- Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge reopens, Lao Airlines plans more flights
Laos’ main border crossing at the first Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge linking Vientiane to Nong Khai province in Thailand has reopened after being closed for more than two years to curb the spread of Covid-19.
It comes after the government announced it would fully reopen the country, starting on May 9.
Lao Airlines – the national flag carrier - plans to increase flights between Laos and Thailand from two to three a week beginning later this month. Head of the First Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge International Checkpoint, Dr Khamphone Thepphavong, said on Monday the bridge had opened today (May 9) following a notice issued by the Prime Minister’s Office on May 7 stating that all borders could now reopen.
With travel restrictions lifted, foreign nationals and stateless people can enter and exit Laos freely, he said.
On Monday morning, at least 100 people crossed the bridge into Thailand, while almost 300 people entered Laos. Director of Lao Airlines’ Commercial Department, Mr Noudeng Chanthaphasouk, said the airline would increase flights from two to three a week between Vientiane and Bangkok, starting on May 22. The airline has been operating two flights a week to Bangkok since early this year. . ....More >>>


- Fuel shortage causing hardship for Lao people
Fuel businesses and importers are struggling to supply enough fuel to meet public demand due to fluctuating currency exchange rates and the volatile global oil market.
Fuel shortages forced petrol stations in Vientiane and some provinces to close on Monday, with many of desperate motorists going from one station to another in the hope of filling up their tanks.
Some petrol stations that still had supplies were flooded with vehicles, leading to traffic jams in some parts of the capital.   
Several provinces have experienced fuel shortages in recent weeks, with Vientiane in particular hit on weekends when petrol stations were forced to close...More >>>