The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) welcomed Lao tourists who arrived at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station by the new trial train from Vientiane Capital to Bangkok, Thailand on 14 July.
The trial train is a project of the two Prime Ministers, Laos, Sonexay Siphandone and Thailand, Srettha Thavisin from last year of inauguration to boost the economy and tourism, as well as to strengthen a robust relationship between the two nations.
TAT Governor, Thapanee Kiatphaibool mentioned that the new train of Laos – Thailand will support Thailand’s goal to become the Hub of ASEAN along with boosting tourism and economic activities between the two countries, following the TAT’s plan to increase travel within ASEAN.
She also added that hoping to uplift Lao tourists to travel in Thailand as the preferred destination in order to enhance cross-border tourism from Laos.
TAT has set a goal of nearly 977,000 tourists from Laos and generating 36.96 billion Baht in tourism income by 2024.
The train operation service for Lao and Thai tourists will begin on 19 July The ticket can be booked by the mobile application via “D-Ticket” and at SRT Station. The train route started from Laos, Vientiane Train Station (Khamsavath) to Bangkok’s Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station.
According to state media, the train will leave Bangkok Central Station at 9:25 pm on July 19 and reach Khamsavath station in Vientiane at 9:05 am the next morning. The return trip departs Vientiane at 6:25 pm and arrives in Bangkok at 7:30 am the following day.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-2-1.webp11522048Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2024-07-25 04:33:002025-03-28 22:57:35Thailand Welcomes Lao Tourists on New Vientiane-Bangkok Train Service
The French Embassy is bolstering its commitment to gender equality in Laos by funding eight innovative civil society projects through the Equipe France Fund – Civil Society Organizations (FEF-OSC) program. Ambassador Siv-Leng Chhuor formalized the grant agreements with the selected Lao organizations at a ceremony held at the Residence of France.
This initiative marks the first phase of the 2024-2025 FEF-OSC program, aligning with France’s steadfast dedication to promoting women’s rights globally. The program will allocate over half a million euros to support approximately 18 projects focused on gender equality. Since 2010, the French Embassy has financed 71 projects in Laos, totaling nearly EUR 3 million (USD 3.2 million).
The eight chosen projects, which span six provinces, tackle various aspects of gender equality. These include combating gender-based violence, advancing women’s economic empowerment, and enhancing access to education, justice, and culture.
The Association for the Development and Promotion of Women’s Leadership, represented by Bouakham Sythavong, received a grant of LAK 328 million (USD 14,800) to implement a project aimed at ending violence against sex workers and improving their access to health services in Vientiane Capital.
Inthana Boupphasavanh, representing the Association for the Development of Women and Legal Education, signed an agreement for LAK 448 million (USD 20,260). ADWLE’s project focuses on supporting vulnerable women and children in obtaining free health services, improving responses to gender-based violence (GBV) survivors, and assisting women in protecting their legal rights through the official registration of marriages.
The Association for the Promotion and Preservation of Arts and Literature, represented by Soukphansa Phoouphasouk, received LAK 227 million (USD 10,270) to support artists and poets in creating artwork that reflects gender equality in Lao society.
Manivone Vorachak, Secretary General of the Cooperation for Development and Support to Local Knowledge Association secured LAK 500 million (USD 22,600) for a project in Phongsaly province aimed at the economic empowerment of young women and improved GBV prevention.
Strengthening entrepreneurship and leadership skills among women from ethnic minorities is the primary goal of the Foundation Assisting Poor People of Laos – Xieng Khouang Province Branch. Khankham Sayalath, the association’s director, signed the grant agreement for LAK 499 million (USD 22,577).
Soukaseum Bodhisan, President of the Namjai Community Association from Bokeo Province, signed a grant agreement for LAK 499 million (USD 22,577). This project aims to provide quality education to girls from ethnic minorities and protect them from violence, including early marriages.
Sengsavang, represented by Virith Khattignavong, signed a grant agreement for LAK 499 million. Their project focuses on the sustainable reintegration of survivors and women at risk of human trafficking and domestic violence in Savannakhet province.
Lastly, Viengpeth Phongchalern from Salavan province represented the Women’s Development Fund, receiving LAK 500 million (USD 22,600). This project focuses on developing a model gender equality village (MGV) and preventing domestic violence and early marriages.
The selection committee for these projects included representatives from AFD, GIZ, and UNDP. Grantees will have the opportunity to apply for a second phase of funding in early 2025, with the call for projects open to new applicants as well.
Laos and Singapore have agreed to enhance collaboration on education and carbon credits, with two agreements signed on 9 July during Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone’s official trip to the country.
During his visit, Sonexay met with his Singaporean counterpart, Lawrence Wong, to discuss cooperation between their governments. Their talks focused on political, economic, trade, and investment sectors, with particular emphasis on clean energy and cross-border electricity trade involving Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore.
According to the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs, two-way trade between Laos and Singapore has reached USD 182.5 million this year, with Lao exports exceeding USD 96.3 million and imports over USD 86.1 million. Additionally, Singaporean businesses have invested in 83 projects across Laos, totaling USD 362 million.
Meanwhile, the two sides also pledged collaboration in renewable energy, rare-earth minerals, agriculture, health, and tourism. In regional affairs, the two prime ministers affirmed their commitment to strengthen ASEAN community building and support Laos as this year’s ASEAN chair.
The Lao PM expressed gratitude on behalf of Laos for Singapore’s assistance and support over the past years, particularly in human resource development and capacity building. He also congratulated PM Wong on his appointment and expressed readiness to elevate Laos-Singapore relations.
This visit marks Sonexay’s first official trip to Singapore since becoming prime minister in December 2022, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
During the visit, Sonexay also paid courtesy calls on President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/7-4.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2024-07-23 04:26:002024-07-17 16:27:39Laos, Singapore Strengthen Ties in Education, Clean Energy
Thailand Welcomes Lao Tourists on New Vientiane-Bangkok Train Service
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) welcomed Lao tourists who arrived at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station by the new trial train from Vientiane Capital to Bangkok, Thailand on 14 July.
The trial train is a project of the two Prime Ministers, Laos, Sonexay Siphandone and Thailand, Srettha Thavisin from last year of inauguration to boost the economy and tourism, as well as to strengthen a robust relationship between the two nations.
TAT Governor, Thapanee Kiatphaibool mentioned that the new train of Laos – Thailand will support Thailand’s goal to become the Hub of ASEAN along with boosting tourism and economic activities between the two countries, following the TAT’s plan to increase travel within ASEAN.
She also added that hoping to uplift Lao tourists to travel in Thailand as the preferred destination in order to enhance cross-border tourism from Laos.
TAT has set a goal of nearly 977,000 tourists from Laos and generating 36.96 billion Baht in tourism income by 2024.
The train operation service for Lao and Thai tourists will begin on 19 July The ticket can be booked by the mobile application via “D-Ticket” and at SRT Station. The train route started from Laos, Vientiane Train Station (Khamsavath) to Bangkok’s Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station.
According to state media, the train will leave Bangkok Central Station at 9:25 pm on July 19 and reach Khamsavath station in Vientiane at 9:05 am the next morning. The return trip departs Vientiane at 6:25 pm and arrives in Bangkok at 7:30 am the following day.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/07/15/thailand-welcomes-lao-tourists-on-new-vientiane-bangkok-train-service/
French Embassy Backs Eight Gender Equality Projects in Laos
The French Embassy is bolstering its commitment to gender equality in Laos by funding eight innovative civil society projects through the Equipe France Fund – Civil Society Organizations (FEF-OSC) program. Ambassador Siv-Leng Chhuor formalized the grant agreements with the selected Lao organizations at a ceremony held at the Residence of France.
This initiative marks the first phase of the 2024-2025 FEF-OSC program, aligning with France’s steadfast dedication to promoting women’s rights globally. The program will allocate over half a million euros to support approximately 18 projects focused on gender equality. Since 2010, the French Embassy has financed 71 projects in Laos, totaling nearly EUR 3 million (USD 3.2 million).
The eight chosen projects, which span six provinces, tackle various aspects of gender equality. These include combating gender-based violence, advancing women’s economic empowerment, and enhancing access to education, justice, and culture.
The Association for the Development and Promotion of Women’s Leadership, represented by Bouakham Sythavong, received a grant of LAK 328 million (USD 14,800) to implement a project aimed at ending violence against sex workers and improving their access to health services in Vientiane Capital.
Inthana Boupphasavanh, representing the Association for the Development of Women and Legal Education, signed an agreement for LAK 448 million (USD 20,260). ADWLE’s project focuses on supporting vulnerable women and children in obtaining free health services, improving responses to gender-based violence (GBV) survivors, and assisting women in protecting their legal rights through the official registration of marriages.
The Association for the Promotion and Preservation of Arts and Literature, represented by Soukphansa Phoouphasouk, received LAK 227 million (USD 10,270) to support artists and poets in creating artwork that reflects gender equality in Lao society.
Manivone Vorachak, Secretary General of the Cooperation for Development and Support to Local Knowledge Association secured LAK 500 million (USD 22,600) for a project in Phongsaly province aimed at the economic empowerment of young women and improved GBV prevention.
Strengthening entrepreneurship and leadership skills among women from ethnic minorities is the primary goal of the Foundation Assisting Poor People of Laos – Xieng Khouang Province Branch. Khankham Sayalath, the association’s director, signed the grant agreement for LAK 499 million (USD 22,577).
Soukaseum Bodhisan, President of the Namjai Community Association from Bokeo Province, signed a grant agreement for LAK 499 million (USD 22,577). This project aims to provide quality education to girls from ethnic minorities and protect them from violence, including early marriages.
Sengsavang, represented by Virith Khattignavong, signed a grant agreement for LAK 499 million. Their project focuses on the sustainable reintegration of survivors and women at risk of human trafficking and domestic violence in Savannakhet province.
Lastly, Viengpeth Phongchalern from Salavan province represented the Women’s Development Fund, receiving LAK 500 million (USD 22,600). This project focuses on developing a model gender equality village (MGV) and preventing domestic violence and early marriages.
The selection committee for these projects included representatives from AFD, GIZ, and UNDP. Grantees will have the opportunity to apply for a second phase of funding in early 2025, with the call for projects open to new applicants as well.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/07/11/french-embassy-backs-eight-gender-equality-projects-in-laos/
Laos, Singapore Strengthen Ties in Education, Clean Energy
Laos and Singapore have agreed to enhance collaboration on education and carbon credits, with two agreements signed on 9 July during Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone’s official trip to the country.
During his visit, Sonexay met with his Singaporean counterpart, Lawrence Wong, to discuss cooperation between their governments. Their talks focused on political, economic, trade, and investment sectors, with particular emphasis on clean energy and cross-border electricity trade involving Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore.
According to the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs, two-way trade between Laos and Singapore has reached USD 182.5 million this year, with Lao exports exceeding USD 96.3 million and imports over USD 86.1 million. Additionally, Singaporean businesses have invested in 83 projects across Laos, totaling USD 362 million.
Meanwhile, the two sides also pledged collaboration in renewable energy, rare-earth minerals, agriculture, health, and tourism. In regional affairs, the two prime ministers affirmed their commitment to strengthen ASEAN community building and support Laos as this year’s ASEAN chair.
The Lao PM expressed gratitude on behalf of Laos for Singapore’s assistance and support over the past years, particularly in human resource development and capacity building. He also congratulated PM Wong on his appointment and expressed readiness to elevate Laos-Singapore relations.
This visit marks Sonexay’s first official trip to Singapore since becoming prime minister in December 2022, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
During the visit, Sonexay also paid courtesy calls on President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/07/10/laos-singapore-strengthen-ties-in-education-clean-energy/