SABAIDEE. BLOG

Laos’ World Heritage City, Luang Prabang, has returned as the world’s most preferred tourist destination. Meanwhile, a Lao minister expresses confidence that the number of tourists visiting his country will increase by hundreds of thousands this year. VOA News - Luang Prabang Regains Its Rank As World's Top Tourist Destination

Vientiane Mai Online Saysetha district has donated the sport items to PakNgum district ,Vientiane province the sport items include 3 balls, 3 volleyballs, 23 t-shirts, 11 pants and plastic ball, the total value 2 million kip for sport development and for exercise. Vientiane.

BANGKOK, March 9 (TNA) – The Thai Cabinet on Tuesday gave a green light to lend Bt655 million (US$19.8 million) to neighbouring Laos PDR for two road improvement projects, according to Finance Ministry. The Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA) reported that financial assistance worth Bt655 million will be allocated for two road improvement projects in Laos. http://www.mcot.net/content/30323

BERNAMA - Vientiane Expects 800,000 Visitors This Year VIENTIANE, March 2 (Bernama) -- Vientiane expects some 800,000 tourist arrivals this year, compared with some 700,000 last year, Laos KPL news agency reported the Vientiane Tourism Service as saying. "2009 saw slightly over 711,000 foreign tourists entering Vientiane, lagging behind the 2008's record by 88,049," Head of Vientiane Tourism Service, Khampadith Khemmanith told a press conference. "The decline in the tourist number is due to the global economic recession, the political unrest in Thailand and the spread of A(H1N1)," he said.

BERNAMA - Japan Pledges US$30 Million To Help Laos Combat Climate Change TOKYO, March 6 (Bernama) -- Japan has pledged 2.95 billion yen (over US$30 million) to help Laos in its efforts to preserve its forest, combat climate change as well as the development of clean energy and other enviromental issues, Vietnam News Agency (VNA) reported. Japan's prime minister Yukio Hatoyama made the pledge at a meeting with visiting Lao President Choummaly Sayasone Thursday where they also agreed to promote bilateral economic ties, with Japan committing to expanding its official development assistance (ODA). Hatoyama said that Japan attached importance to supporting the development of the Mekong region including Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.

Nhan Dan ---Business

Laos continues to block public access to deported Hmong tribesmen | McClatchy