Lao Sets September Priorities to Strengthen Economy, Infrastructure

The Lao government has outlined its key priorities for September, focusing on stabilizing the economy, improving infrastructure, and maintaining national stability. 

These decisions came during the two-day monthly meeting of the cabinet and provincial governors on 25–26 August, chaired by Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone.

Economic Measures, Workforce Support

To strengthen the economy, the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of the Lao PDR will work to stabilize exchange rates and maintain foreign reserves. 

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce has been tasked with lowering production costs for essential goods such as rice, pork, eggs, and fish, balancing supply and demand, and curbing non-essential imports. 

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry will tackle shortages of animal feed to support livestock farmers.

Education and workforce development are also priorities. The Ministry of Education and Sports will ensure the new school year begins smoothly and address teacher shortages by appointing volunteer teachers as civil servants, particularly in rural areas. Once appointed, these teachers will receive a regular salary. 

The Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare will focus on returning migrant workers, collecting data, providing training, and creating jobs to support their reintegration.

Infrastructure, Legislation

Infrastructure improvements remain a key priority. The Ministry of Public Works and Transport will speed up road construction and repair flood-damaged infrastructure to improve connectivity between provinces. 

With the rainy season ongoing, provincial authorities have also been instructed to monitor water levels in reservoirs and dams and issue timely warnings to reduce storm risks.

Meanwhile, draft legislation on anti-money laundering, counter-terrorism financing, asset seizure, health impact assessments, and railway law penalties is under revision. 

Economic, Social Progress

The government also reported positive economic and social progress in August. Inflation fell to five percent, foreign reserves covered nearly five months of imports, and budget revenue reached almost LAK 47 trillion (USD 2.1 billion), or 69 percent of the annual target. 

Rice cultivation reached 97 percent of the seasonal goal, cash crop exports earned over USD 88 million, and livestock exports brought in USD 1.16 million. 

Tourism also grew, with 2.35 million foreign visitors in the first eight months of 2025, up 12 percent from the same period in 2024, while domestic trips rose 46 percent to 2.46 million.

Looking ahead, the government called on all sectors to prepare for upcoming central and provincial Party congresses, as well as official visits abroad by Party and state leaders.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/08/28/lao-sets-september-priorities-to-strengthen-economy-infrastructure/

Laos Starts New Academic Year Amid Worsening Teacher Shortage

As schools across Laos reopened on 1 September for the new academic year, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone urged the public to embrace the new semester with optimism while acknowledging the challenges still facing the nation’s schools.

In his message, the prime minister described the first day of school as “an important event for the education, science, and sports sector”. 

He reaffirmed the government’s long-standing pledge to put education “before other tasks” and at the center of national development.

Sonexay praised progress achieved over the past year, including improvements in school infrastructure, expanded school meal programs, and measures to reduce dropout rates. 

Education Gains Overshadowed by Teacher Shortages

However, the prime minister warned that pressing issues remain: high dropout levels, teacher shortages, and the urgent need to expand vocational and higher education enrollment.

The teacher shortage in particular has become a defining challenge for Laos as the new semester begins.

During the government’s monthly cabinet meeting in late August, ministers prioritized education alongside measures to stabilize the economy and repair infrastructure. 

The Ministry of Education and Sports was instructed to ensure a smooth start to the school year by addressing staff shortages. 

One immediate step is the appointment of long-serving volunteer teachers as civil servants, especially in rural areas, enabling them to receive a steady salary.

Soldiers Sent to Ease Severe Rural Teacher Shortfalls

In many provinces, schools are severely understaffed, leaving classrooms without qualified teachers. To provide an immediate stopgap, authorities have turned to an unusual solution: enlisting soldiers to serve as substitute teachers.

The Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Education and Sports announced in June that 2,000 soldiers will be trained and deployed to schools in hard-to-reach villages. 

The program includes specialized teacher training and offers rank promotions and financial incentives to participating military personnel.

Several provinces have already begun implementing the initiative. 

In April, Phongsaly and Luang Prabang launched programs to collect data on the worst-affected schools and prepare officers for training. Those who complete the course will receive an additional 70 percent of their basic salary as motivation.

Despite these efforts, the scale of the crisis remains stark. In Savannakhet’s Xepon district alone, only nine of 109 schools are fully staffed, leaving more than 500 teaching posts vacant. 

Elsewhere, rural families continue to pull their children out of school due to long travel distances, lack of dormitories, and worsening economic pressures.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/09/01/laos-starts-new-academic-year-amid-worsening-teacher-shortage/

Laos to Launch Digital Immigration System for Foreign Travelers Starting 1 September

Beginning 1 September, Laos will launch a trial version of its new Digital Arrival Registration system, marking a shift away from the traditional paper-based immigration forms for all foreign passport holders. 

The system is designed to streamline border procedures by requiring travelers to submit their information online within three days before both arrival and departure.

Through the online platform, travelers will need to provide key details such as passport information, visa data, travel plans, and their intended address while staying in Laos. 

The new system applies to all foreign nationals entering the country by air or land. 

However, Thai citizens who enter Laos using a Border Pass rather than a passport will be exempt from the online registration requirement during the trial period.

Lao citizens, as well as foreigners who have been granted permanent residency in Laos, are not required to register through the new platform. They can continue to pass through immigration checkpoints using the existing procedures.

The digital registration system will be available in Lao, English, and Chinese, and will initially be piloted at four key international entry points: Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, Luang Prabang International Airport, Pakse International Airport, and the First Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge linking Vientiane with Thailand’s Nong Khai province.

The Lao government plans to monitor and evaluate the system over a two-year trial period, with full nationwide implementation targeted for 2026.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/08/26/laos-to-launch-digital-immigration-system-for-foreign-travelers-starting-1-september/

Vientiane Province Wins Big at Luang Prabang Traditional Boat Festival

Luang Prabang celebrated its annual Boat Racing Festival on 23 August along the Nam Khan River, marking the ninth lunar month of 2025.

This year, 22 longboats joined the competition, with teams coming from temples, villages, nearby districts, and other provinces.

The winner was Nam Phet Charoensap Company’s boat from Vientiane Province, winning a 1,500-gram silver trophy, a 1,000-gram annual silver trophy, and LAK 20 million (USD 940). 

The second place went to the Lao Development Bank (LDB) boat, receiving an 800-gram silver trophy and LAK 19 million (USD 893).

Besides the racing boats, there were also beautifully decorated ones taking part in a “boat beauty” contest. 

Their bright colors and creative designs brought even more life to the festival as they floated down the Nam Khan River, drawing smiles from people watching along the banks.

First “beauty” prize went to Nang Bua Ngern longboat from Wat Xieng Thong, which received a 1,000-gram silver trophy and LAK 10 million (USD 470). 

The long boat from Wat Mai Suwannaphummaram claimed second place, earning a 700-gram silver trophy and LAK 9 million (USD 423), while Wat Ban Thin Som longboat secured third place, taking home a 500-gram silver trophy and LAK 8 million (USD 376)

The race took place alongside Boun Hor Khao Padap Din, a spiritual Lao festival dedicated to honoring ancestors and feeding the souls of those who have passed away. 

As part of the tradition, families gathered at temples to offer food and prayers, preparing special parcels known as khao tom for both monks and wandering spirits called Preta, or “hungry ghosts.”

In the early morning hours, offerings were placed around homes and public spaces, a gesture believed to comfort these spirits and bring harmony to the living.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/08/25/vientiane-province-wins-big-at-luang-prabang-traditional-boat-festival/

Laos Recognizes Ho Chi Minh Trail Sites as National Heritage

Laos has officially recognized the Phou Luang–Ho Chi Minh Trail sites on its territory as national heritage, highlighting their role in the shared history of Laos and Vietnam.

A ceremony took place on 22 August at the General Club of the Ministry of National Defense in Vientiane. During the event, Deputy Minister of Defense Vongsone Inpanphim outlined the results of a joint Lao–Vietnamese survey carried out since late 2023.

The survey documented sections of the trail running through Bolikhamxay, Khammouane, Savannakhet, Salavan, Sekong, Champasak, and Attapeu provinces. 

In total, 18 locations were identified as significant sites linked to the trail and to cooperation between Laos and Vietnam during the Indochina wars.

Following the survey, Vietnam published a book on the relics in both Lao and Vietnamese. Laos also released 18 publications, including history books, photo collections, and maps showing the sites.

Vongsone noted that the trail was not only a military and supply route, but also a stronghold that supported the struggles of the Lao, Vietnamese, and Cambodian people. 

He said its recognition as heritage reflects its role as both a battlefield route and a lasting symbol of unity between Laos and Vietnam.

The recognition follows an agreement between the two governments to set up a joint committee under their Ministries of National Defense to survey and preserve the sites. 

Work began in 2023 and was completed in 2024, leading to the official listing of the sites as national heritage. Officials say the recognition will help preserve the trail’s legacy for future generations and strengthen historical ties between the two nations.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/08/23/laos-recognizes-ho-chi-minh-trail-sites-as-national-heritage/

Laos Set to Export 120 Tons of Roselle to South Korea

Laos is on track to export 120 tons of roselle to South Korea, with plans to expand commercial cultivation to include black and white sesame, large onions, and others related for the Korean market.

On 14 August, the Lao Agricultural Business Association (LABA) officially launched the project. 

LABA and the Korean company signed a key export agreement valued at LAK 16.2 billion (approximately USD 771,000). Additional crops will be introduced in the future.

LABA Vice President Khanthong Siphasert highlighted the project’s innovative “four-way” collaborative model, which strategically connects producers, processors, suppliers, government institutions, financial organizations, and international buyers. 

He emphasized that the initiative not only boosts exports but also provides technical guidance, market insights, and investment opportunities for all participants.

So far 2025, LABA expanded the roselle cultivation project to cover six key areas, totaling 2.135 hectares.

According to the vice president, roselle is easy to grow, drought-tolerant, pest-resistant, and ready to harvest in 110 days with high yields. 

Its vitamin C-rich, ruby-red fruit is valued worldwide for jellies, teas, sauces, syrups, and wines, making it highly marketable internationally.

The project is managed by the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI), serving as a coordination hub to connect producers and suppliers with government agencies, financial institutions, and international buyers.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/08/19/laos-set-to-export-120-tons-of-roselle-to-south-korea/

Old French Military Fort in Bokeo Province Recognized as Local Level National Heritage Site

The old French military camp, formerly known as Fort Carnot, in Houayxay District, Bokeo Province, was officially inscribed as a local-level national heritage site on 19 August.

To commemorate the occasion, provincial officials held a cultural ceremony to officially declare the site as a local-level national heritage site.

According to officials, the French colonial administration built the site  in the early 1900s. 

Covering 10,154 square meters, the fort featured two 15-meter-high observation towers, underground bunkers, and mortar positions on the east and west sides. Its front gate was flanked by heavy guns on both sides.

The construction reflected Houayxay’s strategic importance during the French protectorate period, when the town served as a frontier outpost guarding British Burma (present-day Myanmar) and Siam (modern-day Thailand). 

The fort was named after Comte Carnot, a politician and engineer who pioneered innovative fortification designs later adapted for French colonies.

After Laos gained independence from France in 1954, the Royal Lao Army continued to use the fort during the Second Indochina War (Vietnam War) until 1975. Following the founding of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, it was placed under the care of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Army.

In 2010, with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the camp was developed into an information center for tourism and historical exhibits, including displays on Indochina War-era military artifacts.

In October 2024, the province opened the former French military camp, namely Fort Carnot 1990 Es Café, as a new historical tourism attraction.

Today, the former military site has been officially transferred to the Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/08/20/old-french-military-fort-in-bokeo-province-recognized-as-local-level-national-heritage-site/

Luang Prabang Attracts Over 2.15 Million Tourists in First 7 Months of 2025

In the first seven months of 2025, Luang Prabang attracted over 2.15 million visitors, Deputy Governor Bounleua Sinxayvoravong reported at the provincial office on 15 August. 

With 2,155,994 visitors in the first seven months of 2025, Luang Prabang saw an increase of 983,483 tourists, or 83.8 percent, compared to the same period last year. 

The province also generated LAK 1,108 billion (approximately USD 52.76 million) in revenue, reaching 92.2 percent of its annual target.

Key attractions drawing visitors include Xiengthong Temple, Mount Phusi, Kuang Si Falls, the Royal Palace Museum, the Luang Prabang Night Market, etc

To prepare for the upcoming tourist season and the 30th anniversary celebrations of the UNESCO World Heritage Site later this year, the provincial authorities are focusing on urgent repairs and improvements, including resolving traffic bottlenecks within Luang Prabang City.

Meanwhile, Champasack Province welcomed over 426,126 visitors in the same period, generating more than USD 55 million in tourism revenue, an 8 percent increase from 2024. The province exceeded its annual visitor target of 350,958, achieving 121 percent of the planned number in just seven months.

Laos welcomed over 2.3 million tourists in the first half of 2025, up from 2.1 million during the same period last year. The country aims to surpass its 2025 target of 4.5 million visitors, building on more than 4.1 million tourists in 2024.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/08/18/luang-prabang-attracts-over-2-15-million-tourists-in-first-7-months-of-2025/

Laos Calls for Stronger Mekong Cooperation on Digital Growth, Clean Energy, and Water Management

Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane has called for deeper Mekong cooperation to strengthen digital growth, clean energy, and water resource management to improve the lives of people across the region.

Thongsavanh made his remark on 15 August at the 10th Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Anning, Yunnan Province, China. 

There, he stressed the need for forward-looking collaboration that delivers tangible benefits to the region’s people. 

The official urged member states to prioritize resilient economies, digital transformation, sustainable water management, human resource development, and responses to emerging security challenges, while highlighting agriculture, clean energy, and tourism as key growth sectors.

Thongsavanh also praised the LMC’s achievements over the past nine years, noting that the LMC Special Fund, established in 2017, has already financed more than 100 projects in Laos worth over USD 26 million.

The meeting, co-chaired by China and Thailand, reviewed progress under the LMC’s three pillars, including Political-Security, Sustainable Development, and Social-Cultural Exchange, and five priority areas: connectivity, water resource management, agriculture and poverty reduction, cross-border trade, and production capacity. 

Laos Reaffirms Support for Myanmar Peace, Regional Security

On the same day, the Lao foreign minister joined a special meeting with China, Thailand, and Myanmar to discuss regional security and the evolving situation in Myanmar. 

He reaffirmed Laos’ support for a “Myanmar-led, Myanmar-owned” political process, stressing that stability there is vital for regional peace and development.

In addition, the ministers reviewed Myanmar’s situation since the military takeover in 2021, including plans for a general election in late 2025 or early 2026. They pledged closer cooperation to combat transnational crimes, including drug trafficking, human trafficking.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/08/18/laos-calls-for-stronger-mekong-cooperation-on-digital-growth-clean-energy-and-water-management/

Attapeu’s Economy Grows 2.8% in First Half of 2025

Attapeu province’s economy expanded by 2.81 percent in the first half of 2025, but authorities say more work is needed to meet the full-year target of 5.4 percent. 

Deputy Governor Thanouxay Banxalith reported the figures during the 9th Ordinary Session of the 2nd Provincial People’s Council on 7 August, noting that the province’s total economy is currently valued at about LAK 1,922 billion (USD 88.4 million), or roughly a quarter of the year’s goal.

Thanouxay said the average annual income per person in Attapeu now stands at LAK 21.9 million (USD 1,007). While some sectors have shown promising results, others are falling behind expectations, requiring stronger coordination in the months ahead.

Agriculture and Industry Lead Growth

According to the official, agriculture and forestry remain the province’s primary growth drivers, expanding by 3.64 percent and contributing 49.47 percent of total GDP. Dry-season rice production reached 63 percent of the annual target, with yields averaging 3 tonnes per hectare and totaling 1,519 tonnes. 

Other dry-season crops achieved 56 percent of the goal, while meat, fish, and egg production stood at 52 percent. Cash crops such as watermelon, tobacco, cassava, and coffee also made notable contributions.

Industry grew by 1.85 percent, accounting for 22.32 percent of GDP. Thanouxay reported that processed goods were valued at LAK 513 billion (USD 23.5 million), reaching 20 percent of the annual target.

 Electricity generation exceeded 2,196 gigawatt-hours, bringing in over USD 113 million, THB 10 billion, and LAK 14 billion in revenue. Mining also continued to play an important role, with active extraction of gold, silver, iron ore, and bauxite.

Services and Tourism Lag Behind

The provincial deputy governor noted that the services sector saw the slowest growth, at just 1.33 percent, making up 28.2 percent of GDP. Trade value surpassed LAK 8 trillion (USD 368 million), achieving 48 percent of the yearly target.

Tourism welcomed 71,677 visitors in the first six months of the year, which is 47 percent of the annual goal. Revenue from tourism reached LAK 33 billion (USD 1.51 million), or 52 percent of the yearly projection, according to the deputy governor.

To close the gap and meet the 2025 growth target, Thanouxay called for stronger collaboration between sectors, timely project implementation, and effective execution of policies outlined in the province’s socio-economic development plan.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/08/11/attapeus-economy-grows-2-8-in-first-half-of-2025/

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