AGP Executive Report

ASEAN Security Cooperation: Laos’ Public Security Ministry sent a delegation to an ASEAN meeting in Hanoi on handling criminal fugitives, backing a joint plan for 2026–2035 and a joint declaration, with officials stressing faster information sharing and capacity building. Party Governance & National Priorities: The 12th Party Central Committee’s extraordinary plenary session wrapped up Oct 1, adopting resolutions and urging tougher action on illegal minerals, unregistered vehicle imports, illegal firearms, drug trafficking, online scams, robbery, and road accidents, while also pushing flood recovery and support for affected families and farmers. National Assembly Agenda: Laos’ 10th National Assembly will hold its second ordinary session Oct 5–21, set to review state plans and budget targets, audit work, and vote on eight draft laws including deposit protection and amendments covering civil aviation, cybercrime, road traffic, and alcohol control. Laos–Thailand Ties: PM Sonexay received Thailand’s deputy PM and foreign minister ahead of the 23rd Lao-Thai Joint Commission, with both sides highlighting long-running cooperation and condolences over Thailand’s flooding. Laos–Vietnam Connectivity: Bolikhamxay advanced compensation preparations for the Pakxan–Thanh Thuy expressway section of the Vientiane–Hanoi link, laying out rates for land, buildings, crops, and trees for affected households. Diplomatic Expansion: Laos formally established diplomatic relations with Trinidad and Tobago at the UN, bringing its total to 155 countries. Sports & Public Life: Laos’ bodybuilding team returned from Bangkok with 3 gold and 3 silver medals, and officials said the country is ready to host the next world championships. Regional Human Rights Alarm: A Lao activist’s disappearance in Thailand was highlighted alongside other cases of transnational repression across Asia, raising concerns about cross-border targeting of critics and refugees.

Party & Governance: The 12th Party Central Committee’s extraordinary plenary session wrapped up Oct 1, adopting resolutions and issuing guidance on tackling illegal mineral extraction, unregistered vehicle imports, and urgent social issues like online scams, drugs, firearms, and road accidents, while also pushing faster post-flood recovery and support for farmers facing higher living costs. National Assembly: Laos’ 10th National Assembly will hold its second ordinary session Oct 5–21, set to approve state personnel and review 2026 plan, budget, and monetary targets, alongside eight draft laws including a new Deposit Protection law and amendments covering cybercrime, civil aviation, road traffic, and more. Foreign Relations: Laos formally established diplomatic relations with Trinidad and Tobago at the UN in New York, bringing total partners to 155, while leaders also sent congratulations to China on its National Day and to Premier Li Qiang. Bilateral Talks: Prime Minister Sonexay met Thailand’s Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow ahead of the Oct 2 Lao-Thai Joint Commission meeting in Luang Prabang, with both sides highlighting cooperation and condoling Thailand’s flood impacts. Infrastructure & Compensation: Bolikhamxay advanced compensation preparations for the Pakxan–Thanh Thuy section of the Vientiane–Hanoi expressway, covering land, buildings, crops, and fruit trees, with payments to eligible residents due within 60 working days after approvals. Security & Military Cooperation: China and Laos opened a joint support and training centre at Ban Keun Airport for Lao air force pilot training, with both sides saying it is not directed at any third party. Public Health & Rights: Laos marked World Contraception Day with UNFPA support, expanding access to voluntary, rights-based family planning information and services. Cross-border Trade: Vietnam–Laos Product Week opened in Hanoi, aiming to boost market links for goods from both countries. Civil Society: A Thailand-based rights group says Lao activist Khieo Lapchanh has been missing since Sept 15, raising fears of transnational repression tied to his videos critical of the Lao government.

China–Laos Military Ties: China and Laos opened a joint support and training centre at Ban Keun Airport near Vientiane, with a China-Laos Friendship Aviation Academy starting operations—Beijing says it’s for pilot training and “not directed against any third party.” Transnational Repression Watch: A Thailand-based Lao activist, Khieo Lapchanh, has been missing since Sept. 15 after threats tied to videos critical of the Lao government, raising fears of abduction or forced return. Public Finance & Delivery: Laos’ regional spending picture is in focus as public investment disbursement progress is reported at 55.5% of the 2026 target, with calls to tighten realistic monthly targets and reporting. Diplomatic Signals: PM Sonexay Siphandone sent congratulations to Chinese Premier Li Qiang for China’s National Day, stressing continued momentum in the Laos–China comprehensive strategic partnership. Border Trade Upgrade: Vietnam and Laos provinces agreed to push procedures to upgrade the Huoi Puoc–Na Son border gate to international status in 2027, aiming to expand trade corridors. Social Policy: Laos marks World Contraception Day with UNFPA support, expanding access to family planning information and services through health facilities and community outreach.

China–Laos Military: China and Laos inaugurated the China-Laos Joint Flight Training and Support Centre at Ban Keun Airport north of Vientiane, with a joint aviation academy starting operations to train Lao Air Force pilots—Beijing says it is jointly maintained and not aimed at any third party, while satellite-based reporting suggests a fast-growing PLA footprint. Border & Connectivity: Vietnam’s Dien Bien and Laos’s Luang Prabang agreed to complete procedures in 2026 to upgrade the Huoi Puoc–Na Son border gate to international status in 2027, aiming to expand trade and logistics corridors. Education Policy: Laos’s Ministry of Education and Sports, supported by Australia’s BEQUAL, launched research to improve Lao language and literacy for primary students—especially those who don’t speak Lao at home—feeding into curriculum and teacher training. Regional Security Cooperation: ASEAN law enforcement officials met in Hanoi to strengthen cooperation against criminal fugitives, with Laos highlighting information-sharing progress with Vietnam. Urban Order: Sikhottabong District in Vientiane confiscated 150 unauthorized electric scooters obstructing roads and walkways, warning operators they need proper permits to retrieve them.

Laos–China Military Cooperation: China has opened a new joint support and training center plus a friendship aviation academy at Ban Keun airport, with Beijing insisting the facilities are “not directed against third parties,” as Laos prepares for expanded pilot training and exercises. Aviation & Infrastructure Training: Separately, Laos and China inaugurated the Joint Aviation Training and Support Center and Laos-China Friendship Aviation College, underscoring deeper defense-linked aviation capacity. Education Reform: The Ministry of Education and Sports, with Australia’s BEQUAL, launched a year-long study on what drives Lao language and literacy for primary students—especially those who don’t speak Lao at home—aiming to shape curriculum, teacher training, and support lessons. Farmers’ Rights & Social Protection: Laos rolled out SOLAR II phase two to strengthen social protection, labor rights, and occupational safety for 32,000+ farmers in coffee, tea, and forestry sectors. Nutrition Financing: The Finance Ministry and UNICEF discussed strengthening nutrition budget tracking and public financing systems to better fund child nutrition priorities. Digital Security: Kaspersky and Best Telecom expanded cybersecurity cooperation to bring consumer protection tools into Laos’ telecom and financial-services ecosystem. Environment Planning: Laos reviewed GEF-9 priorities for environmental and climate action, aligning projects with national development and adaptation plans. Transport Connectivity: Thai Airways adds a third daily flight to Vientiane from December 1, increasing Bangkok–Vientiane capacity.

China–Laos Military Ties: China says its new China–Laos Joint Support and Training Center and Friendship Aviation Academy at Ban Keun airport are now operational, aimed at training Lao air force pilots and “not directed against any third party,” as the move also follows a joint humanitarian medical rescue exercise. ASEAN Tourism Policy: Lao officials joined ASEAN tourism ministers in Manila to push intra-ASEAN travel, update the 2002 ASEAN Tourism Agreement for digital and sustainability goals, and develop an ASEAN tourism intelligence system with a regional data dashboard. Lao Party Communications: Vietnam and Laos’ party propaganda and training bodies agreed to deepen cooperation on communications, ideological work, and professional training, warning that AI and digital platforms are making the online information environment more volatile. National Assembly Calendar: Laos’ National Assembly will hold its 2nd ordinary session of the 10th legislature from Oct 5–21 in Vientiane, reviewing key legislation and development priorities. Labour Rights in Rural Sectors: The EU- and ILO-backed SOLAR II project (2026–2030) launched in Vientiane to strengthen social protection and labour rights for coffee, tea, and forestry workers, expanding safer workplaces and access to social security. Disaster Response: After Typhoon Maysak flooding in Luang Namtha, Plan International Laos is supporting government relief with food and WASH for thousands of affected people, with attention to girls’ and women’s heightened risks. Transport Update: Thai Airways adds a third daily flight to Vientiane from Dec 1, increasing competition on the Bangkok–Vientiane route.

Party-to-Party Media Cooperation: Vietnam and Laos’ ruling parties pledged tighter coordination on communications and ideological work, warning that AI and digital platforms are being used to spread fake news and manipulate public sentiment. National Assembly Calendar: Laos will hold its 2nd ordinary session of the 10th legislature from October 5–21, with lawmakers set to review key legislative and development priorities. Labour Rights in Key Sectors: The EU- and ILO-backed SOLAR II project launched in Vientiane to expand social protection and labour rights for coffee, tea and forestry workers and small producers through 2030. Mekong Institute Leadership: Laos’ deputy foreign minister met the newly appointed Mekong Institute executive director to align priorities on human resources, digital transformation and climate adaptation. Cross-Border Digital Payments: Vietnam’s cross-border QR push is already boosting spending by visitors from Laos and other neighbors, with Laos-linked transactions rising sharply. Cluster Munitions Fallout: A Cambodian official used a Vientiane conference to renew claims that Thai forces used millions of cluster submunitions in Cambodia, citing major impacts on civilians and infrastructure. Tourism Momentum: A WEF tourism index update points to continued recovery across Southeast Asia, with Laos among the regional improvers.

LPRP Governance: Laos’ 12th Party Central Committee opened an extraordinary plenary session in Vientiane, with leaders set to review implementation of the 12th Party Congress resolutions and tackle economic restructuring, human resources, and intellectuals’ roles, alongside pressing issues like flooding damage, African swine fever, illegal resource extraction, telecom scams, illicit weapons, smuggling, and narcotics. Party-State Priorities: The session runs for five days and is framed by global uncertainty and domestic social pressures, with guidance expected on measures to combat vehicle smuggling and illegal mining. Rail Connectivity: The China-Laos Railway launched its first morning Boten–Vientiane intercity passenger service (C95/C96), enabling same-day round trips and adding stops at key northern stations. Digital Economy Planning: Laos reviewed a draft 2026–2035 master plan for e-commerce management and development, aiming for a more professional, transparent sector with consumer protection, stronger digital infrastructure, logistics, and cybersecurity. International Diplomacy: Laos reaffirmed commitment to multilateralism and a smooth, sustainable LDC graduation ahead of its scheduled November 24, 2026 exit, stressing UN Charter principles and predictable financing. Regional Media Cooperation: ASEAN information officials met in Vientiane to strengthen media collaboration, focusing on digital transformation and countering misinformation. Bilateral Talks: Thailand’s foreign minister is set to visit Laos to co-chair the 23rd Lao-Thai Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation.

Party & State Priorities: Laos’ ruling party opened an extraordinary plenary session of the 12th Central Committee, with guidance on implementing the 12th Congress resolution, including economic restructuring, human resources, and tougher action on scams, illegal extraction, smuggling, and drugs. Bilateral Diplomacy: Thailand’s deputy PM and foreign minister will visit Laos Sept 30–Oct 2 to co-chair the 23rd Lao-Thai Joint Commission meeting and review cooperation priorities. Digital Economy Planning: Laos is reviewing a draft 2026–2035 master plan for e-commerce to expand digital infrastructure, logistics, AI and cybersecurity, and to strengthen consumer protection and dispute handling. Connectivity Boost: The Laos-China Railway launched its first morning passenger service from Boten to Vientiane, with timed return trips and stops along the corridor. International Positioning: Laos reaffirmed commitment to multilateralism and a smooth, sustainable LDC graduation ahead of its scheduled Nov 24 exit. Regional Security Focus: Laos is also in the wider push against online scam networks, as regional efforts intensify around financial and recruitment networks.

Online Scams Crackdown: Delegates from 28 nations and seven international organizations signed the “Phnom Penh Declaration” after ICCOS in Cambodia, pledging 11 steps to dismantle cross-border scam networks and disrupt their money flows, with Interpol warning online fraud and romance scams are escalating across Asia. Regional Security & Cooperation: Interpol says syndicates increasingly use social media and dating apps, while Laos is repeatedly named as part of the regional ecosystem being targeted by enforcement and asset-recovery efforts. Laos-Linked Human Rights Concern: A Thai-based NGO says a Lao content creator’s disappearance in Thailand could fit a pattern of transnational repression after he sought asylum following threats over criticism of the Lao government. Digital Payments & Trade: Laos’ neighbors’ push for cross-border QR payments and digital connectivity reflects a broader shift from “just linking systems” to driving real retail and tourism value. Tourism Investment in Laos: Khammouane signed a USD 1.2m concession to develop the Khounnamphone nature tourism site, splitting the area into development and conservation zones over 50 years.

Cyber-Scam Crackdown in Laos Region: Interpol warns online financial and romance fraud is expanding across Asia, with syndicates using Southeast Asia—including Laos—after crackdowns elsewhere, as Cambodia and Myanmar push dismantling efforts. UN Multilateralism & ASEAN Role: At UNGA, Malaysia’s foreign minister argues “middle powers” and ASEAN can keep dialogue alive when major powers stall, stressing proactive governance and multilateral trust. HIV Funding Squeeze: UNAIDS says HIV resources fell 18% in 2025 while governments—including Laos—continue long-standing support, even as the US boosts Ebola response funding in the DRC. Laos–Vietnam Front Cooperation: Lao and Vietnamese Front committees met to deepen people-to-people ties, public awareness, and support for cross-border economic cooperation. Tourism & Culture Signals: Laos is cited among tourism improvers in a WEF index, while Laos–China Guangxi promotion highlights growing culture-and-tourism cooperation. Cross-Border Digital Payments: Regional reporting shows cross-border QR payments shifting from connectivity to real economic value—relevant as Laos expands digital payment links.

UN Diplomacy: Cambodia’s FM Prak Sokhonn urged a “fair and lasting” Thailand border settlement at the UN, calling for sovereign equality and renewed survey/demarcation work via the Joint Boundary Commission. Digital Rights & Security: A Thai-based NGO says a Lao content creator’s disappearance in Thailand may fit a pattern of transnational repression after he posted criticism of the Lao government and sought asylum. Cyber-Scam Crackdown: Laos-linked reporting highlights the wider regional push against scam networks, including fears gangs are shifting to new countries after crackdowns. People-to-People & Culture: China-ASEAN Film Week opened in Vientiane, with Lao and Chinese performances and screenings through Sept 29. Tourism Cooperation: Guangxi promoted tourism in Vientiane under “Discover Guangxi,” tying cooperation to the China–Laos Friendship Year. Local Development: Thakhek began a 2.5 billion kip clock tower project to boost the city’s landmark appeal and tourism. Humanitarian & Health: Lao Red Cross marked World First Aid Day with a focus on first aid for migrants and people “on the move.” Governance & Planning: Vientiane Province and Luxembourg reviewed development cooperation, stressing poverty reduction and ensuring big infrastructure projects deliver real local benefits.

Cybercrime & Repression: A Thai-based rights group says a Lao content creator’s disappearance in Thailand may fit “transnational repression,” after he posted criticism of the Lao government and was preparing for a UNHCR asylum interview. Cybersecurity Crackdown: Laos authorities detained 33 suspects in a two-day Vientiane cybercrime crackdown, underscoring the government’s push to curb online fraud. Digital Governance: Laos is updating its national statistical system strategy for 2026–2035 (vision to 2040), aiming for more reliable data to guide evidence-based policymaking. Local Development: Vientiane Province and Luxembourg reviewed cooperation priorities, including poverty reduction and grassroots capacity building, while Thakhek began a 2.5 billion kip clock tower project to boost urban appeal and tourism. Humanitarian & Migration: The Lao Red Cross marked World First Aid Day 2026 with a focus on first aid for migrants and people “on the move.” Regional Ties: Guangxi held a culture-and-tourism promotion event in Vientiane to deepen Laos–China exchanges, and China–ASEAN Film Week opened in Vientiane with screenings through Sept. 29.

Cybercrime & Scams: A Lao migrant’s disappearance in Thailand is being flagged by an NGO as a possible case of transnational repression, after the creator had posted criticism of the Lao government and then vanished ahead of a UN asylum interview. Cybersecurity Crackdown: Laos detained 33 suspects in a two-day Vientiane cybercrime crackdown, underscoring the government’s push against scam networks. Digital Payments & Cross-Border Trade: Laos and China launched a digital payment link for cross-border transactions, while Laos also moves to modernize national statistical systems and improve land appraisal prices to better reflect market values. People-to-People & Culture: China-ASEAN Film Week opened in Vientiane, with Lao and Chinese performances and screenings running through Sept. 29. Migration & Labour: Lao migrant workers sent about $500 million home in the first seven months of 2026, and Laos is expanding protections under the “TRIANGLE in ASEAN” labour-migration project. Public Health & Safety: The Lao Red Cross marked World First Aid Day 2026 in Vientiane, focusing on first aid for people on the move. Regional Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal urged stronger support for LDCs at the UN, stressing finance, climate justice, and sustainable development.

UN Diplomacy for LDCs: Laos Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal told an LDC foreign ministers meeting at the UN that support must move from promises to action—especially finance, climate justice, productive capacity and sustainable development—warning that global crises keep hitting the poorest hardest. Vientiane Governance: Vientiane Capital plans to revise official land appraisal prices to better match market values and protect state revenue, after officials flagged outdated rates and inconsistent district application. Public Works: Motorists are warned to avoid part of Lane Xang Road in Vientiane Capital on Sept 26–27 due to diversions for the Smart Clean-Cooling Road System project. Capacity Building: The National Assembly Law and Justice Committee held a training in Vientiane on Japan’s legislative and judicial practices, with JICA support. Digital/Stats Modernization: Laos is consulting on a draft 2026–2035 strategy for a more sustainable national statistical system, aiming for evidence-based policymaking. People-to-people & Culture: China-ASEAN Film Week opened in Vientiane, with screenings running through Sept 29 and a focus on regional cultural exchange. Migration & Protection: Lao Red Cross marked World First Aid Day 2026, stressing first-aid skills for people on the move. Economy & Labor: Laos reported overseas migrant workers sent home about $500m in the first seven months of 2026, up 36.6%, as the “TRIANGLE in ASEAN” project enters its next phase.

Land & Revenue: Vientiane plans to update official land appraisal prices to better match market values, aiming to reduce inconsistencies across districts and protect state revenue as urban growth pushes land values up faster than 2021 rates. Urban Transport: Vientiane drivers are warned to avoid part of Lane Xang Road on Sept 26–27 for road-cutting and pipe-laying tied to the Smart Clean-Cooling Road System, with detours via Sisavath/Sailom and the Nongbone Road route. Rule of Law Capacity: National Assembly Law and Justice Committee officials trained with JICA on Japan’s legislative and judicial practices, focusing on how the committee supports the Assembly’s advisory role. National Priorities: The September government monthly meeting, chaired by PM Sonexay Siphandone, reported 78% state revenue collection, 56% spending execution, 7.7% average inflation, and set October tasks including disaster recovery, disease control, and draft plans/laws. Infrastructure Safety: Irrigation officials received practical training on dam safety inspections at Nam Toung 2 Dam under a Korea-funded project. Regional Security & Scams: Laos is among Lancang–Mekong partners pushing stronger cross-border cooperation to break online scam chains, including faster information sharing and tougher action against money-laundering networks. Economy & Trade: Laos is also in the spotlight of US solar trade actions, with Commerce finalizing AD/CVD duties that include Laotian producers. Culture & Tourism: Pakse will host Boun Ork Phansa and a traditional boat racing festival Oct 26–27, including an international boat race.