New aviation routes are under discussion between Thailand, China, and Laos to alleviate air traffic congestion.
In response to an anticipated surge of 100,000 additional flights traversing their skies, Thailand, Laos, and China are in discussions to establish new aviation routes, as revealed by Nopasit Chakpitak, President of Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Co., Ltd. (Aerothai), on 29 March.
The proposed parallel routes aim to alleviate congestion in the existing flight path designated by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), particularly in northwestern Laos.
The aviation industry in Asia has been witnessing rapid growth, particularly in countries like China and India, as evidenced by orders exceeding 1,000 aircraft. In light of this, Nopasit emphasized that Aerothai, a state enterprise under the Thai Ministry of Transport, recognizes the necessity to enhance airspace capabilities to accommodate this expansion.
Nopasit indicated that once the three nations reach an agreement on the new aviation routes linking Thailand and China through Laos, they will seek approval from the ICAO. The parallel routes are anticipated to commence operations in early 2026, pending compliance with the ICAO’s safety standards.
The planned routes between Thailand and China are set to serve flights connecting northern Thai provinces such as Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai with major Chinese cities including Kunming, Guiyang, Chengdu, Tianfu, Chongqing, and Xian, according to Aerothai.
These plans align with the Thai government’s ambition to position Thailand as a regional aviation hub.
Travel demand from China to Thailand has significantly increased, with flight numbers reaching about 80 percent of pre-pandemic levels, with India also seen as a growing market with ongoing growth.
Consequently, Aerothai anticipates an influx of over 900,000 flights into Thailand this year, up from 800,000 in 2023. By 2025, flight volumes are projected to rebound to pre-Covid levels of 1 million.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/8.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2024-04-05 10:32:332024-04-04 10:34:55Thailand, Laos, China in Talks for New Aviation Routes to Handle Surge in Flights
In a notice released on 25 March, the Vientiane Capital governor issued regulations for residents to follow during the Lao New Year period, effective from 13 to 16 April.
New Year celebrations come with guidelines to ensure safety and respect for traditions.
The issued regulations dictate conduct both on the roads and in public spaces. Among the rules: refraining from the use of unsanitary or colored water, ice, water tanks, or basins for dowsing, avoiding revealing clothing, abstaining from creating excessive noise without proper authorization, and prohibiting the use of fireworks, firecrackers, or possession of explosives.
Additionally, drivers are prohibited from consuming or vending alcoholic beverages near temples, and shops are instructed not to hike prices or sell substandard goods during the festivities. Moreover, vehicular access to the Mekong Riverbank, except for police vehicles, is strictly prohibited.
Actions that violate these rules, whether they are intentional or not, will result in consequences, including warnings, fines, or apprehension, depending on the severity of the offense. Fireworks or firecrackers found will be confiscated and destroyed, and their owners will face punishments, ranging from warnings to fines.
Traffic police will also be stationed in numerous areas, including residents’ households, official establishments, restaurants, and workplaces to prevent potential crimes and road accidents.
These regulations are aimed at ensuring a safe and respectful celebration of the Lao New Year in Vientiane Capital. By adhering to these guidelines, residents can enjoy the festivities while also maintaining the cleanliness and orderliness of the city.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Vientiane-Capital-Announces-Golden-Rules-for-Lao-New-Year-2024-1.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2024-04-04 10:30:492024-04-04 10:32:01Vientiane Capital Announces Golden Rules for Lao New Year 2024
In recent days, several ancient Buddha statues were retrieved from the Mekong River’s shore in Tonpheung district of Bokeo province. Believed by some to be remnants of a 14th to 16th century temple, the true historical context of these artifacts remains shrouded in mystery, awaiting further investigation.
Shortly after retrieval, the artifacts were transported to Thongthip Phatthanaram temple in Yaitonpheung village for safekeeping.
In the meantime, research on the site continued. On 15-19 March, provincial authorities, in collaboration with experts from the Heritage Department of the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism, conducted further search for buried artifacts near Done Phuengkham island.
The search was prompted by a suggestion from the provincial administration office and the expert team, who deemed the area a likely hunting ground for such treasures.
The mission proved fruitful, a total of 38 Buddha statues, with sizes ranging from small (20-25 cm) to large (40-80 cm), were excavated, with ongoing investigation efforts planned.
One of the largest statues measures 80 cm tall, 56 cm wide at the shoulders, and has an overall width of 88 cm, as reported by the tourism office in Ton Pheung district.
Provincial authorities excavating a land once buried beneath the Mekong River to search more ancient relics (photo: Vientiane Times)
The excavation efforts were spurred by a prior discovery on 11 March, when the provincial authorities found the head of a Buddha image and several small headless images during road repairs near Thongthip temple. The head was found in sand, once buried beneath the water of the Mekong River, used by the construction company for the road upgrade, prompting further exploration of the area.
As excavations continue, speculations among a prominent Lao social media page – and several Thai media – have arisen about the possibility of discovering a lost Buddha statue known as “Phra Souk.” Legend has it that “Phra Souk” was one of three sisters—Phra Souk, Phra Serm, and Phra Sai—built during the reign of King Setthathirath of the Lan Xang Kingdom, originally located in Vientiane Capital, from 1548 to 1571.
During the reign of Thailand’s third king, the three statues were being transported from Vientiane to Nong Khai, Thailand, via ship along the Mekong River. However, tragedy struck when a storm hit the vessel, causing “Phra Souk” to plunge into the river, where it has remained lost ever since.
Presently, Phra Sai resides in a temple in Thailand’s Nong Khai Province, while Phra Souk is housed in a temple in Bangkok.
While this marks a great discovery for Laos, some Thai Facebook users are raising concerns over the legitimacy of the findings as many cited the fresh and new state of the statues despite being buried beneath the water for hundreds of years.
“Wow, lost for 400-500 years, they said? Looks pretty new to me!” said a Thai Facebook user.
“Anyone can tell that these images aren’t 100 years old. They all look below 50 years old,” added another user.
However, some other users argued that the reason behind the buddha images looking new is attributed to the fact that they were not exposed to oxygen when buried underneath the river hence their coppers did not undergo the oxidation reaction, a process in which a chemical substance changes because of the addition of oxygen.
“Whoever said that the statues look new, please do your research. The process in which they were forged is unique and is no longer practiced in the modern day,” a Facebook user wrote.
Despite mixed reactions from the neighboring country, Lao authorities stated that Thai people who live on the other side of the river are allowed to cross to Laos to pay homage to the relics without going through any document processes.
Meanwhile, efforts to uncover more artifacts continue, with the hope of revealing further insights into the region’s old days.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Ancient-Buddha-Images-Unearthed-in-Bokeo-Province-Spark-Historical-Debate.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2024-03-26 10:56:132024-03-25 10:59:28Ancient Buddha Images Unearthed in Bokeo Province Spark Historical Debate
Thailand, Laos, China in Talks for New Aviation Routes to Handle Surge in Flights
New aviation routes are under discussion between Thailand, China, and Laos to alleviate air traffic congestion.
In response to an anticipated surge of 100,000 additional flights traversing their skies, Thailand, Laos, and China are in discussions to establish new aviation routes, as revealed by Nopasit Chakpitak, President of Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Co., Ltd. (Aerothai), on 29 March.
The proposed parallel routes aim to alleviate congestion in the existing flight path designated by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), particularly in northwestern Laos.
The aviation industry in Asia has been witnessing rapid growth, particularly in countries like China and India, as evidenced by orders exceeding 1,000 aircraft. In light of this, Nopasit emphasized that Aerothai, a state enterprise under the Thai Ministry of Transport, recognizes the necessity to enhance airspace capabilities to accommodate this expansion.
Nopasit indicated that once the three nations reach an agreement on the new aviation routes linking Thailand and China through Laos, they will seek approval from the ICAO. The parallel routes are anticipated to commence operations in early 2026, pending compliance with the ICAO’s safety standards.
The planned routes between Thailand and China are set to serve flights connecting northern Thai provinces such as Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai with major Chinese cities including Kunming, Guiyang, Chengdu, Tianfu, Chongqing, and Xian, according to Aerothai.
These plans align with the Thai government’s ambition to position Thailand as a regional aviation hub.
Travel demand from China to Thailand has significantly increased, with flight numbers reaching about 80 percent of pre-pandemic levels, with India also seen as a growing market with ongoing growth.
Consequently, Aerothai anticipates an influx of over 900,000 flights into Thailand this year, up from 800,000 in 2023. By 2025, flight volumes are projected to rebound to pre-Covid levels of 1 million.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/04/01/thailand-laos-china-in-talks-for-new-aviation-routes-to-handle-surge-in-flights/
Vientiane Capital Announces Golden Rules for Lao New Year 2024
In a notice released on 25 March, the Vientiane Capital governor issued regulations for residents to follow during the Lao New Year period, effective from 13 to 16 April.
New Year celebrations come with guidelines to ensure safety and respect for traditions.
The issued regulations dictate conduct both on the roads and in public spaces. Among the rules: refraining from the use of unsanitary or colored water, ice, water tanks, or basins for dowsing, avoiding revealing clothing, abstaining from creating excessive noise without proper authorization, and prohibiting the use of fireworks, firecrackers, or possession of explosives.
Additionally, drivers are prohibited from consuming or vending alcoholic beverages near temples, and shops are instructed not to hike prices or sell substandard goods during the festivities. Moreover, vehicular access to the Mekong Riverbank, except for police vehicles, is strictly prohibited.
Actions that violate these rules, whether they are intentional or not, will result in consequences, including warnings, fines, or apprehension, depending on the severity of the offense. Fireworks or firecrackers found will be confiscated and destroyed, and their owners will face punishments, ranging from warnings to fines.
Traffic police will also be stationed in numerous areas, including residents’ households, official establishments, restaurants, and workplaces to prevent potential crimes and road accidents.
These regulations are aimed at ensuring a safe and respectful celebration of the Lao New Year in Vientiane Capital. By adhering to these guidelines, residents can enjoy the festivities while also maintaining the cleanliness and orderliness of the city.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/03/27/vientiane-capital-announces-golden-rules-for-lao-new-year-2024/
Ancient Buddha Images Unearthed in Bokeo Province Spark Historical Debate
In recent days, several ancient Buddha statues were retrieved from the Mekong River’s shore in Tonpheung district of Bokeo province. Believed by some to be remnants of a 14th to 16th century temple, the true historical context of these artifacts remains shrouded in mystery, awaiting further investigation.
Shortly after retrieval, the artifacts were transported to Thongthip Phatthanaram temple in Yaitonpheung village for safekeeping.
In the meantime, research on the site continued. On 15-19 March, provincial authorities, in collaboration with experts from the Heritage Department of the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism, conducted further search for buried artifacts near Done Phuengkham island.
The search was prompted by a suggestion from the provincial administration office and the expert team, who deemed the area a likely hunting ground for such treasures.
The mission proved fruitful, a total of 38 Buddha statues, with sizes ranging from small (20-25 cm) to large (40-80 cm), were excavated, with ongoing investigation efforts planned.
One of the largest statues measures 80 cm tall, 56 cm wide at the shoulders, and has an overall width of 88 cm, as reported by the tourism office in Ton Pheung district.
The excavation efforts were spurred by a prior discovery on 11 March, when the provincial authorities found the head of a Buddha image and several small headless images during road repairs near Thongthip temple. The head was found in sand, once buried beneath the water of the Mekong River, used by the construction company for the road upgrade, prompting further exploration of the area.
As excavations continue, speculations among a prominent Lao social media page – and several Thai media – have arisen about the possibility of discovering a lost Buddha statue known as “Phra Souk.” Legend has it that “Phra Souk” was one of three sisters—Phra Souk, Phra Serm, and Phra Sai—built during the reign of King Setthathirath of the Lan Xang Kingdom, originally located in Vientiane Capital, from 1548 to 1571.
During the reign of Thailand’s third king, the three statues were being transported from Vientiane to Nong Khai, Thailand, via ship along the Mekong River. However, tragedy struck when a storm hit the vessel, causing “Phra Souk” to plunge into the river, where it has remained lost ever since.
Presently, Phra Sai resides in a temple in Thailand’s Nong Khai Province, while Phra Souk is housed in a temple in Bangkok.
While this marks a great discovery for Laos, some Thai Facebook users are raising concerns over the legitimacy of the findings as many cited the fresh and new state of the statues despite being buried beneath the water for hundreds of years.
“Wow, lost for 400-500 years, they said? Looks pretty new to me!” said a Thai Facebook user.
“Anyone can tell that these images aren’t 100 years old. They all look below 50 years old,” added another user.
However, some other users argued that the reason behind the buddha images looking new is attributed to the fact that they were not exposed to oxygen when buried underneath the river hence their coppers did not undergo the oxidation reaction, a process in which a chemical substance changes because of the addition of oxygen.
“Whoever said that the statues look new, please do your research. The process in which they were forged is unique and is no longer practiced in the modern day,” a Facebook user wrote.
Despite mixed reactions from the neighboring country, Lao authorities stated that Thai people who live on the other side of the river are allowed to cross to Laos to pay homage to the relics without going through any document processes.
Meanwhile, efforts to uncover more artifacts continue, with the hope of revealing further insights into the region’s old days.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/03/20/ancient-buddha-images-unearthed-in-bokeo-province-spark-historical-debate/