Khammouane Approves 71 French Colonial Buildings as Historical Heritage Sites

Khammouane Province has designated 71 French colonial buildings and houses as historical heritage sites for educational purposes and tourism.

Thakek District, located in Khammouane Province, Laos, is set to become a municipality by 2024, with Deputy Governor Singuan Inthalath announcing the decision on Friday.,

He said that Thakek has significant potential for investment, trade, and tourism.

Thakek is also home to some 71 French colonial-era buildings. Of these, 28 are state-owned and 43 are privately owned.

The old French buildings are currently undergoing review to be registered as national heritage. This will help to preserve them for future generations and allow people to learn about Thakek’s history under French colonization.

Thakek’s old French buildings have become one of the key tourist attractions for both locals and foreigners. The declaration of these buildings as heritage sites is expected to bring more tourists, boost tourism, and create jobs in Khammouane Province.

The decision to turn Thakek District into a municipality is a positive step for the development of the area. It will help to attract investment, promote trade, and boost tourism.

The old French buildings are a valuable asset to Thakek and their preservation will help to ensure that the area’s history and culture are preserved for future generations.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/05/15/khammouane-approves-71-french-colonial-buildings-as-historical-heritage-sites/

Lao-Thai Railway Completes Second Phase of Construction and Ready for Public Use

The Lao-Thai Railway is expected to start operations this year following the completion of the second phase of the railway construction, according to the developer.

Vientiane Times reports that the Phase II of the Lao-Thai Railway Construction Project has been completed and it is currently awaiting the finalization of the Thailand-Laos train license agreement before opening it to the public.

“We expect to launch the train service between August and October,” the developer of the project said.

The extension comprises a 7.5-kilometer railway line from Thanalaeng station at the Thai border to Khamsavath station, costing about THB 900 million, 30% of which is a grant from Thailand’s Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA).

The Lao-Thai Railway started construction in 2019 and was expected to be finished by 2021, but due to some delays, the project is finally completed two years later.

Thai delegations visited the station in January and discussed the feasibility of a China-Laos-Thailand railway link that would help reduce cargo transport costs by 30-50% over the next three to five years.

The Lao-Thai Railway and Laos-China Railway are planned parts of a regional rail network that will connect China to Singapore via Laos, Thailand, and Malaysia.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/05/11/lao-thai-railway-completes-second-phase-of-construction-and-is-ready-for-public-use/

Vientiane Riverside Night Market to Undergo Major Makeover This Month

The Mekong riverside night market near Chao Anouvong Park in Vientiane Capital will undergo renovations in May.

Despite the ongoing refurbishment work, the night market will continue to be accessible to vendors and visitors as usual.

Mr. Nantha Sanouvong, Deputy Director of Vientiane’s Department of Industry and Commerce, said that the improvement is part of preparations to welcome more domestic and foreign tourists and visitors, especially during the upcoming ASEAN Summit in 2024.

The upgrade will focus on improving existing services, promoting domestic production, and the display of provincial agriculture and handicraft products within the market, according to Mr. Nantha.

Authorities are hopeful that the revamp will allow the setting up of 70 local shops in the areas of Wat Chanthaboury that will focus on selling craft products, souvenirs, items from the district, and other local products.

The department apologized for any inconvenience the upgrade may cause visitors and vendors, and it plans to discuss the matter with shopowners by the middle of this month.

In March this year, authorities in Vientiane Capital ordered the closure of the Sihom Night Market, also referred to as “Hengboun Food and Culture Street,” and designated nearby areas for the walking street.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/05/04/vientiane-riverside-night-market-to-undergo-major-makeover-this-month/

Lao Prime Minister to Attend 42nd ASEAN Summit in Indonesia This Month

Prime Minister of Laos Sonexay Siphandone and his delegation will attend the 42nd ASEAN Summit in Indonesia, scheduled to take place on May 9-11.

Laos’ Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone will be visiting Labuan Bajo, a fishing town located at the western end of the large island of Flores in the Nusa Tenggara region of east Indonesia, where the 2023 ASEAN Summit is slated to take place.

During the summit, he will participate in several important meetings, including those between ASEAN leaders and representatives of ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly(AIPA), ASEAN Youth Organization, ASEAN Business Advisory Council, and a high-level task force discussing the ASEAN post-2025 vision.

This year’s summit will also focus on strengthening ASEAN capacity, approving Timor-Leste’s full membership as an ASEAN member nation, combating human trafficking, and protecting fishing workers.

According to the Indonesian magazine Tempo, the annual event will also see discussions on the health sector, village networks, electric vehicle ecosystems, and payment connectivity in the region.

Former Indonesian Attorney-General and Co-Founder of the Special Advisory Council for Myanmar, Marzuki Darusman, stated that the summit was the appropriate time to evaluate the five points of consensus produced by this Southeast Asian bloc institution to resolve the crisis in Myanmar.

Former Lao Prime Minister Phanhkham Viphavanh participated in the 40th and 41st ASEAN and Related Summits in November 2022 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/05/09/lao-prime-minister-to-attend-42nd-asean-summit-in-indonesia-this-month/

Laos Attracts Over 800,000 Tourists in First Quarter of 2023

Laos has seen a boom in tourism in the first quarter of 2023, with over 800,000 international visitors, according to the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism.

The Tourism Statistics Division of the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism released its latest figures on tourism in Laos, revealing a total of 831,248 tourists visiting the country between January and March 2023.

At 344,405 arrivals, Laos received its most foreign visitors from Thailand, followed by Vietnam at 179,885, and China at 143,312. South Korea and the United States came next with 45,756 and 16,998 visitors respectively.

Laos also saw a significant number of tourists from Europe, with 57,408 visitors in the first quarter of 2023. The majority of these tourists came from Russia with 11,573 visitors, while Africa and the Middle East lagged behind in tourist numbers.

The Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism has set a goal of attracting 1.4 million international visitors by the end of 2023, with a revenue target of up to USD 340 million. Officials have been urged to improve tourism infrastructure in the country and develop new products to achieve this target.

Laos’ tourism industry has recently received a lot of international acclaim for its breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. In March, Forbes named Laos as the most charming country in Southeast Asia, highlighting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang as a must-visit destination.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/05/05/laos-attracts-over-800000-tourists-in-first-quarter-of-2023/

Transport Ministry Cancels New Lao Airlines Route to Houaphanh

The Ministry of Public Works and Transport has suspended the operations of a new Lao Airlines route to the Nongkhang Airport in Sam Neua, Houaphanh Province.

The ministry issued a notice on Friday stating that the suspension was to ensure safety and comply with the recommendations of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

The Civil Aviation Department in Laos has informed Lao Airlines State Enterprise to suspend the operation of flights QV701 and QV702 from Vientiane’s Wattay International Airport to Sam Neua, Nongkhang Airport.

Accoding to the notice, the Nongkhang Airport is currently undergoing the process of airport registration and flight safety assessment. Once this is complete, the Civil Aviation Department will approve flight routes to the new airport, according to regulations.

Lao Airlines had earlier announced that the flag carrier will be operating three flights a week to the new airport starting May 12, after the completion of its construction.

In April, an aircraft from the Thai Aviation Company “AEROTHAI” with the registration number HS-AIM successfully landed at the Nongkhang Airport after testing its landing guide system for flights.

Due to the significant setback of about ten years since the airport was approved for its construction in 2013, the airport has not yet made an official announcement regarding its completion.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/05/09/transport-ministry-cancels-new-lao-airlines-route-to-houaphanh/

Lao President Concludes His Official Visit to Cambodia

President Thongloun Sisoulith is back in Laos after his official state visit to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, where he participated in several successful discussions with the country’s leaders and attended the opening ceremony of the 32nd SEA Games.

The President went to Cambodia last week after being invited by the King of Cambodia, Norodom Sihamoni. The Lao leader received a royal audience from King Norodom, and also paid respects to the King’s late father, Norodom Sihanouk, at his memorial in Phnom Penh.

During the visit, President Thongloun also met with Cambodia’s prime minister Hun Sen, and the President of the Senate, Say Chhum.

The two nations shared a mutual commitment to further enhance existing bilateral relations, with PM Hun Sen quoting President Thongloun as saying, “Relations between Laos and Cambodia are at the top, but we are united in our commitment to take it to (an) even higher level.

“We intend to implement existing agreements and seek to cooperate further in the areas of tourism, investment, and security. In addition, we are prepared to offer a unified response to natural disasters,” he added.

Both governments agreed to strengthen bilateral relations in various fields, including politics, security, defense, economics, trade, investment, energy, education, and connectivity, reports Vientiane Times.

The two nations also agreed to further enforce anti-tax evasion measures and fast-track talks on a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA). Relevant ministries on both sides were encouraged to effectively implement the Action Plan for 2023-2027 to support the long-lasting and Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the Treaty on Delimitation of the State Border between Laos and Cambodia, and other agreements made between the two sides.

On 5 May, the President also attended the opening ceremony of the 32nd Southeast Asian Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games at the Morodok Techo National Stadium, which had a live audience of 75,000 people.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/05/08/lao-president-concludes-his-official-visit-to-cambodia/

Lao Athletes Win Gold, Bronze Medals in Kun Bokator at SEA Games 2023

Lao athletes are in a celebratory mood, after winning a gold medal and three bronze medals in the martial art sport of Kun Bokator at the 2023 Southeast Asian Games that is currently being hosted in Cambodia.

Kongngeun Inthisane was the first Lao athlete to win a gold medal in the tournament after defeating his Cambodian opponent in Kun Bokator. Somvang Thaniseng, Kitsisin Inthavong, and Anousone Vannalath also won bronze medals in the same martial art sport.

Ms. Khanthaly Siriphongphan, Deputy Minister of Education and Sports, awarded Kongngeun the top prize of LAK 10 million, while the three bronze medal winners each received LAK 4 million for their outstanding performances.

The Lao athletic delegation will compete in 32 out of 46 sports at the SEA Games in Cambodia, happening from 5-17 May.

Kun Bokator, a complex and dynamic martial art, includes hand-to-hand combat and the use of weapons such as spears and swords. The sport requires competitors to perform a choreographed sequence of moves, incorporating both solo and group performances.

The Cambodian martial art is also believed to be over a thousand years old and has made its debut at the SEA Games this year. Almost disappearing during the Khmer Rouge regime, the martial art has regained popularity among Cambodians who seek to protect their culture and was recently inscribed on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/05/05/lao-athletes-win-gold-bronze-medals-in-kun-bokator-at-sea-games-2023/

Laos to Update Law on Tourism, Improve Cooperation Among Govt. and Businesses

The Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism (MICT) met with various stakeholders to discuss the possibility of updating tourism laws in Laos.

KPL reports that the ministry organized a meeting on Thursday to discuss suggestions from the government, private businesses, and international and domestic experts, to potentially improve upon the country’s tourism law.

Ms. Suansavanh Viyaket, Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism, said that an updated tourism law must define better define the roles and responsibilities of relevant sectors, focus on the sustainable usage of Laos’ tourism resources, and improve cooperation between the government and the business sector. 

The cooperation between the public and private tourism sectors will look at developing modern platforms for making travel reservations through a digital system to prevent a loss in the nation’s revenue collection.

Ms. Dalany Phommavongsa, Head of the Tourism Bussiness Management Department, announced the near completion of five laws on tourist sites, districts, market promotion, wellness business, and tourism at forest reserves.

The National Assembly and the ministry have approved the funding from the Asian Development Bank to employ international and domestic experts to research and assist in the update of the law.

Laos recorded a boost in tourism in the first quarter of 2023, with over 800,000 international visitors, according to the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/05/05/laos-to-update-law-on-tourism-improve-cooperation-among-govt-and-businesses/

Lao President Meets With Cambodian PM to Strengthen Ties

The top leaders of Laos and Cambodia met on Thursday at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh to further strengthen “already excellent” bilateral relations.

President Thongloun Sisoulith met with Prime Minister Hun Sen of Cambodia, not long after he paid respects to the late Cambodian King, Norodom Sihanouk, by laying wreaths at his memorial.

The two leaders announced their joint commitment to deepen the relationship between the neighboring countries, with President Thongloun thanking PM Hun Sen and the people of Cambodia for their support in boosting Laos’ economy and health sector, Phnom Penh Post reports.

Hun Sen also quotes President Thongloun by saying, “Relations between Laos and Cambodia are at the top, but we are united in our commitment to take it to (an) even higher level. We intend to implement existing agreements and seek to cooperate further in the areas of tourism, investment, and security. In addition, we are prepared to offer a unified response to natural disasters.” 

The Secretary-General of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, Yang Peou, said that Laos and Cambodia have maintained a long and healthy relationship, which will likely be enhanced by the connection of Laos, Cambodia, and China via a high-speed rail line.

“We benefit from a win-win agreement between Laos and Cambodia. We have a seaport, which they [Laos] lack, and they have a shared border with China, which we lack. These connections facilitate the flow of goods and investment”, he said.

During his official three-day state visit to the capital, President Thongloun will also be attending the opening ceremony of the 32nd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/05/05/lao-president-meets-with-cambodian-pm-to-strengthen-ties/