At the 2025 Belt and Road Journalists Forum held in Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province, representatives from Laos emphasized the country’s determination to modernize its media landscape while preserving its cultural diversity and ensuring fair representation on global platforms.
The forum, which gathered nearly 100 media professionals from over 50 countries, served as a space for exchanging ideas on how to strengthen global cooperation among journalists.
Discussions touched on the role of media in bridging cultural gaps, the impact of artificial intelligence on reporting, and the need for more inclusive narratives in global news.
Balancing Modernization, Cultural Preservation in Journalism
Speaking at the forum, Savankhone Razmountry, President of the Lao Journalists Association, highlighted the dual responsibility that journalists face today: adapting to new technologies while upholding human values and protecting cultural identity.
“The theme of this forum, ‘Promoting Civilizational Dialogues and Global Modernization with Power of Journalists,’ captures precisely the dual responsibility that we, as storytellers, now shoulder,” he said.
“To modernize responsibly, embracing digital tools, data, and AI without abandoning the human values that give journalism its meaning; and to preserve, celebrate and connect cultures, so that progress remains inclusive and no voice is drowned out.”
Savankhone noted that Laos, with more than 50 ethnic groups and a growing young population, continues to find innovative ways to communicate despite limited resources.
“Our experience demonstrates that small markets need not be silent ones,” he added, pointing to efforts in bilingual reporting, cross-border collaboration, and social media integration.
Savankhone concluded by saying that the Lao Journalists Association aims to learn from larger countries how to improve content quality, develop sustainable revenue models, and apply AI in ways that assist rather than replace editorial judgment.
Laos Urges Collective Action on Media Fairness in Digital Age
Also representing Laos at the forum was Aditta Kittikhoun, Senior Partner at RDK Group, one of the country’s largest media conglomerates.
He focused on the structural challenges that small media markets like Laos face when dealing with powerful tech companies that shape how news is distributed online.
“As a small market, Laos alone lacks the leverage to negotiate with major tech platforms for equitable media distribution policies,” Aditta said.
“However, when we join forces through regional blocs like ASEAN or networks such as the BRJN, we amplify our voice. This collective approach is sure to increase the likelihood of bringing these companies to the table to address issues of profound public interest ranging from algorithmic transparency to the sustainability of journalism in our region.”
New Initiatives Promote Regional Collaboration, Support for Journalists
Building on these challenges, The forum also saw the launch of several initiatives aimed at strengthening ties among journalists across borders.
These included the “International Home of Journalists” volunteer program and the official opening of the Belt and Road Journalists’ Station in Jiangxi, designed to support foreign media working in China.
With a focus on building lasting networks and sharing experiences, the event provided valuable opportunities for participants to visit cities like Nanchang and Jingdezhen, gaining firsthand insight into local development and deepening their understanding of cultural and technological changes shaping the region.
For Laos, engaging in such collaborative platforms marks a step toward greater influence and partnership within the global media community.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/07/25/laos-highlights-challenges-aspirations-at-2025-belt-and-road-journalists-forum/
Japan Donates USD 10.5 Million in Road Repair Equipment to Laos
On 8 August, Japan handed over road and bridge repair equipment and machinery worth JPY 1.5 billion (about USD 10.5 million) to the Lao Government under the 2023 Economic and Social Development Programme.
The assistance was provided in response to a request from the Laos’ Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) for a complete set of heavy construction machinery to improve and maintain roads for long-term use.
Japanese Ambassador to Laos Koizumi Tsutomu highlighted Japan’s long-standing support for Laos’ infrastructure development, citing major projects such as the Second Mekong Friendship Bridge, Pakse Bridge, Sekong Bridge, the upgrade of Wattay International Airport, and improvements to National Road No. 1 in Vientiane Capital.
He noted that many infrastructure assets have deteriorated over time.
The Lao minister of public works, Leklay Sivilay, expressed gratitude, noting this is the second such grant from Japan.
Previously, Japan gave JPY 800 million (about USD 5.6 million) to repair and upgrade roads nationwide damaged by natural disasters.
Severe floods and landslides in recent years have damaged road networks across Laos, disrupting travel, goods transport, and economic connectivity.
The newly donated equipment will be allocated to three MPWT state enterprises to strengthen their capacity in surveying, upgrading, maintenance, and construction, gradually improving road quality nationwide.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/08/09/japan-donates-usd-10-5-million-in-road-repair-equipment-to-laos/
VISA Partners with M moneyX to Expand Digital Payments in Laos
Lao Mobile Money Sole Co., Ltd., the operator of M moneyX, has signed a major partnership with global payments giant VISA to bring secure and convenient digital payment services to Laos.
The deal aims to expand access to cashless transactions, especially for the unbanked, and support the country’s push toward a digital economy.
Signed in Hanoi by M moneyX CEO Alounnadeth Barnchit and VISA Country Manager Dang Tuyet Dung, the agreement will allow M moneyX users to make everyday transactions such as QR payments, mobile top-ups, and international money transfers.
The partnership also includes plans for co-branded VISA cards, cross-border remittance features, and seamless global payments through VISA Pay.
“We want the Lao people to realise that using M moneyX service is not complex or difficult, but it is a tool for everyone, making life easier, money safer, and payments possible anywhere,” Alounnadeth said.
Witnesses to the signing included top officials from Lao Telecom, the parent company of Lao Mobile Money.
This collaboration marks a step forward in creating a more inclusive and modern financial ecosystem for the Lao population.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/08/04/visa-partners-with-m-moneyx-to-expand-digital-payments-in-laos/
Laos Highlights Challenges, Aspirations at 2025 Belt and Road Journalists Forum
At the 2025 Belt and Road Journalists Forum held in Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province, representatives from Laos emphasized the country’s determination to modernize its media landscape while preserving its cultural diversity and ensuring fair representation on global platforms.
The forum, which gathered nearly 100 media professionals from over 50 countries, served as a space for exchanging ideas on how to strengthen global cooperation among journalists.
Discussions touched on the role of media in bridging cultural gaps, the impact of artificial intelligence on reporting, and the need for more inclusive narratives in global news.
Balancing Modernization, Cultural Preservation in Journalism
Speaking at the forum, Savankhone Razmountry, President of the Lao Journalists Association, highlighted the dual responsibility that journalists face today: adapting to new technologies while upholding human values and protecting cultural identity.
“The theme of this forum, ‘Promoting Civilizational Dialogues and Global Modernization with Power of Journalists,’ captures precisely the dual responsibility that we, as storytellers, now shoulder,” he said.
“To modernize responsibly, embracing digital tools, data, and AI without abandoning the human values that give journalism its meaning; and to preserve, celebrate and connect cultures, so that progress remains inclusive and no voice is drowned out.”
Savankhone noted that Laos, with more than 50 ethnic groups and a growing young population, continues to find innovative ways to communicate despite limited resources.
“Our experience demonstrates that small markets need not be silent ones,” he added, pointing to efforts in bilingual reporting, cross-border collaboration, and social media integration.
Savankhone concluded by saying that the Lao Journalists Association aims to learn from larger countries how to improve content quality, develop sustainable revenue models, and apply AI in ways that assist rather than replace editorial judgment.
Laos Urges Collective Action on Media Fairness in Digital Age
Also representing Laos at the forum was Aditta Kittikhoun, Senior Partner at RDK Group, one of the country’s largest media conglomerates.
He focused on the structural challenges that small media markets like Laos face when dealing with powerful tech companies that shape how news is distributed online.
“As a small market, Laos alone lacks the leverage to negotiate with major tech platforms for equitable media distribution policies,” Aditta said.
“However, when we join forces through regional blocs like ASEAN or networks such as the BRJN, we amplify our voice. This collective approach is sure to increase the likelihood of bringing these companies to the table to address issues of profound public interest ranging from algorithmic transparency to the sustainability of journalism in our region.”
New Initiatives Promote Regional Collaboration, Support for Journalists
Building on these challenges, The forum also saw the launch of several initiatives aimed at strengthening ties among journalists across borders.
These included the “International Home of Journalists” volunteer program and the official opening of the Belt and Road Journalists’ Station in Jiangxi, designed to support foreign media working in China.
With a focus on building lasting networks and sharing experiences, the event provided valuable opportunities for participants to visit cities like Nanchang and Jingdezhen, gaining firsthand insight into local development and deepening their understanding of cultural and technological changes shaping the region.
For Laos, engaging in such collaborative platforms marks a step toward greater influence and partnership within the global media community.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/07/25/laos-highlights-challenges-aspirations-at-2025-belt-and-road-journalists-forum/
Lao President Reaffirms Commitment to Deepening Ties with Russia Ahead of Official Visit
Ahead of his official visit to the Russian Federation from 30 July to 1 August, Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Laos and Russia.
In a message published by both Russia’s state news agency and Lao state media, President Thongloun, himself a former student in Russia, described the visit as a heartfelt return. He called it a meaningful opportunity to reconnect with old friends and reaffirm the enduring relationship that continues to support peace, development, and mutual progress.
The roots of Lao-Russian relations stretch back to Laos’s struggle for independence, when the Soviet Union supported the Lao revolutionary movement. Formal diplomatic relations were established on 7 October 1960.
Following the establishment of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in 1975, the Soviet Union played a key role in rebuilding the war-torn country, supporting healthcare, education, defence, and economic recovery.
After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Laos recognised the Russian Federation as its successor state in 1991. Their partnership entered a new phase with the signing of the 1994 Treaty on the Principles of Friendly Relations. Since then, cooperation has expanded across political, economic, humanitarian, and cultural sectors. The relationship was elevated to a strategic partnership in 2011.
President Thongloun praised Russia’s humanitarian efforts, particularly its assistance in clearing unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Laos, the most heavily bombed country per capita in the world. He expressed deep gratitude, calling the effort lasting proof of Russia’s friendship.
Economic ties have also grown, particularly in the mining, energy, and investment sectors. In 2024, more than 48,000 Russian tourists visited Laos, a sign of strengthening people-to-people connections.
The President also highlighted Russia’s contributions to capacity-building, noting that many Lao professionals have benefited from Russian educational programmes.
The visit coincides with several significant occasions: the Victory Day celebrations marking the end of the Second World War, the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Laos and Russia, and the 60th anniversary of the Lao-Russian Friendship Associations.
President Thongloun had initially planned to visit Russia in May to attend Victory Day celebrations, but the trip was postponed due to a COVID-19 infection. Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane represented him in his absence.
Following that visit, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed appreciation for Laos’s support in providing medical and psychological care to Russian military personnel.
Later this year, the two countries are scheduled to hold the Laros-2025 joint military exercises in Laos, further solidifying defence cooperation.
source:https://laotiantimes.com/2025/07/30/lao-president-reaffirms-commitment-to-deepening-ties-with-russia-ahead-of-official-visit/
ASEAN Rail Tourism Corridor Takes Center Stage at Mekong Tourism Forum 2025
ASEAN Rail Tourism Corridor Takes Center Stage at Mekong Tourism Forum 2025
Laos hosted the Mekong Tourism Forum 2025 in Luang Prabang from 24 to 27 June, spotlighting the proposed ASEAN Rail Tourism Corridor (ARTC) as a key initiative to boost regional travel and connectivity.
Held under the theme “United Journey – Stronger Together,” the forum brought together tourism officials and business leaders from Laos, Cambodia, China, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam to discuss ways to improve cross-border travel.
A key session was the first Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Tourism Private Sector Workshop on 25 June, which focused on strengthening regional connectivity through initiatives such as the ARTC.
The ARTC aims to link major cities, including Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Nong Khai, Vientiane, and Boten, through upgraded rail systems and streamlined immigration processes to make travel across Southeast Asia more efficient.
Phase 1 of the project (2024–2029) will focus on infrastructure readiness, border coordination, and intergovernmental collaboration. It builds on existing networks like the Laos–China Railway and the Laos–Thailand rail link, which have already enhanced mobility in the region.
By expanding these connections, the ARTC is expected to drive tourism growth and support more sustainable, inclusive development across the Greater Mekong Subregion.
The forum also introduced the GMS Tourism Strategy 2030, a regional framework designed to encourage high-quality, sustainable tourism and help the region recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The strategy prioritizes development in lesser-known destinations and aims to distribute tourism benefits more evenly.
MTF 2025 concluded with the announcement that Myanmar as the next host of the forum in 2026.
Local Experiences and Regional Recovery in Focus
Alongside the main sessions, a tourism exhibition showcased cultural products, local food, and community-based travel experiences, highlighting the region’s commitment to sustainable tourism.
Phouthone Dalalom, Deputy Director General of the Tourism Marketing Department at Laos’s Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, emphasized the importance of visitors from neighboring countries and said he hopes the forum will help increase tourist arrivals and strengthen regional ties.
Laos’ Hin Nam No National Park Officially Becomes a Laos’ 4th UNESCO World Heritage Site
Hin Nam No National Park in Khammouane Province was officially inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 13 July, during the 47th Session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris, France.
The designation establishes Hin Nam No as a Transboundary World Heritage Site, formally linking it with Vietnam’s Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park to create the world’s largest contiguous limestone karst landscape.
Covering 94,121 hectares in southeastern Laos, Hin Nam No represents one of the most significant protected areas in the Central Annamite Mountains along the Laos-Vietnam border.
This protected area demonstrates remarkable geological complexity through its pristine woodland, imposing limestone precipices, remote valleys, and 173 documented caverns. The centerpiece remains the Xe Bang Fai Cave, world’s largest functioning underground river system.
The name “Hin Nam No,” meaning “mountain crest, spiky as bamboo shoots,” aptly describes the rugged limestone formations that have evolved over 300 million years of geology. Some of the park’s dramatic cliffs soar over 300 meters high.
Hin Nam No serves as a sanctuary for numerous rare and endangered species, many of which are endemic to the region. Located within the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, home to over 1,500 plant and 536 vertebrate species, including globally threatened animals like the Red-Shanked Douc Langur, Sunda Pangolin, Lao Rock Rat, and Giant Huntsman Spider.
Hin Nam No is not only a natural place, but also a combination site of cultural and historical significance. Several ethnic minority communities reside within its boundaries, each maintaining distinct traditions, customs, and lifestyles.
Hin Nam No becomes the country’s fourth World Heritage Site, following the Town of Luang Prabang (inscribed in 1995), Vat Phou and Associated Ancient Settlements within the Champasack Cultural Landscape (2001), and the Megalithic Jar Sites in Xiengkhuang-Plain of Jars (2019).
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/07/14/laos-hin-nam-no-national-park-officially-becomes-a-laos-4th-unesco-world-heritage-site/
Laos Launches Climate-Smart Farming Project in Six Provinces
Laos is stepping up efforts to tackle climate-related food insecurity and open new export opportunities, with USD 68.5 million in support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and partners to modernize agriculture in six climate-vulnerable provinces.
The new Sustainable Agrifood Systems Sector Project, running from 2025 to 2030, will focus on improving food security, nutrition, and climate resilience in three northern provinces—Xayabouly, Phongsaly, and Houaphanh, and three southern ones, Salavanh, Sekong, and Champasack.
Backed by a mix of loans and grants from the ADB, the EU-ASEAN Catalytic Green Finance Facility, and the ASEAN Infrastructure Fund, the project reflects the growing need to protect food systems from climate shocks while increasing farm productivity and export potential.
At the center of the plan is climate-resilient farming.
Smallholder farmers will receive hands-on training to adapt to changing weather, with a focus on high-value crops like bamboo, coffee, and durian that suit both market demand and local conditions.
The project also offers affordable microfinance options to help farmers and rural businesses stay afloat during extreme weather. Key infrastructure such as irrigation systems and rural roads will be upgraded to allow year-round farming and easier access to markets.
Community involvement and gender inclusion are also major parts of the plan. Both men and women will help lead and maintain local infrastructure projects, ensuring long-term success and shared responsibility.
By tackling climate risks, food shortages, and trade barriers all at once, the project marks a big step in preparing Laos’s rural economy for a more unpredictable future.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/07/09/laos-launches-climate-smart-farming-project-in-six-provinces/
CTC Laos Marketing 2025 to Take Place in Vientiane This July
Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn & Suites Vientiane have announced the launch of CTC Laos Marketing 2025, a two-day seminar and workshop aimed at helping marketers, online sellers, and content creators in Laos keep pace with the fast-changing marketing landscape.
The event will take place on 26 and 27 July at Holiday Inn & Suites Vientiane, bringing together industry leaders and creative minds from Laos and Thailand to share insights and practical tools.
Organisers say marketing trends are shifting faster than ever, making it crucial for businesses to stay updated. They caution that those who fail to adapt risk falling behind, as traditional strategies focused solely on reach are no longer enough to drive real results. Instead, the focus must now be on content that converts, engages meaningfully, and builds long-term value.
AI, Consumer Behavior, Sales-Driven Strategies in Focus
The seminar will feature keynote talks and hands-on workshops, with a strong emphasis on using artificial intelligence to enhance marketing effectiveness. Participants will also explore how changing consumer behavior affects decision-making and why sustainable engagement is now more important than ever.
More than eight speakers will take the stage, including business owners, agency founders, marketing strategists, and content experts from both Laos and Thailand.
Among them are Sittipong Sirimaskasem, CEO and Founder of RGB72 and CREATIVE TALK; Narongyot Mahithivanitcha, Co-founder and Head of Growth at TWF Agency; and Sittinun Polvisutsak, Owner and CEO of Content Shifu.
Other speakers include Chaweewan Kongchoksamai, Chayanis Jumpeerat, and Lao experts such as Souphanith Vongsengthong, Bounhou Alounvong, Patxalin Phanouvong, and Mangkonephet Xayasane.
The sessions will cover a range of timely topics such as customer behavior, storytelling for monetisation, the Business Model Canvas, and how to apply generative AI in marketing. Attendees will also have opportunities to ask questions, network with peers, and exchange ideas with the speakers.
Early Bird tickets are priced at LAK 1,350,000 (USD 62.74), available for a limited time before increasing to the regular price of LAK 1,690,000 (USD 78.55). Groups purchasing five or more tickets will receive a 15 percent discount. To reserve tickets, contact Chanthasone at 020-59992439. For sponsorship inquiries, reach out to Mangkonephet at 020-77617518.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/07/08/ctc-laos-marketing-2025-to-take-place-in-vientiane-this-july/
Vientiane’s Bus Rapid Transit Service Set to Begin Trial Operations by End of August
Vientiane’s BRT service is scheduled to begin trial operations free of charge for three months by the end of August, Mayor of Vientiane Capital Athsphangthong Siphandone announced during the 9th Ordinary Session of the Vientiane People’s Council’s second legislature on 7 July.
The BRT project has made substantial progress, with construction of lanes and stations currently at 71.64 percent completion, according to Athsphangthong. Officials expect construction to reach 90 percent completion by the end of July, positioning the system to become fully operational by the end of 2025.
The BRT system will feature 12-meter electric air-conditioned express buses with 40 seats each, operating on dedicated routes for faster and safer service. Twenty-eight of the total 55 electric BRT buses arrived in Laos on 5 November 2024, with the remaining 27 buses expected to arrive in the future.
The system will operate daily from 6 am to 10 pm and will integrate seamlessly with the city’s existing bus network.
The BRT route includes six main stations located throughout the capital: Chao Fa Ngum Park, Inpeng Temple, Morning Market (Vientiane Bus Station), Patuxay, Phonekheng, and National University of Laos. These buses will run on exclusive BRT lanes, providing faster and safer service for commuters while reducing traffic congestion in the city center.
The project extends beyond the initial phase, with construction plans including expanding the BRT route to connect Wattay International Airport and the Laos-China Railway Station. This expansion is targeted for completion by the end of 2026, creating crucial transportation links between the capital’s key transit hubs and establishing seamless connectivity for both domestic and international travelers.
Since its mid-2024 launch, the project has made strong progress, aiming to improve public transport with efficient, eco-friendly service for Vientiane’s residents and visitors.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/07/07/vientianes-bus-rapid-transit-service-set-to-begin-trial-operations-by-end-of-august/
Vat Phou Featured on National Geographic as Hidden Gem in Southeast Asia
Vat Phou, an ancient temple in Laos’ Champasack Province, has been featured in a National Geographic Travel article as a hidden gem for travelers seeking serenity, history, and beauty without the crowds.
This UNESCO-listed site was praised for its “striking resemblance to Cambodia’s Angkor Wat” but with a quieter, more intimate experience.
In the article, the National Geographic draws attention to Vat Phou’s unique architectural and spiritual qualities, describing it as a “travel dupe” for Angkor Wat. While Cambodia’s iconic temple attracts some six million tourists a year, Vat Phou remains a relatively untouched site.
Background Similarities
Both temples were constructed during the Khmer Empire, which spanned from the 9th to 15th centuries, and share distinctive elements such as carved stone pillars and religious symbolism rooted in Hindu cosmology.
However, the National Geographic article points out that their layout sets them apart.
Angkor Wat features concentric enclosures symbolizing Mount Meru, the mythical center of the universe, while Vat Phou is laid out in a linear design along a one-mile raised causeway, leading visitors up a hillside to a sanctuary fed by a natural spring.
This ascending pathway, broken into seven stone terraces, was highlighted as a key reason for Vat Phou’s spiritual impact.
The design allows travelers to experience a slow climb through sacred structures, culminating in a moss-covered shrine adorned with carvings of apsaras and Hindu deities.
Originally housing a linga symbolizing the god Shiva, the shrine later came to feature a Buddha statue after the decline of the Khmer Empire in the 13th century.
History, Myth, Solitude Intertwined
National Geographic also pointed to Vat Phou’s setting as a distinguishing feature.
The temple complex sits at the base of Lingaparvata, or Linga Mountain, named for its phallus-shaped peak associated with Shiva.
Just four miles from the town of Champasak, with its architecture and riverside, Vat Phou is seen as easily accessible, providing a rare laid-back feeling.
The article also touched on the site’s mysterious origins.
While its full history is still unclear, local legend says King Kammatha built the first sanctuary after mythical ogres demanded his daughter, Nong Sida. A small pavilion and hidden library named after the princess still stand nearby.
Annual Celebration Embracing the Tradition of Vat Phou Festival
Beyond its archaeological significance, the temple continues to serve as a spiritual center and a gathering place for celebration.
Vat Phou is revered by many Lao people as a sacred site believed to possess protective powers. It continues to serve as a destination for worship and cultural tourism.
Each year, Champasack Province hosts the Vat Phou Festival to celebrate the temple’s legacy. The festival featured a wide variety of traditional and casual activities, catering to both local and international visitors.
According to the National Geographic, it’s the combination of history, mythology, and near-complete solitude that makes Vat Phou one of the region’s most underrated sacred sites.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/07/04/vat-phou-spotlighted-on-national-geographic-travel-for-its-angkhor-wat-resemblance/