Thailand and Laos Target $11 Billion in Bilateral Trade by 2027
Thailand and Laos have agreed to expand bilateral trade to $11 billion by 2027, with plans to strengthen cross-border tourism, clean energy cooperation and transport infrastructure. The partnership includes further integration through the ASEAN Power Grid and development of an 820-metre bridge in Laos' Luang Prabang Province.
Thai Air Force Monitors New Chinese-Backed Military Aviation Facility in Laos
Thailand's military is assessing a newly opened China-Laos military support and training centre at Ban Keun Airport near Vientiane. Satellite imagery shows expanded aviation infrastructure and Chinese-designed training aircraft at the facility, located approximately 50 kilometres from the Thai border, raising attention to Beijing's growing defence cooperation with Laos.
Laos Reports 4.8% Economic Growth as Government Targets 5.1% for 2026
Newly appointed Lao Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith has told the National Assembly that the economy grew 4.8% during the first nine months of 2026. The government is targeting full-year growth of 5.1%, supported by economic reforms, efforts to stabilise domestic fuel supplies and policies aimed at attracting foreign investment.
China-Laos Railway Cross-Border Trade Surpasses 100 Billion Yuan
Cumulative trade carried by the China-Laos Railway linking Vientiane and Kunming has exceeded 100 billion yuan, marking a significant milestone for regional transport. Rising shipments of agricultural products and manufactured goods are strengthening Laos' position as a logistics corridor between China and mainland Southeast Asia.
Vietnam and Laos Deepen Economic Cooperation Following Prime Minister's Visit to Vientiane
Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung has concluded an official visit to Laos, holding talks with the country's leadership on closer economic and infrastructure cooperation. Discussions focused on expanding digital investment, improving telecommunications networks and strengthening connectivity across the Greater Mekong region.
Laos and China Introduce Cross-Border Digital Payments to Support Tourism
Laos and China have launched an integrated digital payment system allowing Chinese tourists to make transactions with Lao businesses more easily. The initiative is intended to support local tourism spending and reduce payment barriers as Laos expects approximately two million Chinese visitors in 2026.
Laos Audit Authority Identifies Nearly $2 Million in Misallocated Public Infrastructure Funds
The Lao State Inspection Authority has identified nearly $2 million in diverted funds and inefficient spending across public infrastructure projects in Vientiane. The findings have renewed attention on government financial oversight and efforts to improve transparency in municipal development spending.
Thai Air Force Monitors New Chinese-Backed Military Aviation Facility in Laos
Thailand's military is assessing a newly opened China-Laos military support and training centre at Ban Keun Airport near Vientiane. Satellite imagery shows expanded aviation infrastructure and Chinese-designed training aircraft at the facility, located approximately 50 kilometres from the Thai border, raising attention to Beijing's growing defence cooperation with Laos.
Laos Reports 4.8% Economic Growth as Government Targets 5.1% for 2026
Newly appointed Lao Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith has told the National Assembly that the economy grew 4.8% during the first nine months of 2026. The government is targeting full-year growth of 5.1%, supported by economic reforms, efforts to stabilise domestic fuel supplies and policies aimed at attracting foreign investment.
China-Laos Railway Cross-Border Trade Surpasses 100 Billion Yuan
Cumulative trade carried by the China-Laos Railway linking Vientiane and Kunming has exceeded 100 billion yuan, marking a significant milestone for regional transport. Rising shipments of agricultural products and manufactured goods are strengthening Laos' position as a logistics corridor between China and mainland Southeast Asia.
Vietnam and Laos Deepen Economic Cooperation Following Prime Minister's Visit to Vientiane
Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung has concluded an official visit to Laos, holding talks with the country's leadership on closer economic and infrastructure cooperation. Discussions focused on expanding digital investment, improving telecommunications networks and strengthening connectivity across the Greater Mekong region.
Laos and China Introduce Cross-Border Digital Payments to Support Tourism
Laos and China have launched an integrated digital payment system allowing Chinese tourists to make transactions with Lao businesses more easily. The initiative is intended to support local tourism spending and reduce payment barriers as Laos expects approximately two million Chinese visitors in 2026.
Laos Audit Authority Identifies Nearly $2 Million in Misallocated Public Infrastructure Funds
The Lao State Inspection Authority has identified nearly $2 million in diverted funds and inefficient spending across public infrastructure projects in Vientiane. The findings have renewed attention on government financial oversight and efforts to improve transparency in municipal development spending.