AFP – Japan’s Princess Aiko arrived in Laos on 17 November for her first official overseas trip, state media said, a largely symbolic visit to Tokyo’s beneficiary in Southeast Asia.
Aiko landed in at Vientiane’s Wattay International Airport shortly before 8 PM.
The only child of Emperor Naruhito, not in line to the throne due to the royal family’s male-only succession rules, will spend this week in the country to coincide with the 70th anniversary of Japan-Laos diplomatic relations.
One of Asia’s largest economies, Japan has provided more than USD 370 million in grants to Laos between 2019 and 2024, making it one of the nation’s largest bilateral donors.
Much of the over 150 development projects in that time have been funded through Japan’s overseas development agency, JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency).
During her trip through 22 November, Aiko will meet President Thongloun Sisoulith and visit a center to raise awareness about the unexploded ordnance left over from the Vietnam War, which continues to kill and injure people in Laos. Japan has long supported ordnance clearing and rehabilitation programs in the country.
The 23-year-old princess will also attend a martial arts competition at the Japan-supported Budo Center and visit a Japanese-language school, according to Japanese media reports.
Japan often sends younger members of the royal family on goodwill missions across Southeast Asia, quiet gestures of soft power meant to build personal, long-term connections beyond politics.
Even though Japanese tradition dictates only a man can carry on the centuries-old imperial line, opinion polls have shown high public support for a woman taking the throne.
Laos has in recent years hosted a handful of international royals.
Neighbouring Thailand’s Princess Sirindhorn visited this year and last year, the Sultan of Brunei in 2023, and Luxembourg’s Grand Duke Henri in 2022.
Japan’s Emperor Naruhito, then-crown prince, last visited Laos in 2012.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AFP__20250422__432R7N6__v1__HighRes__JapanRoyals-1920x1280-1.jpg12801920Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2025-11-18 10:36:342025-11-21 10:38:52Japanese Princess Lands in Laos on First Trip Overseas
Vientiane Capital will provide free Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and public bus services on 15 and 25 November, coinciding with the opening and closing ceremonies of the 12th National Games, to facilitate the movement of athletes, officials, and spectators.
The initiative, announced by the Vientiane Public Works and Transport Department on 11 November, aims to reduce traffic congestion, improve accessibility, and ensure the smooth flow of participants and visitors during the major national sporting event.
According to the official notice, three main free routes will operate on these two days.
The first route will run from the That Luang area near Saphanglane Lake (Nongbone intersection) to the Lao National Stadium at KM 16, using 16 BRT buses. Services will operate between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM for departures and 6:00 PM to midnight for return trips from the stadium back to That Luang.
The second route, operated with standard public buses, will start from the Dongdok intersection, travel along 450 Years Road, pass by the Lao-China Railway (LCR) Station, and continue to the Lao National Stadium KM 16 near the Lao Railway Vocational Technical College before returning via the same route.
Buses will operate every 30 minutes from 1:00 PM to midnight, stopping at designated temporary bus stops.
The third route will start at the Xaythany District Public Security Office, pass Donnoun Roundabout, and continue along National Road No. 13 South to the KM 21 traffic light before returning on the same route. Services will run every 30 minutes from 1:00 PM to midnight, with stops at temporary bus signs along the way.
Moreover, traffic control measures will also be in place on 15 and 25 November, with restrictions around Donnoun Roundabout, KM 21 traffic lights, and the LCR area. Only authorized vehicles for athletes, guests, and officials may use BRT lanes, while private vehicles are prohibited.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport has launched a two-month free BRT trial service beginning on 8 November, operating on weekdays from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The route runs from View Mall, passing SOS School, the International Cooperation and Training Center (ICTC), Phonphanao, Phonkheng, Souphanouvong, Phonsaart, Patuxay, and returning to View Mall.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/free-brt-bus.jpg6271200Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2025-11-14 12:37:002025-11-14 12:41:04Free Bus Services on Opening and Closing Days of the 12th National Games
The Vientiane Capital Department of Education and Sports announced that 2,583 teachers and students from eight schools across the city will take part in supporting the 12th National Games, scheduled from 15 to 25 November. .
Teachers and students from schools in Chanthabouly, Saysettha, Xaythany, and Sisattanak districts will contribute to various activities, including stadium operations, parade formations, torch relays, banner displays, and artistic performances during the opening and closing ceremonies.
To accommodate their involvement, several schools have temporarily adjusted their class schedules.
Vientiane Secondary School, Nonsavang Secondary School, Xaysettha Secondary School, Sivilay Secondary School, and Lao-Vietnam Friendship Secondary School will suspend classes only for teachers and students directly participating in the games, while others will continue their regular lessons.
Meanwhile, Phiawath Secondary School and Phonthan Secondary School will suspend classes for the entire school during the preparation period. Tanmixay Secondary School will suspend classes for Grade 10 and Grade 11 students involved in the Games, while other students continue studying as usual.
After the games, all participating schools will conduct make-up classes starting 27 November to ensure students meet curriculum requirements.
Vientiane Capital will host the National Games 2025, featuring 33 sports across multiple venues. The opening ceremony will take place at the Lao National Stadium KM16 in Xaythany district on 15 November.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/over-2500-National-Games.jpg6271200Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2025-11-07 08:49:002025-11-08 13:52:58Over 2,500 Vientiane Students, Teachers to Support 12th National Games
Japanese Princess Lands in Laos on First Trip Overseas
AFP – Japan’s Princess Aiko arrived in Laos on 17 November for her first official overseas trip, state media said, a largely symbolic visit to Tokyo’s beneficiary in Southeast Asia.
Aiko landed in at Vientiane’s Wattay International Airport shortly before 8 PM.
The only child of Emperor Naruhito, not in line to the throne due to the royal family’s male-only succession rules, will spend this week in the country to coincide with the 70th anniversary of Japan-Laos diplomatic relations.
One of Asia’s largest economies, Japan has provided more than USD 370 million in grants to Laos between 2019 and 2024, making it one of the nation’s largest bilateral donors.
Much of the over 150 development projects in that time have been funded through Japan’s overseas development agency, JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency).
During her trip through 22 November, Aiko will meet President Thongloun Sisoulith and visit a center to raise awareness about the unexploded ordnance left over from the Vietnam War, which continues to kill and injure people in Laos. Japan has long supported ordnance clearing and rehabilitation programs in the country.
The 23-year-old princess will also attend a martial arts competition at the Japan-supported Budo Center and visit a Japanese-language school, according to Japanese media reports.
Japan often sends younger members of the royal family on goodwill missions across Southeast Asia, quiet gestures of soft power meant to build personal, long-term connections beyond politics.
Even though Japanese tradition dictates only a man can carry on the centuries-old imperial line, opinion polls have shown high public support for a woman taking the throne.
Laos has in recent years hosted a handful of international royals.
Neighbouring Thailand’s Princess Sirindhorn visited this year and last year, the Sultan of Brunei in 2023, and Luxembourg’s Grand Duke Henri in 2022.
Japan’s Emperor Naruhito, then-crown prince, last visited Laos in 2012.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/11/17/japanese-princess-lands-in-laos-on-first-trip-overseas/
Free Bus Services on Opening and Closing Days of the 12th National Games
Vientiane Capital will provide free Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and public bus services on 15 and 25 November, coinciding with the opening and closing ceremonies of the 12th National Games, to facilitate the movement of athletes, officials, and spectators.
The initiative, announced by the Vientiane Public Works and Transport Department on 11 November, aims to reduce traffic congestion, improve accessibility, and ensure the smooth flow of participants and visitors during the major national sporting event.
According to the official notice, three main free routes will operate on these two days.
The first route will run from the That Luang area near Saphanglane Lake (Nongbone intersection) to the Lao National Stadium at KM 16, using 16 BRT buses. Services will operate between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM for departures and 6:00 PM to midnight for return trips from the stadium back to That Luang.
The second route, operated with standard public buses, will start from the Dongdok intersection, travel along 450 Years Road, pass by the Lao-China Railway (LCR) Station, and continue to the Lao National Stadium KM 16 near the Lao Railway Vocational Technical College before returning via the same route.
Buses will operate every 30 minutes from 1:00 PM to midnight, stopping at designated temporary bus stops.
The third route will start at the Xaythany District Public Security Office, pass Donnoun Roundabout, and continue along National Road No. 13 South to the KM 21 traffic light before returning on the same route. Services will run every 30 minutes from 1:00 PM to midnight, with stops at temporary bus signs along the way.
Moreover, traffic control measures will also be in place on 15 and 25 November, with restrictions around Donnoun Roundabout, KM 21 traffic lights, and the LCR area. Only authorized vehicles for athletes, guests, and officials may use BRT lanes, while private vehicles are prohibited.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport has launched a two-month free BRT trial service beginning on 8 November, operating on weekdays from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The route runs from View Mall, passing SOS School, the International Cooperation and Training Center (ICTC), Phonphanao, Phonkheng, Souphanouvong, Phonsaart, Patuxay, and returning to View Mall.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/11/12/free-brt-bus-services-during-12th-national-games/
Over 2,500 Vientiane Students, Teachers to Support 12th National Games
The Vientiane Capital Department of Education and Sports announced that 2,583 teachers and students from eight schools across the city will take part in supporting the 12th National Games, scheduled from 15 to 25 November. .
Teachers and students from schools in Chanthabouly, Saysettha, Xaythany, and Sisattanak districts will contribute to various activities, including stadium operations, parade formations, torch relays, banner displays, and artistic performances during the opening and closing ceremonies.
To accommodate their involvement, several schools have temporarily adjusted their class schedules.
Vientiane Secondary School, Nonsavang Secondary School, Xaysettha Secondary School, Sivilay Secondary School, and Lao-Vietnam Friendship Secondary School will suspend classes only for teachers and students directly participating in the games, while others will continue their regular lessons.
Meanwhile, Phiawath Secondary School and Phonthan Secondary School will suspend classes for the entire school during the preparation period. Tanmixay Secondary School will suspend classes for Grade 10 and Grade 11 students involved in the Games, while other students continue studying as usual.
After the games, all participating schools will conduct make-up classes starting 27 November to ensure students meet curriculum requirements.
Vientiane Capital will host the National Games 2025, featuring 33 sports across multiple venues. The opening ceremony will take place at the Lao National Stadium KM16 in Xaythany district on 15 November.
soure: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/11/06/over-2500-vientiane-students-teachers-to-support-12th-national-games/