AGP Executive Report

Inclusive Education: Laos’ Ministry of Education and Sports is running a study on inclusive education for students with disabilities, testing a new classroom tool in Xieng Khuang during the 2026–2027 school year with 18 students and teacher support methods. Severe Weather Alert: The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology warns of heavy rain and thunderstorms across eight provinces from Aug 18–21, with risks of flash floods, landslides, and urban flooding. Public Safety & Security: Laos is stepping up prevention and resolution of firearms and explosives crimes, reviewing results of a 2024–2026 collection drive and setting priorities for 2026–2028. Digital Finance Push: The Bank of Lao PDR approved Star Fintech (Umoney) to join the regulatory sandbox for digital lending, aiming to expand formal credit access. Cross-border Justice: Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos courts reaffirm cooperation to tackle transnational organised crime, including drug trafficking and online scams. Regional Cooperation & Infrastructure: Vientiane’s Huay Dueua and Huay Mak-hiao irrigation rehabilitation projects were handed over after ADB-funded work. Business & Culture: Paris Baguette opens its first Laos bakery-cafe in Vientiane, while the first “Lao Wisdom Value” Exhibition and Festival is set for Sept 9–13.

Digital Identity Push: Laos has rolled out the LAeID application nationwide and says old-style identity cards (including white and green cards) will no longer be accepted for official transactions, as the country shifts from paper-based registration to an electronic citizen database. Digital Week Ahead: The government also announced Lao Digital Week 2026 in Vientiane (Oct 21–25) to boost digital government, AI-ready skills, cybersecurity awareness, and reduce the urban-rural digital gap. Energy and Industry Moves: Laos is stepping up hydropower exports, with electricity generation up 8.6% in the first half of 2026, while it studies a new USD 1 billion Vientiane-Lidu Industrial Park feasibility (307 hectares) to diversify beyond hydropower and agriculture. Boten Dan Ngam SEZ: PM Sonexay Siphandone visited the Boten Dan Ngam Special Economic Zone in Luang Namtha, urging better investment management, clearer project zoning, and tighter coordination on electricity planning. Border Security: Authorities in Vietnam arrested a Nigerian national after customs found about 2kg of suspected meth and heroin concealed in a consignment from Laos. Flood Response: Savannakhet officials inspected Se Bang Fai River flooding in Xayboury District, with heavy rain affecting thousands of families and damaging roads, farmland, fishponds, and schools.

Digital Transformation Push: Laos will host Lao Digital Week 2026 in Vientiane from Oct. 21–25, aiming to speed up digital government, build an AI-ready workforce, and narrow the urban-rural digital gap. Digital Identity Rollout: The Ministry of Public Security has launched the LAeID application nationwide and says old identity cards (including white and green cards) will be discontinued, with citizens and institutions asked to register and use LAeID for official transactions. Flood Response in Savannakhet: Provincial leaders inspected damage along the Se Bang Fai River in Xayboury District, delivering relief supplies and 100 million kip in emergency funds after heavy rains affected nearly 3,000 families across dozens of villages. Electricity Export Momentum: Laos’ electricity generation rose to 26.67 billion kWh in the first half of 2026, up 8.6%, as hydropower becomes a bigger part of the country’s regional energy role. Regional Security Cooperation: Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos border provinces pledged stronger judicial cooperation to tackle cross-border issues.

Education & Infrastructure: China-backed upgrading begins for Savannakhet Secondary School, adding a modern teaching building, office block and indoor sports hall to improve learning conditions for students. Cross-border Security: Laos deported 23 Thai nationals after a crackdown on online gambling networks, with cases screened under a referral mechanism tied to potential trafficking or forced labour. Investment & Industry: Laos rare-earth rare earth venture Mengkang in Xiangkhouang province is suspended as policy changes force the joint venture to pause operations and adjust to new rules. Trade & Compliance: A wider “shadow transshipment” crackdown is spilling into the region, with Singapore urged to ensure accurate origin declarations as the US flags economies that could be used to dodge tariffs—Laos is named among countries in the broader list. Health & Inclusion: Vientiane hosts the Inclusion Champion Awards 2026, spotlighting inclusive community health and recognition for HIV/AIDS response and hospital access efforts. Regional Cooperation: Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos courts meet in Phnom Penh to strengthen judicial coordination on border-area crimes, including cyber-enabled crime and trafficking.

Laos Gambling Crackdown: Laos deported 23 Thai nationals after arrests tied to online gambling sites, with police saying the group was handed to Thai immigration in Vientiane for screening under a referral mechanism. Rare Earth Policy Shift: China’s Mengkang rare earth project in Laos was suspended after board approval, with firms citing evolving Lao regulations and corporate social responsibility needs. Inclusive Health Push: Laos highlighted “Inclusive Community Health” at the Inclusion Champion Awards in Vientiane, spotlighting HIV/AIDS response, inclusive hospital services, and community wellness work. Border Justice Cooperation: Laos joined Vietnam and Cambodia in Phnom Penh for the 8th conference of border provincial courts, aiming to strengthen judicial coordination against cross-border crimes. Regional Trade Watch: Singapore reiterated that firms transshipping through the city must accurately declare the true country/region of origin, responding to a US “Great Transshipment Scam” report that also flagged Laos among potentially vulnerable jurisdictions. Weather & Safety: Thailand issued heavy-rain warnings driven by a monsoon trough feeding a low-pressure area, with Laos-linked conditions mentioned as part of the wider regional setup. Korean Food Arrivals: Korean franchises keep expanding in Laos, with Ediya Coffee and Paris Baguette opening new outlets in Vientiane’s KokKok Mega Mall.

Judicial Cooperation: Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos courts met in Phnom Penh to deepen coordination on border-area cases, with leaders calling for stronger exchange of expertise and tighter responses to cross-border cyber crime and drug trafficking. Inclusive Health: Laos marked the inaugural Inclusion Champion Awards in Vientiane, spotlighting community health access for people facing barriers by disability, ethnicity, gender or social status, and recognizing groups working on HIV/AIDS and inclusive public health. Party Diplomacy: A Lao Party delegation joined international communist and workers’ party meetings in Cuba, while Lao leaders also held an almsgiving ceremony in Vientiane to dedicate merit to late National Assembly President Xaysomphone Phomvihane. Labour Migration Watch: Laos warned job seekers not to use unauthorized brokers promising faster South Korea recruitment outside the official Employment Permit System, warning of possible data misuse and penalties for training centers that share personal information improperly. Wildlife Protection: In Cambodia’s Kampong Speu, a mother pileated gibbon and young were reported lost to suspected poaching as locals and a monk struggle to protect forests without rangers. Regional Security Drills: The Philippines will join an ASEAN-India maritime exercise in September, with Laos among participating navies.

ASEAN-India Naval Drills: The Philippines will host the ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise 2026 from Sept. 28 to Oct. 2, with navies from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Timor-Leste and Brunei joining under the theme “Anchored in Trust, United at Sea.” Judicial Cooperation: Cambodia’s Supreme Court chief met Vietnam and Laos counterparts in Phnom Penh to discuss judicial cooperation. Party Diplomacy in Cuba: A Lao Party delegation attended international communist and workers’ party meetings in Havana, highlighting solidarity and shared development views. National Mourning & Merit Ceremony: Laos leaders held an almsgiving ceremony in Vientiane to dedicate merit for late National Assembly President Xaysomphone Phomvihane. Border Revenue Watch: Laos says major border checkpoints hit strong 2026 targets, led by Vangtao (Champasak) and crossings in Savannakhet and Khammouane. Labor Migration Warning: Laos’ labor ministry warned jobseekers not to use unauthorized brokers promising faster South Korea processing. Gambling Crackdown: Laos sent 130 Thai nationals back after a crackdown on online gambling operations in Vientiane. Trade & Logistics: DHL launched a new daily Shanghai–Bangkok freighter flight, citing shifting China–Southeast Asia trade flows. US Tariff Evasion Claims: A US report alleges a “shadow transshipment network” used by Chinese exporters to dodge tariffs, naming several Asian jurisdictions including Laos-linked trade partners in the wider region.

Laos Gambling Crackdown: Laos handed 130 Thai nationals back to Thailand after a crackdown on online gambling operations in Vientiane, with officials saying initial checks found no trafficking victims and that the workers earned about US$420–540 a month. Regional Disaster Insurance: SEADRIF reported progress on scaling disaster risk insurance across Southeast Asia, including renewed US$16 million sovereign parametric coverage for Laos and a fast payout within six days. Border and Diplomatic Ties: Vietnam’s ambassador to Sweden signed a condolences book for late Lao National Assembly President Xaysomphone Phomvihane, underscoring Laos–Vietnam cooperation. Climate Resilience Project: Laos launched a US$6.77 million project to strengthen climate resilience in Sayaboury. National Mourning & Leadership Loss: Laos observed five days of national mourning after the death of National Assembly President Xaysomphone Phomvihane, prompting tributes and condolences from regional partners. Flood Watch: Laos issued flood watch as river levels neared warning thresholds, as monsoon conditions continue to raise risks across the region.

Laos Gambling Crackdown: Laos has handed 130 Thai nationals back to Thailand after a crackdown on online gambling and scam operations in Vientiane, with officials saying initial checks found no trafficking victims or people forced into the work; the group will face Thai legal action. Regional Film & Culture: Busan’s Asian Cinema Fund picked three international co-productions for 2026 support, including projects led by directors Jakrawal Nilthamrong (with Laos among minority roles) and others, highlighting cross-border creative ties. Disaster Risk Insurance: SEADRIF says it is expanding disaster risk insurance across Southeast Asia, including renewed USD 16 million sovereign parametric coverage for Laos and faster payouts after disasters. Digital Week in Vientiane: Laos Digital Week 2026 is set for Oct 21–25 in Vientiane, with forums on e-government, AI, cloud, blockchain and digital workforce training. Border Security: Vietnam and Laos carried out a joint patrol along the shared border to inspect markers, clear routes and coordinate action against smuggling, trafficking and illegal entry. War Remains Recovery: Laos is included in a wider regional effort to recover and identify martyrs’ remains, with Laos reported among the recovered sets so far.

Judicial and diplomatic ties: Cambodia’s King Norodom Sihamoni granted a royal audience in Phnom Penh to the chief justices of Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos, including Laos’ top court president Phaivy Siboualipha. Trade and labour: Bangladesh and Laos agreed to expand trade and launch cooperation on labour recruitment during their first-ever foreign office consultations in Vientiane. Human trafficking crackdown: Lao police arrested four suspected brokers accused of arranging irregular “marriages” between Lao women and foreign men, charging about US$7,533–9,308 per case. Border security: Vietnam and Laos carried out a joint patrol to inspect border markers and coordinate action against drugs, smuggling, human trafficking and illegal entry/exit. Education inclusion: Laos’ MoES, with Australia’s BEQUAL, released a teacher training video to help staff identify and support students with disabilities in classrooms. UXO/cluster munitions: Laos marked the 16th anniversary of the Convention on Cluster Munitions, highlighting ongoing risks from unexploded submunitions and progress in survey and clearance. Investment momentum: Laos approved over US$8.5 billion in projects in the first seven months of 2026, with transport and electricity leading sectors. Digital push: Lao Digital Week 2026 is set for Oct 21–25 in Vientiane, featuring e-government, AI and investment networking. Flood pressure in the region: Heavy monsoon rain and rising Mekong-related waters are displacing people across Laos and Myanmar, with Thai communities bracing for flash-flood risk.

National Mourning: Laos held farewell ceremonies for National Assembly President Xaysomphone Phomvihane, with government leaders, diplomats and the public gathering at That Luang. Climate Resilience: Laos and WWF-Laos launched a Xayabouly project to boost climate resilience and water security for sustainable livelihoods. Investment Push: Laos’ first national meeting on investment promotion and management backed moves to modernize approvals, improve transparency and speed up oversight, with Prime Minister Sonexay calling for faster, more professional procedures. Power Sector Update: Electricité du Laos reviewed first-half 2026 performance, reporting rising customer numbers and progress on transmission and hydropower operations. Food Security & Jobs: Soukchaleun Farm expanded its integrated egg production chain, aiming to strengthen domestic supply and cut costs for layer farmers. Migrant Work Rules: Laos is among countries affected by Thailand’s work-permit renewal deadlines for Lao, Myanmar and Vietnamese workers, with new timelines for applications and documentation. Regional Context: Heavy monsoon rain continues to threaten flooding across Thailand, with warnings tied to conditions extending toward Laos.

National Mourning: Laos held a state funeral and memorial burial for National Assembly President Xaysomphone Phomvihane in Vientiane on Aug. 12, with top Lao leaders and major foreign delegations attending, including Vietnam’s CPV officials, as tributes highlighted his decades of service and his role in strengthening Vietnam–Laos ties. Regional Development: Laos launched a project (to run through Dec 2030) with ADB and partners to promote sustainable agri-food systems, expand finance access, improve value chains, and boost climate resilience and nutrition support in targeted villages. Cross-Border Trade: China–Laos Railway trade continues to climb, with imports and exports via the line exceeding 20 billion yuan in the first seven months of 2026, as cargo categories expand. Security & Governance: Cambodia’s PM Hun Manet reiterated that CLV-DTA participation is about development without compromising sovereignty, while also stressing tighter control of “black economy” risks in border provinces like Stung Treng. Infrastructure & Connectivity: Cambodia also pushed ahead with road-building plans to improve direct access to the Dragon’s Tail area, aiming to strengthen connectivity and border-area development.

National Assembly President’s death and mourning: Laos continues a wave of tributes after Xaysomphone Phomvihane died on Aug 8, with ceremonies and condolence books across provinces and abroad, including Vietnam’s high-level delegation and messages from friendly parties and states. Diplomacy with Vietnam: Vietnam’s CPV Politburo delegation led by Tran Cam Tu attended the funeral and met President Thongloun Sisoulith, reaffirming the close Laos–Vietnam friendship. Climate resilience project: Laos launched a US$6.77 million, six-year climate resilience program in Sayaboury with WWF-Laos, aiming to strengthen water security and support community-led adaptation across four river basins. Regional connectivity and trade: China–ASEAN freight links are expanding, with Guangxi–Vietnam freight trains now running daily and trade hitting record levels in the first seven months of 2026. Cross-border security concern: UN investigators say Myanmar’s military is increasingly using low-cost drones and motorised paragliders to attack civilians, underscoring the worsening humanitarian situation. Economy and services: Shinsegae opened its first overseas off-price “Factory Store” in Vientiane, while Laos–China railway cargo growth and other regional logistics developments continue to draw attention.

National Mourning for Lao NA President: Laos is in a five-day mourning period after the death of National Assembly President Xaysomphone Phomvihane, with tributes and condolences flowing in from regional partners including Vietnam and Cambodia, and high-level delegations arriving in Vientiane for memorial events. Cambodia–Laos Parliamentary Solidarity: Cambodian National Assembly President Khuon Sudary traveled to Laos for the funeral and held meetings with Lao leadership, underscoring the close party-to-party ties between the two countries. Cross-Border Security Crackdown: Lao authorities handed 41 Thai nationals suspected of illegal online gambling and telecom fraud to Thai counterparts at the First Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge checkpoint after a raid in Vientiane. China–Laos Railway Trade Boost: Cargo via the China–Laos Railway topped $2.97 billion in seven months as the freight mix expands to thousands of categories, including new-energy vehicles and agricultural goods. Energy Transition Push: Malaysia’s investment chief urged stronger ASEAN cooperation to close a major energy-transition funding gap, pointing to the ASEAN Power Grid as a way to better link hydropower from Laos with regional renewables. Flood Watch in the Region: Laos-linked weather concerns are echoed across the Mekong area as authorities monitor rising river levels and prepare for heavy rain impacts.

Cross-border crackdown: Lao authorities deported 41 Thai nationals suspected of running illegal online gambling sites and related telecom fraud, handing them to Thai officials at the First Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge checkpoint in Vientiane–Nong Khai after a July raid on ST VEGUS Company in Vientiane. National mourning and diplomacy: The Lao Embassy in China held a tribute ceremony in Beijing for late National Assembly President Xaysomphone Phomvihane, highlighting his role in strengthening Laos–Vietnam ties. Sports spotlight: Australia’s CommBank Young Socceroos named a 23-player squad for AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 qualification in Vientiane, with Laos among their group opponents. Flood watch regionally: Thailand is monitoring flood risks in 12 provinces, including Chiang Mai, as heavy rain continues and Mekong levels rise, with preparedness measures and warnings in place. Business and culture: Paris Baguette opened its first Laos store in Vientiane’s KokKok Mega Mall Patuxay, marking its entry into a seventh Southeast Asian market.

National Mourning for Lao NA President: Laos has declared five days of national mourning after National Assembly President Xaysomphone Phomvihane died on Aug. 8 at 70, with condolences pouring in from Vietnam and other partners, including high-level messages from UAE leaders. Digital Identity Push: The government is replacing traditional household registration books with a digital population registration system, using Census Data Certificates as the main proof of identity, while national ID holders can also use their IDs for transactions. Flood Watch: The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology issued a flood watch for Aug. 10–11 as Mekong and Xe Don levels near warning thresholds, urging riverbank and low-lying communities to stay alert. Cost of Living Measure: The National Assembly is considering exempting subsidized residential electricity from VAT to support low-income households, as electricity prices rise under the 2025–2029 tariff roadmap. ASEAN and Regional Ties: Laos’ wider regional engagement continues alongside ASEAN events and diplomacy, including renewed calls for ASEAN centrality amid global fragmentation.