Minister of Culture and Tourism Suanesavanh Vignaket on Friday presented medals to Editor-in-Chief of Lao Press in Foreign Languages, Phonesavanh Thikeo, and representatives of media outlets.

Government awards officials who supported Laos’ chairing of ASEAN Summits

The government honoured more than 1,100 people on Friday for their contributions to the success of Laos’ ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024, which included leadership of two ASEAN Summits and related meetings.
The honours were presented to personnel from the information, culture and tourism sectors, which were under the former Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism at that time.
The awards ceremony took place at the National Culture Hall and was organised by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
The government presented 341 Class II Labour Medals, 258 Class III Labour Medals, 171 Labour Commendation Medals, and 405 Government Certificates of Merit to individuals who helped with preparations and organisational work linked to Laos’ ASEAN Chairmanship.
The accolades recognised efforts connected to the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and related meetings, which were held under the theme “ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience”.
Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mrs Suanesavanh Vignaket, said Laos’ chairing of the regional bloc was an important opportunity to demonstrate the country’s capability and strengthen its image on the international stage.
Laos’ assumption of this role was not simply a routine duty but also a test of the country’s readiness, unity, and organisational capacity, she added.
“Although Laos is a small country, we showed the world our determination, stability and readiness to help lead the region towards progress and prosperity,” she said.
Mrs Suanesavanh said Laos’ success was the result of strong cooperation, dedication and professionalism among personnel in the information, culture and tourism sectors.
“All those involved devoted both their intellect and time, working tirelessly to ensure the Summits proceeded smoothly and with 100 percent security,” she added.
She noted that the ministry also chaired the 27th ASEAN Tourism Ministers’ meeting in Vientiane from January 22-27, 2024, marking the first ministerial-level meeting held under Laos’ ASEAN Chairmanship.
The ministry also chaired the 31st ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Council meeting in Luang Prabang in March 2024 and the 32nd meeting in Vientiane in September 2024.
In addition, the ministry oversaw cultural promotion and information work during the ASEAN Summits and related meetings.
State media agencies, including newspapers, Lao National Television and Lao National Radio, provided broad coverage of the meetings to audiences at home and abroad.
Mrs Suanesavanh said coordinated media operations helped ensure that accurate information about Laos’ chairing of ASEAN reached both regional and global audiences.
She added that the Party and State instructed the former Ministry of Home Affairs to establish a process to recognise individuals who were closely involved in Laos’ chairmanship role.
The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism later compiled a list of contributors who worked throughout 2024 until Laos handed over the role to Malaysia.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update May 18, 2026)