On 20 April, Vientiane authorities launched a new Bus Rapid transit (BRT) route connecting Morning Market Station (Talat Sao) to Chao Fa Ngum Station in Sikhottabong District, extending the network beyond its original corridor.
The new route runs along Setthathirath Road, which was recently converted from one-way to two-way traffic specifically to accommodate both BRT buses and general vehicles.
The Setthathirath Road launch falls within the ongoing BRT two-month free trial period that began on 10 March, running until mid-May 2026.
During the trial, buses operate daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Commuters can expect a bus every 6 to 7 minutes during peak hours (6:00 to 9:00 AM and 4:00 to 6:00 PM), and every 10 to 15 minutes at other times.
The expansion comes as the BRT project, a USD 99.7 million initiative backed by the ADB and European Investment Bank, continues to recover from a troubled start.
Its first trial in November 2025 was suspended after just one month following multiple traffic accidents, forcing a redesign of the lane system before relaunching last month.
Extensions to Wattay International Airport and the Laos-China Railway station are still planned for later this year.
The government notice on suspending Pi Mai Lao celebrations has caused widespread misunderstanding online, with many believing the festival has been cancelled nationwide. In fact, the suspension applies only to units under the Ministry of National Defense.
The announcement, issued on 30 March by the Lao People’s Army Office under the Ministry of National Defense, instructed departments, offices, schools, and units under its authority to suspend Pi Mai Lao celebrations.
Officials said the decision was based on economic pressure, the ongoing war in the Middle East, and recent natural disasters, including hailstorms that damaged homes.
The misunderstanding spread after the notice went viral without full context, leading some social media users to believe it applied to the entire country.
Its release on social media on 1 April also raised doubts, with some questioning whether it was genuine.
One user questioned “factual news or fake news,” showing confusion over whether the news was real or an April Fool’s joke.
Meanwhile, others expressed frustration at the timing and overall situation commented “why it is so chaotic, just enjoy Pi Mai Lao” pointing how people feel stressed over rising living costs, recent storms, and economic pressure, while telling people to calm down and enjoy Pi Mai Lao.
Amid the confusion, criticism also emerged over how the information was shared.
One person said “please edit the headline to match the announcement,” while another added “the news outlets spread the news they want, but the majority of the readers do not understand it.”
These comments criticized unclear headlines and the spread of incomplete information.
Despite the confusion, there has been no official announcement cancelling Pi Mai Lao celebrations for the general public.
The festival is expected to proceed as normal across the country.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webp00Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2026-04-06 10:22:002026-04-23 12:24:00Pi Mai Lao Still On Despite Confusion Over Defense Ministry Notice
Japan provided a package of airport equipment to Laos under a grant aid project, in a move aimed at modernizing the country’s civil aviation infrastructure and boosting regional connectivity.
The assistance, delivered under the “Economic and Development Programme” which commenced in 2021, was officially handed over on 1 April at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane. The programme has supported Laos in improving equipment across international airports nationwide, providing a total of 21 types of airport service equipment and vehicles.
Among the key items provided are passenger shuttle buses, aircraft pushback tractors, passenger boarding bridges, baggage belt loaders, ambulift vehicles, explosives detectors, and passenger X-ray baggage scanners, all critical tools for enhancing safety, security, and passenger experience.
Beyond operational improvements, the project carries broader strategic significance.
It aligns with Laos’ 10th Five-Year National Socio-Economic Development Plan (10th NSEDP), supporting the Lao government’s ambition to grow air passenger and cargo transport by 0.8 percent annually
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Japan-airport-1.jpg6271200Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2026-04-05 09:13:002026-04-03 11:19:22Japan Extends Grant Aid to Strengthen Laos’ Airport Infrastructure
Vientiane Expands BRT Network with New Setthathirath Road Route
On 20 April, Vientiane authorities launched a new Bus Rapid transit (BRT) route connecting Morning Market Station (Talat Sao) to Chao Fa Ngum Station in Sikhottabong District, extending the network beyond its original corridor.
The new route runs along Setthathirath Road, which was recently converted from one-way to two-way traffic specifically to accommodate both BRT buses and general vehicles.
The Setthathirath Road launch falls within the ongoing BRT two-month free trial period that began on 10 March, running until mid-May 2026.
During the trial, buses operate daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Commuters can expect a bus every 6 to 7 minutes during peak hours (6:00 to 9:00 AM and 4:00 to 6:00 PM), and every 10 to 15 minutes at other times.
The expansion comes as the BRT project, a USD 99.7 million initiative backed by the ADB and European Investment Bank, continues to recover from a troubled start.
Its first trial in November 2025 was suspended after just one month following multiple traffic accidents, forcing a redesign of the lane system before relaunching last month.
Extensions to Wattay International Airport and the Laos-China Railway station are still planned for later this year.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/04/20/vientiane-expands-brt-network-with-new-setthathirath-road-route/
Pi Mai Lao Still On Despite Confusion Over Defense Ministry Notice
The government notice on suspending Pi Mai Lao celebrations has caused widespread misunderstanding online, with many believing the festival has been cancelled nationwide. In fact, the suspension applies only to units under the Ministry of National Defense.
The announcement, issued on 30 March by the Lao People’s Army Office under the Ministry of National Defense, instructed departments, offices, schools, and units under its authority to suspend Pi Mai Lao celebrations.
Officials said the decision was based on economic pressure, the ongoing war in the Middle East, and recent natural disasters, including hailstorms that damaged homes.
The misunderstanding spread after the notice went viral without full context, leading some social media users to believe it applied to the entire country.
Its release on social media on 1 April also raised doubts, with some questioning whether it was genuine.
One user questioned “factual news or fake news,” showing confusion over whether the news was real or an April Fool’s joke.
Meanwhile, others expressed frustration at the timing and overall situation commented “why it is so chaotic, just enjoy Pi Mai Lao” pointing how people feel stressed over rising living costs, recent storms, and economic pressure, while telling people to calm down and enjoy Pi Mai Lao.
Amid the confusion, criticism also emerged over how the information was shared.
One person said “please edit the headline to match the announcement,” while another added “the news outlets spread the news they want, but the majority of the readers do not understand it.”
These comments criticized unclear headlines and the spread of incomplete information.
Despite the confusion, there has been no official announcement cancelling Pi Mai Lao celebrations for the general public.
The festival is expected to proceed as normal across the country.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/04/01/pi-mai-lao-still-on-despite-confusion-over-defense-ministry-notice/
Japan Extends Grant Aid to Strengthen Laos’ Airport Infrastructure
Japan provided a package of airport equipment to Laos under a grant aid project, in a move aimed at modernizing the country’s civil aviation infrastructure and boosting regional connectivity.
The assistance, delivered under the “Economic and Development Programme” which commenced in 2021, was officially handed over on 1 April at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane. The programme has supported Laos in improving equipment across international airports nationwide, providing a total of 21 types of airport service equipment and vehicles.
Among the key items provided are passenger shuttle buses, aircraft pushback tractors, passenger boarding bridges, baggage belt loaders, ambulift vehicles, explosives detectors, and passenger X-ray baggage scanners, all critical tools for enhancing safety, security, and passenger experience.
Beyond operational improvements, the project carries broader strategic significance.
It aligns with Laos’ 10th Five-Year National Socio-Economic Development Plan (10th NSEDP), supporting the Lao government’s ambition to grow air passenger and cargo transport by 0.8 percent annually
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/04/02/japan-extends-grant-aid-to-strengthen-laos-airport-infrastructure/