Laos Offers Incentives, Scholarships to Strengthen Education in Remote Areas

Laos is introducing new incentives and scholarships to improve education in rural areas, linking teaching with military service to address ongoing teacher shortages. 

The government’s latest plan provides a comprehensive package of salary increases, teaching allowances, and bonuses designed specifically for rural volunteer teachers who will become military officers, as well as for current military personnel who volunteer to teach in local schools.

Under the program, both groups will receive professional teaching allowances, remote-area bonuses, and access to promotion opportunities and ongoing professional development. 

Military officers who take on teaching duties will earn 70 percent more than their base salary during their assignments, while rural volunteer teachers joining the military will receive financial and career benefits to ensure stability and motivation in their new dual roles.

The initiative follows the Ministry of National Defense’s announcement on 29 June to recruit 2,000 rural volunteer teachers to become military officers who will continue teaching in their assigned villages. 

According to Sonexay Chanyalath, Director of the Personnel Department, General Department of Military Politics, the recruits will undergo both teaching and military training, live within the communities they serve, and participate in local development activities alongside their teaching work, speaking on 15 October. 

At the same time, existing military officers are being encouraged to volunteer as teachers in rural schools. They will receive similar training and opportunities for career advancement, allowing them to contribute to education without leaving their military careers behind.

Scholarship to Build Future Teacher

To complement these short-term measures, the government is also launching a scholarship program for students pursuing teaching degrees. The scholarships come with financial allowances and guarantee graduates a teaching position upon completion of their studies. After finishing teacher training, graduates will be assigned to schools based on regional needs, ensuring a steady supply of qualified teachers in rural and remote areas.

By combining recruitment incentives, military participation, and long-term scholarships, Laos aims to strengthen its teaching workforce and expand access to quality education in underserved communities.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/10/16/laos-offers-incentives-scholarships-to-strengthen-education-in-remote-areas/

Luang Namtha Sees Nine Percent Growth in Tourist Arrivals in First Nine Months of 2025

Laos’ northern Luang Namtha Province recorded a steady increase in tourism in 2025, welcoming 985,322 visitors from January to September, a 9 percent rise compared to the same period last year.

According to the Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, the growth is attributed to effective promotional campaigns and cultural activities under the Visit Laos Year 2024 initiative, along with ongoing local festivals in 2025 such as the Akha Swing Festival, Hmong New Year, Rocket Festival, and Boat Racing Festivals in Nalae and Viengphoukha districts.

These events have drawn both domestic and international tourists, generating over USD 30.7 million in tourism revenue.

A key highlight this year was the Forest Trekking and Boat Trip Festival, held from October 2 to 3 in the Nam Ha National Protected Area, which attracted nearly 200 participants and promoted sustainable tourism and environmental conservation.

In September, Luang Namtha also represented Laos as the “City of Charm” at the 22nd China-ASEAN Expo 2025 in Nanning, China, further boosting its international visibility.

The province aims to welcome 1.28 million visitors by the end of 2025. Nationally, Laos received over three million tourists in the first eight months of the year, and is targeting 4.3 million visitors by year-end.

Tourism Boom: Thai Celebrities Highlight Laos’ Top Destinations in 2025

Lao tourism has become increasingly popular among Thai celebrities, who are drawn to attractions such as Vang Vieng and the UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang, contributing to over 3 million tourists visiting Laos in the first eight months of the year.

On 14 October, Pataradanai Setsuwan, a former member of the Thai popular boy band K-OTIC, visited Luang Prabang with his boyfriend. The couple shared Instagram stories showing them learning to weave traditional Lao textiles.

Just a day earlier, on 13 October,  Khemanit Jamikorn, widely known as ‘Pancake,’ honored That Ing Hang in Savannakhet Province with her family. She posted a photo of her visit with the caption  “Visiting sister cities, honored to Ing Hang.”

Earlier in the week, on 11 October, another actress, Diana Flipo also made her way to Luang Prabang. 

Sharing images on Facebook, Diana wore a traditional Lao skirt (sinh), a shoulder scarf, and a Plumeria flower (Champa) behind her ear, a symbol of Laos, while giving alms. She wrote, “Sabaidee Luang Prabang, waking up at 6 am for almsgiving,”before continuing her trip to Vang Vieng.

According to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Laos welcomed a total of 3,061,928 tourists during the first eight months of 2025, signaling a strong recovery in the country’s tourism sector. Popular destinations such as Vientiane Capital, Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, and Champasak continued to attract large numbers of visitors.

In 2024, Laos recorded 4,120,832 international tourists, a 21 percent increase from 2023, with an average daily spending of USD 74.53 per person, generating over USD 1.4 billion in revenue. Domestic tourism also surged, with 3,904,483 Lao nationals visiting local destinations, a 103 percent rise compared to 2023, generating more than USD 632 million.

Thailand remained the largest source of international visitors, followed by Vietnam and China, highlighting Laos’ appeal through its natural beauty, culture, and historical attractions.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/10/15/tourism-boom-thai-celebrities-highlight-laos-top-destinations-in-2025/

Thailand, Laos Set USD 11 Billion Trade Target by 2027, Eye New Infrastructure to Boost Border Economy

In his first official visit abroad as Thailand’s prime minister, Anutin Charnvirakul pledged to deepen economic ties with neighboring Laos by setting an ambitious bilateral trade target of USD 11 billion by 2027, nearly doubling current levels. 

The two countries also agreed to accelerate cross-border infrastructure projects, including new transport links and bridge construction, aimed at unlocking trade potential and transforming the Thai-Lao border into a key regional logistics corridor.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin just concluded a landmark visit to Laos on 16 October, reinforcing bilateral cooperation and celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two neighboring nations. 

Combating Transnational Crime

A cornerstone of the discussions with the Lao Prime Minister focused on addressing shared security challenges. Leaders agreed to enhance cooperation against drug trafficking, transnational crime, online fraud, and human trafficking. Both countries committed to establishing a dedicated center to assist victims of human trafficking and a joint contact point to facilitate information exchange and expedite coordinated actions in border areas.

To operationalize this commitment, Thailand provided a THB 10.15 million (about USD 313,000) program aimed at strengthening cross-border cooperation against drug abuse and transnational trafficking, demonstrating its dedication to regional security.

Concrete Development Initiatives

Beyond security cooperation, Thailand supports key initiatives for Laos. The Thai government provided THB 1.5 million (approximately USD 46,000) worth of teaching and learning equipment to Savannakhet Technical Vocational College under the Lao Skills and Vocational Development Project, supporting workforce development in the country.

In the healthcare sector, Thailand donated THB 875,000 (about  USD 27,000) in snakebite antivenom serum to Phonhong District Hospital in Vientiane Province.

Additionally, Thailand offered THB 30 million (about USD 924,000) in technical assistance for the detailed planning of Laos’ water supply development project, contributing to essential infrastructure improvements.

An agreement was also signed between the Export-Import Bank of Thailand and Laos’ Agricultural Promotion Bank.

Trade, Infrastructure, and Environmental Cooperation

During his visit, Prime Minister Anutin met with Thai business representatives in Laos, urging them to uphold socially responsible operations and continue corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. 

He emphasized the importance of reinforcing the image of Thai investors as “trusted, high-quality partners.”

Key infrastructure projects were identified as critical enablers of the planned trade expansion. Among them is the upcoming 5th Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, which will connect Bueng Kan in Thailand with Bolikhamxay in Laos and is scheduled to open later this year. Thailand also pledged financial support for the Chiang Man–Luang Prabang Mekong River Bridge in Luang Prabang province.

Leaders discussed plans for a new railway bridge linking Laos’ Vientiane and Nong Khai, running parallel to the first Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, as part of a comprehensive Thailand-Laos logistics strategy. 

Environmental sustainability also featured prominently in the discussions, with leaders addressing transboundary haze reduction and Mekong River water resource management under the “CLEAR Sky Strategy.” 

Thailand offered technological support and funding to help Laos tackle these environmental challenges.

Future Engagements and Regional Cooperation

Thai Prime Minister Anutin invited his Lao counterpart, Prime Minister Sonexay, for an official visit to Thailand to attend the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Summit later this year, which Thailand will host. 

He also reaffirmed Thailand’s readiness to actively participate in Joint Commission (JC) and Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) meetings that Laos is set to host within the year.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/10/17/thailand-laos-set-usd-11-billion-trade-target-by-2027-eye-new-infrastructure-to-boost-border-economy/

New Entrance Gates at National University of Laos Sparks Online Debate

 new entrance gate at the National University of Laos has stirred heated discussion online, with many questioning whether such investment should instead address more pressing educational needs, especially in rural areas.

Critics on social media argued that while the university focuses on aesthetic upgrades, essential infrastructure like rural roads, dormitories, and schools continues to suffer from lack of funding and support.

On 8 October, the National University of Laos (Dongdok Campus) and the Faculty of Agriculture (Nabong Campus) held a foundation-laying ceremony for the new entrance and exit gates, which are valued at USD 560,000.

Funded by a private company, the project aims to strengthen cooperation between the university and the private sector, enhance human resource development, and support academic programs, particularly in agriculture and medicinal plants.

Construction is set to begin immediately and is expected to be completed before 1 December, in time for the 50th National Day celebration on 2 December.
Officials say the private company’s support is crucial for improving the university’s infrastructure and overall appearance.

The project is also expected to encourage future academic collaborations, including curriculum development in agriculture, expanding educational opportunities for students, and benefiting the wider community.

Facebook Users Share Their Reactions

The news quickly sparked online debate. Many users expressed mostly negative opinions regarding the construction cost, the necessity of the gates, and the use of private funding for public university projects.

“Would having a beautiful gate improve the quality of education? Many primary and secondary schools still lack doors and windows, and some teachers in rural areas have to bring their babies while teaching young children. Educational development should start at the kindergarten level, not at university gates,” one user wrote.

“Why not repair the road around the university, or the road leading to the Faculty of Agriculture (Nabong Campus) instead?” and “It might be more beneficial to renovate the bathrooms and dormitories rather than to build the entrance gates,” another user said.

“Such a waste of money, shouldn’t it be better spent on repairing dilapidated roads or building new schools for rural students?” another comment added.

Some also said, “Building a university entrance gate is neither necessary nor urgent. It’s important to build better schools in rural areas first, right?”

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/10/09/new-entrance-gates-at-national-university-of-laos-sparks-online-debate/

Lao Prime Minister Visits US to Strengthen Economic Ties, Seek Tariff Reductions

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone concluded a high-level working visit to Washington D.C., United States, from 27 to 30 September, aimed at deepening economic cooperation and pursuing a reduction in tariffs on Lao exports, during which he met with senior US officials, business leaders, and key advocacy groups.

Trade Talks on Tariff Reductions

During his visit, Prime Minister Sonexay held in-depth discussions with United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on advancing ongoing trade negotiations and exploring potential avenues to reduce tariffs. 

He emphasized Laos’ readiness to further expand trade and investment engagement with the United States, highlighting ongoing domestic efforts to facilitate trade, including potential waivers of import tariffs on US goods, streamlining of non-tariff barriers, and stronger promotion of Lao products abroad. 

These measures are intended to create a more attractive, transparent environment for bilateral trade, paving the way for deeper economic collaboration.

The US Trade Representative welcomed the Prime Minister’s direct engagement, describing the discussions as productive and affirming that the outcomes, particularly on tariff concessions, would be reported to the US President.

Background on US-Lao Trade, Investment Ties

Currently, the US imposes a 40 percent reciprocal tariff on imports from Laos, one of the highest rates applied to any trading partner.

According to a July report from the National Economic and Social Science Institute, this high tariff reflects the US perception of a trade deficit with Laos. Lao authorities, however, point to a stark discrepancy between the two sides’ trade figures. 

While US data indicates a 2024 trade deficit of over USD 762 million, Laos’ Ministry of Industry and Commerce reports a modest trade surplus of just over USD 42 million, with Lao exports to the US valued at USD 283.8 million and imports at USD 241.6 million.

In addition to official meetings, Prime Minister Sonexay participated in the US-Lao Business Roundtable, where he showcased Laos’ investment potential and outlined government policies to support private sector growth. 

The Prime Minister encouraged American companies to explore opportunities in Laos, stressing the country’s ongoing reforms to enhance the ease of doing business.

Humanitarian Cooperation Supports Economic Growth

Beyond economic discussions, Prime Minister Sonexay met with the advisory committee of Legacies of War, a US-based NGO dedicated to addressing the legacy of unexploded ordnance in Laos.

While primarily humanitarian in focus, these discussions also highlighted how removing development barriers, such as UXO contamination, can facilitate greater economic activity in affected areas.

Laos and the United States have a long history of cooperation across economic, humanitarian, and development issues, including MIA recovery efforts and UXO clearance programs. 

The year 2025 marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, while 2026 will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Comprehensive Partnership, which provides a framework for strengthening ties across economic, political, and people-to-people exchanges.

Prime Minister Sonexay’s visit signals a commitment by Laos to resolve trade issues and enhance bilateral economic engagement, with the reduction of tariffs at the forefront of discussions.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/10/06/lao-prime-minister-visits-us-to-strengthen-economic-ties-seek-tariff-reductions/

Rising Number of Lao Tourists Choose Malaysia as Travel Ties Strengthen

Malaysia is seeing a notable uptick in visitors from Laos this year, pointing to a growing interest among Lao travelers in regional destinations.

According to data from Malaysia’s official tourism statistics, 14,733 Lao citizens visited the country in the first six months of 2025, placing the figure just shy of the total 18,886 recorded for the whole of 2024. 

The increase comes amid broader efforts by Malaysia to revitalize its tourism sector. 

On 28 September, the government officially launched Visit Malaysia 2026, a long-term campaign aimed at promoting sustainable and inclusive tourism development. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim led the launch in Melaka, a city steeped in colonial and maritime history and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The campaign’s focus, officials say, goes beyond simply attracting more tourists. It places emphasis on tourism as a tool for economic empowerment, social development, and cultural preservation, with plans to invest in training, innovation, and community-based tourism initiatives.

Familiar Experiences in New Settings

For Lao travelers, Malaysia offers a mix of the familiar and the new. In Melaka, river cruises, such as the Jeti Paya Lebar Eco Cruise or Cruise Sungai Linggi, can evoke memories of boat rides along the Mekong in Luang Prabang. Occasionally, crocodiles can even be spotted along the riverbanks.

Melaka’s Dutch and Heritage Trail is another highlight. The route passes through centuries-old colonial sites, including Portuguese forts and Dutch and British administrative buildings.

For a panoramic view of the city, the Taming Sari Tower rises 80 meters above the ground, offering a full 360-degree look at Melaka’s mix of modern development and historic architecture.

At night, the Jonker Street Night Market draws crowds with its street food, artisan goods, and lively atmosphere, an experience not unlike the night markets in Laos. 

Malaysia’s 2026 Tourism Vision

Looking ahead to 2026, Malaysia’s tourism strategy places strong emphasis on empowering women, youth, and marginalized communities through training and employment opportunities in the tourism sector. The government also plans to support innovators, entrepreneurs, and start-ups, helping them turn ideas into real-world solutions and grow their businesses.

Investments will target digital education, with the goal of narrowing the digital divide for rural communities, youth, and post-conflict areas. Tourism initiatives will also aim to strengthen local economies by supporting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, ensuring that the benefits of tourism reach communities directly.

Cultural exchange remains a key pillar of the strategy, encouraging deeper engagement with Malaysia’s heritage through performances, culinary events, exhibitions, and interactive experiences. These programs are designed to preserve traditions while offering visitors more meaningful and authentic travel experiences.

Taken together, these efforts reflect Malaysia’s ambition to build a tourism sector that is sustainable, inclusive, and culturally rich, positioning the country as a leading destination in the region while uplifting local communities and preserving its diverse heritage.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/10/02/rising-number-of-lao-tourists-choose-malaysia-as-travel-ties-strengthen/

Laos Targets Over 43 Million Tourists By 2030

Laos aims to attract more than 43 million tourists between 2026 and 2030, Minister of Culture and Tourism Suansavanh Viyaket announced at the Party Congress on 25 September. 

The target includes 21 million domestic and 22 million international visitors, with an expected revenue of USD 13 billion.

To reach these goals, the Ministry plans to upgrade and expand infrastructure at key destinations, develop new attractions, and enhance facilities along major tourism routes that connect provinces and neighboring countries.

The strategy also emphasizes improving the quality of tourist sites through partnerships between the government, local businesses, and communities. A major focus is on building the skills and capacity of tourism personnel.

In the short term, Laos is aiming to welcome 4.3 million international visitors by the end of 2025.

In the first eight months of the year, the country has welcomed over 3 million visitors, a 15 percent increase compared to the same period of last year.

According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Laos ranked 13th among the world’s fastest-growing tourism destinations in 2024, underscoring the sector’s strong growth and potential.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/09/26/laos-targets-over-43-million-tourists-by-2030/

Laos-China Railway Transported Over 15 Million Passengers Since Early 2025

The Laos-China Railway (LCR) transported 15.48 million passengers from January through 8 October this year, a 2.38 percent increase over the same period in 2024.

Cross-border travel totaled nearly 200,000 passengers, up 3.17 percent year-on-year, state media reported. The Lao section has served over 2.6 million passengers so far this year. 

The railway has carried nearly 60 million total passengers across 84,000 train operations, attracting visitors from 115 countries and regions. International ridership on cross-border services has exceeded 595,000.

Daily operations in Laos have expanded from four trains at launch to 18 trains per day, substantially improving travel efficiency. 

The Vientiane-Kunming service, launched in April 2023, has grown rapidly in popularity, with monthly passenger volumes along the full route surging from 600,000 to over 1.6 million.

Freight Growth and Regional Trade Expansion

Freight transport has also seen strong growth. As of September 2025, the railway handled over 67.6 million tons of cargo, including 15 million tons of cross-border shipments, according to China Railway Kunming Bureau Group Co., Ltd. The corridor now connects Laos to 19 countries and regions, facilitating bilateral trade and economic cooperation.

Major Lao exports include tropical fruits, cassava, rubber, and minerals, while imports from China encompass electronics, vehicles, solar panels, and consumer goods.

The 422-kilometer Boten-Vientiane Railway, a flagship Belt and Road Initiative project valued at USD 6 billion, has transformed Laos’s regional connectivity and established the landlocked nation as a strategic logistics hub within ASEAN.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/10/13/laos-china-railway-transported-over-15-million-passengers-since-early-2025/

Lao, North Korean Leaders Hold Historic Talks in State Visit to Pyongyang

Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith paid an official state visit to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) this week, holding talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in a move that reaffirmed decades of diplomatic ties and marked several historic anniversaries.

The visit, which took place on 7-8 October, came at the invitation of President Kim and was timed to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK).

President Thongloun’s arrival in Pyongyang was met with a grand welcome ceremony, complete with a 21-gun salute and an inspection of the guard of honour. 

Over 1,000 people, including Party members, officials, armed forces personnel, and local citizens, gathered at the Pyongyang City Sports Stadium Meeting Hall to greet the Lao delegation.

Talks to Deepen Bilateral Ties

Immediately following the ceremony, the two leaders held bilateral talks at the Workers’ Party of Korea Central Committee headquarters, where they reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the relationship between the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and the Workers’ Party of Korea.

President Kim Jong Un described the Lao leader’s visit as a “profoundly historic milestone” and voiced confidence that the trip would elevate traditional relations between the two nations. He also extended his best wishes for Laos’ preparations for the 12th National Congress of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party in 2026.

President Thongloun expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality shown by the Korean leadership and people. He extended congratulations to the DPRK on the WPK’s 80th anniversary and thanked North Korea for its historical support during Laos’ revolutionary struggle and ongoing national development.

Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in areas such as education, cultural exchange, and Party-building efforts, while maintaining regular exchanges at various leadership levels. The leaders also held frank discussions on regional and international issues of mutual concern, in a gesture underscoring their ideological and diplomatic alignment.

Timed with Key Diplomatic Anniversaries

The visit not only celebrated the WPK’s founding but also marked the 60th anniversary of the first meeting between Lao revolutionary leader Kaysone Phomvihane and DPRK founder Kim Il Sung. Additionally, this year commemorates the 50th anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic ties between Laos and North Korea in 1974.

President Kim later hosted a state banquet in honour of President Thongloun and the Lao delegation. The group also visited important landmarks around Pyongyang, further strengthening mutual understanding and cultural ties.

International Spotlight on DPRK

Thongloun’s visit came amid heightened international attention on North Korea, as Pyongyang prepares for what is widely expected to be a large-scale military parade on 10 October . South Korean military sources have suggested the parade could take place at night, involving tens of thousands of personnel in a high-profile display of military strength.

Although the Lao state media confirmed the visit dates as October 7–8, North Korean sources had initially implied President Thongloun might attend the 10 October celebrations themselves. 

While the final schedule remains partially unconfirmed, his early visit makes him the first foreign leader publicly welcomed by the DPRK for the WPK’s anniversary, a symbolic gesture that underlines Laos’ unique relationship with North Korea.

Other foreign dignitaries are expected to arrive in Pyongyang for the celebrations, including Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council. Reports also suggest that Vietnamese Communist Party chief To Lam may visit the DPRK later this month, potentially marking the first such trip by a Vietnamese leader in nearly two decades, though this remains unconfirmed.

A Rare Diplomatic Spotlight

At a time when North Korea remains largely cut off from much of the world, President Thongloun’s visit offers a rare look at Pyongyang’s efforts to reconnect with its oldest allies. For Laos, the trip highlights its steady approach to foreign policy.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/10/09/lao-north-korean-leaders-hold-historic-talks-in-state-visit-to-pyongyang/