The Fifth Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, connecting Bolikhamxay Province in Laos with Bueng Kan Province in Thailand, officially inaugurated on 25 December,with public use beginning on 27 December.
The 1,350-meter bridge directly links Laos’ Route 13 with Thailand’s Highway 244, creating seamless integration between the two countries’ road networks.
The opening coincides with the 75th anniversary of Lao-Thai diplomatic relations in 2025, reinforcing the bridge’s role as both a vital transport corridor and a symbol of enduring bilateral cooperation.
High-level dignitaries attended the inauguration ceremony, including Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith and Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X)
Expanding Network of Friendship Bridges
The new bridge joins four existing Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge.
The first bridge, connecting Vientiane and Nong Khai at 1,174 meters, opened in April 1994. The second linked Savannakhet and Mukdahan provinces in late 2006, followed by the third connecting Khammouane and Nakhon Phanom provinces in November 2011.
The fourth and longest bridge at 2,480 meters, linking Huay Xay district in Bokeo Province with Chiang Khong district in Chiang Rai Province, opened in December 2013.
Plans are already underway for a sixth Mekong River bridge, which would connect Salavanh in southern Laos with Ubon Ratchathani in Thailand, further expanding cross-border connectivity.
A Decade in the Making
The bridge’s development took more than a decade, beginning with feasibility studies and design work from 2012 to 2014.
A formal construction agreement was signed in June 2019 between the Lao Ministry of Public Works and Transport and Thailand’s Ministry of Transport.
Construction started on the Thai side in June 2020 and on the Lao side in January 2021, with the final concrete connection completed in June 2025.
Agreements on ownership, management, and long-term maintenance were also finalized, and the bridge includes advanced structural health monitoring systems to ensure safety and durability.
The total investment was THB 3.93 billion (about USD 126.3 million), with Thailand contributing THB 2.63 billion (USD 84.5 million) and Laos providing THB 1.3 billion (USD 41.8 million) through a concessional loan from Thailand’s Neighboring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA).
The new bridge is expected to cut travel time between Bolikhamxay and Bueng Kan by up to three hours, improving the flow of people and goods.
It also forms part of the shortest land route connecting Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, about 150 kilometers via Lao National Road No. 8, and is a key link in the broader transport corridor between Vientiane Capital, Bolikhamxay Province, and Vietnam, supporting Laos’ goal of becoming a “land-linked” nation.
Gateway to Future Development
The new bridge not only improves travel and trade along Lao National Road No. 8 but also positions Bolikhamxay Province as a central hub in an emerging multimodal transport network.
Two major infrastructure projects are set to further enhance the province’s strategic importance: a USD 6.6 billion railway connecting Vientiane Capital to Vietnam’s Vung Ang Port, with construction expected to begin in 2026 and operations by 2030, giving Laos its first direct access to maritime trade routes; and the Vientiane-Hanoi Expressway, a USD 1.9 billion, 203.8-kilometer stretch scheduled for completion by 2030.
Together, these projects will create an integrated network linking Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and China, expected to reduce logistics costs, attract investment, expand tourism, and accelerate regional integration under initiatives such as the Greater Mekong Subregion and the Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS).
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/12/26/fifth-lao-thai-friendship-bridge-officially-opens-strengthening-regional-connectivity/
Lao Food Festival 2026 Showcases the Flavors of Laos at Chao Anouvong Park
On 26 to 30 January, the 21st Lao Food Festival celebrates the richness of Lao cuisine at Chao Anouvong Park under the theme “Discover Laos Through Its Taste.”
One of the country’s most anticipated cultural events, the festival brings together more than 180 shops featuring regional specialties, local products, and traditional culinary practices from across Laos.
Visitors can experience the diversity of Lao food, local agricultural products, handicrafts, and community brands from north to south while enjoying the lively atmosphere along the Mekong River.
Lao Brewery Company (LBC) continues its long-standing role as a main strategic partner, sponsoring this year’s festival and reaffirming its commitment to Lao food culture and local communities. LBC’s flagship drink, deeply rooted in Lao dining culture, complements a wide range of dishes and enhances the shared experience around the table, making it a central feature of the festival.
The festival highlights the role of women in Lao cuisine, promoting local ingredients, and encouraging new businesses, making it a celebration of national and cultural identity.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/01/27/lao-food-festival-2026-showcases-the-flavors-of-laos-at-chao-anouvong-park/
Laos Welcomes Nearly 4.6 Million Tourists in 2025, Surpassing Annual Target
Laos welcomed 4,580,709 tourists in 2025, an 11 percent increase year-on-year that surpassed the government’s target of 4.3 million visitors, according to the Tourism Development Department.
The growth continues a strong post-pandemic recovery trend. In 2024, Laos attracted over 4.1 million visitors, nearly one million more than in 2023, with the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) ranking the country 13th globally among the world’s fastest-growing tourism destinations.
Most visitors came from Thailand, Vietnam, and China.
Laos has also earned recognition as one of the world’s most economical travel destinations for 2026, according to Indie Traveller magazine. Featured in “26 Amazing Cheap Places You Should Travel to in 2026,” the country offers exceptional value, with budget-conscious travelers able to explore for approximately USD 25 daily.
For 2026-2030, Laos targets to attract over 43 million total visitors, 21 million domestic and 22 million international tourists, averaging about 4.4 million annually, generating at least USD 13 billion in revenue, said Minister of Culture and Tourism Suansavanh Viyaket.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/01/16/laos-welcomes-nearly-4-6-million-tourists-in-2025-surpassing-annual-target/
US Suspends Immigrant Visa Processing for 75 Countries, Thailand, Cambodia on the List
AFP – The United States said on 14 January it was suspending the processing of immigrant visas from 75 countries, President Donald Trump’s latest move against foreigners seeking to come to America.
The United States has long rejected visas from people who appear likely to end up needing government welfare, but the State Department said it would now use the same authority for a blanket suspension of immigrant visas based on nationality.
“The Trump administration is bringing an end to the abuse of America’s immigration system by those who would extract wealth from the American people,” State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said.
“Immigrant visa processing from these 75 countries will be paused while the State Department reassesses immigration processing procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would take welfare and public benefits,” he said.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt posted on X that the countries affected would include Somalia, whose people Trump has attacked in heated terms after immigrants were involved in a funding scandal in Minnesota, as well as Russia and Iran.
A US official said that the other countries affected would include a number of countries with friendly relations with the United States, including Brazil, Egypt and Thailand.
Other countries to face the pause include Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, as well as Iraq and Yemen, the official said.
The State Department did not immediately release a full list of countries.
The freeze will begin on 21 January with no set time for it to end, the US official, who was not authorized to speak to the press, said on condition of anonymity.
Trump has made no secret of his desire to reduce immigration by people who are not of European descent. He has described Somalis as “garbage” who should “go back to where they came from” and instead said he was open to Scandinavians moving to the United States.
The State Department said Monday that it has revoked more than 100,000 visas since Trump’s return, a one-year record.
The Department of Homeland Security last month said that the Trump administration has deported more than 605,000 people, and that 2.5 million others left on their own.
The latest move does not affect tourist, business or other visas, including for soccer fans seeking to visit for this year’s World Cup, although the Trump administration has vowed to vet all applicants’ social media histories.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/01/15/us-suspends-immigrant-visa-processing-for-75-countries-thailand-cambodia-on-the-list/
Laos-China Railway Enables Record-Breaking Journey from Singapore to Portugal
The world’s longest train journey now runs from Singapore to Portugal, covering nearly 19,000 kilometers across 13 countries and linking Southeast Asia to Western Europe entirely by rail.
The Laos-China Railway (LCR) is a key player in this achievement, linking Southeast Asia and China’s extensive rail network.
The Route in a Nutshell
The journey begins in Singapore and travels north through Malaysia and Thailand before entering Laos.
From Laos’ Vientiane, passengers board the LCR to Kunming, China, passing through the UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang.
The route then continues across China to Beijing, follows the Trans-Siberian Railway through Mongolia and Russia, to Moscow, and proceeds westward through Europe, passing through Belarus, Poland, Germany, France, and Spain, before reaching the final destination of Lisbon, Portugal.
Traveling back-to-back, the entire journey takes approximately 21 days, with the longest single leg being the seven-day, 7,622-kilometer Moscow-Beijing segment.
Laos-China Railway: The Crucial Connection
Inaugurated in December 2021, the 420-kilometer Laos-China Railway has transformed Laos from a “landlocked” to a “land-linked” nation. The railway has already carried over 62 million passengers on the Vientiane-Kunming route and more than 12 million passengers within Laos.
Most significantly, the LCR provides the critical overland connection between Southeast Asia and China’s extensive rail network, enabling seamless travel from Singapore all the way to Europe.
Without this railway linking Vientiane to Kunming, the Singapore-to-Portugal route would not be possible.
Currently, a 15-kilometer bus connection near Vientiane links the LCR with the Laos-Thailand Railway. However, construction of a new railway bridge across the Mekong River between Vientiane and Nong Khai will soon create a direct rail link, further enhancing connectivity as part of Laos’ transformation into a regional transportation hub under China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Challenges and the Future
While this route represents a unique route in global rail connectivity, geopolitical tensions present challenges. Since 2022, the suspension of rail services has blocked direct train travel across Russia’s western borders, requiring travelers to make alternative arrangements.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/01/12/laos-china-railway-enables-record-breaking-journey-from-singapore-to-portugal/
Luang Prabang Warns Tour Operators of Fines for Littering, Disorderly Conduct
Luang Prabang authorities have issued a notice urging tour companies, transport operators, and tour guides to take responsibility for maintaining cleanliness and public order in the city, warning of escalating fines and possible license suspensions for violations.
According to the notice from the Mayor’s Office, all tourism-related operators, including tour companies, tour bus and boat associations, tourism businesses, and licensed guides, must ensure that staff and clients do not dispose of waste in public areas or waterways.
This includes throwing rubbish from vehicles or boats into rivers, canals, or public spaces.
Under the new measures, a first offence will result in re-education, an official record, and a fine of LAK 300,000 (USD 14), along with mandatory clean-up and compensation for related enforcement costs.
A second offence will carry a LAK 1 million (USD 46) fine, plus clean-up expenses.
Repeated violations may lead to fines five to ten times higher than the second offence, with cases reported to relevant authorities or consulates and handled in accordance with the law.
The notice also states that if offences involve tourists or clients under the supervision of tour companies, vehicles, boats, or guides, the responsible operators will face enforcement action.
In serious cases or where significant damage occurs, authorities may suspend or revoke business licenses.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/01/12/luang-prabang-warns-tour-operators-of-fines-for-littering-disorderly-conduct/
National Party Congress Elects New Central Committee
UPDATED on 8 January at 2:42 PM
Delegates at the 12th National Congress of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) have elected a new Party Central Committee that will shape the country’s political direction from 2026 to 2030.
More than 800 delegates from central and local Party organisations took part in the vote, representing over 421,000 Party members nationwide.
The election concluded late on the second day of the three-day congress.The vote marked the end of the five-year term of the 11th Party Central Committee, following a closing address by Party Secretary General Thongloun Sisoulith.
Politburo Leadership Confirmed
The newly elected 12th Party Central Committee comprises 73 members.
The top 13 figures form the core leadership of the Politburo, the Party’s most powerful decision-making body.
The senior leadership includes:
The remaining members of the Central Committee come from a wide range of government ministries, provincial administrations, mass organisations, and the security sector.
Reserve Members Selected
The Congress also elected 15 reserve members to the Party Central Committee. These members may assume full roles if vacancies arise during the five-year term.
Senior state and Party leaders, including the National Assembly president and the prime minister, participated in the vote alongside other delegates.
At the close of the second day, Khamphanh Pheuyavong, head of the outgoing Central Propaganda and Training Committee, said the Congress had completed its agenda as planned, noting orderly proceedings and broad participation.
Next Phase of Leadership Transition
Following the election, the 12th Party Central Committee held its first plenary session to select the Party Secretary General, members of the Politburo, and other key Party bodies.
Delegates then reviewed and adopted the Congress resolution, which outlines Laos’ political and socio-economic priorities for the next five years.
Final assignments to state leadership positions are expected to be announced in late March or early April, following nationwide elections in which citizens will vote for representatives to the National Assembly and Provincial People’s Councils.
National Elections Ahead
Laos will hold nationwide elections on 22 February to elect members of the National Assembly and Provincial People’s Councils, following the conclusion of the 12th National Congress of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party.
The vote will be overseen by a 21-member National Election Committee chaired by Xaysomphone Phomvihane. Lao citizens aged 18 and above will be eligible to vote, except those legally restricted.
The election will select 175 National Assembly members, an increase from 164 in the current 9th Legislature.
The 9th Legislature will complete its five-year term on 22 March, after which the 10th Legislature will convene to elect state leaders, approve a new government cabinet, and adopt the National Socio-Economic Development Plan for 2026–2030.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/01/08/national-party-congress-elects-new-central-committee/
Bueng Kan–Bolikhamxay Cross-Border Bus Service Begins Trial Operations
A new cross-border bus service linking Bueng Kan Province in Thailand with Bolikhamxay Province in Laos began trial operations on 7 January, aiming to improve transport connectivity between the two neighbouring provinces.
The service is operated by a Thai bus operator, which has deployed one Thai-registered bus on the Bueng Kan–Bolikhamxay route under an international bus service licence.
The fare for the journey is set at THB 100 (USD 3.20).
According to the trial schedule, buses depart from Bueng Kan Bus Terminal at 8:00 am and 1:00 pm, while they leave Bolikhamxay Bus Terminal at 10:30 am and 3:30 pm.
To support cross-border travel, a shuttle bus service will operate between the Thai–Lao border checkpoints. The shuttle service is provided by a Lao company, which has assigned two buses to the route. These shuttle buses will run daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Thai authorities said the trial phase will help assess passenger demand, operational efficiency, and coordination at border crossings before any decision is made on long-term operations.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/01/09/bueng-kan-bolikhamxai-cross-border-bus-service-begins-trial-operations/
Champasack Pushes Pakse–Hong Kong Flights to Boost Tourism
Champasack Province is in talks to open a direct air route between Pakse and Hong Kong, a move provincial leaders say would strengthen tourism and help sustain visitor activity throughout the year.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the 12th National Congress of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party on 6 January, Alounxay Sounnalath, Party Central Committee member and Secretary of the Champasack Provincial Party Committee, highlighted recent progress across multiple sectors.
Alounxay said the province had faced both domestic and external challenges in recent years, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, but credited unity and collective effort for helping Champasack maintain development momentum.
In tourism, he said the province has expanded community-based tourism and received several ASEAN-level awards.
Ongoing negotiations for new international routes, including Pakse–Guangzhou and Pakse–Hong Kong, aim to further raise Champasack’s profile as a regional travel destination.
He also pointed to progress in education, noting that Champasack has eliminated all volunteer teachers by absorbing them into the formal civil service system.
In infrastructure development, the province has mobilised more than LAK 70 billion (USD 3.2 million) from public contributions to build concrete roads and bridges.
Looking ahead, Alounxay said provincial authorities will focus on ensuring that Party resolutions reach the grassroots level.
Champasack will continue working toward key social goals, including improving living standards and eliminating remaining poor households by 2026, in line with national targets.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/01/08/champasak-pushes-pakse-hong-kong-flights-to-boost-tourism/
Updated Toll Charges Begin on Vientiane–Vang Vieng Expressway
New toll rates have officially taken effect on the Vientiane–Vang Vieng expressway.
From 1 January, vehicle charges range from approximately LAK 1,500 to LAK 6,500 per kilometer, depending on vehicle size and weight, based on an exchange rate of LAK 20,777 per US dollar.
At the 40-ton gross load limit, the minimum toll is about LAK 10,500 per kilometer , with no fixed maximum as fees rise with weight.
The Lao–China Joint Expressway Development Company said the adjustment is based on a feasibility study approved by the Lao government and the US dollar pricing framework stipulated in the concession agreement.
The revised rates apply to all vehicle categories, including private cars, buses, and trucks, with toll fees calculated according to vehicle size and weight. Detailed information will be displayed on toll notice boards along the expressway.
The company thanked the public for their understanding and said it will continue working to improve service quality and ensure safer, more comfortable travel for road users.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/01/02/updated-toll-charges-begin-on-vientiane-vang-vieng-expressway/
Fifth Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge Officially Opens, Strengthening Regional Connectivity
The Fifth Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, connecting Bolikhamxay Province in Laos with Bueng Kan Province in Thailand, officially inaugurated on 25 December,with public use beginning on 27 December.
The 1,350-meter bridge directly links Laos’ Route 13 with Thailand’s Highway 244, creating seamless integration between the two countries’ road networks.
The opening coincides with the 75th anniversary of Lao-Thai diplomatic relations in 2025, reinforcing the bridge’s role as both a vital transport corridor and a symbol of enduring bilateral cooperation.
High-level dignitaries attended the inauguration ceremony, including Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith and Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X)
Expanding Network of Friendship Bridges
The new bridge joins four existing Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge.
The first bridge, connecting Vientiane and Nong Khai at 1,174 meters, opened in April 1994. The second linked Savannakhet and Mukdahan provinces in late 2006, followed by the third connecting Khammouane and Nakhon Phanom provinces in November 2011.
The fourth and longest bridge at 2,480 meters, linking Huay Xay district in Bokeo Province with Chiang Khong district in Chiang Rai Province, opened in December 2013.
Plans are already underway for a sixth Mekong River bridge, which would connect Salavanh in southern Laos with Ubon Ratchathani in Thailand, further expanding cross-border connectivity.
A Decade in the Making
The bridge’s development took more than a decade, beginning with feasibility studies and design work from 2012 to 2014.
A formal construction agreement was signed in June 2019 between the Lao Ministry of Public Works and Transport and Thailand’s Ministry of Transport.
Construction started on the Thai side in June 2020 and on the Lao side in January 2021, with the final concrete connection completed in June 2025.
Agreements on ownership, management, and long-term maintenance were also finalized, and the bridge includes advanced structural health monitoring systems to ensure safety and durability.
The total investment was THB 3.93 billion (about USD 126.3 million), with Thailand contributing THB 2.63 billion (USD 84.5 million) and Laos providing THB 1.3 billion (USD 41.8 million) through a concessional loan from Thailand’s Neighboring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA).
The new bridge is expected to cut travel time between Bolikhamxay and Bueng Kan by up to three hours, improving the flow of people and goods.
It also forms part of the shortest land route connecting Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, about 150 kilometers via Lao National Road No. 8, and is a key link in the broader transport corridor between Vientiane Capital, Bolikhamxay Province, and Vietnam, supporting Laos’ goal of becoming a “land-linked” nation.
Gateway to Future Development
The new bridge not only improves travel and trade along Lao National Road No. 8 but also positions Bolikhamxay Province as a central hub in an emerging multimodal transport network.
Two major infrastructure projects are set to further enhance the province’s strategic importance: a USD 6.6 billion railway connecting Vientiane Capital to Vietnam’s Vung Ang Port, with construction expected to begin in 2026 and operations by 2030, giving Laos its first direct access to maritime trade routes; and the Vientiane-Hanoi Expressway, a USD 1.9 billion, 203.8-kilometer stretch scheduled for completion by 2030.
Together, these projects will create an integrated network linking Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and China, expected to reduce logistics costs, attract investment, expand tourism, and accelerate regional integration under initiatives such as the Greater Mekong Subregion and the Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS).
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/12/26/fifth-lao-thai-friendship-bridge-officially-opens-strengthening-regional-connectivity/