Authorities in Luang Namtha Province are reviewing plans to restore the Tad Nam Dee Waterfall, a popular natural tourist site, following significant damage caused by last year’s floods from Typhoon Yagi.
The popular eco-tourism site, located just 6 kilometers from Luang Namtha town in Ban Nam Dee village, had attracted over 35,000 visitors in the six months after its official opening in February 2024. However, heavy rainfall in September forced a temporary closure, prompting local officials and stakeholders to discuss rehabilitation efforts.
The Tad Nam Dee Development Company reported that while the site had seen strong interest from both domestic and international tourists, issues such as limited parking and service disruptions were noted even before the weather-related damage.
The restoration plan includes not only repairing the site but also improving nearby infrastructure, including canals, markets, and school facilities. Materials will be provided by the company, with local residents contributing labor.
A timeline for the reopening of Tad Nam Dee has not been finalized, but authorities say restoration is a priority ahead of the next peak tourist season.
Severe Flooding from Typhoon Yagi Devastates Luang Namtha
Typhoon Yagi brought intense rainfall to Luang Namtha Province on 9 September 2024, triggering severe flooding that damaged infrastructure and disrupted daily life.
The storm overwhelmed roads, homes, and public services, prompting the military to launch large-scale evacuations and relief operations.
Floodwaters inundated key facilities, including the provincial hospital and airport, forcing airlines to cancel all flights and leaving many residents displaced.
One man lost his life after returning to assist others and being swept away by strong currents.
Military and rescue teams continued to assist those trapped by the floodwaters for days, while medical teams provided emergency aid at Vieng Nuea village and the Provincial Public Security Office.
Across the country, public and private organizations mobilized to support flood victims, with businesses offering donations and logistics firms delivering relief supplies free of charge.
Typhoon Yagi caused widespread destruction across the region, including parts of Vietnam, southern China, and the Philippines.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Namtha-Plans-Restoration-of-Tad-Nam-Dee-Waterfall-After-Storm-Damage.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2025-05-23 09:11:252025-05-15 09:13:04Luang Namtha Plans Restoration of Tad Nam Dee Waterfall After Storm Damage
Xieng Khouang Airport, also known as Thong Hai Hin Airport, is expected to reopen in June 2025 after a year of renovation, as its scheduled renovation period concludes.
According to the Ministry of National Defense, the airport has been closed from 1 October 2024 to 31 May 2025, a period of 243 days, with operations anticipated to resume in June.
On 2 March, Deputy Minister of National Defense Vongkham Phommakone and senior military officials inspected the airport’s ongoing expansion project, which began in March 2024.
Deputy Minister of National Defense Vongkham Phommakone and senior military officials inspected the airport’s ongoing expansion project. 12 March 2025. (Photo credit: Lao National Radio)
Key components of the current renovation phase include the refurbishment of the existing runway, a 550-meter extension to accommodate larger aircraft, and the construction of a new taxiway, all set for completion by the end of 2025.
The Russian-funded renovation has included installing electronic scanners and runway lighting, enhancing the radar facility, and upgrading the passenger terminal.
Since 12 June 2020, the administration and operation of the airport have been under the Lao People’s Liberation Army Air Force, having previously been managed by the Civil Aviation Department under the Ministry of Public Works and Transport. While it now functions primarily as an airbase for the military, the airport continues to support public aviation activities
The improvement initiative began in 2019 when the Lao government first launched plans to upgrade Xieng Khouang Airport.
Once fully completed, this would enhance the airport’s capacity to accommodate increasing passenger numbers while supporting national defense requirements.
Across the provinces of northern and central Laos, Lao Tobacco Limited (LTL) is working on developing rural livelihoods through its LEAF Department, a division focused not only on producing quality tobacco but by supporting farmers, their families, and their communities.
LTL, under the Imperial Tobacco Group, has built a dominant presence in Laos’ tobacco industry.
Since 2001, through a joint venture with the Lao government under the Investment License Agreement (ILA), the company has expanded its operations. By managing its entire supply chain, from tobacco leaf procurement to cigarette sales, LTL has been able to increase production capacity and maintain low prices for its popular A Deng brand.
The LEAF Department sits at the core of this model.
“We are involved from the moment a farmer plants a seed until the cigarette is manufactured,” said Lynch Carlos, LEAF Manager at LTL.
The department manages every step: providing farmers with agricultural inputs, technical guidance, and purchasing their harvest under pre-agreed contracts, the Ecuadorian manager explained.
Today, more than 1,400 farmers work under contract with LTL in provinces such as Oudomxay, Phongsaly, Bolikhamxay, and Khammouane. This marks a sharp rise from 900 contracts last year.
Carlos explained that the number of contracted farmers had increased by about 40 percent compared to the previous year. He noted that this growth translated not only into more farmers but also into more jobs in the local economy.
In provinces like Phongsaly, where the company had recently expanded, tobacco farming was now creating new opportunities in areas that previously saw little economic activity.
Supporting Farmers and Safeguarding Health
Supporting this growth is a team of around 30 Lao field technicians who advise farmers daily. Each technician works with about 50 farmers, providing training and monitoring compliance with quality and safety standards.
“Our technicians are the link between the farmers and the company. They ensure that best practices are followed in the field,” Carlos said.
The LEAF Department emphasizes sustainability in every stage of production. One of its key initiatives is supplying traceable, sustainable wood for tobacco curing to reduce pressure on forests.
“We’ve been buying sustainable timber from local companies like Acacia mangium plantations. This wood is distributed to farmers for use in their curing barns,” the LEAF manager noted.
Health and safety remain a constant focus. LTL requires farmers to use personal protective equipment (PPE) during pesticide application and harvesting, including gloves, hats, and other necessary farming gears.
LTL also enforces a strict ban on child labor. The company profiles each contracted farmer, recording household details to identify risks.
“We track how many children they have and their ages. If there’s a higher risk of child labor, we monitor more closely,” Carlos said. “This year, thankfully, we haven’t found any cases.”
Building Stronger Communities Beyond Tobacco
Beyond production, LTL invests in community development. The company has funded school refurbishments, built sanitation facilities, and supplied educational materials in the tobacco-growing communities of Oudomxay, Phongsaly, Bolikhamxay, and Khammouane provinces.
More recently, it has piloted a waste management project to reduce harmful garbage burning in schools.
“We noticed that in many schools, kids were burning trash. So we’re testing small waste burners with filtration systems to minimize pollution,” Carlos explained.
The company is also promoting alternative income sources for farmers, such as fish and frog farming.
“Diversification is important. We want farmers to have food security and extra income,” Carlos said.
Mechanization pilots, including the introduction of small tractors, aim to ease labor demands and improve efficiency.
LTL is currently expanding production, targeting the procurement of 2,000 tons of tobacco this season, a clear sign of growing demand. However, the company’s deep integration with the government and its influence over national policy have drawn criticism.
While the tobacco industry is seen by officials as a contributor to economic growth, health advocates point to rising tobacco consumption and an estimated USD 144 million in lost government revenue over the past decade, despite Laos’ obligations under the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
Still, for the farmers working with the LEAF Department, the benefits are tangible, according to Carlos. Steady income, technical support, community projects, and access to safer agricultural practices have improved lives in many areas.
Luang Namtha Plans Restoration of Tad Nam Dee Waterfall After Storm Damage
Authorities in Luang Namtha Province are reviewing plans to restore the Tad Nam Dee Waterfall, a popular natural tourist site, following significant damage caused by last year’s floods from Typhoon Yagi.
The popular eco-tourism site, located just 6 kilometers from Luang Namtha town in Ban Nam Dee village, had attracted over 35,000 visitors in the six months after its official opening in February 2024. However, heavy rainfall in September forced a temporary closure, prompting local officials and stakeholders to discuss rehabilitation efforts.
The Tad Nam Dee Development Company reported that while the site had seen strong interest from both domestic and international tourists, issues such as limited parking and service disruptions were noted even before the weather-related damage.
The restoration plan includes not only repairing the site but also improving nearby infrastructure, including canals, markets, and school facilities. Materials will be provided by the company, with local residents contributing labor.
A timeline for the reopening of Tad Nam Dee has not been finalized, but authorities say restoration is a priority ahead of the next peak tourist season.
Severe Flooding from Typhoon Yagi Devastates Luang Namtha
Typhoon Yagi brought intense rainfall to Luang Namtha Province on 9 September 2024, triggering severe flooding that damaged infrastructure and disrupted daily life.
The storm overwhelmed roads, homes, and public services, prompting the military to launch large-scale evacuations and relief operations.
Floodwaters inundated key facilities, including the provincial hospital and airport, forcing airlines to cancel all flights and leaving many residents displaced.
One man lost his life after returning to assist others and being swept away by strong currents.
Military and rescue teams continued to assist those trapped by the floodwaters for days, while medical teams provided emergency aid at Vieng Nuea village and the Provincial Public Security Office.
Across the country, public and private organizations mobilized to support flood victims, with businesses offering donations and logistics firms delivering relief supplies free of charge.
Typhoon Yagi caused widespread destruction across the region, including parts of Vietnam, southern China, and the Philippines.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/05/13/luang-namtha-plans-restoration-of-tad-nam-dee-waterfall-after-storm-damage/
Xieng Khouang Airport to Reopen in June, Defense Ministry Says
Xieng Khouang Airport, also known as Thong Hai Hin Airport, is expected to reopen in June 2025 after a year of renovation, as its scheduled renovation period concludes.
According to the Ministry of National Defense, the airport has been closed from 1 October 2024 to 31 May 2025, a period of 243 days, with operations anticipated to resume in June.
On 2 March, Deputy Minister of National Defense Vongkham Phommakone and senior military officials inspected the airport’s ongoing expansion project, which began in March 2024.
Key components of the current renovation phase include the refurbishment of the existing runway, a 550-meter extension to accommodate larger aircraft, and the construction of a new taxiway, all set for completion by the end of 2025.
The Russian-funded renovation has included installing electronic scanners and runway lighting, enhancing the radar facility, and upgrading the passenger terminal.
Since 12 June 2020, the administration and operation of the airport have been under the Lao People’s Liberation Army Air Force, having previously been managed by the Civil Aviation Department under the Ministry of Public Works and Transport. While it now functions primarily as an airbase for the military, the airport continues to support public aviation activities
The improvement initiative began in 2019 when the Lao government first launched plans to upgrade Xieng Khouang Airport.
Once fully completed, this would enhance the airport’s capacity to accommodate increasing passenger numbers while supporting national defense requirements.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/05/12/xieng-khouang-airport-to-reopen-in-june-defense-ministry-says/
From Seed to Community: How Lao Tobacco Limited Partners with Lao Farmers
Across the provinces of northern and central Laos, Lao Tobacco Limited (LTL) is working on developing rural livelihoods through its LEAF Department, a division focused not only on producing quality tobacco but by supporting farmers, their families, and their communities.
LTL, under the Imperial Tobacco Group, has built a dominant presence in Laos’ tobacco industry.
Since 2001, through a joint venture with the Lao government under the Investment License Agreement (ILA), the company has expanded its operations. By managing its entire supply chain, from tobacco leaf procurement to cigarette sales, LTL has been able to increase production capacity and maintain low prices for its popular A Deng brand.
The LEAF Department sits at the core of this model.
“We are involved from the moment a farmer plants a seed until the cigarette is manufactured,” said Lynch Carlos, LEAF Manager at LTL.
The department manages every step: providing farmers with agricultural inputs, technical guidance, and purchasing their harvest under pre-agreed contracts, the Ecuadorian manager explained.
Today, more than 1,400 farmers work under contract with LTL in provinces such as Oudomxay, Phongsaly, Bolikhamxay, and Khammouane. This marks a sharp rise from 900 contracts last year.
Carlos explained that the number of contracted farmers had increased by about 40 percent compared to the previous year. He noted that this growth translated not only into more farmers but also into more jobs in the local economy.
In provinces like Phongsaly, where the company had recently expanded, tobacco farming was now creating new opportunities in areas that previously saw little economic activity.
Supporting Farmers and Safeguarding Health
Supporting this growth is a team of around 30 Lao field technicians who advise farmers daily. Each technician works with about 50 farmers, providing training and monitoring compliance with quality and safety standards.
“Our technicians are the link between the farmers and the company. They ensure that best practices are followed in the field,” Carlos said.
The LEAF Department emphasizes sustainability in every stage of production. One of its key initiatives is supplying traceable, sustainable wood for tobacco curing to reduce pressure on forests.
“We’ve been buying sustainable timber from local companies like Acacia mangium plantations. This wood is distributed to farmers for use in their curing barns,” the LEAF manager noted.
Health and safety remain a constant focus. LTL requires farmers to use personal protective equipment (PPE) during pesticide application and harvesting, including gloves, hats, and other necessary farming gears.
LTL also enforces a strict ban on child labor. The company profiles each contracted farmer, recording household details to identify risks.
“We track how many children they have and their ages. If there’s a higher risk of child labor, we monitor more closely,” Carlos said. “This year, thankfully, we haven’t found any cases.”
Building Stronger Communities Beyond Tobacco
Beyond production, LTL invests in community development. The company has funded school refurbishments, built sanitation facilities, and supplied educational materials in the tobacco-growing communities of Oudomxay, Phongsaly, Bolikhamxay, and Khammouane provinces.
More recently, it has piloted a waste management project to reduce harmful garbage burning in schools.
“We noticed that in many schools, kids were burning trash. So we’re testing small waste burners with filtration systems to minimize pollution,” Carlos explained.
The company is also promoting alternative income sources for farmers, such as fish and frog farming.
“Diversification is important. We want farmers to have food security and extra income,” Carlos said.
Mechanization pilots, including the introduction of small tractors, aim to ease labor demands and improve efficiency.
LTL is currently expanding production, targeting the procurement of 2,000 tons of tobacco this season, a clear sign of growing demand. However, the company’s deep integration with the government and its influence over national policy have drawn criticism.
While the tobacco industry is seen by officials as a contributor to economic growth, health advocates point to rising tobacco consumption and an estimated USD 144 million in lost government revenue over the past decade, despite Laos’ obligations under the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
Still, for the farmers working with the LEAF Department, the benefits are tangible, according to Carlos. Steady income, technical support, community projects, and access to safer agricultural practices have improved lives in many areas.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/05/12/from-seed-to-community-how-lao-tobacco-limited-partners-with-lao-farmers/