AGP Executive Report

Freshwater Conservation: Laos plans to release 72 million fish fingerlings nationwide on July 13 to mark National Fish Releasing and Aquatic Wildlife Conservation Day, aiming to restore freshwater biodiversity and support sustainable fisheries management. Regional Diplomacy: Myanmar’s President Min Aung Hlaing is set to visit Laos in the coming days, his first trip to an ASEAN member state since moving from military rule to a civilian presidency. Bilateral Ties: Laos awarded a Friendship Medal to outgoing Republic of Korea Ambassador Jung Yung-soo, praising expanded cooperation across politics, security, trade, education, culture, sports, and social development. Environment & Health Cooperation: Laos is among countries joining a WHO-led push on air pollution and heat risks, launching regional initiatives on air quality, health impact assessment, and community action. Bilateral Economy: Laos and Malaysia marked 60 years of diplomatic relations, with the Lao ambassador highlighting Malaysia’s role in Laos’s human resource and socio-economic development and calling for deeper economic cooperation. International Controversy: In the US, DHS condemned Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s pardon of a Laotian national convicted of sexually assaulting a 10-year-old, saying it could complicate deportation efforts.

Myanmar–Laos Diplomacy: Myanmar junta chief turned president Min Aung Hlaing will visit Laos July 3–5, his first trip to an ASEAN member state since taking office, at the invitation of Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith, marking the 70th anniversary of bilateral ties. Bilateral Recognition: Laos awarded a Friendship Medal to outgoing Republic of Korea Ambassador Jung Yung-soo, praising expanded cooperation across politics, security, trade, education, culture, sports and development. Regional Security (Scams): Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam are pushing a trilateral law-enforcement liaison mechanism to speed up information sharing and coordinate procedures against transnational crime and online scams. Water & Climate Cooperation: The Mekong River Commission and India signed a new MoU to strengthen water security, climate resilience, disaster risk management and clean energy technology. Environment & Haze Response: Laos set up a Forest Fire and Haze “war room” in Vientiane under the CLEAR Sky Strategy to monitor and curb PM2.5 and transboundary haze. Economy & Food Systems: Laos plans to release 72 million fingerlings nationwide on July 13 to restore fish stocks and protect aquatic biodiversity. Cross-border Trade: Laos is also in the spotlight for regional connectivity, including preparations around new transit and logistics links tied to agricultural exports.

Myanmar–Laos Diplomacy: Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing will visit Laos from July 3–5, marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties and expected talks with Lao leaders. Regional Security: Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam are pushing a trilateral border-and-crime cooperation plan, including a permanent liaison mechanism to speed information sharing against transnational crime and online scams. Cross-Border Trade: Laos is preparing to support major aquatic releases—72 million fingerlings for National Fish and Aquatic Animal Release Day on July 13—while Cambodia and Laos are also advancing new transit links aimed at getting farm goods to China faster. Water & Climate Cooperation: The Mekong River Commission and India signed a new MoU on water security, climate resilience and disaster risk management. Air Quality Response: Laos is setting up a Forest Fire and Haze War Room in Vientiane under the CLEAR Sky Strategy to tackle transboundary haze and PM2.5. Party-to-Party Ties: The LPRP sent a congratulatory message to China’s CPC ahead of its 105th anniversary. Data & Governance: Laos’ statistics agency wrapped training for the final stage of the 2025 Population and Housing Census, including AI-supported data editing and processing.

Security Cooperation: Cambodia’s PM Hun Manet urged Cambodia’s Interior Ministry and Laos/Vietnam public security ministries to deepen trilateral action against online scams and transnational crime after the second ministerial meeting in Phnom Penh. Economic Priorities: Laos’ Industry and Commerce Ministry reviewed first-half 2026 performance and set second-half priorities to strengthen the economy, including boosting domestic production, reforming state-owned enterprises, modernizing trade, and improving human resources. Tax Policy: Laos raised the personal income tax-free monthly threshold to LAK 2.5 million (from LAK 1.3 million), effective this month, while keeping the 5%–25% progressive rates. Population & Data Capacity: Laos’ Statistics Bureau wrapped a training on data editing and processing for the 2025 Population and Housing Census, with AI-based methods, ahead of analysis and a comprehensive report. International Engagement: Laos and Myanmar confirmed a state visit by Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing to Laos July 3–5 for the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties. Cross-Border Links: Oudomxay and Vietnam’s Son La signed a 2026–2029 cooperation deal covering security, drugs and trafficking, plus trade, agriculture, and tourism. Climate & Green Development: China highlighted the Vientiane-Saysettha Low-Carbon Demonstration Zone as a model for green cooperation, citing solar lighting, new-energy buses, and emissions cuts.

Personal Income Tax Update: Laos raised the monthly income exempt from personal income tax from LAK 1.3 million to LAK 2.5 million, effective this month, expanding the tax-free allowance for lower earners while keeping the existing progressive rates (5%–25%) unchanged. Inflation Watch: Laos’ annual inflation eased to 7.4% in June, down from 9.0% in May, with housing, utilities and education among the biggest contributors; authorities say they’ll keep using monetary tools and exchange-rate stabilization to contain pressures. UXO/Cluster Munitions Prep: Laos is stepping up preparations for the Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions (Sept 13–18, 2026) in Vientiane, running technical consultations and protocol briefings with more than 200 participants. International & Party Diplomacy: Laos’ National Assembly president sent a congratulatory message to Cambodia’s Hun Sen marking 70 years of diplomatic ties, while party-to-party contacts continued with Mongolia. Regional Cooperation on Haze: Mekong-region officials, including Laos PM Sonexay Siphandone, warned of rising wildfire and transboundary haze risks as El Niño approaches, with a June 25 meeting held in Vientiane. Innovation & Education: A China-ASEAN innovation competition concluded in Vientiane, and Laos media leaders highlighted the role of media in education and public trust ahead of a national media conference.

Mekong Haze Alert: Laos PM Sonexay Siphandone warned that hotter-than-usual conditions and El Niño risks could spark more forest and peat fires, with the June 25 Vientiane meeting pushing stronger cross-border action against transboundary haze. Inflation Watch: Laos’ inflation eased to 7.4% in June (from 9.0% in May), with housing, utilities and gas the biggest driver; authorities said they’ll keep using prudent monetary tools with the Bank of the Lao PDR. UXO/Cluster Munitions Prep: Laos is stepping up preparations for the Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions (Sept 13–18, 2026), holding technical consultations in Vientiane and drafting a people-centred action plan. Media & Education: Laos’ upcoming First National Media Conference highlights media’s role in public trust and in promoting basic education messages to communities. Diplomacy: Laos’ Vice President received a farewell call from Korea’s outgoing ambassador, while party-to-party talks continued with Mongolia’s ruling party. International Solidarity: Laos extended condolences to Venezuela after the June 24 earthquake. Regional Economy: A Vietnam–Laos real estate deal was signed for a 557.28-hectare project in the Long Thanh–Vientiane SEZ.

Transboundary Haze: Lao PM Sonexay Siphandone warned that rising forest and peatland fires are driving another risk of Mekong haze, as regional ministers met in Vientiane on June 25 and noted hotspot counts up about 8% from Dec 2025–May 2026. AI & Data Infrastructure: Comin Asia and Nokia announced plans to build AI-ready, sovereign data centre infrastructure across Southeast Asia, explicitly flagging Laos and Cambodia as priority markets. Digital Payments: Thailand is pushing “Pay Like a Local” cross-border QR payments, letting visitors including Laos use home e-wallets to pay Thai merchants directly. EV Policy Push: China’s EV exports hit a record $9.2B in May, with Laos cited among markets seeing policy-driven electrification momentum. Wildlife Trafficking Online: AFP reports rampant illegal wildlife sales on social media, including pangolins, with NGOs accusing Meta of enabling the trade through ad revenue and subscriptions. Cyber-Scam Security: A separate report highlights how scam centres across the region use forced labour and “pig-butchering,” with Laos named among affected countries. Regional Governance & Transport: Cambodia’s PM commentary aside, the week also featured calls for strict adherence to transport-project timelines—an issue Laos policymakers typically watch closely. Venezuela Condolences: Laos President Thongloun Sisoulith and FM Thongsavanh Phomvihane sent condolences after Venezuela’s June 24 earthquake.

Regional Security Cooperation: ReCAAP ISC and the Philippine Coast Guard held a five-day senior officers meeting in Manila with Laos among 15 focal points, focusing on port security, anti-piracy measures, and better incident reporting and prosecution. Drug Policy & Regional Risk: UN reporting says Afghanistan’s opium stockpiles still sustain the global heroin trade even after cultivation collapses, while India warns Myanmar’s expanding opium production is driving a sharper cross-border drug threat. Laos Diplomacy: Lao Deputy PM and FM Thongsavanh Phomvihane sent condolences to Venezuela after the June 24 earthquakes, pledging solidarity and support for recovery. Governance & Development: Lao Vice President Vienthong Siphandone visited Khammouane mining firms, urging environmentally sustainable operations and continued investment and jobs. International Tech Agenda: Thailand proposed an ASEAN CHIPS Act at the AMMSTI-22 meeting in Vientiane, pushing a more integrated regional semiconductor ecosystem. Public Service & People-to-People: Laos-linked cultural diplomacy featured in Vietnam’s Friendship Melodies programme, highlighting Laos traditional culture and regional ties.

Drug Policy & Security: Lao PM Sonexay Siphandone marked the 39th International Day Against Drug Abuse, pledging tighter enforcement, legal upgrades, seizures, rehabilitation, and community action as Laos reported 3,660 drug trafficking cases in 2025 and 5,643 arrests. Regional Tech & Industry: Thailand proposed an ASEAN CHIPS Act at the AMMSTI-22 meeting in Vientiane, pushing an integrated semiconductor ecosystem, shared standards, and an ASEAN Semiconductor Council. Economy Watch: Laos inflation eased to 7.4% in June (from 9%), with housing/utilities the biggest driver at 20.1%, while the government said it will keep monetary stability tools in play. Diplomacy: Laos extended condolences to Venezuela after the June 24 earthquakes, with Foreign Affairs’ Thongsavanh Phomvihane urging solidarity and recovery support. Governance & Infrastructure: Vietnam’s PM urged strict adherence to transport project timelines, warning delays need objective reasons—an indirect reminder of execution discipline relevant to Laos’ regional connectivity push. Mining & Industry: Lao VP Vienthong Siphandone visited Khammouane mining firms, highlighting environmentally sustainable operations and potash expansion plans.

Drug Policy & Public Security: Laos PM Sonexay Siphandone reaffirmed the government’s push against drug abuse and trafficking on the International Day Against Drug Abuse, citing 3,660 trafficking cases in 2025 and calls for stronger enforcement, rehab, and community action. Regional Governance & STI: Laos hosted the 22nd ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science, Technology and Innovation in Vientiane, with Lao leadership stressing education, research, human capital, and entrepreneurship to advance the ASEAN STI agenda. Diplomacy: Laos extended condolences to Venezuela after the June 24 earthquakes, pledging solidarity and support for recovery. Economy Watch: Laos inflation eased to 7.4% in June, down from 9% in May, with the biggest price pressure in housing, utilities, education, and medical care. Mining & Investment: Lao Vice President Vienthong Siphandone visited Khammouane mining firms, urging environmentally sustainable operations and continued investment tied to local jobs and development. International Cooperation: ASEAN and Japan reaffirmed STI cooperation during an AJCCST meeting in Vientiane, highlighting research and human-resource links.

Drug Policy & Public Safety: Lao PM Sonexay Siphandone marked the 39th International Day Against Drug Abuse, pledging tougher enforcement, legal action against trafficking networks, rehab services, and community-led prevention; Laos’ Ministry of Public Security reported 3,660 drug trafficking cases in 2025 with 5,643 suspects arrested. Regional Governance & Diplomacy: Laos’ Deputy PM and FM Thongsavanh Phomvihane sent condolences to Venezuela after the June 24 earthquakes, pledging solidarity and recovery support. Anti-Corruption & Local Development: Lao VP Vienthong Siphandone urged Khammouane provincial leaders to strengthen unity, political work, thrift, anti-corruption, rule of law, and rural poverty reduction, while reviewing first-half 2026 economic and administrative progress. Economy Watch: Laos inflation eased to 7.4% in June (from 9% in May), with the biggest price pressure in housing/utilities and education. STI Cooperation: ASEAN science, technology and innovation meetings in Vientiane pushed a more integrated STI agenda, with Laos chairing key sessions and partners including Japan and China reaffirming research, tech transfer, and skills exchange. Mining & Industry: VP Vienthong visited Khammouane mining firms, urging environmentally sustainable operations and local jobs, including potash expansion plans. International Context: A wider UNODC report warned global drug use hit a record high and synthetic drugs are diversifying fast.

Drug Policy & Security: Lao PM Sonexay Siphandone reaffirmed the government’s push to curb drug abuse and trafficking on the 39th International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, citing public awareness, tougher enforcement, alternative livelihoods, and rehab services; Laos’ Ministry of Public Security reported 3,660 drug trafficking cases in 2025 with 5,643 suspects arrested, including 322 foreigners. Economy: Laos inflation eased to 7.4% in June, down from 9% in May, with the biggest price pressure in housing, water, electricity and gas (20.1%). Governance & Anti-Corruption: Lao Vice President Vienthong Siphandone urged unity, good governance, anti-corruption, and rule-of-law work in Khammouane, reviewing first-half 2026 performance including 4.7% economic growth. Regional Science Cooperation: Laos hosted ASEAN STI talks in Vientiane, with Malaysia and Vietnam stressing innovation for energy transition, food security, public health, and climate resilience, alongside research and skills exchanges. Bilateral Diplomacy: Laos and Thailand inaugurated a special border marker at Nam Ngeun–Huai Kon checkpoint to mark 75 years of diplomatic ties and progress on border demarcation. Fuel Policy: Laos restored higher fuel excise taxes as emergency relief ended, raising regular gasoline tax to 25% and diesel to 5%, with updated retail prices in Vientiane.

Scam Crackdown: Laos says it has arrested nearly 900 people tied to scam centers since 1 June, with the latest wave including 170 Chinese nationals handed over after crossing at Boten, as police raids and deportations continue nationwide. Fuel Policy: Laos reinstated higher fuel excise taxes—regular gasoline up to 25% and diesel to 5%—ending March emergency relief, with new retail prices published for Vientiane. Diplomacy & Borders: Laos and Thailand unveiled a special border marker at Nam Ngeun–Huai Kon to mark 75 years of diplomatic ties and highlight ongoing border demarcation progress. Governance Review: Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone urged stronger governance and faster public administration during a five-year performance review, setting priorities for 2026–2030. Regional Cooperation: Vietnam and Laos audit agencies agreed to deepen digital transformation and professional exchanges, while ASEAN and China pushed science, technology and innovation cooperation in Vientiane. Human Resource Links: Laos and Japan signed notes for the JDS scholarship project worth 378 million JPY to train Lao officials. Environment: Laos’ ambassador to Cambodia praised Cambodia’s environmental enforcement and conservation efforts, pledging closer cooperation between the two countries’ environment ministries.

Fuel Watch: Laos revised nationwide retail fuel prices effective June 25: diesel fell to 24,560 kip/litre while regular petrol rose to 30,690 kip/litre, reflecting shifts in international oil costs and the exchange rate. Governance Review: PM Sonexay Siphandone urged stronger governance and faster, more practical public administration during a five-year performance review (2021–2025) and planning for 2026–2030, stressing ethical standards and tighter oversight. Local Administration Exchange: Vientiane Capital Party and People’s Council President Atsaphangthong Siphandone met Nghe An’s Party chief in Vietnam to swap experience on subdistrict governance as Laos pushes its commune-level administrative reforms. Education & Language Policy: Laos’ MoES, with Australia support, convened a conference on early Lao language and literacy in multilingual classrooms, aiming to broaden access for children who don’t start school speaking Lao. Science & Tech Cooperation: ASEAN and China reaffirmed plans to boost joint research, staff mobility, and technology transfer at ACJSTIC-13 in Vientiane, with Laos chairing AMMSTI-22. International Security: Russia and Laos discussed biological security cooperation and coordination under the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention. Bilateral Border Management: Vietnam and Laos conducted a joint border patrol in Quang Tri and Savannakhet areas, checking markers and targeting smuggling and drug trafficking.

Fuel Watch: Laos revised nationwide retail fuel prices effective June 25, cutting diesel to 24,560 kip/litre while raising regular petrol to 30,690 kip/litre, with updates tied to global oil markets and exchange rates. Bilateral Trade & Investment: Deputy PM and FM Thongsavanh Phomvihane met a JETRO delegation in Vientiane, praising JETRO’s 2021–2026 work and looking to expand Japan–Laos trade and development cooperation. Agriculture Cooperation: Korea–Laos K-GREEN AGRO PARTNERING Forum in Vientiane advanced sustainable farming and green growth, generating 51+ business consultations and follow-up discussions worth about USD 14 million. Education & Political Training: NAPPA promoted a Lao-language edition of Ho Chi Minh’s Complete Works, highlighting deeper Vietnam–Laos political education ties. Security & Enforcement: Savannakhet intensified crackdowns on illegal gold mining and logging, detaining 21 suspects across four districts. Cross-border Patrols: China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand met in Bokeo to plan the next Mekong River joint patrol and coordinate action against trafficking and drug smuggling. Biosecurity Talks: Russia and Laos discussed biological security cooperation under the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention. Diplomatic Appointments: Denmark named Lina Gandløse Hansen as its next ambassador to Vietnam and Laos from August 1.

Savannakhet Crackdown: Laos authorities in Savannakhet detained 21 people in raids targeting illegal gold mining and logging across four districts, seizing vehicles and equipment and holding suspects at a provincial detention center. Cross-Border Security: China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand met in Bokeo to review Mekong River patrol coordination and plan the next joint patrol, focusing on illegal crossings, human trafficking and drug smuggling. PM Meets Cambodia: Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone received Cambodia’s Agriculture Minister Dith Tina, with both sides stressing expanded cooperation in agriculture, forestry and related sectors. Regional STI Cooperation: Cambodia used the 89th ASEAN COSTI meeting in Vientiane to reaffirm ASEAN science, technology and innovation cooperation and discuss directions for APASTI 2026–2035. Laos–Cambodia Trade Corridor: Cambodia says a new Laos rail transit route launched June 22 cuts shipment times to China to about one week for durian and other farm products, easing paperwork and border procedures. Energy Shock Context: A regional analysis notes the Iran-war fuel spike exposed ASEAN’s vulnerability to external disruptions, including Laos’ diesel price jump since the war began. Fraud Probe: Japanese media report nine Japanese nationals detained in Xiengkhouang over alleged involvement in a special fraud operation, with embassy officials working to confirm details.