Rice planting season is upon us!

The rice planting season in Lao PDR typically begins in May and goes on until July. During this time, farmers prepare the fields by clearing and plowing. They also have to create irrigation channels to get water to the fields. 

Once the fields are prepared, the farmers select the seedlings and begin planting them by hand or machine. The young rice plants require a lot of water, and the fields need to be flooded during the early stages of growth.

After about two to three months, the rice plants are ready for harvesting. The rice harvest usually occurs in October or November. During this time, farmers cut the rice stalks and leave them to dry before threshing the grains away.

Overall, rice planting in Lao PDR is an important part of the country’s agricultural economy and way of life for many communities.

source: https://wearelao.com/blog/create-blog-entry-657

Lao Athletes Showcase Performance at Hangzhou Asian Games

A total of 94 athletes from Laos competed in 17 different disciplines in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, from 23 September to 8 October.

The Asian Games is a continental multi-sport event held every four years among athletes from all over Asia and is the second largest multi-sport event after the Olympic Games. 

Sepaktakraw, a team sport played with a ball made of rattan or synthetic plastic, saw the most representation from Lao athletes. Coincidentally, the sport currently boasts Laos’ only medals at the event. 

The Lao Sepaktakraw teams won three bronze medals, one for the Men’s Sepaktakraw Team Regulation (three people per side), the Women’s Sepaktakraw Team Regulation, and the Women’s Team Quadrant (four people per side). The Sepaktakraw Federation in Laos has secured a total of 13 medals from the Asian Games since 1974, including three silver medals from the 2006 and 2018 games.

While Laos has never been on the top step of the podium in the history of Asian Games, the event remains a chance for the athletes to represent their home nation at an international sport competition.

“To have the opportunity to represent your country at any stage or event is a great honor.  Knowing that you’re playing for something much more than yourself, that’s very special, I’m very grateful for it,” Lao professional golfer Bouahom “Bebe” Thammasack said.

Bebe managed to tie for 34th in the overall Golf Men’s Individuals standings, scoring par over the course of four days. Golf tournament scores are reported by totalling scores relative to the number of shots recommended in each round (there are usually four rounds in professional tournaments). If each of the four rounds has a par of 72, the tournament par would be 288.

Although some athletes have gone on to complete their duties at the games, Laos awaits to see if 2022 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games medalists will be able to secure more medals for their home country.

Lao-American silver medalist at the 2023 Southeast Asian Games (SEA) Jedidiah Phomsavath Slayman (20), and his younger brother Timothy Boonxay Slayman (16), will also be representing Laos at the Asian Games, competing in the Men’s 62 kg Jiu-jitsu on Thursday. 

SEA Games double-medalist Dawson Stephen Sihavong (22), who won silver in the Men’s 70 kg Freestyle Wrestling and bronze at the Men’s 67 kg Greco Roman Wrestling will also be competing in this year’s games.

Currently, Laos is tied for 24th out of 40 with Jordan and Kyrgyzstan.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/10/05/lao-athletes-showcase-performance-at-hangzhou-asian-games/

Laos, Russia Discuss New Moscow-Vientiane Flight Route to Boost Tourism

The Lao head of the Party Central Committee for External Relations, Thongsavanh Phomvihane, met with a Russian delegation led by an MP and Secretary of the Moscow Capital Party Committee Denis Andreevich Parfenov this week, to discuss economic cooperation, including the possibility of launching a direct flight route between Vientiane and Moscow.

During the meeting, on 2 October, the parties stressed their interest in enhancing bilateral trade and boosting investment and tourism. The launch of a Moscow-Vientiane flight route would aim at increasing the number of tourists from Russia and bringing in more revenues and jobs in Laos. 

More than 23,000 Russian tourists visited Laos in the first half of 2023, and this number is expected to increase in 2024, as Laos has designated the coming year as “Visit Laos Year 2024.”

Laos and Russia previously had a direct flight linking the two countries. The route was operated by Ural Airlines from Vladivostok to Vientiane Capital, but it was canceled in February 2023 due to limited demand and financial constraints, after starting operations just a few months earlier, in October 2022. 

Now, a year later, Ural Airlines announced the resumption of flights from the port city of Vladivostok to Vientiane Capital for its winter schedule.

Ural Airlines will start operating a weekly flight from Vladivostok to Vientiane Capital starting on 29 October. The flight will depart Vladivostok at 9:30 a.m. and arrive in Vientiane at 3:50 p.m., with an estimated travel time of 6 hours and 20 minutes.

The return flight will depart from Vientiane to Vladivostok at 1:00 a.m. on 30 October and arrive at 7:35 a.m.

The two countries have a long history of close ties, but trade between them has never been highly profitable. In 2022, bilateral trade was valued at around USD 50 million, according to ASEAN Briefing. 

To that end, the Russian delegation in Laos further discussed future plans to purchase Lao coffee and increase imports from Laos.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/10/05/laos-russia-discuss-new-moscow-vientiane-flight-route-to-boost-tourism/

Lao President Kicks Off Meeting with Brunei Sultan on 30th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations

Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei is leading a high-ranking delegation on a state visit to Laos from 3 to 4 October to strengthen friendship and cooperation between the two countries on the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith welcomed the Brunei delegation at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane Capital on the evening of 2 October. 

Today, President Thongloun Sisoulith and Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah kicked off the first of two days of diplomatic meetings at the Presidential Palace. 

As both parties expressed gratitude for the ongoing mutual support, the Lao president stressed his appreciation for Brunei’s assistance throughout the past three decades, especially in the fields of education and human resource development. 

Minutes later, Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah conveyed deep gratitude for the Lao government’s decision to award him the national gold medal in recognition of his contributions to the two countries’ enduring and steady assistance to Laos, as he reaffirmed his country’s support for Laos’ upcoming ASEAN chairmanship in 2024.

The two leaders further agreed to continue promoting economic cooperation, such as trade and investment, especially in sectors such as transportation, green agriculture, production of goods for export, energy, and eco-tourism. 

To conclude the official gathering, President Thongloun and Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah signed a joint statement on the Lao-Brunei strategic partnership.

This is Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah’s third visit to Laos since the two countries established diplomatic relations on 27 July 1993.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/10/03/lao-president-kicks-off-meeting-with-brunei-sultan-on-30th-anniversary-of-diplomatic-relations/

Visit​ Laos​ Year​ 2024​ to be officially launched in November
The Visit​ Laos​ Year​ 2024​ tourism promotion campaign will be officially launched on November 23, with the opening ceremony to take place on the That Luang esplanade, according to the Ministry of Information, Culture and​ Tourism.
The date was agreed to at a national meeting convened to prepare for the launch of Visit Laos Year 2024, held in Vientiane last week and chaired by Deputy Prime Minister, Prof. Dr Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune.
“The Visit Laos​ Year​ 2024 campaign is important as it will bring tourists to Laos and encourage the creation of products that will broaden the scope of tourism and add value to products, as well as improve the quality of services in line with the requirements of target market groups,” Prof. Dr Kikeo said.
“The programme will provide cultural activities and traditional festivals in central and local areas, as well as bolstering domestic tourism and inspiring more foreign tourists to visit Laos, which will generate more revenue for local communities,” he added.
Also speaking at the meeting, Minister​ of​ Information, Culture​ and Tourism​ Mrs Suanesavanh Vignaket​ said the programme for Visit Laos Year 2024 would comprise 75 activities, with 14 being national activities and 61 to be carried out in various provinces.
In preparation for these events, provincial authorities have made improvements at tourist attractions so as to meet international standards, while signage has been installed on roads that link to neighbouring countries and on roads to tourist attractions.
Authorities have also improved visitor facilities and set up more outdoor activities such as hiking and climbing, as well as camp sites.
They have also issued technical and safety certificates in relation to tourist activities such as ziplining, climbing, ballooning, paramotor trips and cruises, as well as improving access to tourist attractions.
In addition, standards in conservation areas are being monitored and local residents are being encouraged to ensure standards are upheld, Mrs Suansavanh said.
The Ministry of Information,​ Culture​ and​ Tourism​ is now in talks with individuals and provinces to decide

source: https://www.vientianetimes.org.la/freefreenews/freecontent_Visit186_23.php

Laos Attends ASEAN Air Chiefs Conference Hosted by Myanmar

Laos and five other ASEAN member states attended a high-level gathering of air force delegations hosted by Myanmar on 12 September.


The 20th ASEAN Air Chiefs Conference (20th AACC), held in Nay Pyi Taw on 12 September, saw attendance by air force delegations from Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, and Myanmar.

The Lao delegation was led by Brig. Gen. Khamlek Sengphachanh, representing the Lao People’s Liberation Army Air Force, according to NP Myanmar.

Two ASEAN member countries, Indonesia and Malaysia, chose not to participate in the annual conference, a decision that attracted attention due to the ongoing situation in Myanmar.

The decision not to attend the conference came after Myanmar faced widespread international condemnation for its airstrikes against pro-democracy forces and the ongoing violence in the country, which led to the destruction of public facilities and residential areas, as highlighted in a statement issued by ASEAN leaders after a summit last week.

Singapore and the Philippines opted to participate but chose to send their contributions via video messages rather than attending in person, indicating their reservations about engaging with Myanmar’s military-led government.

This divergence in participation reflects the complexities of ASEAN’s stance toward Myanmar. While the regional bloc has barred Myanmar from certain high-level meetings and summits in response to the political turmoil in the country, it continues to allow Myanmar’s involvement in other gatherings.

Meanwhile, Myanmar’s military government has been strengthening ties with Russia, which has provided it with fighter jets and training for military pilots.

The country sent multiple ministers to the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok last week, which was also attended by Lao Vice President, Pany Yathotou, who met with Russian President Putin during the event.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/09/15/laos-attends-asean-air-chiefs-conference-hosted-by-myanmar/

Lao President Meets with Cuban Leaders to Deepen Bilateral Ties, Attends G77-China Summit

Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith and Cuban President Diaz-Canel met in Havana on Wednesday, where President Thongloun also attended the G77+China Summit. The two leaders reaffirmed their shared interest in expanding cooperation in a variety of fields.

Cuban President Diaz-Canel expressed his appreciation for President Thongloun’s visit to Cuba, which he said demonstrates Laos’s commitment to the G77+China cause and its support for Cuba’s presidency. “We are very grateful for this,” he added.

On the same day, President Thongloun also met with Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz to reiterate their shared commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation across several areas of mutual interest, like agriculture, health, sports, politics, the economy, and trade, the Vientiane Times reported.

PM Marrero commended the close ties between Laos and Cuba since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations in 1974. He noted that friendly relations and cooperation have flourished since then, with many high-level delegations from both countries visiting each other to discuss and strengthen cooperation, particularly in sectors like education, health, and agriculture.

At the meeting, President Thoungloun also emphasized the importance of PM Marrero’s visit to Laos last year, which further strengthened bilateral ties and cooperation.

Additionally, during their interaction, PM Marrero invited Laos to attend the 39th Havana International Fair in November.

President Thongloun and his delegation arrived in Cuba on Monday to participate in the G77+China Summit in Havana from 15-16 September, where leaders from over 100 countries will discuss and coordinate collective and practical responses to current challenges.

The G77 is a group of 134 developing nations, including Laos, that are part of the United Nations. Founded in 1964, the G77 works to boost economic, scientific, and technological cooperation among its members and to advocate for the interests of developing countries at the UN.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/09/15/lao-president-meets-with-cuban-leaders-to-deepen-bilateral-ties-attends-g77-china-summit/

Singapore’s Changi Airport to Introduce Passport-Free Departures

Singapore’s Changi International Airport, often hailed as the world’s best airport, is further improving its facilities by implementing automated immigration clearance starting next year.

According to CNN, officials at Singapore’s Changi Airport will introduce innovative technology that allows passengers to depart from the city-state without passports, by just using biometric data.

“This will reduce the need for passengers to repeatedly present their travel documents at these touchpoints, allowing for more seamless and convenient processing,” said Josephine Teo, Minister for Communications and Information & Second Minister for Home Affairs, in a speech to parliament on Monday. 

However, passports will still be required for many countries outside of Singapore that do not offer passport-free clearance, Teo emphasized.

Biometric data, along with facial recognition is already being used to some extent in Changi Airport at automated lanes at immigration checkpoints. By next year, biometrics will be used to create a “single token of authentication”, that could be utilized at various automated touchpoints, including baggage check-ins, immigration clearance, and boarding.

Singapore’s Changi Airport sees more than 100 airlines that fly to 400 cities around the world. In 2023, the Airport handled over 4 million passenger movements every month and surpassed the 5 million mark in June for the first time since January 2020, when the Covid-19 pandemic struck.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/09/22/singapores-changi-airport-to-introduce-passport-free-departures/

Laos-China Railway Purchases New Train to Boost Passenger Travel

Laos-China Railway Company has purchased a new electric multiple-unit (EMU) train, which will be delivered today, to support domestic and international tourist demand.

“A new EMU train has been acquired to boost domestic and international passenger travel, particularly in preparation for Laos’ Chairmanship of ASEAN and Visit Laos Year 2024,” said Mr. Anongdeth Phetkayson, the Deputy Director of Laos-China Railway Co., Ltd.

Mr. Anongdeth said the new EMU train features wireless charging and touch-sensitive seat adjustment systems.

Currently, the Laos-China Railway Company runs a total of 5 passenger trains per day, four of which are EMUs and one is a regular train.

According to China Radio International in Vientiane, the Laos-China Railway service has carried over 3.1 million passengers since its opening on 3 December 2021, averaging 4,889 passengers daily and recording the highest passenger count of 10,197 per day.

In 2023, so far, over 1.75 million passengers have traveled on the Laos-China Railway, up 103.7 percent from the same period in 2022.

Additionally, since the start of the cross-border train operation on 13 April 2023, a total of 61,698 passengers have traveled across the border, with an average of 201 people traveling outside the country and 190 people traveling to Laos per day.

The railway has also been an efficient transport option for trade, with over 5.38 million tons of goods being transported since it started operations, averaging 8,229 tons per day, with a maximum daily count of 15,250 tons.

The main trading items have been fruits, cassava flour, barley, rubber, beer, iron ore, concentrated iron ore, and chemical fertilizers, of which 770,900 tons were sent from China to Laos, and 4.56 million tons were exported from Laos to China.

Meanwhile, Amid a surge in passenger travel, the Laos-China Railway Company has also proposed to the Lao government to increase the price of train tickets this year, due to considerable exchange rate fluctuations and the depreciation of the Laotian Kip (LAK).

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/09/21/laos-china-railway-purchases-new-train-to-boost-passenger-travel/

Laos, Thailand Discusses Building Second Friendship Bridge in Vientiane to Boost Tourism

Laos and Thailand discussed building a new Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge between Vientiane Province and Thailand’s Pak Chom District, Loei Province, to boost tourism, at the 20th Lao-Thai border security meeting on Sunday in Vang Vieng.

At a meeting led by Tawee Sermpakdeekul, the governor of Loei, and his deputy Narong Jeenam, and Khamphan Sithidampha, the governor of Laos’ Vientiane province, the discussion centered around tourism promotion, cultural exchanges, and economic, social, and security cooperation, with a focus on attracting Chinese tourists to both countries through the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge in Pak Chom District.

The second friendship bridge project is expected to enhance tourism, trade, and investment between Laos and Thailand.

This strategic move came as a result of Thailand’s decision to implement a visa-free policy for Chinese visitors which prompted Laos to improve conditions in Muen District of Vientiane Province which is near Thailand’s Pak Chom District.

Mr. Tawee noted that Muen District could serve as a gateway to link popular attractions in both Loei and Vientiane Provinces, including a tourism route between Chiang Khan and Pak Chom districts in Loei to Vang Vieng and Feuang districts in Vientiane Province.

“We have a border checkpoint in Loei for tourists to cross from Pak Chom to Muen but Laos has only a temporary checkpoint. We will ask for cooperation from Laos to upgrade the checkpoint to be a permanent one by the end of this year,” said the Leoi District Governor.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/09/18/laos-thailand-discusses-building-second-friendship-bridge-in-vientiane-to-boost-tourism/