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Eight Companies Vie to Renovate Luang Prabang International Airport

On 3 June, seven international and one local company submitted preliminary qualification documents for the Luang Prabang International Airport Improvement and Development Project, a public-private partnership (PPP) initiative to operate, upgrade, and expand the airport. 

The Ministry of Public Works and Transport will evaluate the submissions according to the criteria set out in the Request for Qualification (RFQ). It will soon announce which companies have passed the full qualification assessment. 

RFQ is a pre-screening document used to evaluate the capabilities and experience of potential vendors or suppliers before inviting them to submit a full proposal or bid. It emphasizes qualifications and past performance rather than pricing, helping to identify those best suited for the project.

This initiative aims to renovate Laos’s second busiest international airport, enhancing regional connectivity and supporting the growth of the tourism industry both locally and regionally.

The companies submitting documents include China National Aerospace Engineering Technology Corporation (CAIEC) from China, Jalux Inc from Japan, Yunnan Infrastructure Investment Co., Ltd from China, Limak from Turkey, China Road and Bridge Corporation from China, Korea Airports Corporation from South Korea, Muhiban Engineering (M) BHD from Malaysia, and Phongsavanh Group from Laos.

Van Dilaphan, Director General of the Department of Planning and Finance at the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, said the ministry will carefully review all pre-qualification documents and then announce the qualified bidders who will proceed to the next stage, submitting detailed technical and financial proposals. 

She emphasized that this step brings the project closer to transforming Luang Prabang International Airport into a modern gateway that will drive national infrastructure development and boost the country’s tourism sector.

The submission of preliminary qualification documents is the second phase following the Expression of Interest (EOI) stage. The ministry plans to invite qualified companies to submit their full proposals by the end of June 2025, with the open competitive bidding process expected to be completed by the end of the year. 

The project is a government priority focused on upgrading airport operations to foster tourism growth and improve regional connectivity in Laos and the broader region. 

Luang Prabang International Airport serves as the main gateway to the city of Luang Prabang in northern Laos. 

The airport underwent major upgrades in 2013 with the opening of a new terminal to accommodate growing tourism and rising international traffic. Located just 4 kilometers from the city center, it remains easily accessible for travelers.

It features a single asphalt runway and a terminal that handles both domestic and international flights. With a capacity of around 1.5 million passengers per year, the airport offers essential amenities such as restaurants, shops, and visa-on-arrival services.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/06/07/eight-companies-vie-to-renovate-luang-prabang-international-airport/

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LOCA Drives Change: Ride with Safety, Sustainability, and Smart Mobility

LOCA, a homegrown ride-hailing startup from Laos, is raising the bar for safety, sustainability, and digital convenience in the country’s transport sector.

Built with a strong focus on passenger protection, LOCA ensures that every driver on the platform passes a mandatory in-person exam and training session, along with a comprehensive background check. 

To further protect its users, LOCA includes insurance coverage for every ride, offering up to LAK 500 million (around USD 53,000) in case of any unforeseen accidents, covering both customers and drivers.

Founded in 2018, LOCA has quickly grown to become a trusted mobility platform, setting itself apart through a strict driver onboard process, compliance, innovation, and a deep commitment to user safety and service quality.

With a growing reputation among international visitors, LOCA has become the most trusted transportation platform for more than 400,000 tourists traveling in Laos. One of the key reasons for this trust is the company’s 24/7 human call center, providing real-time support and peace of mind to riders.

Additionally, LOCA remains the only ride-hailing service in the market that allows direct credit card payments for bookings, eliminating the need for cash and creating a smooth, hassle-free travel experience.

According to LOCA CEO Souliyo Vongdala, the company places a strong priority on safety and tax compliance, ensuring that all stakeholders—from drivers to government agencies—can benefit from the platform’s growth. 

To promote transparency, LOCA clearly states how each trip supports national development: drivers on the platform pay a 5 percent income tax, while the company pays 10 percent value-added tax (VAT) and 20 percent profit tax. This ensures that every ride not only supports the driver and company but also contributes to public revenue and national infrastructure.

Beyond safety and compliance, LOCA is leading the way in the country’s electric vehicle transition. The company currently has over 1,000 active drivers, with approximately 90% of them operating fully electric vehicles. This shift aligns with LOCA’s broader commitment to environmental responsibility and reducing the nation’s reliance on fossil fuels.

LOCA’s efforts are further backed by heavy investment in EV infrastructure. As of today, LOCA has built and operates 47 fast-charging stations across Laos, making it the country’s largest EV charging network. These stations are not limited to Vientiane Capital but extend nationwide, supporting the growing number of EV drivers and helping pave the way toward a cleaner, greener Laos. 

Every ride with LOCA is more than just a trip—it’s a contribution to safer transport, fair economic participation, and the national transition toward green mobility. By choosing LOCA, customers are directly supporting local drivers, a responsible Lao company, and the government through tax contributions, while also playing an active role in building a more sustainable future for Laos.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/06/06/loca-drives-change-ride-with-safety-sustainability-and-smart-mobility/

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Lao Language Ranked ‘Moderately Difficult’ by US Foreign Service Institute

The Foreign Service Institute (FSI) of the United States Department of State has classified Lao as a “moderately difficult” language for native English speakers to learn. It falls under Category III, alongside languages such as Hungarian, Russian, and Thai.

Based on decades of research and experience training American diplomats, the FSI’s research noted that Category III languages typically involve significant linguistic and cultural differences from English. 

Learners usually require about 44 weeks, or approximately 1,100 classroom hours, to achieve professional working proficiency in Lao.

Other Category III languages include Hindi, Vietnamese, and Thai. Lao and Thai, in particular, are often compared due to their similarities, they are both tonal languages, have related writing systems, and share similar grammar and vocabulary.

However, while Thai is often considered more accessible for self-learners thanks to the wide availability of learning materials, Lao presents an additional challenge due to the relative scarcity of study resources outside of Laos. 

As a result, learners often benefit more from immersive experiences, such as studying the language within Laos. Some report that, in a native environment, Lao can even be slightly easier to learn than Thai.

The FSI also designates a Category IV, which includes Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, Cantonese, Japanese, and Korean. 

These languages are regarded as exceptionally difficult for English speakers, typically requiring 88 weeks or 2,200 classroom hours to master. Contributing factors include unfamiliar writing systems, such as Chinese characters and Japanese kanji, tonal pronunciation, and complex grammar structures.

The FSI’s language classification system is widely used as a practical guide for English speakers, particularly those pursuing careers in diplomacy, international development, or global business.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/06/05/lao-language-ranked-moderately-difficult-by-us-foreign-service-institute/

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China Launches Multi-Entry ‘ASEAN Visa’ to Boost Regional Ties

China has introduced a new “ASEAN Visa” for citizens of the ten Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states and observer Timor-Leste, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian announced at a press briefing on 3 June.

Lin explained that the visa will be available to business personnel from these countries, along with their spouses and children, allowing multiple entries over five years and stays of up to 180 days. 

The move builds on China’s existing visa exemption deals with countries like Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia, as well as the “Lancang-Mekong Visa” for Mekong River nations, aiming to boost regional travel and cooperation.

The announcement came as China began granting unilateral visa-free entry to citizens of Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay on 1 June, expanding such access to 43 countries in total. China has also recently opened visa-free travel to all Gulf Cooperation Council nations.

According to Lin, these policies reflect China’s commitment to openness and fostering global cooperation. 

In the first quarter, over 9 million foreigners entered China, up more than 40 percent year on year, while over 18,000 foreign-invested firms were established in the first four months, a 12.1 percent increase.

Looking ahead, Lin said China plans to further improve its entry policies and expand the list of visa-free countries. He noted that the aim is to enable more international visitors to benefit from China’s improved product supply, broader consumption choices, and better services.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/06/05/china-launches-multi-entry-asean-visa-to-boost-regional-ties/

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Vietnam to Introduce Lao Language in General Education Near Border Areas

Vietnam will begin offering Lao as one of eight foreign languages in its general education curriculum, starting with a pilot program in schools located near the Laos–Vietnam border.

Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Kim Son announced the initiative during a meeting with Lao Ambassador Khamphao Ernthavanh on 2 June. He stated that the government is currently preparing the necessary conditions to include Lao among the foreign languages taught in general education schools across Vietnam, alongside English, Russian, French, Chinese, German, Japanese, and Korean.

The pilot program will initially focus on schools in provinces along the border and will expand as more qualified Lao language teachers become available.

Minister Son expressed hope that Laos would support the initiative by providing textbooks, helping train teachers, and assisting with curriculum development—particularly materials that highlight the special historical ties between the two countries.

During the meeting, Vietnam also proposed that Laos consider including Vietnamese as an optional subject in its high school graduation exam. It further suggested the use of Vietnamese textbooks in schools where appropriate.

Ambassador Ernthavanh welcomed the proposals and expressed appreciation for Vietnam’s continued support in expanding educational opportunities for Lao students. She also emphasized the importance of stronger school management and more extracurricular activities to enhance the student learning experience.

According to the Lao Embassy in Hanoi, nearly 11,000 Lao students studied in Vietnam during the last academic year.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/06/03/vietnam-to-introduce-lao-language-in-general-education-near-border-areas/

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Lao Coffee Cooperatives Take Top Honors at Bolaven Plateau Competition

The Nambeng Coffee Cooperative (NCC) and Bolaven Story Coffee have claimed top honors at the Lao Green Coffee Competition 2025, held from 15 to 22 May on the Bolaven Plateau in Pakse district, Champasak Province.

NCC secured first place in the Arabica category with a score of 87.68, while Bolaven Story Coffee led the Robusta category with a score of 85.98.

Organized by the Lao Coffee Association, the competition featured two main categories, Arabica and Robusta. Participants could submit coffees processed through a variety of methods, including semi-washed/washed, sweet process, natural process, and experimental fermentations.

This year, around 80 samples were submitted: 68 Arabica and 12 Robusta. The judging panel included experts from Laos and neighboring countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia, and the United States.

NCC President Phouthone Sinthapaseuth

“Winning this competition is a proud moment for our cooperative and our village,” said NCC President Phouthone Sinthapaseuth. “We hope this recognition will open more opportunities for us, connecting with new buyers, expanding into international markets, and inspiring other farmers in our community.”

When asked how the cooperative first became involved in the Lao Green Coffee Competition, Phouthone explained that it all began in 2022, when a colleague from the Lao Coffee Lovers group and the Lao Coffee Association encouraged them to take part. Initially uncertain whether their coffee met the required standards, he was hesitant. 

However, with support and guidance, he gained the confidence to give it a try. Since then, the competition has become a valuable learning experience for the team, helping them deepen their understanding of specialty coffee standards and continuously improve their processing methods year after year.

Producing competition-grade coffee hasn’t come easy. Phouthone highlighted the biggest challenge as maintaining consistency and quality across the production chain, from harvest to drying, especially when working with the Yellow Caturra Natural variety, which requires meticulous care.

According to Phouthone, climate change has only added to the challenges. Weather patterns have become increasingly unpredictable, with irregular rainfall and rising temperatures disrupting flowering and harvest cycles. 

These shifts have introduced new risks to maintaining the quality of their coffee. 

“After this, we realize there still needs to be improvement in processing techniques, better fermentation control, and enhancing our team’s skills. We also want to look for ways to adapt our farming methods to cope with climate change, like testing new shade tree systems and adjusting harvest schedules,” he said.

Phouthone encouraged other coffee producers to take part in future competitions, emphasizing the value of expert feedback, networking opportunities, and the shared goal of raising the global profile of Lao coffee.

“Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself. Even if you don’t win, you’ll gain valuable feedback from professional judges, which can help you improve your techniques. It’s also a way to build connections with other farmers and buyers, and together, we can raise the standard of Lao coffee for the world market,” he said. 

Using Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) standards, the judges scored coffee on fragrance, aroma, flavor, sweetness, acidity, body, and aftertaste, using a 100-point scale, Sengkham Inthiratwongsy, one of the event organizers and judges, explained. 

Scores below 80 indicated regular quality, 80–89.99 were considered specialty, and scores of 90 or above were classified as premium coffee.

Samples were submitted between 15 and 16 May. Judges and technical staff received calibration training on 17 and 18 May, followed by initial evaluations on  19–20 May and final assessments with public cuppings on  21–22 May.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/06/03/lao-coffee-cooperatives-take-top-honors-at-bolaven-plateau-competition/

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Timor-Leste to Become ASEAN’s 11th Member, Says Malaysian PM

Timor-Leste will be accepted as the 11th full member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced.

According to Malaysia’s national news agency, Anwar said ASEAN leaders had reached a consensus to support Timor-Leste in completing the necessary steps for full membership in the regional bloc.

The decision, he stated, is for Timor-Leste to be officially admitted by the ASEAN Summit in October, pending the completion of one or two key reforms, particularly in the economic sphere. Anwar made the announcement during a press conference at the conclusion of the 46th ASEAN Summit on 27 May.

Timor-Leste first applied for ASEAN membership in 2011 and was granted observer status in 2022, allowing participation in high-level meetings. Full membership, however, has been under deliberation at the leadership level in recent summits.

Timor-Leste’s Prime Minister, Xanana Gusmão, attended the May Summit in Malaysia.

During the summit, Malaysian PM Anwar noted that ASEAN leaders have tasked ministers and senior officials with finalizing procedural steps for Timor-Leste’s admission by the upcoming 47th ASEAN Summit in October. They have also been directed to expedite negotiations on key economic agreements.

The statement indicated that they had tasked the ASEAN Coordinating Council, with the support of all relevant ASEAN Sectoral Ministerial Bodies and the ASEAN Secretariat, to extend the necessary support to facilitate Timor-Leste’s integration into the ASEAN community.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/05/31/timor-leste-to-become-aseans-11th-member-says-malaysian-pm/

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Laos Extends Visa-Free Stay for Japanese Tourists to 30 Days

Starting 1 June, Japanese travelers will be able to stay in Laos without a visa for up to 30 days, doubling the previous limit of 15 days, as announced by Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith during his visit to Japan on 29 May.

The extension was formalized during a meeting between President Thongloun and Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru, held to commemorate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Laos and Japan. The occasion reinforced Laos’s decision to strengthen ties through expanded travel privileges.

Laos has offered visa-free entry to Japanese citizens since 1 January 2007, allowing ordinary passport holders to visit for up to 15 days without a visa. For longer stays, travelers were previously required to obtain a visa in advance.

Additionally, Japanese citizens holding official or diplomatic passports have enjoyed a longer visa exemption period of up to 90 days, under a bilateral agreement that came into effect on 1 April 2015.

Japan was not among the countries granted special visa exemptions under the “Visit Laos Year 2024” campaign, which included Thailand, China, Taiwan, and several European nations. Those temporary exemptions concluded on 1 January 2025.

Beyond tourism, the two leaders expressed their commitment to enhancing cooperation in energy and decarbonization under the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) initiative. A summit on this initiative was held last year in Laos.

President Thongloun and Prime Minister Ishiba also reaffirmed their intention to strengthen governance in Laos, recognizing Japan’s long-standing support for the drafting and implementation of the Lao Civil Code and other legal frameworks. 

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/05/30/laos-extends-visa-free-stay-for-japanese-tourists-to-30-days/

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DanceSport to be Included in National Games Medal Competitions

Laos has officially approved DanceSport as a medal event at the Lao 12th National Games, marking the sport’s debut in the country’s competition.

The organizing committee officially approved the inclusion of DanceSport on 23 May, following years of advocacy and the recent establishment of the Lao DanceSports Federation (LADSF).

The committee cited the sport’s readiness in terms of trained judges, coaches, athletes, officials, and available competition venues.

The competition will award three gold medals across individual Breaking battles (1 vs 1 format), couple category, and team category, with 6-8 members per team. The 12th National Games will be held from 15 to 25 November, in Vientiane, featuring a total of 34 sports.

Dance Sport is gaining global popularity among youth. At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Breaking or Breakdancing (a style under DanceSport) became an official Olympic medal sport for the first time. 

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/05/27/dancesport-to-be-included-in-national-games-medal-competitions/

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Vientiane, Kunming Hospitals Partner to Boost Cardiac Care in Laos

On 26 May, Mahosot Hospital in Vientiane Capital renewed its partnership with Fuwai Cardiovascular Hospital of Kunming, China, to enhance cardiac care in Laos.

The renewed agreement, covering 2025 to 2029, aims to strengthen cardiology services at Mahosot Hospital by focusing on staff training, medical technology exchange, and equipment support.

According to Lao State Media, the collaboration will help improve patient care, support disease prevention efforts, and advance medical research. Special attention will be given to pediatric heart surgeries, particularly for children born with congenital heart conditions.

Souxath Vongphachanh, Director General of Mahosot Hospital, said the new MoU continues a partnership that began in 2019 but was paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

This latest agreement comes in the context of broader cooperation between Laos and China in the healthcare sector.

On 12 October 2024, the Lao government inaugurated a new building for the hospital, designed to provide state-of-the-art medical care, utilizing advanced technology to benefit patients in Laos while offering convenience for healthcare providers, as part of the Lao-China cooperation “Belt and Road” initiative. 

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/05/27/vientiane-kunming-hospitals-partner-to-boost-cardiac-care-in-laos/