Latest news with #Lao-Thai
The Star
27-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Improvement of Lao national road to boost east-west corridor connectivity
THAKHAEK, KHAMMUAN PROVINCE: Local communities here are set to benefit from a major infrastructure development under the Improvement of National Road No. 12 project, backed by financial support from Thailand's Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA). An agreement on the project was signed on Thursday (May 22) between a representative from the Department of Roads under Laos' Ministry of Public Works and Transport and two construction joint venture companies. The contract 01 was signed between Vongphet Vongphachan, Project Manager from the Department of Roads, Ministry of Public Works and Transport and Pannee Worakij Construction and Transport Company Limited, in joint venture with Manyxup Development Construction and Trading Import-Export Sole Co., Ltd., represented by Patarachai Banchawattana, Managing Director of Pannee Worakij Construction and Transport Company Limited. In addition, the contract 02 was signed between Santi Phiuvanna, Project Manager from the Department of Road, Ministry of Public works and Transport and Vivat Construction Co., Ltd., in joint venture with PA Construction Sole Co..,Ltd represented by Wirat Konglikit, Managing Director of VIVAT Construction Co., Ltd. The signing ceremony was attended by the Minister of Public Works and Transport Ngampasong Muongmany, the Governor of Khammuan province, Vanxay Fongsavanh, the Thai Ambassador to Laos, NEDA representatives and senior officer from the Lao Ministry of Public Works and Transport. The project will upgrade a section of National Road No. 12 from Thakhaek to the Na Phao control facilities, a key segment connecting Laos with Thailand and forming part of a vital east-west economic corridor through northern Laos. The upgrade will enhance regional trade and transport links with Vietnam, China, and Thailand and spans a total length of 143.508 kilometres, including expansion of the Thakhaek bypass road over a distance of 3.964 km. In addition, a parking facility will be built at the Road No. 1E intersection in Yommalath district, border checkpoint facilities at Na Phao will be expanded, including offices, a truck weighing station and public utility systems, along with the upgrade of access roads to tourist attractions along the corridor. According to Vongphet Vongphachan, Project Manager Contract 1, the initiative is a strategic move to improve transport connectivity and promote economic integration in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). Construction is divided into two major contracts: Contract 1: Thakhaek to the Yommalath Junction (61.5 km) and Contract 2: Yommalath junction to Na Phao control facilities (86 km). The National Road No. 12 Improvement Project is part of the Lao government's 2021-2025 five-year development plan and the 2019-2023 Lao-Thai transport cooperation programme, as outlined in a Memorandum of Cooperation signed in December 2018. The initiative is also part of the 2022-2024 strategic assistance plan between Laos and Thailand. While the feasibility studies and detailed designs were funded through grants from the Thai government, construction will be financed through a low-interest loan from NEDA, in accordance with Financial Assistance Agreement No. LFA 022-2024, signed on May 30, 2024. The upgraded road will meet Asean Highway Class 2-3 standards, with a design speed of 80 km/hour, road widths of 9-10 metres in suburban areas and 12 metres in residential zones, as well as enhanced structural capacity to accommodate heavy truck traffic. Traffic studies have shown a dramatic increase in road use, from 21,232 private vehicles per day in 2022 to 43,758 per day in 2024, highlighting the urgent need for infrastructure improvements. The project is expected to significantly benefit local residents through improved access and mobility; farmers and traders via better logistics; and tourism and businesses, due to enhanced infrastructure and connectivity. The regional economy will also benefit by reinforcing Laos' role as a key land link within the GMS. This initiative marks another step forward in strengthening cross-border cooperation and positioning Laos as a transportation hub for mainland South-East Asia. - Vientiane Times/ANN
The Star
21-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
New Lao-Thai Mekong bridge to open soon, promising economic lift for region
The under-construction Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge across the Mekong River between Borikhamxay province and Beung Kan province in Thailand. - VT VIENTIANE: A 1,350-metre bridge linking Borikhamxay province in Laos and Bueng Kan province in Thailand across the Mekong River is now 98 per cent complete. Construction is ahead of schedule and the bridge is expected to open to traffic at the end of this year. The fifth Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge is set to boost travel between Laos and Thailand and spur trade with other countries in the Greater Mekong Subregion. The project director on the Lao side of the bridge, Laythong Phommavong, last week gave a progress report to the Ambassador of Laos to Thailand, Khamphan Anlavan, when he visted the site. Laythong said that with construction progressing faster than planned, it is hoped that the bridge will be in operation by the end of 2025. He also highlighted the progress made and the challenges encountered. Plans to build the bridge were first drawn up in 2014, when a survey was carried out. The design of the structure was approved by the Lao and Thai governments in 2018 and construction kicked off in January 2021. A loan from Thailand's Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA) was secured by the Lao government to build the Lao side of the bridge, with the total cost to be shared between Laos and Thailand. The Lao component of the project comprises construction of the bridge on the Lao side of the river over a distance of 535 metres, and the construction of access roads, immigration and customs buildings, and other structures on the Lao side. Project officials have paid compensation to people who lost land and other property so the bridge could be built. More than 52 hectares of farmland was lost to free up ground for the construction of the bridge. The fifth Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, a result of cooperation between the governments of Laos and Thailand, will be part of new infrastructure connecting regions and people on both sides of the Mekong and strengthening regional transport networks. It will help promote cross-border trade, investment and tourism, bolster economic growth in both countries, and strengthen ties between the two neighbours. The bridge will also help turn the border areas of Borikhamxay province and Bueng Kan province in Thailand into a significant economic hub. The first four bridges built across the Mekong River between Laos and Thailand serve the Vientiane-Nong Khai, Savannakhet-Mukdahan, Khammuan-Nakhon Phanom, and Huayxai-Chiang Khong routes. - Vientiane Times/ANN
The Star
23-04-2025
- Health
- The Star
Laos, Thailand mark 75 years of friendship, health cooperation
VIENTIANE: President Thongloun Sisoulith on Tuesday (April 22) received a courtesy call from Princess Maha Chakei Siridhorn of Thailand during her visit to Laos from April 21-24 to strengthen bilateral ties. President Thongloun warmly welcomed the Princess at the National Assembly, saying her frequent visits, including this one, were of great significance and helped to build friendship and deepen cooperation between Laos and Thailand. The Princess's current visit is especially meaningful, he said, because it is taking place during the year marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two neighbouring countries and also coincides with the 70th birthday of the Princess, who was born on April 2, 1955. The President praised the progress of Laos-Thailand relations over the past 75 years, commenting on enhanced cooperation in many sectors at the central and provincial levels. He expressed appreciation for the development projects initiated by members of the Thai royal family, especially by Princess Sirindhorn, which have supported development in health, education, agriculture, the environment, infrastructure and technology. Princess Maha Chakri Siridhorn said she was pleased to visit Laos again and commended the country's development. She agreed with the President on the importance of strong cooperation and reaffirmed her support for projects that deliver mutual benefit. On the same day, Her Royal Highness presided over a landmark conference in Vientiane to celebrate 25 years of Lao-Thai cooperation in strengthening medical services and public health systems. The event, titled 'Promoting Healthier Futures: 25 Years of Thai-Lao Collaboration in Medical and Public Health Capacity Building', took place in Vientiane and highlighted progress in the development of medical and public health personnel since the partnership began in 2000. The conference was part of a royal initiative by Princess Sirindhorn and coincides with her 70th birthday. It highlighted the key role played by the project in supporting Laos' public health sector over the past two decades. The Princess was joined by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Thongsavanh Phomvihane, Minister of Health, Dr Bounfeng Phoummalaysith, and other distinguished guests. About 330 participants attended, including alumni from 17 provinces and Vientiane, researchers, technical staff from the Ministry of Health and the University of Health Sciences, and faculty members from Mahidol University in Thailand. The event was jointly organised by the Personal Project of Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, Mahidol University, the Thailand International Cooperation Agency, the Royal Thai Embassy to Laos, and the Lao Ministry of Health. Speaking at the opening of the conference, Her Royal Highness said the academic event would enable medical personnel to share knowledge and improve their expertise through scientific research and discussion with specialists. 'Healthy people are an essential foundation for the development of a country. Therefore, medical personnel must have up-to-date knowledge and abilities and be able to appropriately apply modern medical and public health technology,' she said. The Princess first visited Laos in 1990 and has since paid regular visits, especially to provincial hospitals, where she has donated medical equipment and supplies in line with each hospital's needs. In 2000, she initiated training in medical and public health technology for Lao professionals, recognising that skilled human resources are the foundation of quality healthcare. Since then, the project has supported the capacity building of Ministry of Health personnel to improve the quality and efficiency of services across Laos. Target groups include doctors, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, medical analysts, physical therapists, nutritionists, public health workers, administrators and faculty members. These professionals work in provincial and district hospitals, provincial health departments, health offices, public health training institutions, and the Ministry of Health. Key objectives of the conference included providing a platform for participants to present scientific research and technical reports, share experiences, and exchange ideas with specialists. It also aimed to promote greater understanding of the value of research for self-development and improving professional performance, while strengthening collaboration between alumni, health professionals, and Laos and Thailand to support the goal of building healthier futures. The programme featured special lectures, seminars, exhibitions, panel discussions, and poster presentations, showcasing the 25-year journey of Thai-Lao partnership in public health development. The conference strengthened ties between the two nations and reinforced their shared commitment to improving healthcare for the people of Laos. - Vientiane Times/ANN
Barnama
22-04-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Top News Headlines In Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: April 22, 2025
The government announced the abolition of civil servants managing public institutions. A new law will appoint professionals from the private sector to leadership roles in state-owned enterprises and the state will oversee through a board of directors. Prime Minister Hun Manet reiterated the Kingdom's foreign policy that maintains relations with all nations. Cambodia's foreign policy is based on respect for sovereignty, non-interference in the internal affairs of other states and mutual respect. PRINCESS ON FOUR-DAY VISIT TO LAO -- VIENTIANE TIMES Thai Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn arrived in Laos on Monday for a four-day visit to strengthen relations between the two countries. She will attend the opening ceremony of a public health conference to mark the 25 years of Lao-Thai cooperation. SEEK OVERSEAS JOBS FOR SURVIVAL -- VIENTIANE TIMES Lao workers continue to seek overseas employment to escape financial woes despite the government revising the minimum wage last year. Workers are unable to cope with low income and rising living costs. Even vocational training does not help workers to improve their income. MYANMAR MAIN IMPORTER OF MYANMAR RICE -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Indonesia has emerged as the leading importer of Myanmar's rice with over 605,000 metric tonnes in the 2024-2025 financial year. China is the second largest, followed by Belgium and the Philippines. Myanmar's rice and broken rice exports touched 2.48 million tonnes. AID POURS IN FOR EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR International humanitarian aid continues to arrive in Myanmar following the March 28 earthquake that devastated parts of the country. Medical supplies, hygiene kits, tents, sleeping bags, food, essential goods and generators are being sent to disaster-hit areas. SINGAPORE NOOR AISHAH, WIFE OF SINGAPORE'S FIRST PRESIDENT YUSOF ISHAK, DIES AT 91 -- THE STRAITS TIMES Puan Noor Aishah, Singapore's former first lady and the widow of the country's first president Yusof Ishak, died on April 22. NOOR AISHAH, WIFE OF SINGAPORE'S FIRST PRESIDENT YUSOF ISHAK, DIES AGED 91 -- CNA Puan Noor Aishah, the wife of Singapore's first president, Mr Yusof Ishak, has died. THAILAND 1. PM TO ROLL OUT 12-BILLION-BAHT SML PROJECT TO BOOST GRASSROOTS ECONOMY -- The Nation Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is set to announce a policy aimed at supporting and enhancing the potential of village and urban community funds on Monday afternoon. 2. CALL FOR NEW INSTANT VAT REFUND SCHEME -- Bangkok Post The Thai Retailers Association (TRA) wants the government to introduce an instant VAT refund scheme for tourists and set up a free-trade-zone sandbox in tourist destinations such as Phuket, with the aim of positioning Thailand as an ASEAN shopping hub. VIETNAM SECTOR ON BULLISH TRAJECTORY -- VIETNAMPLUS Vietnam's aviation industry is showing impressive growth, with over 20 million passengers flying in the first quarter of this year. The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam said domestic travel recorded over nine million passengers, while international travel rose to 11.7 million. PRICES DIP AS CHINA TIGHTENS QUALITY CONTROL -- VIETNAM NEWS As China tightens quality control procedures and delays customs clearance, durian prices dropped in the Mekong Delta region. Farmers are only able to sell the fruit at one-third of the price compared to last year. This may stifle Vietnam's ambition to earn $3.5 billion from durian exports in 2025. -- BERNAMA BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies. Follow us on social media : Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio Twitter : @ @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial TikTok : @bernamaofficial
Boston Globe
17-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
Lao cuisine takes center stage at Quincy pop-up this weekend
Get Winter Soup Club A six-week series featuring soup recipes and cozy vibes, plus side dishes and toppings, to get us all through the winter. Enter Email Sign Up Phaeng & Phiu's first outing will be a communal-style dinner including dishes such as kingfish with kaffir lime leaves, grilled quail with turmeric and lemongrass, red snapper souffle, and a brulee of coconut and mung bean. There are limited seats left each night even though the tickets for the chef's five-course tasting menu are $160 plus fees. Robert is planning another pop-up in Brookline on March 24 that he says will be 'more of a Lao-Thai backyard party' vibe. That pop-up will be announced on Advertisement This weekend's quick-selling tickets are possibly a testament to Robert's experience and reputation. Rubato's chef and owner Laurence Louie, in The pop-up is named after Robert's parents, who met when his mom was a 'ping gai' (grilled chicken) hawker across the street from his father's gas station in Luang Prabang, Northern Laos. Robert aims to recreate the flavors of his youth with some help from his mom, who lives in Providence. 'My mom would not consider herself a cook but she does have a few recipes I can't even try to replicate,' says Robert. 'When we started doing recipe testing (together) for Phaeng & Phiu, it was fun to formulate a lot of recipes she knew.' Advertisement Phaeng & Phiu Lao Dinner @ Rubato HK Café, Feb. 21 and 22, tickets $160 each plus fees, wine pairing an additional $40, via Peggy Hernandez can be reached at . Follow her on Instagram
