Vientiane authorities implemented new no-parking regulations along sections of the capital’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor ahead of its September debut.
No-parking rules are now in effect along Nongbone Road, from the French Embassy-Mahosot Hospital intersection to the three-way junction in front of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, near the Vientiane Cabinet Office.
To accommodate commuters and nearby businesses, the Vientiane Department of Public Works and Transport advised on 29 August that motorists use designated car parks at Khuadin Market, Talatsao (Morning Market), and other authorized parking areas.
Officials say this marks the first phase of broader enforcement, with further no-parking zones to be introduced gradually along the corridor.
The BRT system is scheduled for partial operations in early September 2025, with a three-month free trial period. Although initially announced for late August, Mayor Athsaphangthong Siphandone confirmed in July that additional preparations were needed before the launch.
The Vientiane Department of Public Works and Transport has not responded to The Laotian Times’ request for clarification, and has yet to confirm an official launch date.
The system will feature 12-meter electric air-conditioned express buses, each with 40 seats, operating on dedicated lanes to ensure speed and safety. Of the 55 buses ordered, 28 arrived in Laos in November 2024, with the remainder expected soon.
Services will run daily from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm, fully integrated with the city’s existing bus network.
The BRT line includes six major stations: Chao Fa Ngum Park, Inpeng Temple, Morning Market (Vientiane Bus Station), Patuxay, Phonekheng, and the National University of Laos. By using exclusive lanes, the system aims to cut travel times, ease congestion, and provide a cleaner alternative to the city’s outdated bus fleet.
Construction began in mid-2024, with full operations targeted for early 2026.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Vientianes-Bus-Rapid-Transit-Station-at-Morning-Market.jpg6271200Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2025-09-09 10:00:002025-09-08 10:57:08Vientiane Prepares for BRT Launch with New Parking Rules
Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith concluded a four-day visit to China from 3 to 6 September, during which he attended key commemorative events and held high-level talks aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
On the first day, Thongloun attended a parade at Tiananmen Gate in Beijing marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Heads of state and senior representatives from more than 26 countries, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, joined the ceremony.
The following day, Thongloun held official talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
During the talks, Thongloun stressed that Laos-China relations are at their strongest in history and pledged to advance the newly adopted five-year action plan on building a Laos-China community with a shared future. He reaffirmed Laos’ support for Xi Jinping’s Global Governance Initiative and expressed readiness to enhance coordination with China on the international stage.
Both leaders noted tangible progress under the Second Action Plan, with cooperation expanding in transport, energy, technology, agriculture, education, and poverty reduction.
Recent deals include “Juxtaposed Border Control” arrangements for the Laos-China Railway, support for large-scale development projects in Laos, and joint initiatives in artificial intelligence, satellite navigation, healthcare, and quarantine measures.
Xi stressed the need to strengthen political trust and expand practical cooperation.
Both sides also agreed to designate 2026 as the “Year of Laos-China Friendship” to mark the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Thongloun continued his official visit to China in Xishuangbanna Prefecture, Yunnan Province, until 6 September, where he met with Wang Ning, Secretary of the Yunnan Provincial Party Committee. During the visit, he observed rural development and poverty alleviation initiatives, as well as several economic and trade facilities in the region and at the China-Laos Mohan-Boten border, before returning to the Laos.
During Thongloun’s latest China visit, Xi welcomed Laos’ recognition as a dialogue partner of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and emphasized the need for closer collaboration in governance, Party building, security, and economic development.
Laos officially became the 15th dialogue partner of the SCO during its summit held in Tianjin from 31 August to 1 September. The SCO, founded in 2001, is a regional body for political, economic, and security cooperation, comprising ten member states, two observers, and 15 dialogue partners.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Lao-President-Thongloun-Sisoulith-and-Chinese-President-Xi-Jinping.jpg6271200Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2025-09-08 10:53:462025-09-08 10:53:50Lao President Thongloun Wraps Up China Visit with Focus on Friendship, Future Cooperation
Thongly Sisoulith, son of Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith, became Secretary of the Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Youth Union (LPRYU) on 26 August.
The Union announced the appointment at its meeting, where Vice President Bounthong Chitmany attended. Thongly succeeds Monexay Laomouaxiong, who previously held the post.
Suliya Keophilavong, Meena Sivilay, and Pany Kindavong also joined the team as deputy secretaries of the Central Committee.
During the meeting, the participants endorsed the 2026-2030 youth development plan, which sets a framework for young people to engage more actively in national initiatives and contribute to Laos’s social and economic development. The plan builds on the achievements and lessons of the past five years.
Thongly has previously served as Deputy Secretary of the LPRYU. His father, Thongloun, has led Laos as President and the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party as General Secretary since 2021, after serving as Prime Minister for the previous five years, and he continues to play a central role in government and diplomacy.
The appointment comes amid major political shifts in Laos.
In June, the National Assembly approved constitutional amendments aimed at modernizing governance by decentralizing power to local committees and revising administrative roles.
The reforms, effective in July 2025, were accompanied by a sweeping government reshuffle that reduced ministries from 17 to 13, reassigned or replaced nine ministers, and merged key portfolios such as Planning and Investment with Finance.
These changes reflect broader efforts to streamline governance and prepare the country for parliamentary elections scheduled for February 2026.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Thongli-Sisoulith.jpg6271200Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2025-09-04 09:00:002025-09-02 10:27:39President’s Son Thongly Sisoulith Appointed Youth Union Secretary
Vientiane Prepares for BRT Launch with New Parking Rules
Vientiane authorities implemented new no-parking regulations along sections of the capital’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor ahead of its September debut.
No-parking rules are now in effect along Nongbone Road, from the French Embassy-Mahosot Hospital intersection to the three-way junction in front of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, near the Vientiane Cabinet Office.
To accommodate commuters and nearby businesses, the Vientiane Department of Public Works and Transport advised on 29 August that motorists use designated car parks at Khuadin Market, Talatsao (Morning Market), and other authorized parking areas.
Officials say this marks the first phase of broader enforcement, with further no-parking zones to be introduced gradually along the corridor.
The BRT system is scheduled for partial operations in early September 2025, with a three-month free trial period. Although initially announced for late August, Mayor Athsaphangthong Siphandone confirmed in July that additional preparations were needed before the launch.
The Vientiane Department of Public Works and Transport has not responded to The Laotian Times’ request for clarification, and has yet to confirm an official launch date.
The system will feature 12-meter electric air-conditioned express buses, each with 40 seats, operating on dedicated lanes to ensure speed and safety. Of the 55 buses ordered, 28 arrived in Laos in November 2024, with the remainder expected soon.
Services will run daily from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm, fully integrated with the city’s existing bus network.
The BRT line includes six major stations: Chao Fa Ngum Park, Inpeng Temple, Morning Market (Vientiane Bus Station), Patuxay, Phonekheng, and the National University of Laos. By using exclusive lanes, the system aims to cut travel times, ease congestion, and provide a cleaner alternative to the city’s outdated bus fleet.
Construction began in mid-2024, with full operations targeted for early 2026.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/09/03/vientiane-prepares-for-brt-launch-with-new-parking-rules/
Lao President Thongloun Wraps Up China Visit with Focus on Friendship, Future Cooperation
Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith concluded a four-day visit to China from 3 to 6 September, during which he attended key commemorative events and held high-level talks aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
On the first day, Thongloun attended a parade at Tiananmen Gate in Beijing marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Heads of state and senior representatives from more than 26 countries, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, joined the ceremony.
The following day, Thongloun held official talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
During the talks, Thongloun stressed that Laos-China relations are at their strongest in history and pledged to advance the newly adopted five-year action plan on building a Laos-China community with a shared future. He reaffirmed Laos’ support for Xi Jinping’s Global Governance Initiative and expressed readiness to enhance coordination with China on the international stage.
Both leaders noted tangible progress under the Second Action Plan, with cooperation expanding in transport, energy, technology, agriculture, education, and poverty reduction.
Recent deals include “Juxtaposed Border Control” arrangements for the Laos-China Railway, support for large-scale development projects in Laos, and joint initiatives in artificial intelligence, satellite navigation, healthcare, and quarantine measures.
Xi stressed the need to strengthen political trust and expand practical cooperation.
Both sides also agreed to designate 2026 as the “Year of Laos-China Friendship” to mark the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Thongloun continued his official visit to China in Xishuangbanna Prefecture, Yunnan Province, until 6 September, where he met with Wang Ning, Secretary of the Yunnan Provincial Party Committee. During the visit, he observed rural development and poverty alleviation initiatives, as well as several economic and trade facilities in the region and at the China-Laos Mohan-Boten border, before returning to the Laos.
During Thongloun’s latest China visit, Xi welcomed Laos’ recognition as a dialogue partner of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and emphasized the need for closer collaboration in governance, Party building, security, and economic development.
Laos officially became the 15th dialogue partner of the SCO during its summit held in Tianjin from 31 August to 1 September. The SCO, founded in 2001, is a regional body for political, economic, and security cooperation, comprising ten member states, two observers, and 15 dialogue partners.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/09/07/lao-president-wraps-up-china-visit-with-focus-on-friendship-future-cooperation/
President’s Son Thongly Sisoulith Appointed Youth Union Secretary
Thongly Sisoulith, son of Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith, became Secretary of the Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Youth Union (LPRYU) on 26 August.
The Union announced the appointment at its meeting, where Vice President Bounthong Chitmany attended. Thongly succeeds Monexay Laomouaxiong, who previously held the post.
Suliya Keophilavong, Meena Sivilay, and Pany Kindavong also joined the team as deputy secretaries of the Central Committee.
During the meeting, the participants endorsed the 2026-2030 youth development plan, which sets a framework for young people to engage more actively in national initiatives and contribute to Laos’s social and economic development. The plan builds on the achievements and lessons of the past five years.
Thongly has previously served as Deputy Secretary of the LPRYU. His father, Thongloun, has led Laos as President and the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party as General Secretary since 2021, after serving as Prime Minister for the previous five years, and he continues to play a central role in government and diplomacy.
The appointment comes amid major political shifts in Laos.
In June, the National Assembly approved constitutional amendments aimed at modernizing governance by decentralizing power to local committees and revising administrative roles.
The reforms, effective in July 2025, were accompanied by a sweeping government reshuffle that reduced ministries from 17 to 13, reassigned or replaced nine ministers, and merged key portfolios such as Planning and Investment with Finance.
These changes reflect broader efforts to streamline governance and prepare the country for parliamentary elections scheduled for February 2026.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/08/27/presidents-son-thongli-sisoulith-appointed-youth-union-secretary/