The Laotian Times

Banque pour le Commerce Exterieur Lao Public (BCEL) has joined hands with Chinese payment service provider UnionPay International (UPI) to roll out new QR code payment services in Laos.The move will enable UnionPay app users to make payments by scanning QR codes at local stores ...

The Mekong River, which flows through Laos, is experiencing a record low water level amid deficient rainfall.In Vientiane, the water level of the Mekong is 0.7 meters, or 5.54 meters below its long-term average water level measured over 57 years (1961-2018). It is about 1.36 ...

In a country where weaving is usually considered a house chore and mostly done by women, Ock Pop Tok is striving to transform this perception.Oct Pop Tok, which means “East meets West” in the Lao language, believes it can contribute to the local retail industry in Laos, ...

Japanese electronics giant Mitsubishi Electric Corporation has set up a new subsidiary in Laos amid growing demand in the country for elevators and escalators.MELCO Elevator Lao, which began its operation on July 1, is expected to beef up Mitsubishi Electric’s sales of elevators and escalators ...

Laos has seen a dramatic increase in the number of South Korean tourists over the past few years after the reality TV show, “Youth Over Flowers,” featured  Korean actors visiting famous locations in Laos, particularly in Vang Vieng.The number of visitors from South Korea to Laos grew ...

Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow to Laos decreased in 2018 amid a drop in new investment from China, a recent report has shown.FDI inflow to Laos last year stood at USD 1.3 billion, a 17 percent drop from the previous year, according to the World Investment ...

WhatsApp is the most popular mobile application in Laos, according to a report by the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (Kotra).“WhatsApp is the most popular mobile messengers for people across Laos, with features that allow them to communicate with each other easily when their phone numbers ...

Thailand is preparing to launch the country’s first bullet train that will run between Bangkok and Beijing, China, with Laos as one of the intermediate stations.The “Trans-ASEAN Line” will cover 3,193 kilometers at the cost of about THB 2.07 trillion (USD 67.2 billion) and link ...

Road accidents continue to plague Vientiane Capital, with the latest figures for the year so far reaching a staggering 525 cases, according to a recent announcement by police.Lieutenant Colonel Phengsavanh Thammaboun, Head of the Vientiane Capital Traffic Police Department, stated in an interview with the Vientiane ...

Will 7-Eleven come to Laos? The question has been up in the air for many years despite continued reports that it would make a foray into the country.One more such report emerged a few days ago. According to The Nation, CP All, a Thai firm that ...