That Phon, a Buddhist stupa in Savannakhet, is set to be designated as a national heritage site by the end of this year, according to Lamkhoun Vorlavong, Head of the provincial Department of Information, Culture, and Tourism.
Lamkhoun stated that the province is working closely with the Department of Heritage and the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism to complete the necessary preparations.
However, specific details regarding the progress have yet to be disclosed.
The decision to elevate the stupa’s status reflects its significance as one of the province’s key tourist attractions, alongside Ing Hang Stupa and Hortay Pidok, an ancient Buddhist script library. The site attracts both domestic and international visitors, generating approximately LAK 200 million (USD 9,200) per month.
That Phon is particularly known for its spiritual significance, with many believing that it has the power to grant wishes.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/PHON-STUPA-1.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2025-02-17 11:17:022025-02-11 11:19:40Phon Stupa to Become National Heritage By Year End
The Lao government has announced plans to boost tourism in Vientiane Capital with the theme “Vientiane’s Sustainable Tourism,” The initiative aims to incorporate innovative technologies into tourism management and create new attractions for visitors.
This project is a collaboration between the Department of Information, Culture, and Tourism of Vientiane Capital and Packon Company Limited from Thailand. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed on 28 January to formalize the partnership and pave the way for tourism development in the capital.
A key focus will be conducting research to explore opportunities for expanding activities at existing and potential new attractions within the city. This includes studying the feasibility of sustainable tourism practices and developing a viable business model.
In addition to tourism, the project will address infrastructure improvements. Plans include enhancing water and clean energy management to support the growing needs of the tourism industry. Efforts will focus on reliable electricity and oil supplies, as well as efficient water management systems for drinking water, drainage, and wastewater treatment.
The initiative will also advance communication technologies, such as the implementation of 5G networks and expanded Wi-Fi coverage, to improve data management for city services. This will contribute to safer urban areas and better health standards for residents.
Further improvements will target key aspects of city infrastructure, including road construction, traffic management, transportation systems, waste management, and flood control measures.
In addition, the project aims to enhance tourist satisfaction by integrating technology to create a more seamless experience. Mobile applications will be developed to assist tourists, service providers, and business owners in areas such as entry and exit systems, tour guides, transportation, restaurants, shopping, and accommodations. These innovations are intended to meet international quality standards while preserving the unique aspects of Vientiane’s tourism offerings.
The initiative will also focus on developing new attractions along the Mekong River and at That Luang Lake, including upgrading the night market along the river, creating pedestrian-friendly walking streets, and enhancing other popular tourist sites. Electric tour buses will be introduced as a new symbol of Vientiane Capital, contributing to a greener, more sustainable tourism experience.
On 30 January, the Ministry of Health celebrated the start of a 12-month pilot that will see text message (SMS) reminders sent to parents soon after their child turns 1-year-old.
The initiative, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) with assistance from the Australian Government and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, aims to improve uptake of measles, rubella and polio vaccines by giving busy parents timely reminders direct to their mobile phones.
Managed by the Ministry of Health’s National Immunization Programme (NIP) and Center for Health Statistics and Information (CHSI), the SMS reminders will be sent using data from the national Electronic Immunization Register (EIR), a country-wide vaccination database established during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is the first time the EIR data has been used to send targeted text reminders.
“These vaccines are crucial for protecting children, and protecting health,” said Vice Minister of Health Phayvanh Keopaseuth.
“Through this pilot, and use of technology, we aim to improve coverage and ensure more children are safeguarded from vaccine-preventable diseases, as unfortunately we often see drops in vaccine coverage as children get older. Though this is a trial it represents a promising start – I commend the Ministry of Health teams, and development partners, for their support and efforts.”
Laos children are recommended to have two vaccines soon after they turn 1-year-old; the second dose of the measles and rubella (MR2) vaccine, and the second dose of the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV2).
“Australia is committed to supporting Laos efforts to improve the health and wellbeing of its people,” said Australian Deputy Head of Mission Benita Sommerville.
“This pilot programme is a great example of how technology can be used to enhance immunization services and protect children from dangerous but preventable diseases – and demonstrates Laos efforts to ensure they can live the healthy lives they deserve.”
Focusing on cities and urban areas nationwide, the pilot will reach an estimated 50 000 parents who have a child turning 1-year-old in the next 12 months – alerting parents who provided a valid phone number when their children previously received a vaccine. Vaccination staff nationwide will also encourage parents who are newly registering their children in the EIR to provide a phone number to be entered into the database.
“WHO is proud to have supported this innovative programme,” said Tim Armstrong, WHO Representative to Laos.
“Globally, we have seen the power of SMS reminders for improving vaccination coverage in many areas, helping to nudge busy parents who are often overwhelmed with information. If successful, the pilot may be expanded to include other vaccinations and approaches.”
“This pilot demonstrates how simple, timely reminders can bridge gaps in immunization coverage—empowering parents with critical information while ensuring children receive the protection they need to thrive,” said Bilal Durrani, UNICEF’s Country Representative to Laos.
The pilot program is funded by the Australian Government and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. Both organizations have long histories of supporting immunization in Laos.
Development of the EIR began in 2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic and was deployed nationwide in 2024 by the Ministry of Health, with support from WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, and the Japanese government. Currently, more than 515,000 children have had one or more vaccines registered in the system.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/VAC.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2025-02-13 11:16:192025-02-03 11:17:38Ministry of Health pilots text message vaccine reminders for childhood immunizations
Phon Stupa to Become National Heritage By Year End
That Phon, a Buddhist stupa in Savannakhet, is set to be designated as a national heritage site by the end of this year, according to Lamkhoun Vorlavong, Head of the provincial Department of Information, Culture, and Tourism.
Lamkhoun stated that the province is working closely with the Department of Heritage and the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism to complete the necessary preparations.
However, specific details regarding the progress have yet to be disclosed.
The decision to elevate the stupa’s status reflects its significance as one of the province’s key tourist attractions, alongside Ing Hang Stupa and Hortay Pidok, an ancient Buddhist script library. The site attracts both domestic and international visitors, generating approximately LAK 200 million (USD 9,200) per month.
That Phon is particularly known for its spiritual significance, with many believing that it has the power to grant wishes.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/02/03/phon-stupa-to-become-national-heritage-by-year-end/
Vientiane Launches Sustainable Tourism Initiative with Innovative Technology for Growth
The Lao government has announced plans to boost tourism in Vientiane Capital with the theme “Vientiane’s Sustainable Tourism,” The initiative aims to incorporate innovative technologies into tourism management and create new attractions for visitors.
This project is a collaboration between the Department of Information, Culture, and Tourism of Vientiane Capital and Packon Company Limited from Thailand. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed on 28 January to formalize the partnership and pave the way for tourism development in the capital.
A key focus will be conducting research to explore opportunities for expanding activities at existing and potential new attractions within the city. This includes studying the feasibility of sustainable tourism practices and developing a viable business model.
In addition to tourism, the project will address infrastructure improvements. Plans include enhancing water and clean energy management to support the growing needs of the tourism industry. Efforts will focus on reliable electricity and oil supplies, as well as efficient water management systems for drinking water, drainage, and wastewater treatment.
The initiative will also advance communication technologies, such as the implementation of 5G networks and expanded Wi-Fi coverage, to improve data management for city services. This will contribute to safer urban areas and better health standards for residents.
Further improvements will target key aspects of city infrastructure, including road construction, traffic management, transportation systems, waste management, and flood control measures.
In addition, the project aims to enhance tourist satisfaction by integrating technology to create a more seamless experience. Mobile applications will be developed to assist tourists, service providers, and business owners in areas such as entry and exit systems, tour guides, transportation, restaurants, shopping, and accommodations. These innovations are intended to meet international quality standards while preserving the unique aspects of Vientiane’s tourism offerings.
The initiative will also focus on developing new attractions along the Mekong River and at That Luang Lake, including upgrading the night market along the river, creating pedestrian-friendly walking streets, and enhancing other popular tourist sites. Electric tour buses will be introduced as a new symbol of Vientiane Capital, contributing to a greener, more sustainable tourism experience.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/01/31/vientiane-launches-sustainable-tourism-initiative-with-innovative-technology-for-growth/
Ministry of Health pilots text message vaccine reminders for childhood immunizations
On 30 January, the Ministry of Health celebrated the start of a 12-month pilot that will see text message (SMS) reminders sent to parents soon after their child turns 1-year-old.
The initiative, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) with assistance from the Australian Government and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, aims to improve uptake of measles, rubella and polio vaccines by giving busy parents timely reminders direct to their mobile phones.
Managed by the Ministry of Health’s National Immunization Programme (NIP) and Center for Health Statistics and Information (CHSI), the SMS reminders will be sent using data from the national Electronic Immunization Register (EIR), a country-wide vaccination database established during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is the first time the EIR data has been used to send targeted text reminders.
“These vaccines are crucial for protecting children, and protecting health,” said Vice Minister of Health Phayvanh Keopaseuth.
“Through this pilot, and use of technology, we aim to improve coverage and ensure more children are safeguarded from vaccine-preventable diseases, as unfortunately we often see drops in vaccine coverage as children get older. Though this is a trial it represents a promising start – I commend the Ministry of Health teams, and development partners, for their support and efforts.”
Laos children are recommended to have two vaccines soon after they turn 1-year-old; the second dose of the measles and rubella (MR2) vaccine, and the second dose of the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV2).
“Australia is committed to supporting Laos efforts to improve the health and wellbeing of its people,” said Australian Deputy Head of Mission Benita Sommerville.
“This pilot programme is a great example of how technology can be used to enhance immunization services and protect children from dangerous but preventable diseases – and demonstrates Laos efforts to ensure they can live the healthy lives they deserve.”
Focusing on cities and urban areas nationwide, the pilot will reach an estimated 50 000 parents who have a child turning 1-year-old in the next 12 months – alerting parents who provided a valid phone number when their children previously received a vaccine. Vaccination staff nationwide will also encourage parents who are newly registering their children in the EIR to provide a phone number to be entered into the database.
“WHO is proud to have supported this innovative programme,” said Tim Armstrong, WHO Representative to Laos.
“Globally, we have seen the power of SMS reminders for improving vaccination coverage in many areas, helping to nudge busy parents who are often overwhelmed with information. If successful, the pilot may be expanded to include other vaccinations and approaches.”
“This pilot demonstrates how simple, timely reminders can bridge gaps in immunization coverage—empowering parents with critical information while ensuring children receive the protection they need to thrive,” said Bilal Durrani, UNICEF’s Country Representative to Laos.
The pilot program is funded by the Australian Government and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. Both organizations have long histories of supporting immunization in Laos.
Development of the EIR began in 2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic and was deployed nationwide in 2024 by the Ministry of Health, with support from WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, and the Japanese government. Currently, more than 515,000 children have had one or more vaccines registered in the system.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/01/31/ministry-of-health-pilots-text-message-vaccine-reminders-for-childhood-immunizations/