing through the character Nuan Saeng as a resilient and brave teacher that dedicates herself for students,” Director Somphong said. “This could be a slight inspiration for all teachers or whoever that loved this job to realize their valuable role that it could be in any aspect even in the countryside.”
As Nuan Saeng navigated her new role, she confronted not only the academic challenges faced by her students but also the dangers posed by unexploded bombs in the region. A risk that many children in rural areas face daily.
Somphong’s vision for the film aligns with the Lao government’s commitment to enhancing educational opportunities. With support from the government, the project aims to raise awareness of the vital role education plays in fostering resilience and growth within communities.
However, filming presented its own set of challenges, particularly during the rainy season. Somphong noted that harsh weather conditions complicated the shooting schedule, while working with local background actors—students and villagers—added an extra layer of complexity to production.
Another challenge involved coordinating with background actors, who were local students and villagers. This made the process more difficult and time-consuming compared to working with professional actors.
Leading the cast is Vilayvanh ‘Touny’ Komphengmy, who portrays Nuan Saeng. With a degree in Community and Rural Development, Touny feels a deep connection to her character and the cause of improving villagers’ lives. Joining her is Monick ‘Nick’ Seesouphan as Bounthavy, the village guard who supports Nuan Saeng in overcoming obstacles.
“I want to reflect the genuine lifestyle of Lao people in rural areas, capturing moments like children playing at school or fishing by the river,” Somphong shared. “We should celebrate the unique charms of Laos without trying to copy other countries, and be proud of what we have”
“The Heart of Teacher” not only pays tribute to the teaching profession but also serves as an inspiration for educators across the nation. By showcasing the struggles and triumphs of teachers like Nuan Saeng, the film highlights the key role they play in shaping the future of Laos.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/10/01/new-film-the-heart-of-teacher-honors-teachers-in-rural-laos/