Phetthong Inthavong doesn’t talk about passion. His work speaks for itself. As the coordinator at the Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife (LCTW), he’s on the front lines of Laos’ battle against the illegal wildlife trade.
His work involves rescuing animals like gibbons, bears, alligators, and deer, rehabilitating them, and eventually releasing them back into their natural habitats.
At LCTW, the focus is on saving lives, protecting ecosystems, and offering a future to species that are often forgotten or exploited.
Not a Zoo, but a Lifeline for Animals
At first glance, the LCTW center might seem like a zoo, with animals in enclosures and staff moving between them. But Phetthong is quick to point out that it’s far from that.
“A zoo operates on a business model, focusing on profits from visitors. Our center focuses on rehabilitating animals and returning them to the wild,” he explains. “Our enclosures are designed with their rehabilitation in mind, offering them more space, trees, and an environment closer to their natural habitat.”
Unlike a zoo, LCTW isn’t open to the public except by appointment, and there are strict rules about visiting. The center is dedicated to the health and recovery of the animals, not for entertainment purposes.
The Pitfalls of Buying Animals to Free Them
One of the key messages Phetthong emphasizes is the danger of purchasing animals to “free” them from captivity. Many, seeing a wild animal in a market, feel compelled to buy it in order to release it. But Phetthong argues that this only fuels the trade.
“Every time you buy an animal, you send a message that the trade works,” he says. “Even if your intention is good, it’s still supporting the traders. The only way to stop this cycle is to reduce demand.”
Instead, Phetthong encourages people to call the Wildlife Rescue Hotline at 1601 if they encounter an illegally trafficked animal. The team will work with the authorities to rescue and relocate the animals to proper rehabilitation facilities.
The Silent Threat of Wire Snares
While the visible trade is a problem, Phetthong is more concerned with a less obvious threat: wire snares. These cheap, easy-to-make traps are indiscriminate and deadly, often leaving animals trapped and suffering for long periods before being discovered.
“These snares are silent killers,” he says. “They’re hidden and can kill any animal that walks into them. We need to get to the communities, educate them, and stop this.”
LCTW works alongside local agriculture and environment offices to run awareness campaigns, especially targeting rural areas where the use of traps is common.
A Vision for the Future
By 2030, Phetthong wants to see fewer animals in rehabilitation at LCTW, and ultimately, he hopes the center will be empty, because all the animals will be safe and thriving in the wild.
“My ultimate expectation is that we won’t have wildlife hunting or trade issues anymore,” he says. “Ideally, the center will be empty because all the animals will be where they belong, in the wild.”
It’s a long road ahead, but Phetthong and his team are determined to make it a reality. Their work is slow and often challenging, but every step they take brings Laos closer to a future where wildlife is protected, and ecosystems are restored.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/03/03/efforts-underway-in-laos-to-end-illegal-wildlife-trade-safeguard-ecosystems/
Vientiane Re-Launches BRT Service with Two Months of Free Rides
Vientiane’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system relaunched its trial operations today, 10 March, offering free rides to encourage residents to embrace the capital’s revamped public transport service.
According to the Vientiane Capital Public Works and Transport Department, the two-month trial phase runs from 10 March to 9 May, during which all passengers may ride free of charge.
Normal fares will take effect from 10 May onwards.
The BRT will operate daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. During peak hours, 6:00 to 9:00 AM and 4:00 to 6:00 PM, buses will run every six to seven minutes. Outside of peak hours, passengers can expect a waiting time of 10 to 15 minutes.
The trial route connects Dongdok (National University of Laos) to Talat Sao (Morning Market), spanning 19 stations. Key stops along the corridor include the SEA Games Dormitory, 450 Years Road, View Mall, SOS School, the Kaysone Phomvihane Museum, ICTC Center, Phonphanao, Phonkheng, and Patuxay.
To ensure smooth and safe operations, the BRT runs on a dedicated lane reserved exclusively for BRT buses during service hours. All other vehicles are prohibited from using the lane between 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM and will be warned and fined for violations.
Exceptions are also made for ambulances, fire trucks, rescue vehicles, and government convoys with official police escorts.
Between 10:01 PM and 5:59 AM, other vehicles may use the BRT lane provided it is safe to do so. Any party responsible for damage to government property within the BRT lane will be fined 10 percent of the assessed damage value and must cover the remaining repair costs.
Authorities have confirmed that the BRT system is now fully operational. This marks the second trial launch of the project, following an initial launch in early November 2024 that was suspended after approximately one month.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/03/10/vientiane-re-launches-brt-service-with-two-months-of-free-rides/
Laos to Nominate Five Traditions, Three Sites for UNESCO Status
Laos is preparing to put some of its most beloved traditions and landscapes before the world, with the government announcing plans to seek UNESCO recognition for five cultural practices and three landmark sites over the next five years.
The nominations form part of the broader 10th Five-Year National Socio-Economic Development Plan, but the cultural ambitions stand on their own.
The Traditions on the List
The five traditions being put forward for UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list are part of daily and ceremonial Lao life.
First, the national dish, Larb, which carries its meaning in its name, “luck” and “wealth” in Lao, and appears at every significant moment in Lao life, from weddings and birthdays to the Lao New Year. The Lao Business Women’s Association pushed the nomination forward, submitting a formal proposal through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in early 2025. A UNESCO decision is expected in September 2026.
If approved, Larb would become Laos’ fourth UNESCO-recognised cultural element, joining traditional dance Fonelamvong Lao (2024), Naga motif weaving (2023), and Khaen music (2017).
Closely tied to those same celebrations is the Sou Khuan ceremony, also known as the Baci, which has also been submitted for consideration.
Rooted in animist beliefs and practiced alongside Buddhism, the ritual is built around the idea that each person has 32 protective spirits, or khouan, which can leave the body during illness, travel, or major life changes. Elders chant blessings around a decorative offering arrangement called a pha khouan, and white cotton strings are tied around participants’ wrists as symbols of protection and unity. It is performed at weddings, births, the Lao New Year, and other milestones.
The nomination has been submitted, but the formal evaluation process has not yet begun.
Rounding out the intangible heritage nominations are Pou Yer – Ya Yer, the mythical grandparents of Lao New Year; Boun Pi Mai Lao itself; and Khao Tom–Khao Lam, the preparation of sticky rice dishes carrying deep ritual and communal significance.
The Sites
Alongside the living traditions, three physical sites are being put forward for World Heritage status, each significant in its own way.
Nakai-Nam Theun National Park, one of the largest protected areas in Southeast Asia, is home to some of the region’s most endangered species across a landscape of extraordinary ecological diversity.
Further north, the Hintang Archaeological Park in Houaphanh Province holds hundreds of ancient stone menhirs whose origins remain only partially understood, lending the site a sense of mystery that matches its cultural weight.
The third site, That Ing Hang in Savannakhet Province, is among the most sacred Buddhist monuments in the country. Built in 1560 by King Setthathirath of the Lan Xang kingdom on the site of a pre-existing Khmer temple, the stupa is believed to enshrine a relic of the Buddha’s collarbone. Its architecture reflects both Lao and Khmer influences, and it has drawn pilgrims for centuries. Restored significantly in the 19th century, it remains an active place of worship today.
UNESCO inscription brings legal frameworks for protection, international funding, and a level of visibility that can change how a place or practice is preserved for generations.
The nominations are expected to be developed and submitted across the 2026–2030 period.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/03/04/laos-to-nominate-five-traditions-three-sites-for-unesco-status/
Lao Woman Builds Northern Laos’ First Pediatric ICU, Wins Regional Award
Bounloth Sodaluck grew up watching rural families in Xayaboury Province struggle to find medical care for their children. Now, decades later, she leads the only Pediatric Intensive Care Unit in northern Laos and has just become the first Lao national to win the Women of the Future Southeast Asia Award in the Professions category.
“This award is for the hospital and our team, who are dedicated to saving kids’ lives,” she said.
It is International Women’s Day, and if there is a story worth telling today in Laos, it is probably hers.
Dr. Pom, as she is known, did not come from a family of doctors or a city with good hospitals. After finishing high school in Xayaboury, she earned a place at the University of Health Sciences in Vientiane. Her focus sharpened during clinical rotations at Lao Friends Hospital for Children in Luang Prabang, where she noticed something that would later mark her entire career.
“Children are not good at telling us how they feel, so we need to pay attention,” she says.
She never left.
This year, LFHC marked its 11th anniversary, and Dr. Pom marked it by leading the team that built the hospital’s first PICU, a unit that now handles the region’s most critically ill children, many arriving from remote provinces with few other options.
The hospital has operated for eleven years on entirely private funding, offering completely free care to every child who comes through its doors.
Beyond the ward, Dr. Pom works as Medical Education Director, training junior Lao doctors and interns with skills she developed through additional study in Vientiane and Thailand.
“If I can give my students the tools and confidence to treat sick children, my impact will multiply,” she says.
Women in Laos have been moving into medicine, law, and public life for years now, often without much noise about it.
But the path is rarely straightforward, especially for women from rural areas, where getting to university at all can depend on factors that have nothing to do with ability.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/03/08/lao-woman-builds-northern-laos-first-pediatric-icu-wins-regional-award/
Laos Opens First Privately Financed International Airport in Golden Triangle Area
Laos officially opened Bokeo International Airport on 6 March, marking a major milestone in the country’s aviation development and regional connectivity plans.
Located in Ban Nyai Simueangngam, about five kilometers from the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone, the airport is the first privately financed international airport in Laos, developed under a Build–Operate–Transfer (BOT) agreement in which the company finances, constructs, and operates the facility.
The airport operates under a 50-year concession granted by the Lao government to Greater Bay Area Investment and Development (Hong Kong), an affiliate of the Dok Ngiew Kham Group, the concessionaire of the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone.
The project covers an area of approximately 300 hectares and carries an estimated construction cost of USD 175 million.
Construction began in September 2020, and the airport was built in accordance with safety standards set by Laos’ Department of Civil Aviation and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
The airport features a 2,500-meter runway with a width of 45 meters, with runway shoulders measuring 7.5 meters on each side. The design allows the facility to accommodate most narrow-body aircraft commonly used on regional routes.
Aircraft such as the Boeing 737-900ER and Airbus A320 and A321, which carry up to around 200 passengers, will also be able to operate at the airport.
Economic Growth Goals
Thienthong Sopha, Director of Bokeo International Airport Co. Ltd, said the airport was designed to support economic growth, strengthen transport links, and create new employment opportunities in the region.
Domestic routes are expected to include flights to Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Houaphanh, Xieng Khouang, Savannakhet, and Champasak.
The company is also planning to open international routes to connect Bokeo with major regional destinations including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Kunming, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Phnom Penh, and Siem Reap.
According to Phoun Khampha, Director of Bokeo (public) Airport, the new facility is designed to handle up to two million passengers annually once fully operational.
Officials say the project will play an important role in supporting tourism, trade, and investment in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone, one of Laos’ fastest-growing economic areas.
During the ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith officially inaugurated the airport by cutting the ribbon and striking a ceremonial bell nine times to mark the opening.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/03/09/laos-opens-first-privately-financed-international-airport-in-golden-triangle-area/
Fifth Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge Generates LAK 47.5 Billion in First Month of Operation
The 5th Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, which officially opened on 27 December 2025, generated more than LAK 47.5 billion (approximately USD 2.2 million) in state revenue during its first month of operation.
This strong start comes as authorities set a revenue collection target of LAK 350 billion (around USD 16 million) for 2026.
The key goods passing through the checkpoint include fuel, consumer products, electrical appliances, and construction materials. Over the past month, the bridge recorded more than 6,800 entries into Laos and over 7,500 departures, indicating a rise in cross-border movement and trade activity.
The bridge directly connects Laos’ Route 13 with Thailand’s Highway 244, creating a seamless road link between the two countries. It also forms part of the shortest land route connecting Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, with an estimated distance of just 150 kilometers via Lao National Road No. 8.
While the bridge has had a strong start, some operational challenges persist. As a newly opened international checkpoint, certain services are still being streamlined.
Despite the growing imports for domestic use, transit trade to third countries has remained largely unchanged.
Moving forward, authorities emphasized that continued improvements in logistics and road infrastructure will play a significant role in determining the bridge’s long-term contribution to Laos’ economy.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/03/04/fifth-lao-thai-friendship-bridge-generates-lak-47-5-billion-in-first-month-of-operation/
Savannakhet Marks National Heritage Status for Ho Tay Pidok Library, Old Talaeo Temple
Officials in Savannakhey have recognized two historic landmarks in Champhone district as National Heritage sites, marking a key step in preserving the province’s religious and cultural history.
The town celebrated Ho Tay Pidok Library and Old Taleo Temple during a three-day ceremony held from 2–4 March, which brought together provincial and district officials, Buddhist monks, and local residents.
The event featured Champhone’s traditional Palm Leaf Manuscript Procession, a cultural ceremony that represents the district’s long connection to Buddhist learning and manuscript preservation.
Residents dressed in traditional clothing joined the procession, while cultural performances including folk dances and khene music added to the festivities.
A Library on Water
Ho Tay Pidok Library, often referred to as the Ancient Buddhist Scripts Library, is one of the most distinctive landmarks in the province. The wooden structure sits in the middle of a lake in Nong Lamchan Village and dates back to the late 14th century.
Originally built as a place where monks could study and safeguard Buddhist teachings, the library continues to hold an important collection of 219 palm-leaf manuscripts. For the local community, the site remains both a cultural treasure and a sacred place.
Visitors are normally required to dress respectfully when entering the library.
A Temple with Historic Murals
Nearby, Old Talaeo Temple is known for its striking architecture and historic mural paintings.
The temple’s main hall, built in the early 20th century, survived periods of conflict that affected the region. Inside, murals depicting scenes from the Vessantara Jataka, one of the most well-known Buddhist stories, are believed to date back to the 1930s.
Officials say the national heritage designation will help protect both sites while also encouraging cultural tourism in the province.
Strengthening Savannakhet’s Cultural Identity
Authorities believe the recognition will help highlight Champhone district as an important cultural destination in southern Laos. Visitors are increasingly drawn to sites like the “Library on Water” and Old Talaeo Temple, where history, religion, and local traditions continue to shape daily life.
The announcement also comes as part of wider efforts to preserve cultural heritage in Savannakhet. Authorities are currently working toward seeking UNESCO World Heritage status for That Ing Hang Stupa, one of the country’s most sacred Buddhist monuments.
Located near Savannakhet City, That Ing Hang was built in 1560 by King Setthathirath on the site of an earlier Khmer temple. The stupa is believed to house a relic of the Buddha’s collarbone and has attracted pilgrims for centuries.
Officials say protecting historic sites while keeping local traditions alive will play an important role in strengthening Savannakhet’s identity and expanding cultural tourism in the years ahead.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/03/05/savannakhet-marks-national-heritage-status-for-ho-tay-pidok-library-kao-talaew-temple/
Luang Prabang Cracks Down on Traffic in World Heritage Zone
The Luang Prabang City Administrative Committee has issued a new traffic notice aimed at reducing congestion and improving road order in the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Area, with fines in place for violators.
The latest measures build on steps already taken earlier this year.
In February, the Luang Prabang Department of Public Works and Transport announced restrictions around the Night Market and historic peninsula following repeated complaints from residents about tour vans blocking narrow streets and disorderly parking.
Under those rules, tour vans were banned from the main central route between the Night Market entrance and the tip of the peninsula where the Nam Khan River meets the Mekong, and were instead redirected to designated parallel one-way streets along the riversides for drop-offs and pick-ups.
Parking along the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers was reserved for local residents, and traffic police were deployed at the main Night Market intersection during peak tourist hours. Officials said at the time that further adjustments could follow as visitor numbers continued to rise.
The new notice follows through on that warning. Under the new rules, vans may enter the Mekong-Kamkhan road only to briefly drop off visitors, for no more than five minutes, before proceeding to designated parking at That Luang yard or other approved locations. Vehicles delivering goods are allowed a slightly longer stop of 10 to 15 minutes.
Vans, passenger vehicles and tuk-tuks are banned from the central stretch of Sisavangvong Road, unless they hold a permit. Vehicles dropping off guests at temples along the Khan-Mekong river roads for the morning almsgiving ceremony must depart before 7 am.
Motorcycles, electric motorcycles and bicycles may not park on Sisavangvong Road or its pavements between the intersection near the Royal Palace in Ban Choumkong and the last intersection Ban Xieng Muan.
Designated motorcycle parking is available along the Khan-Mekong rivers area, according to the official notice.
Fines for Violations
Fines scale by vehicle type and repeat offence.
Cyclists and electric motorcycle riders face the lightest penalties, starting at LAK 100,000 (USD 4.75) for a first offence, rising to up to LAK 300,000 (USD 14.25) for a third offence.
Motorcycle riders are held to a slightly higher standard, with fines beginning at LAK 200,000 (USD 9.50) and climbing to LAK 400,000 (USD 19) by the third strike. Larger vehicles such as three- or four-wheeled trucks start at LAK 300,000 (USD 14.25), reaching LAK 500,000 (USD 23.75) on a third offence.
The steepest penalties apply to vans, pickup trucks, jeeps and sedans, where fines jump from LAK 300,000 (USD 14.25) to LAK 1,000,000 (USD 47.50) for a third violation.
Drivers caught violating the rules more than three times face doubled fines and a driver’s licence suspension of three to six months. In serious cases, fines may be tripled, vehicles impounded for one to three months, and offenders prosecuted under the law.
The Office of Public Works and Transportation and city traffic officers have been tasked with enforcing the measures, which took effect upon signing of the notice.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/03/07/luang-prabang-cracks-down-on-traffic-in-world-heritage-zone/
Japan Supports Water Supply Improvements in Phongsaly Province
Japan has provided grant assistance of USD 17,400 to support a new water supply project in Phongsaly Province, aimed at improving access to safe and hygienic water for local residents.
The funding, provided under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP), will support the construction of a water supply facility in Meuteun village, helping improve sanitation and living conditions for the community.
Japanese Ambassador to Laos, Koizumi Tsutomu, signed the grant agreement with a representative of the provincial authority in the presence of Santi Keoyasan, Chairman of the Phongsaly Provincial Administrative Committee.
“In Laos, access to safe and hygienic water has improved in recent years, and it is said that around 90 percent of the population now has access to safe and hygienic water,” Ambassador Koizumi said.
“On the other hand, there is still room for improvement in remote areas such as Meuteun village. I hope that the construction of the water supply facilities will be completed quickly and that the living environment in Meuteun village will be greatly enhanced by expanded access to safe, hygienic water along with improved sanitation.”
The GGP program supports small-scale projects that directly benefit local communities by strengthening social and economic development in developing countries, including Laos.
Japan has provided more than USD 860,000 in assistance to Phongsaly Province to support the health and education sectors. Officials said Japan will continue supporting initiatives that improve basic living conditions and address regional development gaps across Laos.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/03/05/japan-supports-water-supply-improvements-in-phongsaly-province/
International Monetary Fund Says Laos Economy Stabilizing but Risks Remain
Laos has made progress in stabilizing its economy after a period of high inflation and exchange rate pressure, but significant risks remain, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
In its 2025 Laos report, the IMF noted that tighter monetary and fiscal policies introduced in the second half of 2024 helped stabilize the economy.
Inflation, which peaked above 30 percent in 2023, declined sharply to around 7.7 percent in 2025, while pressure on the Lao kip eased.
Economic growth is expected to remain relatively steady at around 4.5 percent until the end of 2026, supported by electricity exports, a recovery in tourism, and continued foreign direct investment.
Debt Risks Persist
However, the IMF cautioned that Laos remains vulnerable to external shocks due to high external debt, limited foreign reserves, and structural weaknesses in the financial sector.
Public debt remains the country’s most significant economic risk, according to the organization.
According to IMF data, public debt declined from 112 percent of GDP in 2022 to 80.6 percent in 2025, following debt restructuring, negotiations with creditors, and tighter fiscal policies.
If fiscal discipline and economic reforms continue, the IMF projects public debt could fall further to 57.4 percent of GDP by 2030, down from an estimated 75.7 percent in 2026.
However, the organization cautioned that current debt levels remain well above international sustainability thresholds, meaning Laos could face renewed financial pressure if economic conditions weaken or borrowing rises again.
To reduce these risks, the IMF recommended maintaining strong primary budget surpluses of around 2.5–3 percent of GDP, strengthening tax collection, and adopting a clear medium-term debt management strategy.
The organization also called for greater transparency in public debt data and stronger oversight of state-owned enterprises, particularly in the electricity sector, which carries significant financial liabilities.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/03/06/international-monetary-fund-says-laos-economy-stabilizing-but-risks-remain/
Efforts Underway in Laos to End Illegal Wildlife Trade, Safeguard Ecosystems
Phetthong Inthavong doesn’t talk about passion. His work speaks for itself. As the coordinator at the Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife (LCTW), he’s on the front lines of Laos’ battle against the illegal wildlife trade.
His work involves rescuing animals like gibbons, bears, alligators, and deer, rehabilitating them, and eventually releasing them back into their natural habitats.
At LCTW, the focus is on saving lives, protecting ecosystems, and offering a future to species that are often forgotten or exploited.
Not a Zoo, but a Lifeline for Animals
At first glance, the LCTW center might seem like a zoo, with animals in enclosures and staff moving between them. But Phetthong is quick to point out that it’s far from that.
“A zoo operates on a business model, focusing on profits from visitors. Our center focuses on rehabilitating animals and returning them to the wild,” he explains. “Our enclosures are designed with their rehabilitation in mind, offering them more space, trees, and an environment closer to their natural habitat.”
Unlike a zoo, LCTW isn’t open to the public except by appointment, and there are strict rules about visiting. The center is dedicated to the health and recovery of the animals, not for entertainment purposes.
The Pitfalls of Buying Animals to Free Them
One of the key messages Phetthong emphasizes is the danger of purchasing animals to “free” them from captivity. Many, seeing a wild animal in a market, feel compelled to buy it in order to release it. But Phetthong argues that this only fuels the trade.
“Every time you buy an animal, you send a message that the trade works,” he says. “Even if your intention is good, it’s still supporting the traders. The only way to stop this cycle is to reduce demand.”
Instead, Phetthong encourages people to call the Wildlife Rescue Hotline at 1601 if they encounter an illegally trafficked animal. The team will work with the authorities to rescue and relocate the animals to proper rehabilitation facilities.
The Silent Threat of Wire Snares
While the visible trade is a problem, Phetthong is more concerned with a less obvious threat: wire snares. These cheap, easy-to-make traps are indiscriminate and deadly, often leaving animals trapped and suffering for long periods before being discovered.
“These snares are silent killers,” he says. “They’re hidden and can kill any animal that walks into them. We need to get to the communities, educate them, and stop this.”
LCTW works alongside local agriculture and environment offices to run awareness campaigns, especially targeting rural areas where the use of traps is common.
A Vision for the Future
By 2030, Phetthong wants to see fewer animals in rehabilitation at LCTW, and ultimately, he hopes the center will be empty, because all the animals will be safe and thriving in the wild.
“My ultimate expectation is that we won’t have wildlife hunting or trade issues anymore,” he says. “Ideally, the center will be empty because all the animals will be where they belong, in the wild.”
It’s a long road ahead, but Phetthong and his team are determined to make it a reality. Their work is slow and often challenging, but every step they take brings Laos closer to a future where wildlife is protected, and ecosystems are restored.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/03/03/efforts-underway-in-laos-to-end-illegal-wildlife-trade-safeguard-ecosystems/