Head of the Administrative Office of the Party Central Committee, Mr Thongsalith Mangnomek; Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mrs Suanesavanh Vignaket; deputy ministers and other ministry officials gather at the National Culture Hall when the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism convened a meeting to discuss organisational changes in relation to the media sector. These will involve the transfer of media personnel currently under the auspices of the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Party Central Committee. --Photo Pathetlao

Xayaboury authorities last week provide supplies worth 342 million kip to officials in Hongsa district for distribution to families in nine villages that suffered losses during widespread flooding during last year’s monsoon season. The donated items included 103 tonnes of rice, 4.56 tons of cement, 174 sheets of roofing zinc, steel cables and other provisions.       --Photo Pathetlao

An exhibition dedicated to Cosmonautics Day opens at the Russian Centre of Science and Culture in Vientiane to commemorate the historic events of April 12, 1961, when Soviet pilot Yuri Gagarin made the first manned flight into space on the Vostok spacecraft. This date symbolises the triumph of science, the courage of pioneers, and the beginning of a new era. The flight in the Earth’s orbit lasted 108 minutes and changed history. The launch from Baikonur, Yuri Gagarin’s famous words “Let’s go!”, the return to Earth — every moment of this flight is written into textbooks. Gagarin didn’t just go into space — he opened the way to the stars for people around the world. The exhibition sparked great interest among the Lao public, especially among young people.

Strong winds that occurred around the Mekong River in Chomcheng village, Thakhaek district, Khammuan province, on Friday caused damage to several houses and a temple, while a tree fell on a pick-up truck.                                                       --Photo Pathetlao