On 12 February, Wattay International Airport introduced a new document examination machine, Video Spectral Comparator (VSC), designed to detect fraudulent travel documents, enhancing the airport’s security measures.
Provided by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the tool is equipped with advanced features to improve the verification process for passports, banknotes, and other security documents. Using a high-resolution camera, the machine analyzes security elements such as watermarks, holograms, and microprints.
Lao officials attend a training course to enhance their skills in detecting fraudulent documents, improving operational efficiency at Wattay International Airport.
The newly implemented VSC models are more powerful and versatile than previous versions. With higher resolution imaging, a broader spectral range, and automated software analysis, the VSC plays a crucial role in verifying the authenticity of documents.
Video Spectral Comparator (VSC)
This technology will support Lao immigration authorities in conducting thorough checks on passports and other security documents, reinforcing border management and ensuring compliance with international standards. It is also an essential tool in the fight against transnational crimes, including human trafficking.
Director General of the Department of Immigration, Phetdavong Keokanyan, emphasized the challenges Laos faces in managing fake travel documents due to its borders with five neighboring countries.
“Recognizing that Laos shares borders with five countries and faces multifaceted challenges in managing and examining fake travel documents imposed by transnational crimes, such as human trafficking and migrant smuggling,” he stated.
In addition to the new machine, Lao immigration authorities have updated their Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), creating a comprehensive manual to streamline operations. The manual serves as a resource for frontline immigration officers, offering clear guidelines on their responsibilities, traveler profiling, and adherence to proper procedures.
Champasack Province is planning an upgrade for one of its most unique tourist destinations: the Million-Year-Old Volcano in Paksong District.
The site, which includes three extinct volcanoes—Phu Sanak, Phu Kaothok, and Phu Katae—will undergo development to elevate the area from a district-level attraction to a provincial and even national-level tourist site. The three volcanic mountains, all rising over 1,000 meters above sea level, are ideal spots for hiking and eco-tourism, with each peak looking to the Bolaven Plateau.
The area’s geological significance stems from its volcanic origins, dating back approximately 790,000 years ago, when a large meteorite (the largest known young meteorite impact) struck Earth, according to a research article about Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences.
On 16 February, the Governor of Champasack Province, Alounxay Sounnalath, visited the site at Phu Katae, located in Nongyathueng village in Paksong district. He was accompanied by local officials, the Paksong Association of Young Businessmen, and tourism developers. During the visit, discussions focused on improving the site’s tourism potential, with plans to upgrade the infrastructure and services in the area.
The development plan will include improving the 17-kilometer road connecting Paksong District to the volcanic site, as well as establishing service areas, restaurants, cafes, and accommodations. The goal is to create a complete tourism circuit on the Bolaven Plateau, which will attract more visitors both locally and internationally.
Governor Alounxay emphasized the need for collaboration between the Department of Information, Culture and Tourism of Champasack Province, the Provincial Tourism Association, and private stakeholders to ensure the successful growth of the area. He noted that the first steps in the project would involve young entrepreneurs and other interested investors.
The Million-Year-Old Volcano site, covering 5 hectares, is known for its crater and its rich natural beauty. The crater sits at 1,300 meters and is surrounded by a 1,300-meter walking path. Five villages—Nongya Loum, Nongyathueng, Nong Samphan, Houay Vay, and Phou Dam Khouan—are located around the site, contributing to the region’s strong sense of community and potential for sustainable tourism development.
As part of a broader vision for the future, Paksong District will also be included in the city’s development plan, with a focus on tourism and other growth opportunities. This move is expected to open new doors for economic development and cultural exchange in the region, the governor said.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Katae-Volcano-Mountain.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2025-02-27 01:41:002025-02-25 10:03:37Champasack Plans to Upgrade the Million-Year-Old Volcano Tourist Attraction from District to Provincial Level
The last Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movie to screen in Laos was on 12 November, 2023. Since then, local theaters have been without any new Disney, Marvel, or 20th Century Studios releases. But now, things are about to change. The US-based movie giant is about to make a comeback after over a year of hiatus.
On 11 February, Movie Society, a local film promotional page working with distributors, announced on Facebook: “Welcome back Disney, Marvel, and 20th Century Studios to Lao PDR.”
Captain America: Brave New World, the first MCU film after a 1-year long hiatus in Laos, set to to hit theaters in Laos on 20 February (photo credit: X)
Shortly after, the page confirmed that ‘Captain America: Brave New World Marvel Studios’ latest installment, will premiere in Laos on 20 February at all Major Platinum Cineplex locations.
Currently, cinemas are limited to Vientiane and Pakse, Champasack, with a new theater set to open in Savannakhet in May.
Thippapha “Jenny” Xayavong, a 24-year-old Vientiane resident, shared her struggles over the past year in finding places to watch new films.
“Back in high school, I would often go see the MCU films with a group of friends as we were so gung-ho about it,” Jenny said, recalling her teenage years where she claimed that it was when American super hero films were at their peak in Laos.
Her love for Marvel continued into adulthood, but she was left disappointed when local theaters stopped showing her favorite films.
“I was really sad that I couldn’t see Inside Out 2 in Laos last year,” Jenny said. In the end, she managed to catch the film months later on a flight.
“Whenever I wanted to watch Disney films, I had to cross to Thailand to do so or watch through Thai websites.”
Why Disney and Marvel Took So Long to Return to Laos
Movie Society explained that the absence of Western films, including Disney and Marvel, stemmed from licensing and pricing issues. An anonymous admin of the page shared that the high costs set by copyright holders made it difficult for local distributors to negotiate.
“The seller [the copyright owner] set the price too high, to the point where the buyer [movie distributors in Laos] found it difficult to negotiate as the risk [financial loss] was extremely high,” said the admin. “Another thing is that the seller thought that since there aren’t so many theaters in Laos, distributing films here wouldn’t be worth the money. But we already made an attempt to buy the distribution license.”
Ticket prices have also been a challenge. With the economic downturn, it has become unsustainable to offer the discounts that once–before the 2020 COVID pandemic–made movie tickets more affordable—around LAK 5,000 – 10,000 (USD 0.23 – 0.46).
“With current economic conditions, there’s no way to bring back those kinds of promotions. People now only pay for films they really want to see,” the admin said.
Despite the challenges, Movie Society has continued to focus on films that attract large local audiences, such as Thai comedy and horror films. However, foreign films—especially those not dubbed in Thai—haven’t performed well in Laos.
“There are cases where foreign films that were shown in Thailand did very well, whereas those exact same films perform poorly in Laos because we [theaters in Laos] did not achieve the dubbed rights, so we had to show it in the original language,” the admin explained. “If foreign films didn’t have a Thai dub, watchers in Laos would ask for Thai subtitles instead.”
Although efforts have been made to include Lao voiceovers, they haven’t gained widespread acceptance.
Fan Reactions: Mix of Excitement and Frustration
Banlouxay ‘Ban’ Xaphakdy, a 26-year-old Marvel fan, is thrilled by the return of Disney and Marvel films.
“I’m a big fan of cinema, but when it comes to Western films, I have to rely either on Netflix or unauthorized Thai film sites,” Ban said. “But I’m so glad that they’re bringing them [Marvel films] back now. I was quite disappointed that Deadpool & Wolverine didn’t come to Laos last year.”
However, Ban shared his frustration with one aspect of the theater experience—subtitles.
“I just wish they didn’t have subtitles in the Lao language,” he said, explaining that the Lao subtitles sometimes use “bizarre terms that ruin the movie.”
Although the return of Disney and Marvel films marks a significant moment for Lao moviegoers, Movie Society has yet to reveal which films will follow Captain America: Brave New World. For now, audiences can look forward to enjoying blockbuster films on the big screen once again.
Between 2015 and 2023, Laos saw nearly every Marvel film hit theaters, from Deadpool to Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame. But after The Marvels premiered in November, 2023, local theaters were left without a new Marvel release.
Now, with the return of Captain America: Brave New World, Lao film lovers are finally getting their fill of Hollywood’s biggest hits once again.
Wattay Airport Introduces New Document Examination Machine to Detect Fake Documents
On 12 February, Wattay International Airport introduced a new document examination machine, Video Spectral Comparator (VSC), designed to detect fraudulent travel documents, enhancing the airport’s security measures.
Provided by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the tool is equipped with advanced features to improve the verification process for passports, banknotes, and other security documents. Using a high-resolution camera, the machine analyzes security elements such as watermarks, holograms, and microprints.
The newly implemented VSC models are more powerful and versatile than previous versions. With higher resolution imaging, a broader spectral range, and automated software analysis, the VSC plays a crucial role in verifying the authenticity of documents.
This technology will support Lao immigration authorities in conducting thorough checks on passports and other security documents, reinforcing border management and ensuring compliance with international standards. It is also an essential tool in the fight against transnational crimes, including human trafficking.
Director General of the Department of Immigration, Phetdavong Keokanyan, emphasized the challenges Laos faces in managing fake travel documents due to its borders with five neighboring countries.
“Recognizing that Laos shares borders with five countries and faces multifaceted challenges in managing and examining fake travel documents imposed by transnational crimes, such as human trafficking and migrant smuggling,” he stated.
In addition to the new machine, Lao immigration authorities have updated their Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), creating a comprehensive manual to streamline operations. The manual serves as a resource for frontline immigration officers, offering clear guidelines on their responsibilities, traveler profiling, and adherence to proper procedures.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/02/18/wattay-airport-introduces-new-document-examination-machine-to-detect-fake-documents/
Champasack Plans to Upgrade the Million-Year-Old Volcano Tourist Attraction from District to Provincial Level
Champasack Province is planning an upgrade for one of its most unique tourist destinations: the Million-Year-Old Volcano in Paksong District.
The site, which includes three extinct volcanoes—Phu Sanak, Phu Kaothok, and Phu Katae—will undergo development to elevate the area from a district-level attraction to a provincial and even national-level tourist site. The three volcanic mountains, all rising over 1,000 meters above sea level, are ideal spots for hiking and eco-tourism, with each peak looking to the Bolaven Plateau.
The area’s geological significance stems from its volcanic origins, dating back approximately 790,000 years ago, when a large meteorite (the largest known young meteorite impact) struck Earth, according to a research article about Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences.
On 16 February, the Governor of Champasack Province, Alounxay Sounnalath, visited the site at Phu Katae, located in Nongyathueng village in Paksong district. He was accompanied by local officials, the Paksong Association of Young Businessmen, and tourism developers. During the visit, discussions focused on improving the site’s tourism potential, with plans to upgrade the infrastructure and services in the area.
The development plan will include improving the 17-kilometer road connecting Paksong District to the volcanic site, as well as establishing service areas, restaurants, cafes, and accommodations. The goal is to create a complete tourism circuit on the Bolaven Plateau, which will attract more visitors both locally and internationally.
Governor Alounxay emphasized the need for collaboration between the Department of Information, Culture and Tourism of Champasack Province, the Provincial Tourism Association, and private stakeholders to ensure the successful growth of the area. He noted that the first steps in the project would involve young entrepreneurs and other interested investors.
The Million-Year-Old Volcano site, covering 5 hectares, is known for its crater and its rich natural beauty. The crater sits at 1,300 meters and is surrounded by a 1,300-meter walking path. Five villages—Nongya Loum, Nongyathueng, Nong Samphan, Houay Vay, and Phou Dam Khouan—are located around the site, contributing to the region’s strong sense of community and potential for sustainable tourism development.
As part of a broader vision for the future, Paksong District will also be included in the city’s development plan, with a focus on tourism and other growth opportunities. This move is expected to open new doors for economic development and cultural exchange in the region, the governor said.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/02/18/champasack-plans-to-upgrade-the-million-year-old-volcano-tourist-attraction-from-district-to-provincial-level/
Disney, Marvel Return to Laos Theaters After Year-Long Hiatus
The last Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movie to screen in Laos was on 12 November, 2023. Since then, local theaters have been without any new Disney, Marvel, or 20th Century Studios releases. But now, things are about to change. The US-based movie giant is about to make a comeback after over a year of hiatus.
On 11 February, Movie Society, a local film promotional page working with distributors, announced on Facebook: “Welcome back Disney, Marvel, and 20th Century Studios to Lao PDR.”
Shortly after, the page confirmed that ‘Captain America: Brave New World Marvel Studios’ latest installment, will premiere in Laos on 20 February at all Major Platinum Cineplex locations.
Currently, cinemas are limited to Vientiane and Pakse, Champasack, with a new theater set to open in Savannakhet in May.
Thippapha “Jenny” Xayavong, a 24-year-old Vientiane resident, shared her struggles over the past year in finding places to watch new films.
“Back in high school, I would often go see the MCU films with a group of friends as we were so gung-ho about it,” Jenny said, recalling her teenage years where she claimed that it was when American super hero films were at their peak in Laos.
Her love for Marvel continued into adulthood, but she was left disappointed when local theaters stopped showing her favorite films.
“I was really sad that I couldn’t see Inside Out 2 in Laos last year,” Jenny said. In the end, she managed to catch the film months later on a flight.
“Whenever I wanted to watch Disney films, I had to cross to Thailand to do so or watch through Thai websites.”
Why Disney and Marvel Took So Long to Return to Laos
Movie Society explained that the absence of Western films, including Disney and Marvel, stemmed from licensing and pricing issues. An anonymous admin of the page shared that the high costs set by copyright holders made it difficult for local distributors to negotiate.
“The seller [the copyright owner] set the price too high, to the point where the buyer [movie distributors in Laos] found it difficult to negotiate as the risk [financial loss] was extremely high,” said the admin. “Another thing is that the seller thought that since there aren’t so many theaters in Laos, distributing films here wouldn’t be worth the money. But we already made an attempt to buy the distribution license.”
Ticket prices have also been a challenge. With the economic downturn, it has become unsustainable to offer the discounts that once–before the 2020 COVID pandemic–made movie tickets more affordable—around LAK 5,000 – 10,000 (USD 0.23 – 0.46).
“With current economic conditions, there’s no way to bring back those kinds of promotions. People now only pay for films they really want to see,” the admin said.
Despite the challenges, Movie Society has continued to focus on films that attract large local audiences, such as Thai comedy and horror films. However, foreign films—especially those not dubbed in Thai—haven’t performed well in Laos.
“There are cases where foreign films that were shown in Thailand did very well, whereas those exact same films perform poorly in Laos because we [theaters in Laos] did not achieve the dubbed rights, so we had to show it in the original language,” the admin explained. “If foreign films didn’t have a Thai dub, watchers in Laos would ask for Thai subtitles instead.”
Although efforts have been made to include Lao voiceovers, they haven’t gained widespread acceptance.
Fan Reactions: Mix of Excitement and Frustration
Banlouxay ‘Ban’ Xaphakdy, a 26-year-old Marvel fan, is thrilled by the return of Disney and Marvel films.
“I’m a big fan of cinema, but when it comes to Western films, I have to rely either on Netflix or unauthorized Thai film sites,” Ban said. “But I’m so glad that they’re bringing them [Marvel films] back now. I was quite disappointed that Deadpool & Wolverine didn’t come to Laos last year.”
However, Ban shared his frustration with one aspect of the theater experience—subtitles.
“I just wish they didn’t have subtitles in the Lao language,” he said, explaining that the Lao subtitles sometimes use “bizarre terms that ruin the movie.”
Although the return of Disney and Marvel films marks a significant moment for Lao moviegoers, Movie Society has yet to reveal which films will follow Captain America: Brave New World. For now, audiences can look forward to enjoying blockbuster films on the big screen once again.
Between 2015 and 2023, Laos saw nearly every Marvel film hit theaters, from Deadpool to Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame. But after The Marvels premiered in November, 2023, local theaters were left without a new Marvel release.
Now, with the return of Captain America: Brave New World, Lao film lovers are finally getting their fill of Hollywood’s biggest hits once again.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/02/18/disney-marvel-return-to-laos-theaters-after-year-long-hiatus/