President of the Lao Red Cross Mr Khamlavanh Chanthalavanh and his staff on Monday hand over 496,500,000 million kip for distribution to 259 families in six villages of Bolikhamxay province to help them recover from storm damage. The money was provided by the Swiss Red Cross. --Photo Lao Red Cross

Vice President of the Lao Football Federation and Head of the LFF Women's Football Subcommittee, Ms Kanya Keomany; members of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), Ms Natcha Tarateerasarn and Ms Pema Choden Tshering; members of Lao provincial football federations and other groups on Monday receive certificates following their participation in a workshop in Vientiane titled “FIFA Capacity Building for Administrators”, which took place from December 20-22.

Officials from the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Health, and the National Social Security Fund participate in a panel discussion during the Lao Money Expo 2025 in Vientiane on Friday. The session discussed the legal management of compulsory and voluntary vehicle insurance and the competitive landscape of health insurance services in Laos. The event aimed to raise public awareness of government policies regarding road safety and to promote better access to healthcare services provided by private insurers and clinics. Panelists also explored ways to integrate social security benefits with private health insurance. Organised by the Ministry of Finance, the forum provided a platform for industry experts and relevant state departments to share their ideas on how insurance companies could better serve the general public.

Director General of the Department of Planning under the Ministry of Education and Sports, Mr Sithong Sikhao (left), and World Bank Senior Education Specialist, Mr Michael Drabble, co-chair a wrap-up meeting on the Implementation Support Mission of the Global Partnership for Education III: Learning and Equity Acceleration Project. Held in Vientiane on December 17, the meeting reviewed the project’s progress from December 3-17, 2025. Participants discussed achievements in primary education across target districts and teacher capacity building. Mr Sithong emphasised the importance of budget reallocation to support the new 6-3-3 grade structure across primary, lower secondary and upper secondary schools. ​Looking ahead to 2026, the ministry aims to decentralise project activities to provincial and district levels and teacher training colleges to ensure faster results at the local level. The mission concluded with a call for all sectors to finalise their 2025 financial reports by year-end to ensure a smooth transition to the next phase of educational development.

Xaysavath village authorities, local residents and soldiers join forces to construct a bridge across the Nam Houng river in Xayabouly provincial capital.   --Photo Pathetlao