Lao tourism has become increasingly popular among Thai celebrities, who are drawn to attractions such as Vang Vieng and the UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang, contributing to over 3 million tourists visiting Laos in the first eight months of the year.
On 14 October, Pataradanai Setsuwan, a former member of the Thai popular boy band K-OTIC, visited Luang Prabang with his boyfriend. The couple shared Instagram stories showing them learning to weave traditional Lao textiles.
Just a day earlier, on 13 October, Khemanit Jamikorn, widely known as ‘Pancake,’ honored That Ing Hang in Savannakhet Province with her family. She posted a photo of her visit with the caption “Visiting sister cities, honored to Ing Hang.”
Earlier in the week, on 11 October, another actress, Diana Flipo also made her way to Luang Prabang.
Sharing images on Facebook, Diana wore a traditional Lao skirt (sinh), a shoulder scarf, and a Plumeria flower (Champa) behind her ear, a symbol of Laos, while giving alms. She wrote, “Sabaidee Luang Prabang, waking up at 6 am for almsgiving,”before continuing her trip to Vang Vieng.
According to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Laos welcomed a total of 3,061,928 tourists during the first eight months of 2025, signaling a strong recovery in the country’s tourism sector. Popular destinations such as Vientiane Capital, Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, and Champasak continued to attract large numbers of visitors.
In 2024, Laos recorded 4,120,832 international tourists, a 21 percent increase from 2023, with an average daily spending of USD 74.53 per person, generating over USD 1.4 billion in revenue. Domestic tourism also surged, with 3,904,483 Lao nationals visiting local destinations, a 103 percent rise compared to 2023, generating more than USD 632 million.
Thailand remained the largest source of international visitors, followed by Vietnam and China, highlighting Laos’ appeal through its natural beauty, culture, and historical attractions.
In his first official visit abroad as Thailand’s prime minister, Anutin Charnvirakul pledged to deepen economic ties with neighboring Laos by setting an ambitious bilateral trade target of USD 11 billion by 2027, nearly doubling current levels.
The two countries also agreed to accelerate cross-border infrastructure projects, including new transport links and bridge construction, aimed at unlocking trade potential and transforming the Thai-Lao border into a key regional logistics corridor.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin just concluded a landmark visit to Laos on 16 October, reinforcing bilateral cooperation and celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two neighboring nations.
Combating Transnational Crime
A cornerstone of the discussions with the Lao Prime Minister focused on addressing shared security challenges. Leaders agreed to enhance cooperation against drug trafficking, transnational crime, online fraud, and human trafficking. Both countries committed to establishing a dedicated center to assist victims of human trafficking and a joint contact point to facilitate information exchange and expedite coordinated actions in border areas.
To operationalize this commitment, Thailand provided a THB 10.15 million (about USD 313,000) program aimed at strengthening cross-border cooperation against drug abuse and transnational trafficking, demonstrating its dedication to regional security.
Concrete Development Initiatives
Beyond security cooperation, Thailand supports key initiatives for Laos. The Thai government provided THB 1.5 million (approximately USD 46,000) worth of teaching and learning equipment to Savannakhet Technical Vocational College under the Lao Skills and Vocational Development Project, supporting workforce development in the country.
In the healthcare sector, Thailand donated THB 875,000 (about USD 27,000) in snakebite antivenom serum to Phonhong District Hospital in Vientiane Province.
Additionally, Thailand offered THB 30 million (about USD 924,000) in technical assistance for the detailed planning of Laos’ water supply development project, contributing to essential infrastructure improvements.
An agreement was also signed between the Export-Import Bank of Thailand and Laos’ Agricultural Promotion Bank.
Trade, Infrastructure, and Environmental Cooperation
During his visit, Prime Minister Anutin met with Thai business representatives in Laos, urging them to uphold socially responsible operations and continue corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
He emphasized the importance of reinforcing the image of Thai investors as “trusted, high-quality partners.”
Key infrastructure projects were identified as critical enablers of the planned trade expansion. Among them is the upcoming 5th Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, which will connect Bueng Kan in Thailand with Bolikhamxay in Laos and is scheduled to open later this year. Thailand also pledged financial support for the Chiang Man–Luang Prabang Mekong River Bridge in Luang Prabang province.
Leaders discussed plans for a new railway bridge linking Laos’ Vientiane and Nong Khai, running parallel to the first Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, as part of a comprehensive Thailand-Laos logistics strategy.
Environmental sustainability also featured prominently in the discussions, with leaders addressing transboundary haze reduction and Mekong River water resource management under the “CLEAR Sky Strategy.”
Thailand offered technological support and funding to help Laos tackle these environmental challenges.
Future Engagements and Regional Cooperation
Thai Prime Minister Anutin invited his Lao counterpart, Prime Minister Sonexay, for an official visit to Thailand to attend the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Summit later this year, which Thailand will host.
He also reaffirmed Thailand’s readiness to actively participate in Joint Commission (JC) and Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) meetings that Laos is set to host within the year.
new entrance gate at the National University of Laos has stirred heated discussion online, with many questioning whether such investment should instead address more pressing educational needs, especially in rural areas.
Critics on social media argued that while the university focuses on aesthetic upgrades, essential infrastructure like rural roads, dormitories, and schools continues to suffer from lack of funding and support.
On 8 October, the National University of Laos (Dongdok Campus) and the Faculty of Agriculture (Nabong Campus) held a foundation-laying ceremony for the new entrance and exit gates, which are valued at USD 560,000.
Funded by a private company, the project aims to strengthen cooperation between the university and the private sector, enhance human resource development, and support academic programs, particularly in agriculture and medicinal plants.
Construction is set to begin immediately and is expected to be completed before 1 December, in time for the 50th National Day celebration on 2 December. Officials say the private company’s support is crucial for improving the university’s infrastructure and overall appearance.
The project is also expected to encourage future academic collaborations, including curriculum development in agriculture, expanding educational opportunities for students, and benefiting the wider community.
Facebook Users Share Their Reactions
The news quickly sparked online debate. Many users expressed mostly negative opinions regarding the construction cost, the necessity of the gates, and the use of private funding for public university projects.
“Would having a beautiful gate improve the quality of education? Many primary and secondary schools still lack doors and windows, and some teachers in rural areas have to bring their babies while teaching young children. Educational development should start at the kindergarten level, not at university gates,” one user wrote.
“Why not repair the road around the university, or the road leading to the Faculty of Agriculture (Nabong Campus) instead?” and “It might be more beneficial to renovate the bathrooms and dormitories rather than to build the entrance gates,” another user said.
“Such a waste of money, shouldn’t it be better spent on repairing dilapidated roads or building new schools for rural students?” another comment added.
Some also said, “Building a university entrance gate is neither necessary nor urgent. It’s important to build better schools in rural areas first, right?”
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/New-Entrance-Gates-at-National-University-of-Laos-Sparks-Online-Debate.jpg6271200Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2025-10-18 08:10:002025-10-13 11:00:14New Entrance Gates at National University of Laos Sparks Online Debate
Tourism Boom: Thai Celebrities Highlight Laos’ Top Destinations in 2025
Lao tourism has become increasingly popular among Thai celebrities, who are drawn to attractions such as Vang Vieng and the UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang, contributing to over 3 million tourists visiting Laos in the first eight months of the year.
On 14 October, Pataradanai Setsuwan, a former member of the Thai popular boy band K-OTIC, visited Luang Prabang with his boyfriend. The couple shared Instagram stories showing them learning to weave traditional Lao textiles.
Just a day earlier, on 13 October, Khemanit Jamikorn, widely known as ‘Pancake,’ honored That Ing Hang in Savannakhet Province with her family. She posted a photo of her visit with the caption “Visiting sister cities, honored to Ing Hang.”
Earlier in the week, on 11 October, another actress, Diana Flipo also made her way to Luang Prabang.
Sharing images on Facebook, Diana wore a traditional Lao skirt (sinh), a shoulder scarf, and a Plumeria flower (Champa) behind her ear, a symbol of Laos, while giving alms. She wrote, “Sabaidee Luang Prabang, waking up at 6 am for almsgiving,”before continuing her trip to Vang Vieng.
According to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Laos welcomed a total of 3,061,928 tourists during the first eight months of 2025, signaling a strong recovery in the country’s tourism sector. Popular destinations such as Vientiane Capital, Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, and Champasak continued to attract large numbers of visitors.
In 2024, Laos recorded 4,120,832 international tourists, a 21 percent increase from 2023, with an average daily spending of USD 74.53 per person, generating over USD 1.4 billion in revenue. Domestic tourism also surged, with 3,904,483 Lao nationals visiting local destinations, a 103 percent rise compared to 2023, generating more than USD 632 million.
Thailand remained the largest source of international visitors, followed by Vietnam and China, highlighting Laos’ appeal through its natural beauty, culture, and historical attractions.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/10/15/tourism-boom-thai-celebrities-highlight-laos-top-destinations-in-2025/
Thailand, Laos Set USD 11 Billion Trade Target by 2027, Eye New Infrastructure to Boost Border Economy
In his first official visit abroad as Thailand’s prime minister, Anutin Charnvirakul pledged to deepen economic ties with neighboring Laos by setting an ambitious bilateral trade target of USD 11 billion by 2027, nearly doubling current levels.
The two countries also agreed to accelerate cross-border infrastructure projects, including new transport links and bridge construction, aimed at unlocking trade potential and transforming the Thai-Lao border into a key regional logistics corridor.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin just concluded a landmark visit to Laos on 16 October, reinforcing bilateral cooperation and celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two neighboring nations.
Combating Transnational Crime
A cornerstone of the discussions with the Lao Prime Minister focused on addressing shared security challenges. Leaders agreed to enhance cooperation against drug trafficking, transnational crime, online fraud, and human trafficking. Both countries committed to establishing a dedicated center to assist victims of human trafficking and a joint contact point to facilitate information exchange and expedite coordinated actions in border areas.
To operationalize this commitment, Thailand provided a THB 10.15 million (about USD 313,000) program aimed at strengthening cross-border cooperation against drug abuse and transnational trafficking, demonstrating its dedication to regional security.
Concrete Development Initiatives
Beyond security cooperation, Thailand supports key initiatives for Laos. The Thai government provided THB 1.5 million (approximately USD 46,000) worth of teaching and learning equipment to Savannakhet Technical Vocational College under the Lao Skills and Vocational Development Project, supporting workforce development in the country.
In the healthcare sector, Thailand donated THB 875,000 (about USD 27,000) in snakebite antivenom serum to Phonhong District Hospital in Vientiane Province.
Additionally, Thailand offered THB 30 million (about USD 924,000) in technical assistance for the detailed planning of Laos’ water supply development project, contributing to essential infrastructure improvements.
An agreement was also signed between the Export-Import Bank of Thailand and Laos’ Agricultural Promotion Bank.
Trade, Infrastructure, and Environmental Cooperation
During his visit, Prime Minister Anutin met with Thai business representatives in Laos, urging them to uphold socially responsible operations and continue corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
He emphasized the importance of reinforcing the image of Thai investors as “trusted, high-quality partners.”
Key infrastructure projects were identified as critical enablers of the planned trade expansion. Among them is the upcoming 5th Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, which will connect Bueng Kan in Thailand with Bolikhamxay in Laos and is scheduled to open later this year. Thailand also pledged financial support for the Chiang Man–Luang Prabang Mekong River Bridge in Luang Prabang province.
Leaders discussed plans for a new railway bridge linking Laos’ Vientiane and Nong Khai, running parallel to the first Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, as part of a comprehensive Thailand-Laos logistics strategy.
Environmental sustainability also featured prominently in the discussions, with leaders addressing transboundary haze reduction and Mekong River water resource management under the “CLEAR Sky Strategy.”
Thailand offered technological support and funding to help Laos tackle these environmental challenges.
Future Engagements and Regional Cooperation
Thai Prime Minister Anutin invited his Lao counterpart, Prime Minister Sonexay, for an official visit to Thailand to attend the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Summit later this year, which Thailand will host.
He also reaffirmed Thailand’s readiness to actively participate in Joint Commission (JC) and Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) meetings that Laos is set to host within the year.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/10/17/thailand-laos-set-usd-11-billion-trade-target-by-2027-eye-new-infrastructure-to-boost-border-economy/
New Entrance Gates at National University of Laos Sparks Online Debate
new entrance gate at the National University of Laos has stirred heated discussion online, with many questioning whether such investment should instead address more pressing educational needs, especially in rural areas.
Critics on social media argued that while the university focuses on aesthetic upgrades, essential infrastructure like rural roads, dormitories, and schools continues to suffer from lack of funding and support.
On 8 October, the National University of Laos (Dongdok Campus) and the Faculty of Agriculture (Nabong Campus) held a foundation-laying ceremony for the new entrance and exit gates, which are valued at USD 560,000.
Funded by a private company, the project aims to strengthen cooperation between the university and the private sector, enhance human resource development, and support academic programs, particularly in agriculture and medicinal plants.
Construction is set to begin immediately and is expected to be completed before 1 December, in time for the 50th National Day celebration on 2 December.
Officials say the private company’s support is crucial for improving the university’s infrastructure and overall appearance.
The project is also expected to encourage future academic collaborations, including curriculum development in agriculture, expanding educational opportunities for students, and benefiting the wider community.
Facebook Users Share Their Reactions
The news quickly sparked online debate. Many users expressed mostly negative opinions regarding the construction cost, the necessity of the gates, and the use of private funding for public university projects.
“Would having a beautiful gate improve the quality of education? Many primary and secondary schools still lack doors and windows, and some teachers in rural areas have to bring their babies while teaching young children. Educational development should start at the kindergarten level, not at university gates,” one user wrote.
“Why not repair the road around the university, or the road leading to the Faculty of Agriculture (Nabong Campus) instead?” and “It might be more beneficial to renovate the bathrooms and dormitories rather than to build the entrance gates,” another user said.
“Such a waste of money, shouldn’t it be better spent on repairing dilapidated roads or building new schools for rural students?” another comment added.
Some also said, “Building a university entrance gate is neither necessary nor urgent. It’s important to build better schools in rural areas first, right?”
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/10/09/new-entrance-gates-at-national-university-of-laos-sparks-online-debate/