Laos, Australia Collaborate to Support Non-Lao Speaking Students

In a significant step towards inclusive education, the Lao Research Institute for Education Science (RIES) under the Ministry of Education and Sports, in partnership with the Australian government, organized a “Spoken Lao Program (SLP)” stakeholder forum on 11 July in Vientiane to improve Lao language learning and teaching.

The forum celebrated the program’s success, reflected on the outcomes of supporting non-Lao-speaking students, and strategized future expansions. 

According to Uthid Thipmany, the deputy director of RIES, the Lao speaking program, designed to strengthen Lao language skills for Grade 1 students, has shown positive outcomes since its initial pilot in 2019. In the 2023-2024 fiscal year, the program expanded to 21 districts with additional support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). 

During the trial phase, teaching was observed in 597 classrooms, with 1,424 teachers conducting weekly reflections, and 602 non-Lao speaking students participating in tests. Uthid reported that the students received Lao speaking lessons three times a week and improved their test scores by 20 percent. 

Meanwhile, 94 percent of the teachers interviewed stated that these lessons significantly helped non-Lao speaking students learn the language faster and engage better in all subjects.

Uthid further highlighted the need for Lao speaking lessons to be available in every school where students require additional help with Lao language because it is not their main language at home. He also expressed optimism in continuing the collaboration to ensure all Grade 1 teachers receive the necessary training and resources for teaching Lao language lessons.

Vanessa Hegarty, First Secretary at the Australian Embassy, acknowledged Laos’ cultural diversity, noting that over 50 languages are spoken across the country. She highlighted that many children, especially in rural and remote areas, speak languages other than Lao when they start school, making the development of basic Lao language skills in primary school essential for their continued educational success. 

The program is part of the Basic Education Quality and Access in Lao  (BEQUAL) Project, led by the Lao government with support from the Australian government and USAID, focuses on improving learning outcomes for young people across the country, particularly those who are disadvantaged. It also emphasizes gender equality and inclusive education in all activities.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/07/15/laos-australia-collaborate-to-support-non-lao-speaking-students/

Thailand Welcomes Lao Tourists on New Vientiane-Bangkok Train Service

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) welcomed Lao tourists who arrived at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station by the new trial train from Vientiane Capital to Bangkok, Thailand on 14 July.  

The trial train is a project of the two Prime Ministers, Laos, Sonexay Siphandone and Thailand, Srettha Thavisin from last year of inauguration to boost the economy and tourism, as well as to strengthen a robust relationship between the two nations. 

TAT Governor, Thapanee Kiatphaibool mentioned that the new train of Laos – Thailand will support Thailand’s goal to become the Hub of ASEAN along with boosting tourism and economic activities between the two countries, following the TAT’s plan to increase travel within ASEAN.

She also added that hoping to uplift Lao tourists to travel in Thailand as the preferred destination in order to enhance cross-border tourism from Laos.

TAT has set a goal of nearly 977,000 tourists from Laos and generating 36.96 billion Baht in tourism income by 2024.

The train operation service for Lao and Thai tourists will begin on 19 July The ticket can be booked by the mobile application via “D-Ticket” and at SRT Station. The train route started from Laos, Vientiane Train Station (Khamsavath) to Bangkok’s Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station.

According to state media, the train will leave Bangkok Central Station at 9:25 pm on July 19 and reach Khamsavath station in Vientiane at 9:05 am the next morning. The return trip departs Vientiane at 6:25 pm and arrives in Bangkok at 7:30 am the following day.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/07/15/thailand-welcomes-lao-tourists-on-new-vientiane-bangkok-train-service/

French Embassy Backs Eight Gender Equality Projects in Laos

The French Embassy is bolstering its commitment to gender equality in Laos by funding eight innovative civil society projects through the Equipe France Fund – Civil Society Organizations (FEF-OSC) program. Ambassador Siv-Leng Chhuor formalized the grant agreements with the selected Lao organizations at a ceremony held at the Residence of France.

This initiative marks the first phase of the 2024-2025 FEF-OSC program, aligning with France’s steadfast dedication to promoting women’s rights globally. The program will allocate over half a million euros to support approximately 18 projects focused on gender equality. Since 2010, the French Embassy has financed 71 projects in Laos, totaling nearly EUR 3 million (USD 3.2 million).

The eight chosen projects, which span six provinces, tackle various aspects of gender equality. These include combating gender-based violence, advancing women’s economic empowerment, and enhancing access to education, justice, and culture.

The Association for the Development and Promotion of Women’s Leadership, represented by Bouakham Sythavong, received a grant of LAK 328 million (USD 14,800) to implement a project aimed at ending violence against sex workers and improving their access to health services in Vientiane Capital.

Inthana Boupphasavanh, representing the Association for the Development of Women and Legal Education, signed an agreement for LAK 448 million (USD 20,260). ADWLE’s project focuses on supporting vulnerable women and children in obtaining free health services, improving responses to gender-based violence (GBV) survivors, and assisting women in protecting their legal rights through the official registration of marriages.

The Association for the Promotion and Preservation of Arts and Literature, represented by Soukphansa Phoouphasouk, received LAK 227 million (USD 10,270) to support artists and poets in creating artwork that reflects gender equality in Lao society.

Manivone Vorachak, Secretary General of the Cooperation for Development and Support to Local Knowledge Association secured LAK 500 million (USD 22,600) for a project in Phongsaly province aimed at the economic empowerment of young women and improved GBV prevention.

Strengthening entrepreneurship and leadership skills among women from ethnic minorities is the primary goal of the Foundation Assisting Poor People of Laos – Xieng Khouang Province Branch. Khankham Sayalath, the association’s director, signed the grant agreement for LAK 499 million (USD 22,577).

Soukaseum Bodhisan, President of the Namjai Community Association from Bokeo Province, signed a grant agreement for LAK 499 million (USD 22,577). This project aims to provide quality education to girls from ethnic minorities and protect them from violence, including early marriages.

Sengsavang, represented by Virith Khattignavong, signed a grant agreement for LAK 499 million. Their project focuses on the sustainable reintegration of survivors and women at risk of human trafficking and domestic violence in Savannakhet province.

Lastly, Viengpeth Phongchalern from Salavan province represented the Women’s Development Fund, receiving LAK 500 million (USD 22,600). This project focuses on developing a model gender equality village (MGV) and preventing domestic violence and early marriages.

The selection committee for these projects included representatives from AFD, GIZ, and UNDP. Grantees will have the opportunity to apply for a second phase of funding in early 2025, with the call for projects open to new applicants as well.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/07/11/french-embassy-backs-eight-gender-equality-projects-in-laos/

Laos, Singapore Strengthen Ties in Education, Clean Energy

Laos and Singapore have agreed to enhance collaboration on education and carbon credits, with two agreements signed on 9 July during Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone’s official trip to the country.

During his visit, Sonexay met with his Singaporean counterpart, Lawrence Wong, to discuss cooperation between their governments. Their talks focused on political, economic, trade, and investment sectors, with particular emphasis on clean energy and cross-border electricity trade involving Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore.

According to the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs, two-way trade between Laos and Singapore has reached USD 182.5 million this year, with Lao exports exceeding USD 96.3 million and imports over USD 86.1 million. Additionally, Singaporean businesses have invested in 83 projects across Laos, totaling USD 362 million.

Meanwhile, the two sides also pledged collaboration in renewable energy, rare-earth minerals, agriculture, health, and tourism. In regional affairs, the two prime ministers affirmed their commitment to strengthen ASEAN community building and support Laos as this year’s ASEAN chair.

The Lao PM expressed gratitude on behalf of Laos for Singapore’s assistance and support over the past years, particularly in human resource development and capacity building. He also congratulated PM Wong on his appointment and expressed readiness to elevate Laos-Singapore relations.

This visit marks Sonexay’s first official trip to Singapore since becoming prime minister in December 2022, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

During the visit, Sonexay also paid courtesy calls on President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/07/10/laos-singapore-strengthen-ties-in-education-clean-energy/

Vietnam President To Lam Visits Laos, Strengthening 62-Year Cooperation with New Agreements, Initiatives

President of Vietnam, To Lam, visited Laos on 11-12 July, receiving a warm welcome from President of Laos, Thongloun Sisoulith.

The visit aimed to enhance a robust relationship between the two nations, celebrating 62 years of cooperation. The two presidents signed seven agreements at the National Assembly In Vientiane to continue the development of economic, business, and inter-governmental relations.

Laos and Vietnam trade amounted to USD 476.8 million in the first quarter of 2024, marking a 12 percent increase compared to the previous year, making Vietnam one of the top three foreign investors in Laos. Vietnam has invested in 245 projects in Laos, totaling USD 5.5 billion.

Additionally, the two leaders launched the citizen and ID database project during a ceremony attended by high-ranking delegates. President To Lam also provided 20 Vinfast cars to assist Laos in hosting the ASEAN Chairmanship 2024. 

On the same day in the morning, the president of Vietnam, To Lam laid a wreath at the Unknown Soldier Monument in Vientiane to show respect to soldiers who passed away with sacrifice. The two sides also discussed and exchanged their countries’ economic perspectives and international issues.

President Lam paid a visit to Sinlavong Khoutphaythoune, President of the Central Committee of the Lao Front for National Construction (LFNC) in Vientiane to strengthen the cooperation between the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) and LFNC. He emphasized the importance of the cooperation agreement signed by the two organizations for the period of 2022 to 2026 and encouraged collaboration in various areas such as ethnic affairs and public engagement.

The Vietnamese president also visited former senior leaders of Laos including former Party General Secretaries and Presidents of Laos Choummaly Sayasone and Bounnhang Vorachith as well as former Lao Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong to express gratitude to the host. He also visited a telecom joint venture in Laos as part of his ongoing visit in Laos. 

In the evening, President Thongloun Sisoulith hosted a dinner to welcome President To Lam and his delegation.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/07/12/vietnam-president-to-lam-visits-laos-strengthening-62-year-cooperation-with-new-agreements-initiatives/

Vientiane Sees Over 20 Percent Surge in Tourist Numbers in First Half of 2024

Vientiane Capital welcomed a total of 674,196 visitors in the first six months of this year, including international and domestic tourists.

This surge in number has resulted in an increase of tourists by 26.31 percent and a 44.02 percent rise in revenue compared to the same period last year, as reported by a state media.

Viengphone Keokhounsee, the head of the Department of the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism in Vientiane Capital, emphasized during a meeting on 9 July that the authorities has been making efforts to boost tourism since the launch of “Visit Laos Year 2024” at the That Luang festival last year. 

These efforts consist of improving infrastructures, enhancing tourist service, promoting tourism, and close collaboration with various sectors, including the government and businesses. Viengphone expressed optimism that ongoing developments in the tourism sector will attract an even larger number of tourists in the next half of the year.

As Visit Laos Year 2024 is on the run, the country has seen a substantial rise in tourism numbers across provinces. In the northern Laos, Oudomxay Province saw an increase in tourists to over 113,000 visitors in the first half of 2024 which is higher than the previous year and only attracted 107,000 visitors in the first nine months.

Additionally, in the first three months of this year, Laos welcomed over 1.1 million international tourist arrivals, with top arrivals from Thailand, Vietnam, and China. Laos is targeting to welcome over 4,6 million international visitors and generate estimated revenue of USD 1.3 billion.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/07/10/vientiane-sees-over-20-percent-surge-in-tourist-numbers-in-first-half-of-2024/

Oudomxay Province Sees Tourism Boom in First Half of 2024

Oudomxay Province experienced a tourism boom in the first half of 2024, attracting over 113,000 visitors and generating more than USD 6.5 million in revenue, as recently revealed by Oudomxay Governor Bounkhong Larchiemphone.

This surge in visitors marks a substantial increase compared to the previous year. According to a report from the Tourism Development Department, in the first nine months of 2023, the province welcomed only 107,000 visitors, comprising both domestic and international tourists.

Oudomxay is often referred to as the “heart of northern Laos” due to its central location among the northern provinces. Tourists can reach this city by airplane, train, or bus.

Governor Bounkhong highlighted the provincial authorities’ efforts over the past six months to improve tourism services. 

Another notable achievement includes the Namkat Yora Pa Resort, recently awarded a prestigious 5-star certification. This resort is also home to the Namkat Yora Pa Biodiversity Museum, the first of its kind in Laos and only the third globally.

Additionally, the Charming Lao Hotel and Le Grand Pak Bang Resort earned ASEAN Green Standard certification for their sustainable practices in January this year. 

Lastly, the province is known for its cultural diversity, home to 12 ethnic minorities including the Khmu, Akha, Hmong, Lowland Lao, and Tai Lue. Each group preserves its own language, cultural heritage, and lifestyle.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/07/09/oudomxay-province-sees-tourism-boom-in-first-half-of-2024/

Thai Tourists Go Cashless in Laos with New QR Payments

Thai tourists visiting Laos can now conveniently scan QR codes to pay for goods and services, thanks to a new cross-border payment system recently launched between the two countries.

The service, announced on 5 July, is available specifically to users of the Thai Bank of Ayudhya, also known as Krungsri, making it the first Thai commercial bank to offer this convenience through its KMA Krungsri app.

In Laos, this payment service is accessible through 17 participating banks, including Banque Pour Le Commerce Exterieur Lao Public (BCEL), Agricultural Promotion Bank (APB), Joint Development Bank (JDB), Lao Development Bank (LDB), Lao Viet Bank (LVB), ST Bank (STB), and Allied Bank (ABL), among others, as stated by the Lao National Payment Network.

While, currently, only one Thai bank with cross-border QR payment is available in Laos, the Bank of Thailand has announced plans to add three more banks, including Kasikorn Bank (KBank), Bangkok Bank (BBL), and Krungthai Bank (KTB), in the fourth quarter of this year.

The service is part of an agreement signed earlier this year between the two nations, aimed at enhancing accessibility and innovation in financial services. In early April, the agreement allowed Lao tourists visiting Thailand and workers to make QR payments in Thailand through participating banks.

The Bank of Thailand has noted positive feedback for this QR code payment service, with transactions by Lao nationals totaling more than THB 47 million (over USD 1.2 million) in April alone.

The QR code cross-border payment system is part of Laos’ strategy to enhance regional money transfers and payments with neighboring nations such as Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

Laos has also established a similar payment network with Cambodia, launched in August 2023. Looking ahead, the country plans to introduce another comparable service with Vietnam in August to boost tourism and enhance economic exchanges between the two countries.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/07/08/thai-tourists-go-cashless-in-laos-with-new-qr-payments/

New Train Service from Bangkok to Vientiane Starts 19 July

A new international train service between Bangkok and Vientiane, Laos, will begin on 19 July, according to the State Railway of Thailand (SRT).

The train will depart from Bangkok Central Station at 9:25 pm on 19 July and arrive at Vientiane’s Khamsavath Station at 9:05 am the next day. This new service marks the extension of the existing Bangkok-Nong Khai route, facilitating a more direct and convenient travel option between the two capitals.

The travel time from Bangkok to Nong Khai is approximately 10 hours, followed by an additional 20 minutes from Nong Khai to Vientiane. Ticket prices for a one-way trip from Bangkok to Vientiane are expected to start at around THB 300 (LAK 180,365, or USD 8.19) for a third-class fan seat.

Upon arrival in Vientiane, travelers can use public transport options as well as van and taxi services to reach downtown Vientiane, located approximately 8 kilometers away.

The introduction of this service is the result of close collaboration between the SRT and Lao National Railways, aiming to promote tourism and enhance logistics between the two countries. Prior to the launch, a successful trial service was conducted between 18 to 20 May, connecting Thailand’s Udon Thani and Nong Khai stations, and Laos’ Thanalaeng and Vientiane stations.

The Lao-Thai Railway Project started construction in 2013 and was originally slated for completion by the end of 2021. However, delays in the Khamsavath Station project extended its completion to 2023.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/07/04/new-train-service-from-bangkok-to-vientiane-starts-19-july/

Laos Adopts New Laws to Boost Socio-Economic Growth

The National Assembly (NA) of Laos has officially adopted 13 laws aimed at enhancing the country’s socio-economic growth. This decision followed extensive debates among NA members regarding the effective implementation of these legislations.

The approval encompasses two new laws and revisions to 11 existing laws. The newly introduced legislations include the Cooperative Law and the Law on Medicinal Resources.

The new Cooperative Law aims to empower farmers by improving their access to international markets, thereby supporting agricultural growth. Meanwhile, the Law on Medicinal Resources addresses several issues including the unregulated collection and distribution of medicinal materials. It also aims to integrate traditional medicine into the national health system for sustainable practices.

Other revised laws are the Anti-Corruption Law, Environmental Protection Law, National Assembly Law, Provincial People’s Councils Law, Election Law for National Assembly and Provincial Council Members, HIV/AIDS Prevention Law, Value-Added Tax Law, Fire Prevention Law, Investment Promotion Law, Tourism Law, and Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Law.

Vice President of the NA and Chairman of the Lao Law Committee, Chaleun Yiapaoher, announced this on 1 July.

The Law Commission will further collaborate with relevant bodies to refine and finalize the new regulations. Once this process is complete, the Standing Committee of the NA will review the amendments before recommending them for official promulgation by the President.

According to Chaleun, these laws are designed to strengthen state, economic, and social management, and establish a comprehensive system that protects the rights of all citizens and legal entities in Laos.

To ensure effective implementation, Chaleun urged all sectors, including government ministries, officials, state employees, private enterprises, and the public, to familiarize themselves with these laws. He stressed the importance of active participation from all sectors to achieve tangible results and foster a culture of compliance across Laos.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/07/02/laos-adopts-new-laws-to-boost-socio-economic-growth/