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/
President’s Son Thongly Sisoulith Appointed Youth Union Secretary
Thongly Sisoulith, son of Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith, became Secretary of the Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Youth Union (LPRYU) on 26 August.
The Union announced the appointment at its meeting, where Vice President Bounthong Chitmany attended. Thongly succeeds Monexay Laomouaxiong, who previously held the post.
Suliya Keophilavong, Meena Sivilay, and Pany Kindavong also joined the team as deputy secretaries of the Central Committee.
During the meeting, the participants endorsed the 2026-2030 youth development plan, which sets a framework for young people to engage more actively in national initiatives and contribute to Laos’s social and economic development. The plan builds on the achievements and lessons of the past five years.
Thongly has previously served as Deputy Secretary of the LPRYU. His father, Thongloun, has led Laos as President and the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party as General Secretary since 2021, after serving as Prime Minister for the previous five years, and he continues to play a central role in government and diplomacy.
The appointment comes amid major political shifts in Laos.
In June, the National Assembly approved constitutional amendments aimed at modernizing governance by decentralizing power to local committees and revising administrative roles.
The reforms, effective in July 2025, were accompanied by a sweeping government reshuffle that reduced ministries from 17 to 13, reassigned or replaced nine ministers, and merged key portfolios such as Planning and Investment with Finance.
These changes reflect broader efforts to streamline governance and prepare the country for parliamentary elections scheduled for February 2026.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/08/27/presidents-son-thongli-sisoulith-appointed-youth-union-secretary/
Laos Moves Toward Large-Scale Rice Fortification to Fight Malnutrition
The Lao government has partnered with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the Indian Government to prepare for the large-scale fortification of rice in a bid to reduce high rates of malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies.
The initiative was introduced during the National Workshop on Fortification: Advancing Sustainable Nutrition Security in Laos, held in Vientiane on 28 August. Health officials and development partners discussed establishing national standards and a regulatory framework to guide the production of fortified rice.
Micronutrient deficiencies, particularly iron deficiency anemia, remain a major health concern in Laos.
Government data shows that about 40 percent of women of reproductive age and 44 percent of children under five are affected, resulting in fatigue, stunted growth, and poor learning outcomes.
In 2020, the economic impact of anemia-related health issues was estimated at more than USD 241 million.
Officials at the workshop said rice fortification offered a cost-effective and practical solution, pointing out that rice is consumed daily by almost every household in the country, making it an effective vehicle for delivering essential vitamins and minerals.
The Indian Government, which operates the world’s largest rice fortification program benefiting over 400 million people, is contributing both technical expertise and funding to support Laos. With Indian backing, the Lao government launched its own rice fortification project earlier this year.
The Ministry of Health is spearheading the national effort through its Nutrition Center and Department of Hygiene and Health Promotion, while WFP serves as the implementing partner. WFP brings more than 30 years of global experience in food fortification and has supported similar initiatives in over a dozen Asian countries.
Representatives from WFP stressed that clear standards and strong regulation would be crucial to ensure that fortified rice remains safe, high-quality, and trusted by the public.
The Vientiane workshop marked the beginning of a consultation process to develop a national framework. Once completed, the framework is expected to help Laos integrate fortified rice into its food system and improve nutrition across the country.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/08/29/laos-moves-toward-large-scale-rice-fortification-to-fight-malnutrition/
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/