Members of the Lao Buddhist Fellowship Organisation last week give a printer, notebook, laptop and four computers worth 100 million kip to the Lao Front for National Development for use in work pertaining to religious affairs.           --Photo Vientiane Mai

Senior officials from the Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, and China attend the opening ceremony of the Alternative Crop Cultivation Achievement Exhibition last Wednesday. This exhibition, together with the 2026 Laos-Yunnan Alternative Crop Cultivation Achievement Exhibition and the Industrial Upgrading Development Fair, took place from May 20-23 at the Vientiane Centre. The aim was to reinforce Laos-China cooperation in anti-drug efforts, cross-border agriculture, and industrial development.

Residents of Sing district in Luang Namtha province last week turn out for a joyful rocket festival, when home-made missiles rise into the sky to prompt the gods to send more rain for their crops, to ensure a bountiful harvest.                           --Photo Pasaxon

A group of 27 trainees, officials, and organisers celebrate the successful conclusion of the training courses on cooperative establishment (initial level)” at the Lao-Korea Agricultural Techniques and Rural Development Service Center (LKARSC) from May 11–22, 2026. The closing ceremony marked the end of a detailed programme supported by the government of South Korea. The participants, representing eight villages in Vientiane province, are now ready to apply cooperative laws, management principles, and financial systems to develop their home districts.

Four Japanese nationals working for the Nihongo Partners programme returned to Japan on May 20 after completing nine-month missions in Laos. Under the programme, Japanese language education has been introduced as a second foreign language in four secondary schools since 2015. This year, the number of participating schools increased to 10. As Nihongo Partners, the four individuals taught Japanese language classes and promoted Japanese culture through various activities. The Japan Foundation has supported the initiative by providing Japanese textbooks, training teachers, and providing Japanese language specialists as well as Nihongo Partners.