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2 January 2026


- President extends New Year greetings, calls for national unity
Secretary General of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and President of Laos, Thongloun Sisoulith, has delivered a New Year message highlighting the achievements of 2025 and urging unity among citizens in the run up to landmark national events.
In his New Year message welcoming 2026, President Thongloun said 2025 was a year of profound significance for the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, marked by the commemoration of important milestones in the history of the Party and nation.
He noted that, despite difficulties and challenges, the Lao people remain united and have achieved encouraging results, including sustained political stability, social peace and order, and continued economic recovery and growth. ......More>>>

- Patuxay blazes in colour as Laos welcomes 2026
Thousands of people gathered at the Patuxay Monument in Vientiane on Wednesday night as the capital—along with other parts of the country and cities around the world—bid farewell to 2025 and welcomed the New Year in a vibrant celebration of colour, music and fireworks. Patuxay (Victory gate), a symbol of victory for the Lao people, was awash in colour and illuminated with moving images that reflected the nation’s prosperity and development, drawing people’s gaze to the ever-changing display.......More>>>

- Upgrade of National Highway 22 on track for completion by mid-2026
Repairs to National Highway No. 22, a key transport route connecting Vientiane and Luang Prabang provinces, are progressing steadily and are expected to be fully complete by May 2026.
The section under repair runs for 68.5 kilometres, stretching from the junction with Route 13 North at Viengkeo village in Kasy district, Vientiane province, through the 9km mountainous Phou 9 Lak area, to Pongdong village in Nan district, Luang Prabang province. The upgrade is expected to significantly improve safety and ease of travel between the two provinces.......More>>>
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- Pakse International Airport expansion now 30 percent complete
Pakse International Airport is undergoing another expansion to accommodate the steadily growing number of air passengers. Officials said expansion of the passenger terminal is now 30 percent complete and is expected to be finalised by July 2026.......More>>>

- Fourth ‘Skill Panda’ Contest cements the next generation of Lancang-Mekong railway experts
The fourth “Skill Panda” International Skills Competition concluded on Dec. 25 in Chengdu, marking a significant step forward in vocational education and technical cooperation between China and Laos. The event, hosted by Chengdu Industrial and Trade Technical College, focused on cultivating the next generation of technicians and “future craftsmen” essential for the operation and maintenance of the Laos-China Railway......More>>>

- Lao, Vietnam governments join hands to build irrigation system
The governments of Laos and Vietnam have joined hands to invest more than VNĐ290 billion to build an irrigation system in Xiengvang village of Nongbok district in Khammuan province. ...........More>>>

- Savannakhet monk revives ancient healing remedies
A temple abbot in Savannakhet province is using traditional wisdom derived from ancient palm-leaf manuscripts to make plant-based potions for the treatment of stomach ailments, diabetes, and acne.........More>>>

- Hmong New Year celebrations light up Vientiane province
The Hmong New Year festivities in Vientiane province were enjoyed by a large number of people, who took the opportunity to mingle, party, and dress up in their ornate traditional costumes........More>>>
 
Business
Art & Culture
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EDL-T makes significant progress in Laos’ power development
Electricité du Laos Transmission Co., Ltd. (EDL-T) continues to play a pivotal role in shaping Laos’ long-term sustainable power development strategy....... More >>>

Khounxang and Bombi bring pride to Laos with victories in ‘Mai Thong Kham’
Bombi and Khounxang, two outstanding young artists from Laos, have brought pride to the country by winning the second and fifth prizes respectively at the renowned.......... More >>>
Feature
World
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National Party Congress: An important milestone for the Party and nation
Lao people throughout the country eagerly await the 12th National Party Congress of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, taking place from January 6-8. The Congress is the most important decision-making gathering of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, held once every five years to make decisions.......More>>>

More expressways will be expanded and built next year
HANOI (VNS/ANN) -- A series of highways are set to be widened and several new routes will be built next year, according to the Department for Roads of Vietnam (DRVN). In 2026, the DRVN will complete procedures for and break ground on projects to expand the Phap Van-Cau Gie and Hanoi-Bac Giang highways......... .More >>>

What's on in Laos



Opinion/Streetwise
Sports
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What kind of Party leadership is needed to ensure Laos has a good future?
The country is gearing up for the 12th National Congress of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, scheduled to take place from January 6-8. The Congress is not merely a political gathering; it is the compass...... More >>>

Friday draw to decide quarter-final matches in PM’s Cup
The Lao Football Federation (LFF) will hold a draw on Friday night to determine which teams will play each other in the quarter-fin
als of the Prime Minister’s Cup on January 10.  ........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 >>>

Crowds gather at the Patuxay monument to take photos of the colourful scenes that unfolded during the 2026 New Year celebrations on Wednesday night.......More>>>

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