On 22 August, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the first meteorological tower in Nathou village, Phin district, Savannakhet Province. This tower will collect crucial wind data to assess wind farm projects in the region.
This installation is part of a project developed under a 2023 Memorandum of Understanding between the Lao government and Naseng-Wayo Renewable Resources Development and Investment Company Limited, in collaboration with UPC Vietnam (Singapore). The project aims to produce clean energy for export to Thailand and Vietnam, with the tower expected to be operational by the end of September.
Earlier this year, the Lao government also signed an agreement with Savan Vayu Renewable Energy Co., Ltd. to develop a 1,200 MW wind power project in Sepon district, Savannakhet Province, marking the largest wind power project in Laos to date. With an investment of approximately USD 2 billion, this project will enhance Laos’ renewable energy capacity and position the country as a significant power exporter in Southeast Asia. The wind farm is projected to be operational by early 2026.
Laos has been expanding its renewable energy projects, aiming to meet its 2030 renewable energy targets and increase its role as an energy supplier in the region. According to the Ministry of Energy and Mines, Laos currently has 94 power plants with a total installed capacity of over 11,600 MW. About 80 percent of the country’s electricity is exported, primarily to Thailand and Vietnam, which are the largest markets for Lao electricity.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Wind-farm-met-mast-2048x1536-1.jpg15362048Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2024-09-24 09:18:152024-09-03 09:20:11First Meteorological Tower to be Installed for Savannakhet Wind Farm Projects
The Lao Ministry of Health has introduced a set of measures aimed at improving the management of both modern and traditional medicines in a bid to improve public health safety. These steps are designed to address emerging challenges and ensure the highest standards in the healthcare sector across the country.
The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with various sectors, has developed strategies to combat issues related to addictive substances and ensure the safety of food, medicine, and medical products.
Key among these initiatives is the Food and Drug Administration’s active campaign to raise awareness about the risks associated with unregulated cosmetics, food supplements, and collagen products, particularly those sold through unregistered online platforms.
Enhancing Traditional Medicine
A major focus this year has been on improving the availability of essential medicines and medical supplies. The Ministry has established a systematic monitoring system to oversee the procurement and distribution of medicines, medical supplies, and chemicals to central hospitals, medical centers, and provincial facilities.
Additionally, a nationwide meeting was held to coordinate these efforts, and data collection on antibiotic use in private pharmacies has been intensified. The Ministry has also trained 89 technicians from central and provincial hospitals in the maintenance and repair of medical equipment.
In parallel, the government has made strides in promoting and developing traditional medicine. Research into various traditional Lao medicines has led to the creation of new products, including medicinal teas, capsules, and massage oils. Efforts have also been made to document medicinal biodiversity, with a comprehensive list of 270 medicinal plant species compiled and educational textbooks developed to preserve and teach traditional Lao and Hmong medicine.
Beefing Up Quality
Quality control was also a key focus of the discussion. The Ministry has reportedly conducted extensive research on the quality of food, drugs, and medical products. The research laboratory received international certification for studying food microorganisms in drinking water. In the first half of 2024 alone, the laboratory analyzed 1,162 samples, primarily focusing on drinking water and drug samples.
The Ministry has also been active in inspecting food and medicine markets in Vientiane Capital, targeting outlets selling unregistered cosmetic products and counterfeit items. These inspections led to a meeting to address the issue of medicine sales in minimarkets, and monitoring was conducted at 23 pharmacies in the capital.
To further streamline the healthcare sector, the Ministry has worked on improving trade processes and explored ways to speed up the issuing of import-export licenses, including online licenses for controlled chemicals, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, traditional medicines, and health supplements.
These ongoing efforts are set to bring substantial improvements in healthcare quality and accessibility across the nation.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Traditional-Lao-herbal-medicine-used-to-treat-Covid-19.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2024-09-23 09:15:342024-09-03 09:17:49Laos Boosts Modern, Traditional Medicine Management to Improve Public Health
Laos is continuing to strengthen its commitment to improving the lives of its disabled citizens. Recent developments include the publication of a new agreement on driver’s licenses and driving tests specifically designed for people with disabilities.
This move is part of Laos’s broader commitment to enhancing accessibility and support for its disabled population, in collaboration with the International Organization of Disabled Persons.
A senior official from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport noted that the 2015 nationwide survey identified disabled individuals as comprising 2.8 percent of the population aged five and above.
In 2014, the government took a key step by adopting the Decree on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, aligning with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This decree outlines the rights of disabled individuals to income security and decent living conditions.
Additionally, the establishment of the National Commission for Disabled Persons provides a cross-ministerial body to advise on national policies and programs, while the Decree on Social Security for Corporate Employees supports allowances for work-related accidents and long-term disabilities.
Laos has been a signatory to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities since 2009.
Sivanh Sibounhueang painting on a piece of paper (photo: Vanh LikeDrawing)
Amid Laos’s legislative progress on disability rights, people with disabilities, like Sivanh Sibounhueang, known as “Vanh,” continue to thrive and make a mark in their fields After losing both arms in a construction accident at 16, Vanh adapted his passion for art by learning to draw with his foot and creating an improvised painting tool.
His art, including pieces like “Goat Prisoner,” has achieved significant success, with one work auctioned for LAK 3.1 million (USD 146.91).
His recent international exhibition in Malaysia highlighted his commitment to disability inclusion.
Sara Minkara, the Special Adviser on International Disability Rights at the United States (US) Department of State.
Her trip highlighted the need for Laos to integrate disability rights more deeply as it prepares to chair the ASEAN Summit in 2024. Minkara emphasized leveraging media platforms and local leader training to reach remote areas and engage key stakeholders to promote effective policy implementation.
Through legislative progress, inspiring individual achievements, and international collaboration, Laos continues to work toward a deep commitment to supporting and empowering its disabled citizens.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/449847323_501151522434650_9019185202772500540_n.jpg853900Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2024-09-20 09:10:142024-09-03 09:12:28Laos Advances Disability Rights with New Driving License Agreement
First Meteorological Tower to be Installed for Savannakhet Wind Farm Projects
On 22 August, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the first meteorological tower in Nathou village, Phin district, Savannakhet Province. This tower will collect crucial wind data to assess wind farm projects in the region.
This installation is part of a project developed under a 2023 Memorandum of Understanding between the Lao government and Naseng-Wayo Renewable Resources Development and Investment Company Limited, in collaboration with UPC Vietnam (Singapore). The project aims to produce clean energy for export to Thailand and Vietnam, with the tower expected to be operational by the end of September.
Earlier this year, the Lao government also signed an agreement with Savan Vayu Renewable Energy Co., Ltd. to develop a 1,200 MW wind power project in Sepon district, Savannakhet Province, marking the largest wind power project in Laos to date. With an investment of approximately USD 2 billion, this project will enhance Laos’ renewable energy capacity and position the country as a significant power exporter in Southeast Asia. The wind farm is projected to be operational by early 2026.
Laos has been expanding its renewable energy projects, aiming to meet its 2030 renewable energy targets and increase its role as an energy supplier in the region. According to the Ministry of Energy and Mines, Laos currently has 94 power plants with a total installed capacity of over 11,600 MW. About 80 percent of the country’s electricity is exported, primarily to Thailand and Vietnam, which are the largest markets for Lao electricity.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/08/26/first-meteorological-tower-to-be-installed-for-savannakhet-wind-farm-projects/
Laos Boosts Modern, Traditional Medicine Management to Improve Public Health
The Lao Ministry of Health has introduced a set of measures aimed at improving the management of both modern and traditional medicines in a bid to improve public health safety. These steps are designed to address emerging challenges and ensure the highest standards in the healthcare sector across the country.
The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with various sectors, has developed strategies to combat issues related to addictive substances and ensure the safety of food, medicine, and medical products.
Key among these initiatives is the Food and Drug Administration’s active campaign to raise awareness about the risks associated with unregulated cosmetics, food supplements, and collagen products, particularly those sold through unregistered online platforms.
Enhancing Traditional Medicine
A major focus this year has been on improving the availability of essential medicines and medical supplies. The Ministry has established a systematic monitoring system to oversee the procurement and distribution of medicines, medical supplies, and chemicals to central hospitals, medical centers, and provincial facilities.
Additionally, a nationwide meeting was held to coordinate these efforts, and data collection on antibiotic use in private pharmacies has been intensified. The Ministry has also trained 89 technicians from central and provincial hospitals in the maintenance and repair of medical equipment.
In parallel, the government has made strides in promoting and developing traditional medicine. Research into various traditional Lao medicines has led to the creation of new products, including medicinal teas, capsules, and massage oils. Efforts have also been made to document medicinal biodiversity, with a comprehensive list of 270 medicinal plant species compiled and educational textbooks developed to preserve and teach traditional Lao and Hmong medicine.
Beefing Up Quality
Quality control was also a key focus of the discussion. The Ministry has reportedly conducted extensive research on the quality of food, drugs, and medical products. The research laboratory received international certification for studying food microorganisms in drinking water. In the first half of 2024 alone, the laboratory analyzed 1,162 samples, primarily focusing on drinking water and drug samples.
The Ministry has also been active in inspecting food and medicine markets in Vientiane Capital, targeting outlets selling unregistered cosmetic products and counterfeit items. These inspections led to a meeting to address the issue of medicine sales in minimarkets, and monitoring was conducted at 23 pharmacies in the capital.
To further streamline the healthcare sector, the Ministry has worked on improving trade processes and explored ways to speed up the issuing of import-export licenses, including online licenses for controlled chemicals, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, traditional medicines, and health supplements.
These ongoing efforts are set to bring substantial improvements in healthcare quality and accessibility across the nation.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/08/26/laos-boosts-modern-traditional-medicine-management-to-improve-public-health/
Laos Advances Disability Rights with New Driving License Agreement
Laos is continuing to strengthen its commitment to improving the lives of its disabled citizens. Recent developments include the publication of a new agreement on driver’s licenses and driving tests specifically designed for people with disabilities.
This move is part of Laos’s broader commitment to enhancing accessibility and support for its disabled population, in collaboration with the International Organization of Disabled Persons.
A senior official from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport noted that the 2015 nationwide survey identified disabled individuals as comprising 2.8 percent of the population aged five and above.
In 2014, the government took a key step by adopting the Decree on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, aligning with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This decree outlines the rights of disabled individuals to income security and decent living conditions.
Additionally, the establishment of the National Commission for Disabled Persons provides a cross-ministerial body to advise on national policies and programs, while the Decree on Social Security for Corporate Employees supports allowances for work-related accidents and long-term disabilities.
Laos has been a signatory to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities since 2009.
Amid Laos’s legislative progress on disability rights, people with disabilities, like Sivanh Sibounhueang, known as “Vanh,” continue to thrive and make a mark in their fields After losing both arms in a construction accident at 16, Vanh adapted his passion for art by learning to draw with his foot and creating an improvised painting tool.
His art, including pieces like “Goat Prisoner,” has achieved significant success, with one work auctioned for LAK 3.1 million (USD 146.91).
His recent international exhibition in Malaysia highlighted his commitment to disability inclusion.
In a recent visit to Laos, Sara Minkara, the Special Adviser on International Disability Rights at the United States Department of State, advocated for greater inclusion of disabled individuals.
Her trip highlighted the need for Laos to integrate disability rights more deeply as it prepares to chair the ASEAN Summit in 2024. Minkara emphasized leveraging media platforms and local leader training to reach remote areas and engage key stakeholders to promote effective policy implementation.
Through legislative progress, inspiring individual achievements, and international collaboration, Laos continues to work toward a deep commitment to supporting and empowering its disabled citizens.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/08/23/laos-advances-disability-rights-with-new-drivers-license-agreement/