The government notice on suspending Pi Mai Lao celebrations has caused widespread misunderstanding online, with many believing the festival has been cancelled nationwide. In fact, the suspension applies only to units under the Ministry of National Defense.
The announcement, issued on 30 March by the Lao People’s Army Office under the Ministry of National Defense, instructed departments, offices, schools, and units under its authority to suspend Pi Mai Lao celebrations.
Officials said the decision was based on economic pressure, the ongoing war in the Middle East, and recent natural disasters, including hailstorms that damaged homes.
The misunderstanding spread after the notice went viral without full context, leading some social media users to believe it applied to the entire country.
Its release on social media on 1 April also raised doubts, with some questioning whether it was genuine.
One user questioned “factual news or fake news,” showing confusion over whether the news was real or an April Fool’s joke.
Meanwhile, others expressed frustration at the timing and overall situation commented “why it is so chaotic, just enjoy Pi Mai Lao” pointing how people feel stressed over rising living costs, recent storms, and economic pressure, while telling people to calm down and enjoy Pi Mai Lao.
Amid the confusion, criticism also emerged over how the information was shared.
One person said “please edit the headline to match the announcement,” while another added “the news outlets spread the news they want, but the majority of the readers do not understand it.”
These comments criticized unclear headlines and the spread of incomplete information.
Despite the confusion, there has been no official announcement cancelling Pi Mai Lao celebrations for the general public.
The festival is expected to proceed as normal across the country.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/04/01/pi-mai-lao-still-on-despite-confusion-over-defense-ministry-notice/
Laos Steps Up ASEAN Diplomacy Ahead of Regional Summit
Laos is intensifying its regional diplomacy efforts ahead of the 48th ASEAN Summit, with senior officials engaging partners across Southeast Asia to strengthen cooperation and coordination.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane visited Indonesia from 4 to 5 May, where he met Indonesian Foreign Minister Sukiyono to review bilateral relations and expand cooperation across key sectors.
Both sides highlighted nearly 70 years of diplomatic ties and agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, and human resource development. They also discussed preparations for the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027.
The visit also included meetings with business leaders and friendship associations to promote investment and strengthen people-to-people ties, alongside a visit to PT Pupuk Indonesia to explore potential economic cooperation.
ASEAN Engagement Expands
During the trip, Thongsavanh also met ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn at the ASEAN Secretariat. Discussions focused on ASEAN priorities, regional developments, and ongoing community-building efforts.
He also held talks with the Committee of Permanent Representatives and presented a rosewood carving of Laos’ iconic landmarks to the ASEAN Secretariat, stressing Laos’ cultural and diplomatic engagement within the bloc.
Focus Shifts to Cebu Summit
The diplomatic outreach comes as Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone prepares to attend the 48th ASEAN Summit and related meetings on 7–8 May in Cebu, Philippines.
The summit, held under the theme “Shaping the Future of ASEAN Together,” will bring together regional leaders to discuss cooperation, economic integration, and shared challenges.
Sonexay is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with several ASEAN counterparts on the sidelines, as Laos continues to strengthen its role within the regional grouping.
Officials say the recent engagements reflect Laos’ continued focus on building stronger partnerships within ASEAN while advancing both bilateral and regional cooperation.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/05/05/laos-steps-up-asean-diplomacy-ahead-of-regional-summit/
Laos Draws 1.36 Million Tourists in First Three Months of 2026, Up 8 Percent
Laos welcomed 1.36 million tourists in the first three months of the year, marking an eight percent increase compared to the same period last year, according to official data.
January saw the highest number of visitors, while February recorded the lowest monthly total during the period.
Data from the Tourism Development Department shows that Thailand remained the largest source market, accounting for nearly 31 percent of total arrivals, marking a slight increase compared to the same period last year. China and Vietnam ranked second and third, respectively.
South Korea placed fourth, while the United States rounded out the top five, with arrivals rising 38.8 percent year-on-year.
Beyond regional markets, arrivals from Europe surged 52 percent, while tourism from Africa and the Middle East increased by 45 percent.
In terms of growth rate, the United Arab Emirates recorded the highest increase, rising 215 percent compared to the same period last year. Brazil and Greece followed, each posting growth of around 152 percent.
The first-quarter results build on a strong 2025 for Lao tourism.
Laos welcomed nearly 4.6 million tourists last year, which surpassed the government’s annual target of 4.3 million visitors.
With momentum building, the Lao government has set an ambitious target of welcoming between 5 and 6 million international visitors in 2026, a significant step up from last year’s total.
Chinese tourists are expected to make up approximately 2 million of those arrivals, driven in part by the 65th anniversary of Lao-China diplomatic relations and growing interest in travel via the Laos-China Railway.
Looking further ahead, Laos has outlined a five-year plan for 2026 to 2030 targeting 43 million total visitors, with a combined revenue goal of at least USD 13 billion.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/04/27/laos-draws-1-36-million-tourists-in-first-three-months-of-2026-up-8-percent/
Laos Expands European Ties Through ASEAN-EU Meeting
Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane held five bilateral meetings at the 25th ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting in Brunei from 27 to 28 April. The talks aimed to deepen ties with European partners ahead of Laos’ graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status by 2029.
The highlight of the day was the meeting with Lithuania, where Thongsavanh and Kestutis Budrys signed a new bilateral cooperation agreement establishing a formal consultation mechanism between both foreign ministries. The deal covers trade, investment, tourism, clean energy, digital transformation, and UXO clearance.
Budrys congratulated Thongsavanh on his appointment, and both sides marked over 30 years of relations since September 1994.
In a special meeting with Portugal, Thongsavanh and Ana Isabel Xavier, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Portugal, celebrated three decades of diplomatic relations established in 1995 and agreed to strengthen cooperation in trade, education, clean energy, and UXO clearance.
Lao Foreign Minister also invited Portugal to the Meeting of States Parties to the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which Vientiane will host later this year.
Turning to Austria, Laos’ one of the oldest European partners with ties dating to 1967. Two countries reaffirmed their relationship and set the 60th anniversary in 2027 as a milestone for deeper cooperation across several sectors.
In talks with Cyprus, both sides reviewed their relationship since 2000 and identified new opportunities for engagement. Laos briefed Cyprus on its national development priorities and LDC transition plans.
Rounding out the day, Laos and Slovakia reaffirmed friendly ties and agreed to expand cooperation in trade, investment, education, and development assistance, strengthening Laos’ broader engagement with Central European partners, the fifth and final meeting of the day.
Across all five meetings, Laos consistently framed its LDC graduation as an opportunity to attract European development support and build new economic partnerships ahead of 2029.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/04/30/laos-expands-european-ties-through-asean-eu-meeting/
Laos-China Trade Nears USD 10 Billion as Ties Deepen
Laos and China marked 65 years of diplomatic relations this week, with both sides highlighting deepening economic ties, including more than USD 18 billion in Chinese investment in Laos to date.
Bilateral trade reached nearly USD 9.8 billion in 2025, up 19.3 percent from a year earlier.
Officials and diplomats from both countries presented the figures in a ceremony in Vientiane on 23 April.
Chinese Ambassador to Laos Fang Hong and Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane described the partnership as increasingly important amid global uncertainty, calling it a stable, long-term relationship with growing strategic value.
According to the data. tourism has also rebounded. More than one million Chinese visitors traveled to Laos in 2025, a 24.32 percent increase, reinforcing China’s position as a key tourism market.
The Laos-China Railway remains a central part of that growth. Since its launch in December 2021, it has carried over 11 million passengers and nearly 17 million tonnes of goods, boosting cross-border trade and travel.
Chinese Language Demand Rises
Along with the strong economic ties, demand for Chinese language skills continues to grow, particularly in transport and logistics.
On 21 April, the National University of Laos signed a cooperation agreement on 21 April, with a private logistics company to expand Chinese language training and create new opportunities for students and teachers.
Institutions report rising enrolment in Chinese courses since the launch of the Laos-China Railway. More than 400 applicants have applied for the university’s master’s program in Chinese language teaching since it began in 2021.
Youth and Cultural Exchanges
People-to-people exchanges have also become part of the anniversary celebrations.
On 24 April, students and youth groups from Laos and China’s Yunnan Province joined a reading event at the National University of Laos, aimed at strengthening educational and cultural ties.
Organizers said the “Classmate” theme reflects a relationship that has grown over decades, not only through major infrastructure and trade projects, but also through everyday interactions between people.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/04/27/laos-china-trade-nears-usd-10-billion-as-ties-deepen/
Luang Prabang Tourism Halves Year-on-Year During Pi Mai Lao
Luang Prabang recorded a dramatic drop in visitor numbers during the Lao New Year (Pi Mai Lao) festival this year, with authorities reporting a 46 percent decline compared to the same period in 2025.
The number of tourists visiting the city between 10 and 20 April fell from 126,846 in 2025 to just 68,126 this year, according to the provincial culture and tourism department.
Both international and domestic segments were affected, with international arrivals dropping by 42 percent, while domestic tourists fell by 48 percent.
China emerged as the top international source country with 2,102 visitors, marking a 105 percent increase over the previous year. Thailand ranked second with 1,207 visitors, though that figure represented a steep 75 percent fall.
Vietnam rounded out the top three, surging 142 percent compared to the prior year.
The drop in footfall translated directly into lost revenue. The city generated USD 52.2 million during the festival period this year, compared to USD 97.5 million in 2025.
Visitor spending patterns added further weight to the economic picture. Domestic tourists stayed an average of three days at USD 109 per person per day, while international visitors remained for an average of five days and spent approximately USD 300 per person per day.
Pi Mai Lao is the highlight of the tourism calendar for Luang Prabang, one of Laos’ most celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Cities, drawing visitors each year with its distinctive traditions including the Nang Sangkhan procession, almsgiving ceremonies, paper lantern releases, and the naga parade.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/04/27/luang-prabang-tourism-halves-year-on-year-during-pi-mai-lao/
Laos, Lithuania Sign New Cooperation Agreement to Boost Diplomatic Ties
On 27 April, Lao Foreign Affairs Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane and Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys signed a new bilateral cooperation agreement in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam, on the sidelines of the 25th ASEAN-EU Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, held from 27 to 28 April.
The agreement establishes a formal consultation mechanism between both foreign ministries, creating a structured platform for ongoing diplomatic dialogue and future cooperation.
During the meeting, both ministers agreed to expand collaboration across trade, investment, tourism, environmental protection, clean energy, digital transformation, and unexploded ordnance clearance.
Both sides marked over three decades of friendship since establishing diplomatic relations in September 1994. Laos commended Lithuania’s support through EU development programs, particularly in rural development and poverty reduction, noting that such assistance directly aligns with its national development priorities as it targets graduation from Least Developed Country status between 2026 and 2029.
Budrys, in turn, congratulated Thongsavanh on his recent appointment and expressed confidence in the continued growth of bilateral relations.
The agreement positions both countries to deepen cooperation and expand engagement across multiple sectors in the years ahead.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/04/29/laos-lithuania-sign-new-cooperation-agreement-to-boost-diplomatic-ties/
Lao Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Meets Xi Jinping in Beijing
Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith visited Beijing as Special Envoy of President Thongloun Sisoulith, meeting with China’s top party and state leadership in a visit that reaffirmed the enduring strategic partnership between the two countries.
On 21 April, Saleumxay met with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People, conveying a personal letter from President Thongloun.
As 2026 marks both the 65th anniversary of Laos-China diplomatic ties and the Year of Laos-China Friendship, Xi called it a year of significant opportunity for bilateral relations, urging both sides to uphold long-term stability, forward thinking, good neighborliness, and comprehensive cooperation, and to advance the Laos-China community with a shared future toward high standards, high quality, and high levels.
On the same day, Saleumxay met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
Wang pledged China’s support in aligning development strategies, advancing whole-industry-chain cooperation in minerals and electricity, and assisting Laos in economic transformation and industrial growth. Saleumxay expressed Laos’ readiness to expand cooperation in connectivity, energy, and minerals, and to jointly celebrate the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Prior to the meeting with Xi and Wang, Saleumxay on 20 April met with Minister Liu Haixing at the International Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.. Both sides commended the visit as a strong gesture of inter-party strategic communication and committed to deepening cooperation in party building, state governance, and the Laos-China community.
Throughout the visit, Saleumxay reaffirmed Laos’ unwavering support for the one-China principle and its full endorsement of China’s four global initiatives, underscoring Vientiane’s deep commitment to its partnership with Beijing.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/04/22/lao-deputy-prime-minister-saleumxay-meets-xi-jinping-in-beijing/
Vientiane Expands BRT Network with New Setthathirath Road Route
On 20 April, Vientiane authorities launched a new Bus Rapid transit (BRT) route connecting Morning Market Station (Talat Sao) to Chao Fa Ngum Station in Sikhottabong District, extending the network beyond its original corridor.
The new route runs along Setthathirath Road, which was recently converted from one-way to two-way traffic specifically to accommodate both BRT buses and general vehicles.
The Setthathirath Road launch falls within the ongoing BRT two-month free trial period that began on 10 March, running until mid-May 2026.
During the trial, buses operate daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Commuters can expect a bus every 6 to 7 minutes during peak hours (6:00 to 9:00 AM and 4:00 to 6:00 PM), and every 10 to 15 minutes at other times.
The expansion comes as the BRT project, a USD 99.7 million initiative backed by the ADB and European Investment Bank, continues to recover from a troubled start.
Its first trial in November 2025 was suspended after just one month following multiple traffic accidents, forcing a redesign of the lane system before relaunching last month.
Extensions to Wattay International Airport and the Laos-China Railway station are still planned for later this year.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/04/20/vientiane-expands-brt-network-with-new-setthathirath-road-route/
Pi Mai Lao Still On Despite Confusion Over Defense Ministry Notice
The government notice on suspending Pi Mai Lao celebrations has caused widespread misunderstanding online, with many believing the festival has been cancelled nationwide. In fact, the suspension applies only to units under the Ministry of National Defense.
The announcement, issued on 30 March by the Lao People’s Army Office under the Ministry of National Defense, instructed departments, offices, schools, and units under its authority to suspend Pi Mai Lao celebrations.
Officials said the decision was based on economic pressure, the ongoing war in the Middle East, and recent natural disasters, including hailstorms that damaged homes.
The misunderstanding spread after the notice went viral without full context, leading some social media users to believe it applied to the entire country.
Its release on social media on 1 April also raised doubts, with some questioning whether it was genuine.
One user questioned “factual news or fake news,” showing confusion over whether the news was real or an April Fool’s joke.
Meanwhile, others expressed frustration at the timing and overall situation commented “why it is so chaotic, just enjoy Pi Mai Lao” pointing how people feel stressed over rising living costs, recent storms, and economic pressure, while telling people to calm down and enjoy Pi Mai Lao.
Amid the confusion, criticism also emerged over how the information was shared.
One person said “please edit the headline to match the announcement,” while another added “the news outlets spread the news they want, but the majority of the readers do not understand it.”
These comments criticized unclear headlines and the spread of incomplete information.
Despite the confusion, there has been no official announcement cancelling Pi Mai Lao celebrations for the general public.
The festival is expected to proceed as normal across the country.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/04/01/pi-mai-lao-still-on-despite-confusion-over-defense-ministry-notice/
Japan Extends Grant Aid to Strengthen Laos’ Airport Infrastructure
Japan provided a package of airport equipment to Laos under a grant aid project, in a move aimed at modernizing the country’s civil aviation infrastructure and boosting regional connectivity.
The assistance, delivered under the “Economic and Development Programme” which commenced in 2021, was officially handed over on 1 April at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane. The programme has supported Laos in improving equipment across international airports nationwide, providing a total of 21 types of airport service equipment and vehicles.
Among the key items provided are passenger shuttle buses, aircraft pushback tractors, passenger boarding bridges, baggage belt loaders, ambulift vehicles, explosives detectors, and passenger X-ray baggage scanners, all critical tools for enhancing safety, security, and passenger experience.
Beyond operational improvements, the project carries broader strategic significance.
It aligns with Laos’ 10th Five-Year National Socio-Economic Development Plan (10th NSEDP), supporting the Lao government’s ambition to grow air passenger and cargo transport by 0.8 percent annually
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/04/02/japan-extends-grant-aid-to-strengthen-laos-airport-infrastructure/