Taiwan has been named the happiest place in Asia, according to the 2025 World Happiness Report.
Ranking 27th globally, Taiwan has climbed from 31st last year, surpassing Singapore as the leading country in Asia.
Following Taiwan in the Asia rankings are Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Japan, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, China, and Mongolia.
Laos, on the other hand, is ranked 93rd, just behind China (92nd) and ahead of Mongolia (94th).
Vietnam made a notable improvement this year, rising from 54th place in 2024 to 46th in 2025. Over the past five years, the country has surged nearly 40 spots, moving up from 83rd in 2020.
The World Happiness Report is a collaborative effort from leading global experts in well-being science. It is based on data from the Gallup World Poll, which measures individuals’ self-reported life evaluations, averaged over the period from 2022 to 2024. The ranking takes into account six key factors: gross domestic product per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and corruption.
Although the happiness ranking reflects people’s subjective assessments of their quality of life, these six factors offer deeper insights into the differences between nations, according to the report.
On 29-30 March, Crowne Plaza Vientiane, a five-star hotel in the capital, will host Wedding Fair 2025: Your Forever Starts From Here.
The two-day fair will showcase a variety of wedding ideas tailored to individual preferences and offer couples expert guidance in planning their special day.
The event will also bring together leading wedding suppliers and service providers, allowing attendees to explore a range of options, from venue selection and décor to menu planning and photography.
Each booth will feature special promotions, making it an ideal opportunity for couples looking for exclusive deals.
An Asian couple holding hands (photo credit: besphotographer)
Visitors will have the chance to consult with experienced wedding professionals who can provide personalized recommendations to bring their dream wedding to life. The fair will also feature a selection of curated wedding packages designed to suit different styles and preferences.
In addition to discovering exclusive services and packages, attendees will have the opportunity to win special gifts, including stays at IHG Hotels.
Those interested in participating in the event can register by contacting +856 20 97133986 or following Crowne Plaza Vientiane’s official page at https://web.facebook.com/crowneplazavientiane
On March 20, the Lao Red Cross (LRC), in collaboration with the Swiss Red Cross (SRC), inaugurated a new Blood Transfusion Center in Salavanh Province
The ceremony was co-presided by LRC President Khamlavanh Chanthalvanh, Somchai Ounchit, Provincial Party Standing Committee Member and Deputy Governor of Salavanh Province, and SRC Country Representative Binita Poudel. Distinguished attendees included representatives from the LRC Headquarters, SRC in Laos, National Blood Transfusion Institute (NBTI), Salavanh Provincial Red Cross Branch, Blood Transfusion Center (BTC), and various provincial offices and organizations.
The construction of the Blood Transfusion Center was made possible through the support of the Swiss Red Cross, with a total investment of LAK 1,721,001,000 (approximately USD 79,473). This significant contribution aims to enhance blood transfusion services in Salavanh Province, improving healthcare access and ensuring the availability of safe blood for those in need.
Khamlavanh Chanthalavanh, President of the Lao Red Cross, expressed gratitude to the Swiss Red Cross for their steadfast support, saying, “This new facility stands as a testament to our shared commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure and ensuring the availability of safe blood for all.”
He further highlighted the significance of the Swiss Red Cross’s contribution, noting that their ongoing partnership has been instrumental in advancing the Lao Red Cross’s mission to improve national blood transfusion services.
Somchai Ounchit, Deputy Governor of Salavanh Province, highlighted thel role of the newly established Salavanh Provincial Blood Transfusion Center in enhancing the province’s healthcare infrastructure.
He remarked, “The establishment of this center marks a significant milestone in our efforts to provide timely and safe blood transfusions to those in need.” He further emphasized that the center’s operations align with the Lao Red Cross’s mission to improve national blood transfusion services, ensuring the availability of safe blood for all citizens.
Binita Poudel, Country Representative of the Swiss Red Cross, reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to supporting Laos, stating, “Our collaboration with the Lao Red Cross reflects our shared vision of strengthening healthcare services and ensuring that every citizen has access to essential medical resources.” She emphasized that this partnership aims to enhance community well-being and resilience through improved healthcare infrastructure and services.
Chanthala Souksakhone, Director of the National Blood Transfusion Institute, stresses the role of the newly inaugurated Salavanh Provincial Blood Transfusion Center in addressing the nation’s increasing blood demand, stating, “With rising demand and medical needs, this center will play a crucial role in meeting the nation’s blood transfusion requirements.”
He outlined the national goal to collect 120,000 blood bags annually by 2030, with Salavanh Province’s targets set at 2,100 units in 2025, 2,300 in 2026, 2,800 in 2027, and reaching 4,500 by 2030.
Souksakhone expressed confidence that, under the leadership of provincial authorities and with the support of the Salavanh Provincial Red Cross Branch and blood transfusion center staff, the Salavanh Provincial Blood Transfusion Center will significantly contribute to achieving these objectives.
Davanh Phuangchampa, Acting Director of the Salavanh Provincial Red Cross Branch, accepted stewardship of the newly inaugurated Salavanh Provincial Blood Transfusion Center on behalf of the provincial Red Cross.
He expressed, “We are honored to take stewardship of this facility, which will undoubtedly save countless lives and strengthen our community’s health infrastructure.” Representing the eight districts of Salavanh Province, Phuangchampa emphasized the center’s significance in enhancing local healthcare services and ensuring timely access to safe blood transfusions for all residents.
The inauguration and handover of the Salavanh Provincial Blood Transfusion Center represent a significant advancement in enhancing blood donation and transfusion services within Salavanh Province.
This development is poised to substantially bolster the region’s healthcare infrastructure, ensuring timely access to safe blood transfusions and thereby improving the overall health and well-being of local communities.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Salavanh-Opens-New-Blood-Transfusion-Center-with-Swiss-Support.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2025-04-08 08:15:002025-03-24 08:16:36Salavanh Opens New Blood Transfusion Center with Swiss Support
Taiwan Becomes Asia’s Happiest Place in 2025
Taiwan has been named the happiest place in Asia, according to the 2025 World Happiness Report.
Ranking 27th globally, Taiwan has climbed from 31st last year, surpassing Singapore as the leading country in Asia.
Following Taiwan in the Asia rankings are Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Japan, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, China, and Mongolia.
Laos, on the other hand, is ranked 93rd, just behind China (92nd) and ahead of Mongolia (94th).
Vietnam made a notable improvement this year, rising from 54th place in 2024 to 46th in 2025. Over the past five years, the country has surged nearly 40 spots, moving up from 83rd in 2020.
The World Happiness Report is a collaborative effort from leading global experts in well-being science. It is based on data from the Gallup World Poll, which measures individuals’ self-reported life evaluations, averaged over the period from 2022 to 2024. The ranking takes into account six key factors: gross domestic product per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and corruption.
Although the happiness ranking reflects people’s subjective assessments of their quality of life, these six factors offer deeper insights into the differences between nations, according to the report.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/03/24/taiwan-becomes-asias-happiest-place-in-2025/
Crowne Plaza Vientiane to Host Wedding Fair 2025
On 29-30 March, Crowne Plaza Vientiane, a five-star hotel in the capital, will host Wedding Fair 2025: Your Forever Starts From Here.
The two-day fair will showcase a variety of wedding ideas tailored to individual preferences and offer couples expert guidance in planning their special day.
The event will also bring together leading wedding suppliers and service providers, allowing attendees to explore a range of options, from venue selection and décor to menu planning and photography.
Each booth will feature special promotions, making it an ideal opportunity for couples looking for exclusive deals.
Visitors will have the chance to consult with experienced wedding professionals who can provide personalized recommendations to bring their dream wedding to life. The fair will also feature a selection of curated wedding packages designed to suit different styles and preferences.
In addition to discovering exclusive services and packages, attendees will have the opportunity to win special gifts, including stays at IHG Hotels.
Those interested in participating in the event can register by contacting +856 20 97133986 or following Crowne Plaza Vientiane’s official page at https://web.facebook.com/crowneplazavientiane
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/03/24/crowne-plaza-vientiane-to-host-wedding-fair-2025/
Salavanh Opens New Blood Transfusion Center with Swiss Support
On March 20, the Lao Red Cross (LRC), in collaboration with the Swiss Red Cross (SRC), inaugurated a new Blood Transfusion Center in Salavanh Province
The ceremony was co-presided by LRC President Khamlavanh Chanthalvanh, Somchai Ounchit, Provincial Party Standing Committee Member and Deputy Governor of Salavanh Province, and SRC Country Representative Binita Poudel. Distinguished attendees included representatives from the LRC Headquarters, SRC in Laos, National Blood Transfusion Institute (NBTI), Salavanh Provincial Red Cross Branch, Blood Transfusion Center (BTC), and various provincial offices and organizations.
The construction of the Blood Transfusion Center was made possible through the support of the Swiss Red Cross, with a total investment of LAK 1,721,001,000 (approximately USD 79,473). This significant contribution aims to enhance blood transfusion services in Salavanh Province, improving healthcare access and ensuring the availability of safe blood for those in need.
Khamlavanh Chanthalavanh, President of the Lao Red Cross, expressed gratitude to the Swiss Red Cross for their steadfast support, saying, “This new facility stands as a testament to our shared commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure and ensuring the availability of safe blood for all.”
He further highlighted the significance of the Swiss Red Cross’s contribution, noting that their ongoing partnership has been instrumental in advancing the Lao Red Cross’s mission to improve national blood transfusion services.
Somchai Ounchit, Deputy Governor of Salavanh Province, highlighted thel role of the newly established Salavanh Provincial Blood Transfusion Center in enhancing the province’s healthcare infrastructure.
He remarked, “The establishment of this center marks a significant milestone in our efforts to provide timely and safe blood transfusions to those in need.” He further emphasized that the center’s operations align with the Lao Red Cross’s mission to improve national blood transfusion services, ensuring the availability of safe blood for all citizens.
Binita Poudel, Country Representative of the Swiss Red Cross, reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to supporting Laos, stating, “Our collaboration with the Lao Red Cross reflects our shared vision of strengthening healthcare services and ensuring that every citizen has access to essential medical resources.” She emphasized that this partnership aims to enhance community well-being and resilience through improved healthcare infrastructure and services.
Chanthala Souksakhone, Director of the National Blood Transfusion Institute, stresses the role of the newly inaugurated Salavanh Provincial Blood Transfusion Center in addressing the nation’s increasing blood demand, stating, “With rising demand and medical needs, this center will play a crucial role in meeting the nation’s blood transfusion requirements.”
He outlined the national goal to collect 120,000 blood bags annually by 2030, with Salavanh Province’s targets set at 2,100 units in 2025, 2,300 in 2026, 2,800 in 2027, and reaching 4,500 by 2030.
Souksakhone expressed confidence that, under the leadership of provincial authorities and with the support of the Salavanh Provincial Red Cross Branch and blood transfusion center staff, the Salavanh Provincial Blood Transfusion Center will significantly contribute to achieving these objectives.
Davanh Phuangchampa, Acting Director of the Salavanh Provincial Red Cross Branch, accepted stewardship of the newly inaugurated Salavanh Provincial Blood Transfusion Center on behalf of the provincial Red Cross.
He expressed, “We are honored to take stewardship of this facility, which will undoubtedly save countless lives and strengthen our community’s health infrastructure.” Representing the eight districts of Salavanh Province, Phuangchampa emphasized the center’s significance in enhancing local healthcare services and ensuring timely access to safe blood transfusions for all residents.
The inauguration and handover of the Salavanh Provincial Blood Transfusion Center represent a significant advancement in enhancing blood donation and transfusion services within Salavanh Province.
This development is poised to substantially bolster the region’s healthcare infrastructure, ensuring timely access to safe blood transfusions and thereby improving the overall health and well-being of local communities.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/03/22/salavanh-opens-new-blood-transfusion-center-with-swiss-support/