Authorities in Luang Namtha Province are reviewing plans to restore the Tad Nam Dee Waterfall, a popular natural tourist site, following significant damage caused by last year’s floods from Typhoon Yagi.
The popular eco-tourism site, located just 6 kilometers from Luang Namtha town in Ban Nam Dee village, had attracted over 35,000 visitors in the six months after its official opening in February 2024. However, heavy rainfall in September forced a temporary closure, prompting local officials and stakeholders to discuss rehabilitation efforts.
The Tad Nam Dee Development Company reported that while the site had seen strong interest from both domestic and international tourists, issues such as limited parking and service disruptions were noted even before the weather-related damage.
The restoration plan includes not only repairing the site but also improving nearby infrastructure, including canals, markets, and school facilities. Materials will be provided by the company, with local residents contributing labor.
A timeline for the reopening of Tad Nam Dee has not been finalized, but authorities say restoration is a priority ahead of the next peak tourist season.
Severe Flooding from Typhoon Yagi Devastates Luang Namtha
Typhoon Yagi brought intense rainfall to Luang Namtha Province on 9 September 2024, triggering severe flooding that damaged infrastructure and disrupted daily life.
The storm overwhelmed roads, homes, and public services, prompting the military to launch large-scale evacuations and relief operations.
Floodwaters inundated key facilities, including the provincial hospital and airport, forcing airlines to cancel all flights and leaving many residents displaced.
One man lost his life after returning to assist others and being swept away by strong currents.
Military and rescue teams continued to assist those trapped by the floodwaters for days, while medical teams provided emergency aid at Vieng Nuea village and the Provincial Public Security Office.
Across the country, public and private organizations mobilized to support flood victims, with businesses offering donations and logistics firms delivering relief supplies free of charge.
Typhoon Yagi caused widespread destruction across the region, including parts of Vietnam, southern China, and the Philippines.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Namtha-Plans-Restoration-of-Tad-Nam-Dee-Waterfall-After-Storm-Damage.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2025-05-23 09:11:252025-05-15 09:13:04Luang Namtha Plans Restoration of Tad Nam Dee Waterfall After Storm Damage
Xieng Khouang Airport, also known as Thong Hai Hin Airport, is expected to reopen in June 2025 after a year of renovation, as its scheduled renovation period concludes.
According to the Ministry of National Defense, the airport has been closed from 1 October 2024 to 31 May 2025, a period of 243 days, with operations anticipated to resume in June.
On 2 March, Deputy Minister of National Defense Vongkham Phommakone and senior military officials inspected the airport’s ongoing expansion project, which began in March 2024.
Deputy Minister of National Defense Vongkham Phommakone and senior military officials inspected the airport’s ongoing expansion project. 12 March 2025. (Photo credit: Lao National Radio)
Key components of the current renovation phase include the refurbishment of the existing runway, a 550-meter extension to accommodate larger aircraft, and the construction of a new taxiway, all set for completion by the end of 2025.
The Russian-funded renovation has included installing electronic scanners and runway lighting, enhancing the radar facility, and upgrading the passenger terminal.
Since 12 June 2020, the administration and operation of the airport have been under the Lao People’s Liberation Army Air Force, having previously been managed by the Civil Aviation Department under the Ministry of Public Works and Transport. While it now functions primarily as an airbase for the military, the airport continues to support public aviation activities
The improvement initiative began in 2019 when the Lao government first launched plans to upgrade Xieng Khouang Airport.
Once fully completed, this would enhance the airport’s capacity to accommodate increasing passenger numbers while supporting national defense requirements.
Across the provinces of northern and central Laos, Lao Tobacco Limited (LTL) is working on developing rural livelihoods through its LEAF Department, a division focused not only on producing quality tobacco but by supporting farmers, their families, and their communities.
LTL, under the Imperial Tobacco Group, has built a dominant presence in Laos’ tobacco industry.
Since 2001, through a joint venture with the Lao government under the Investment License Agreement (ILA), the company has expanded its operations. By managing its entire supply chain, from tobacco leaf procurement to cigarette sales, LTL has been able to increase production capacity and maintain low prices for its popular A Deng brand.
The LEAF Department sits at the core of this model.
“We are involved from the moment a farmer plants a seed until the cigarette is manufactured,” said Lynch Carlos, LEAF Manager at LTL.
The department manages every step: providing farmers with agricultural inputs, technical guidance, and purchasing their harvest under pre-agreed contracts, the Ecuadorian manager explained.
Today, more than 1,400 farmers work under contract with LTL in provinces such as Oudomxay, Phongsaly, Bolikhamxay, and Khammouane. This marks a sharp rise from 900 contracts last year.
Carlos explained that the number of contracted farmers had increased by about 40 percent compared to the previous year. He noted that this growth translated not only into more farmers but also into more jobs in the local economy.
In provinces like Phongsaly, where the company had recently expanded, tobacco farming was now creating new opportunities in areas that previously saw little economic activity.
Supporting Farmers and Safeguarding Health
Supporting this growth is a team of around 30 Lao field technicians who advise farmers daily. Each technician works with about 50 farmers, providing training and monitoring compliance with quality and safety standards.
“Our technicians are the link between the farmers and the company. They ensure that best practices are followed in the field,” Carlos said.
The LEAF Department emphasizes sustainability in every stage of production. One of its key initiatives is supplying traceable, sustainable wood for tobacco curing to reduce pressure on forests.
“We’ve been buying sustainable timber from local companies like Acacia mangium plantations. This wood is distributed to farmers for use in their curing barns,” the LEAF manager noted.
Health and safety remain a constant focus. LTL requires farmers to use personal protective equipment (PPE) during pesticide application and harvesting, including gloves, hats, and other necessary farming gears.
LTL also enforces a strict ban on child labor. The company profiles each contracted farmer, recording household details to identify risks.
“We track how many children they have and their ages. If there’s a higher risk of child labor, we monitor more closely,” Carlos said. “This year, thankfully, we haven’t found any cases.”
Building Stronger Communities Beyond Tobacco
Beyond production, LTL invests in community development. The company has funded school refurbishments, built sanitation facilities, and supplied educational materials in the tobacco-growing communities of Oudomxay, Phongsaly, Bolikhamxay, and Khammouane provinces.
More recently, it has piloted a waste management project to reduce harmful garbage burning in schools.
“We noticed that in many schools, kids were burning trash. So we’re testing small waste burners with filtration systems to minimize pollution,” Carlos explained.
The company is also promoting alternative income sources for farmers, such as fish and frog farming.
“Diversification is important. We want farmers to have food security and extra income,” Carlos said.
Mechanization pilots, including the introduction of small tractors, aim to ease labor demands and improve efficiency.
LTL is currently expanding production, targeting the procurement of 2,000 tons of tobacco this season, a clear sign of growing demand. However, the company’s deep integration with the government and its influence over national policy have drawn criticism.
While the tobacco industry is seen by officials as a contributor to economic growth, health advocates point to rising tobacco consumption and an estimated USD 144 million in lost government revenue over the past decade, despite Laos’ obligations under the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
Still, for the farmers working with the LEAF Department, the benefits are tangible, according to Carlos. Steady income, technical support, community projects, and access to safer agricultural practices have improved lives in many areas.
That Nang Lao stupa and Thong Na Ngueak were officially recognized as Laos’ local national heritage sites in Savannakhet Province.
On 2 May, Vilabouly District held a cultural ceremony to officially declare the Nang Lao stupa and Thong Na Ngueak (Mermaid Rice Fields) as local-level national heritage sites.
Deputy Governor of Savannakhet Province, Lingthong Saengtavanh, led the ceremony, joined by district chief Valiya Sichanthongthip, local officials, and community members.
That Nang Lao Lao began the restoration in 2017, which was successfully completed within two years. After being proposed as a National Heritage site two years ago, it has now been officially approved, standing as a renewed symbol of spiritual and cultural significance.
Over 1,000 performers participated in the celebration, featuring traditional drum processions from Nam Mahi, Keovilai, and Hai villages, as well as cultural dances performed by local students and the Vilabouly District Women’s Union.
That Nang Lao Stupa
This historic stupa, located about 180 kilometers east of Savannakhet’s provincial capital, carries a rich royal history dating back to the early 1800s.
According to the local legend, during King Anouvong’s reign (1805-1828), Queen Khamphao (his sixth concubine) was sent to govern the area of Mueang Vang-Angkham, now Vilabouly.
When the Queen reached what is now the Phouthai area, Na Te village, her loyal elephant refused to journey further.
Taking this as a sign, she established her settlement there. The local people call her “Nang Lao” (Lao Woman) because she was not of Phouthai descent, and after her death, they built this stupa in her honor.
What makes a stupa special is its northern Lan Xang (now Laos) architectural style, similar to the structure in Luang Prabang, the Queen’s birthplace.
Local traditions continue to honor this legacy. Villagers celebrate an annual festival during the third full moon, commemorating the day of the royal elephant’s death.
The surrounding landscape also preserves this history, approximately 800 meters from the stupa, where the royal elephant’s remains were buried.
Thong Na Ngueak or Mermaid Rice Field
Thong Na Ngueak, which would roughly translate to “Mermaid Rice Field,” a 3.66-hectare site within the Sepon Gold and Silver Concession Area, gained archaeological significance in 2019 when experts discovered over 75,000 artifacts estimated to be 2,500 years old.
These findings portray an important connection between the region’s ancient history and its enduring cultural traditions.
The site’s name comes from local mythology about two serpent-like creatures called “Ngueak” who settled along the Xe Bang Hieng River and the Sekok River after being banished from the Kading River, Bolikhamxai province.
These creatures terrorized nearby villages by demanding annual sacrifices of young virgins, creating such fear that many villagers abandoned their homes.
The situation reached a breaking point when the daughter of a powerful Bru tribal (indigenous ethnic group in Laos, Vietnam, and Thailand) chieftain became a victim. The chieftain enlisted a man named Taluek Nuek to hunt down the “evil” creatures.
After a seven-day search that left holes across what is now called Na Mor, they captured the ngueak pair.
When the female ngueak was killed, her blood stained the mountain red, giving it the name Phu Pha Dang, or “Stain Mountain.” The male, though badly wounded, escaped.
The official recognition of the That Nang Lao Stupa and Thong Na Ngueak as local national heritage sites is a significant step in preserving Savannakhet’s cultural and historical legacy.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/NL.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2025-05-20 09:03:552025-05-15 09:06:01Savannakhet’s That Nang Lao Stupa Recognized as Local Level National Heritage
Laos and Switzerland have reaffirmed their commitment to safer hydropower development with the successful convening of the Steering Committee meeting for the Dam Safety Technical and Institutional Assistance (DSTIA) project in Vientiane.
The meeting, held at the DoubleTree by Hilton on 8 May, brought together key government officials, technical experts, and development partners to review progress and set priorities for the year ahead.
Co-chaired by Bouathep Malaykham, Director General of the Department of Energy Industry and Safety Management under the Ministry of Energy and Mines, and Björn Schranz, Head of the Climate Change and Natural Resource Management Program at the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) in the Mekong region, the session marked another step forward in the growing partnership between the two countries.
Since its launch in 2022, the DSTIA project has received CHF 5.36 million (around USD 6.5 million) in funding from the Swiss Government, with implementation led by Helvetas Laos.
Working closely with the Lao government and partners such as the National University of Laos, the Lao Association on Dams, and Electricité du Laos Generation (EDL-Gen), the project has made notable progress.
Lao-Swiss Cooperation meeting on dam safety. (Photo supplied)
It has supported the implementation of the 2022 Dam Safety Law, helped build the capacity of the newly established Department of Energy Industry and Safety Management, and improved monitoring, reporting, and emergency planning systems.
A major milestone highlighted at the meeting was the launch of Laos’s first-ever Dam Engineering Course at the National University of Laos in February 2025.
This course represents a significant achievement in developing homegrown technical expertise and reducing long-term reliance on external specialists.
The project also serves as a platform for connecting Lao institutions with Swiss experts to find sustainable, long-term solutions for dam safety. The overarching goal is to ensure that the country’s growing hydropower infrastructure is managed safely and responsibly, protecting more than 1.5 million people living downstream.
During the meeting, the Steering Committee reviewed the main achievements of 2024 and formally endorsed the operational work plan for 2025.
This plan focuses on enhancing safety protocols, advancing professional training, and continuing institutional reforms to ensure that dam development is both secure and sustainable.
In his remarks, Bouathep Malaykham emphasized the vital role DSTIA plays in strengthening the country’s dam safety institutions and expressed appreciation for Switzerland’s ongoing support.
Schranz echoed this sentiment, noting the importance of combining Swiss technical expertise with Lao leadership to build a more resilient energy sector.
The Steering Committee also adopted several recommendations to guide the next phase of work, including improved cooperation across sectors, increased capacity-building support for local agencies, and greater transparency in how data is shared and used.
Looking ahead, an independent Mid-Term Review of the DSTIA project will provide insights into its effectiveness and ensure alignment with both national development goals and international standards.
Khanpangna “Eno” Khounsy, a 24-year-old student from Laos, has made history by becoming the first Lao national to receive the prestigious Prix d’Excellence from Université Mohammed V de Rabat, one of Morocco’s most respected public universities.
The Prix d’Excellence is awarded annually to a small number of top-performing students in recognition of academic achievement, research potential, and civic engagement. It is one of the highest honors in Morocco’s higher education system and rarely awarded to international students.
Khampagna “Eno” Khounsy stands alongside students and professors at Université Mohammed V de Rabat during the award ceremony (photo supplied)
Eno, who completed his undergraduate degree in Public Law, was selected for his outstanding academic performance and active participation in international student conferences.
He is now pursuing a Master’s in Diplomatic Studies, with a thesis focused on strengthening cooperation between ASEAN and Africa.
“I am extremely proud of myself,” Eno shared. “I didn’t think, for once, in my entire life, that I’d accomplish this sort of achievement.”
His distinction stemmed not only from academic excellence but also from his active engagement in research and participation in international student conferences. He said he had been involved in discussions exploring how developing countries could take on a more significant role in global organizations.
Eno’s academic path was inspired by a Mali mentor he met during his first year in Morocco, while undergoing French language training before beginning university. The mentor, a former recipient of the same award, had a lasting impact on him and was the one who sparked Eno’s interest in diplomacy.
Encouraged by his seniors, he chose to study Public Law—a field he felt offered both international relevance and practical application for Laos.
“The reason why I chose Public Law is also because it is international and can be applied to Laos,” he noted.
Culture Shock
Eno’s journey to excellence began in 2019, when he left his home in Vientiane Capital to study in Morocco through an exchange program. The transition was anything but easy.
“New language, environment, culture, religion. This country is absolutely not for beginners. If you’re not tough enough, you go back to where you came from.”
Arriving with no prior knowledge of French, the primary academic language in Morocco, Eno enrolled in an intensive language program. Through hard work and everyday interactions, he reached a B2 level, which he equates to a Band 7 IELTS score.
He is also teaching himself Arabic in his spare time.
He explained that in Laos, most of his social circles revolved around having fun, with daily conversations often centered on where to hang out next, contrasting it with the more academically driven environment he found in Morocco.
“Here, the community is very diverse, but it’s what I didn’t know I needed,” he added. “The priority is not about fun; it’s about academic self-improvement.”
He surrounded himself with peers who had clear goals and ambitions, which helped him stay focused and pushed him further toward his interests in diplomacy and international cooperation.
Despite his academic success, Eno’s journey was nearly derailed in 2021, when he suffered a medical emergency after his appendix ruptured.
“There weren’t many people but only two friends who were looking after me during that hard time,” he said. “It wasn’t the community or the language that almost broke me—it was my health.”
His family urged him to return to Laos, but Eno stayed, determined to recover and complete his studies. That decision, he believes, defined his resilience and deepened his sense of purpose.
Looking Ahead: A Diplomatic Dream
Despite the ordeal, Eno made a full recovery and continued his academic journey with even greater determination.
Now completing his master’s degree, Eno hopes to bring his international experience back to Laos. His ambition is to work in the public sector, focusing on diplomacy and global cooperation.
“I want to join the public sector and become a diplomat,” he shared. “I want to use what I’ve learned to contribute to Laos’ foreign relations strategy and explore partnerships with African countries”
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Eno.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2025-05-16 08:59:362025-05-15 09:01:17First Lao Student in Morocco Wins Top University Award
Khammuoane authorities are turning former president Nouhak Phoumsavanh’s old residence into a national memorial to honor his legacy as one of Laos’ most influential revolutionary leaders.
On 5 May, Khammoune Governor Vanxay Phongsavanh and provincial officials visited Nongping village in Boualapha District to inspect the renovation of the historic home once occupied by the late Lao President.
Funded by the provincial government, the project includes restoration of the roof, interior structure, and surrounding landscape. The plan also features land demarcation and the construction of a 35-kilometer road connecting Nha Waed village to Thang Bang Nam Jala village to improve accessibility.
khammouane authorities inspect the progress of Nouhak’s former house. Nongping village, Bualapha district, Khammouane district, 05 may 2025. (Photo credit: Lao National Radio)
Born in Thailand in 1914, but holding a Lao nationality, Nouhak later moved to Savannakhet as a young man, working as a truck driver and owning a trucking business, operating between Laos and Vietnam, where he met the Vietminh. In 1933, he married Chanthom, with whom he had four children. Later, in 1944, he married Bounma Phoumsavanh, and they had five children together.
Around 1945, Nouhak connected with Souphanouvong and represented the Lao Issara movement. During the First Indochina War, he led guerrilla operations in coordination with the Vietminh along the Lao-Vietnamese border.
In 1955, Nouhak Phoumsavanh emerged as one of the key founding members of the Lao People’s Party (later renamed the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, LPRP), establishing himself as a prominent leader in the resistance movement against French colonial rule. As part of the influential triumvirate that spearheaded the opposition, he played a pivotal role in the three-decade civil war that culminated in 1975.
The Pathet Lao movement, with Nouhak as one of the central figures, established Laos’ new era in 1975.
After the country’s revolution, he was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. From 1982 to 1989, he served as the first Vice President of the Ministerial Assembly and was a permanent member of the council. In 1989, he became President of the Supreme People’s Assembly. He later assumed the role of the third President of Laos, serving from 1992 to 1996, during a crucial phase in the nation’s development. Nouhak passed away on 9 September 2008 at the age of 94.
In 2011, a memorial honoring Nouhak was erected at his birthplace in Mukdahan to honor his legacy. Mukdahan Governor Charnwit Vasayangkorn and his sister, Sida Phoumsavanh, attended the ceremony at the site, marking another important step in preserving his contributions beyond the border.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Nouhaks-old-house.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2025-05-15 09:55:002025-05-15 08:58:49Former President Nouhak’s Residence in Khammouane to Be National Memorial
The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and Laos’ Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment officially concluded the ASEAN Municipal Solid Waste Management Enhancement (AMUSE) Project on April 25 after two years of work. The project introduced innovative solutions to tackle waste challenges across the city.
The initiative set up 75 recycling banks in hotels, restaurants, and guesthouses across Vang Vieng, helping businesses separate waste at the source.
This has created a stronger recycling system where 108 tons of materials are now recovered and safely recycled every month. A total of 286 hospitality service providers were trained, and almost half a million residents and tourists have benefited from the cleaner environment.
Highlighting the system’s success, Viraphon Neuansengsy from the Department of Environment said, “The AMUSE project has improved the system through establishing a city-wide recycling bank system and increased participation from the private sector and the tourism industry.”
In addition to setting up physical recycling points, the project focused on shaping the future of waste management in Vang Vieng. It introduced new ways to handle organic waste and developed a city-wide plan based on circular economy principles — treating waste as a resource rather than a problem.
The improvements have made a real difference for local businesses too, according to Ken Insane from Patthana Recycling Shop.
He shared, “The biggest change is cleaner recyclable materials and an increase in the volume that we can recover. Before, everything was mixed in the landfill truck. Now, with source separation, our job is easier and more profitable. We receive and process four times more materials than we used to receive in 2022 before the project started.”
Beyond environmental impacts, AMUSE also delivered important social benefits. The project trained public and private sector workers on sustainable solid waste management, with a focus on supporting informal waste workers and women by offering safety training and creating new income opportunities.
Looking ahead, local officials are determined to keep the momentum going. Vice Mayor Souviengthong Vongchampa emphasized, “This project has not only improved our environment but also raised awareness among our community and visitors. We will continue building on these successes to make Vang Vieng a model for sustainable tourism and waste management across Lao PDR.”
Echoing this optimism, Eva Diaz Ugena from GGGI concluded, “Through close collaboration with our government and regional partners, we’ve achieved 100 percent completion of planned activities, including recycling banks and local capacity building. Vang Vieng now stands as a strong example of how circular economy models can be locally led and regionally relevant.”
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Goes-Green-with-New-Waste-System.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2025-05-07 09:46:002025-04-29 09:58:15Vang Vieng Goes Green with New Waste System
“A book isn’t something you force yourself to read, but something you do because you love it,” noted Robert George Cooper, a British-born anthropologist and well-known author of several books on Laos.
As the world celebrates World Book and Copyright Day today, 23 April, attention turns to figures like Cooper, individuals who have devoted their lives to literature and cultural exchange.
Cooper first arrived in Laos in 1973 during his PhD studies, later working with the United Nations on refugee repatriation and serving as head of the British Trade Office in Vientiane from 2000 to 2004.
A linguist speaking English, French, Lao, Malay/Indonesian, and Thai, Cooper established his iconic bookshop in downtown Vientiane in 2007, which continues to thrive despite the digital age.
One of his most popular works is “CultureShock! Laos: A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette.” This book guide offers practical insights into Lao culture, traditions, and social norms, making it valuable for travelers or anyone interested in understanding the nuances of life in Laos.
CultureShock! Laos: A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette.
His newest release, “Laos: Making History in Search of Time Gone By,” was published in early 2025. The book traces Lao history from the Lan Xang era through French colonialism, the Indochina War, and into the complexities of modern-day Laos.
Robert Cooper’s Laos: Making History, a powerful reflection on the nation’s past from Lan Xang to modern Laos.
Now retired in Vientiane, Cooper expresses concern about reading habits among Lao youth. He notes that few young people embrace reading as a pathway to education and, by extension, the country’s economic development.
“In Laos, few people are able to read in English,” he notes. “Translating into the Lao language is a long process and often not worth doing because Lao people have very little to read in their own language; they even prefer to read Thai books.”
Despite this, Laos has made growing efforts to promote Lao-language literature. Events like the annual Vientiane Book Festival, held each November, aim to ignite a love of reading, especially among children and students.
While many young readers gravitate toward Thai books for their variety and professional quality—bolstered by Thailand’s larger publishing industry—others are turning their attention toward supporting local authors. Still, the road ahead remains challenging.
With only 15 to 20 publishing houses operating across the country, the Lao publishing industry is relatively small.
In a previous interview with the Laotian Times, writer and publisher Phoumpanya Douangpaseuth emphasized the need for stronger local support.
He urged readers to back Lao creators to help build a more self-sustaining literary culture.
Meanwhile, Laos continues to nurture its literary scene with the hope that more readers will turn to local authors and support homegrown stories.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Book-Cafe.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2025-05-06 11:19:002025-04-28 11:22:00World Book, Publishing Day 2025: Laos Backs Local Authors, History
Over 1,170 Lao health professionals have been trained through a long-running initiative led by Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand. Now nurturing a new generation of trainees, the project continues to play a vital role in strengthening Laos’ healthcare system.
Launched in 2000, the program has built the capacity of doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, physical therapists, nutritionists, public health workers, and administrators across the country. Its graduates now serve in hospitals, health departments, and training institutions in every province of Laos.
The initiative was inspired by Princess Sirindhorn’s visits to Laos beginning in 1990, during which she observed the country’s healthcare challenges firsthand. Recognizing the need for skilled human resources, she spearheaded the program to equip Lao professionals with the knowledge and tools required to deliver quality care and meet public health demands.
To mark 25 years of Thai-Lao collaboration, an academic conference was held in Vientiane on 22 April under the theme “Promoting Healthier Futures: 25 Years of Thai-Lao Collaboration in Medical and Public Health Capacity Building.”
Princess Sirindhorn presided over the opening ceremony. She emphasized the importance of scientific exchange and modern expertise in developing strong health systems. She highlighted that a healthy population is essential to national development, and medical personnel must be equipped with up-to-date knowledge and skills.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Princess-Maha-Chakri-Sirindhorn-of-Thailand.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2025-05-05 11:13:002025-04-28 11:16:28Lao-Thai Health Project Trains More Than 1,170 Professionals Under Princess Sirindhorn’s Initiative
