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22 January 2026


- Laos on track to graduate from LDC status this year, UN confirms
Laos has been officially recommended for graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2026, according to the latest assessment by the United Nations.......More>>>

- Govt moves to curb agricultural burning amid worsening air pollution
The government has taken steps to reduce air pollution caused by the burning of scrubland by farmers in preparation for the planting of new crops.
After PM2.5 levels rose to unhealthy heights last week, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment issued a directive on January 15 banning most forms of outdoor burning until April........More>>>

- Foreign ministry affirms US visa restrictions
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reaffirmed the United States’ suspension of the issuance of all types of US immigrant and non-immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries including Laos.......More>>>

- National Assembly approves leadership reshuffle
The National Assembly Standing Committee approved a series of senior leadership transfers and appointments during an extraordinary session convened in Vientiane from January 17-19.......More>>>

- Vat Phou Festival to celebrate Laos’ cultural, spiritual heritage
The annual Vat Phou Festival in Champasak province will take place from January 31 to February 2, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the inscription of the ancient Vat Phou temple complex as a UNESCO World Heritage Site......More>>>

- Sustainable harnessing and advancement of nuclear energy for transforming India bill, 2025
At this stage of India’s energy transition, the country is revisiting the foundations of its nuclear framework to match present-day needs and future ambitions.....More>>>

- Assurances General Laos celebrates 35 years, reaffirms status as leading insurer
Assurances General Laos (AGL) marked its 35th anniversary with a grand celebration in Vientiane on Wednesday, commemorating past achievements and announcing a renewed vision for sustainable growth...More>>>
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- Swiss Red Cross extends support for humanitarian projects in Laos
The Lao Red Cross and Swiss Red Cross on Tuesday inked project agreements that will strengthen their long-standing humanitarian partnership in enhancing community resilience, emergency preparedness, and public health........More>>>

- Govt rallies multi-sectoral action to combat antimicrobial resistance
The government is intensifying the national response to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), warning that the “silent pandemic” of drug-resistant infections poses a severe threat to the country’s health security and economic development.........More>>>

- UXO cleared from 7 million square metres of land in Xiengkhouang
More than 7 million square metres of land in Xiengkhouang province were cleared of unexploded ordnance (UXO) during the second half of 2025, marking a significant contribution to public safety and local development.e..........More>>>

- Unexplained shooting in Champasak leaves three dead
A tragic shooting incident in Houayshot village, Pathoumphon district, Champasak province, has resulted in the deaths of three people, authorities said yesterday..........More>>>

- Attapeu officials focus on reducing poverty
Officials in Attapeu province are focusing on improving the living standards of the people and have set a target for lifting 3,827 poor families out of poverty by 2030........More>>>
 
Business
Art & Culture
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2025 tax earnings exceed plan, higher target set for 2026

The government earned more income from taxes than planned in 2025, prompting the tax department to set a significantly higher target for 2026.
Director General of the Tax Department under the Ministry of Finance, Mr Phoukhao Vannavongxay, said the amount of revenue collected in 2025 exceeded expectations.
The department was recommended to amass 18,500 billion kip but collected 22,852 billion kip, surpassing the target figure by 23.53 percent.
This was also an increase of 26.51 percent compared to 2024, with an additional 4,789 billion kip being garnered.
The Tax Department reviewed its 2025 performance and plans for 2026 at a meeting held on January 15, chaired by Minister of Finance Mr Santiphab Phomvihane.

...... More >>>

Follow your dream and enter the Vientiane Rap Battle!
Rappers are invited to compete for a place in the Vientiane Rap Battle, when aspiring hopefuls from across the country will showcase their skills in the hope of making it big in the Lao hip-hop scene........... More >>>
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World
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Lao People’s Army evolves into modern fighting force
The Lao People’s Army has undergone significant changes over the years and has become a more modern and stronger force under the leadership of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party..........More>>>

China-Chile joint research of Atacama trench marks first-ever bilateral marine collaboration
(Global Times/BRNN) -- Chinese Ambassador to Chile Niu Qingbao said that the China-Chile joint scientific expedition to the Atacama Trench marks the first joint marine ......More >>>

What's on in Laos



Opinion/Streetwise
Sports
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What are your expectations from the Lao People’s Army?
As the Lao People’s Army celebrates its 77th anniversary on January 20, the nation reflects on nearly eight decades of transformation. From its humble beginnings as....... More >>>

ASEAN Para Games kick off in grand style
The 13th ASEAN Para Games officially got underway with a spectacular opening ceremony on Monday evening, marking the start of a week-long celebration ......More >>>
Travel
Photo Scenes
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Exploring Guangxi’s must-sees: where songs, silk and villages tell their stories
From mountain chants echoing across valleys to silk threads travelling from rural workshops to global fashion houses,  ...More >>>

Deputy Prime Minister General Chansamone Chanyalath on Wednesday delivers an address at a meeting to mark the 77th anniversary of the Lao People’s Army.....More>>>

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