AGP Executive Report

ASEAN Diplomacy: Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing arrived in Laos for his first state-level visit to an ASEAN member since becoming civilian leader, holding talks with President Thongloun Sisoulith and signing MOUs as both sides mark 70 years of diplomatic ties. National Assembly: Laos’ National Assembly will convene an extraordinary session July 6–10 to review the first-half 2026 socio-economic plan, budget and monetary plans, and to debate rural development and poverty reduction priorities plus draft laws. Bilateral Development: Laos and India signed an MoU to deliver 10 “quick impact” community projects across 10 provinces under the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation framework. Public Safety: Fire authorities reported 144 fire incidents nationwide in the first half of 2026, including major losses in Vientiane and Bokeo. Anti-Corruption Oversight: The Fifth National Inspection Conference opened in Vientiane, focusing on stronger monitoring and anti-corruption work for 2026–2030. Wildlife Crackdown: Laos seized over 110 kg of suspected illegal wildlife products in Luang Prabang, arresting a suspect and preparing legal proceedings. Regional Crime Fight: Thailand launched a cross-border anti-fraud investigative platform aimed at dismantling scam networks linked to forced “fraud compounds” across Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos. Drug Case Link to Laos: Thai narcotics investigators questioned a Thai man and his Laotian wife in Bangkok after heroin smuggling allegations tied to parcels sent from Laos.

National Assembly: Laos’ National Assembly will hold an extraordinary session from July 6–10 to tackle urgent national issues, including reviews of the first-half 2026 National Socio-Economic Development Plan, State Budget Plan and Monetary Plan, plus debates on rural development and poverty reduction and draft laws. Governance & Anti-Corruption: The Fifth National Inspection Conference opened in Vientiane on July 1, focusing on strengthening monitoring and inspection and stepping up anti-corruption work for 2026–2030. Public Services Digital Push: The National Social Security Organization ran nationwide training in Vientiane (June 29–30) to expand use of the LSSO App and online employer contribution payments, improving staff skills for accurate records and transaction monitoring. Safety & Fire Risk: Laos’ Fire Prevention and Suppression Police reported 144 fire incidents in the first six months of 2026, with eight deaths and major property losses, including 20 incidents in Vientiane Capital. Wildlife Crackdown: Authorities in Luang Prabang seized over 110 kg of suspected illegal wildlife products and arrested a suspect, confiscating items linked to rhino horn, ivory, pangolin scales and more. Myanmar- Laos Ties: Myanmar’s President Min Aung Hlaing arrived in Laos for a state-level goodwill visit (July 3–5), meeting Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith and other top officials as the two countries mark 70 years of diplomatic relations. Regional Defence: Vietnam and Laos will hold the third Vietnam–Laos Border Defence Friendship Exchange on July 9–10 in Nghe An and Bolikhamsai, aiming to deepen border cooperation and a “border of peace” agenda.

Immigration & Clemency: Minnesota’s Board of Pardons, including Gov. Tim Walz, granted a full pardon to Laotian national Tou Lue Vang, convicted in 2006 of repeatedly sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl, wiping the conviction and derailing a planned deportation to Laos—prompting sharp criticism from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Public Safety: In Thailand’s Mukdahan province near the Laos border, an 11-year-old boy crashed a pickup into a pilgrimage procession, killing at least nine Buddhist monks and injuring more than a dozen; police say the child is in custody and the cause is under investigation. Weather Watch: Laos’ weather bureau warns of widespread rain from Thursday to Sunday as a tropical storm approaches, urging people to prepare for flash floods, landslides, and urban flooding. Environment & Fisheries: Laos plans to release 72 million fish fingerlings nationwide on July 13 to restore aquatic biodiversity. Trade & Connectivity: China-Laos Railway trade has topped 90 billion yuan since 2021, with freight trains and cross-border passenger traffic rising. Governance & Anti-Corruption: Lao leaders held a national inspection conference to set 2026–2030 priorities, focusing on stronger oversight and anti-corruption efforts. Bilateral Spotlight: Switzerland marked 20 years of its cooperation office presence in Vientiane, highlighting decades of expanding support.

Tropical Storm Watch: Laos’ weather bureau warns of widespread rainfall from Thursday to Sunday as a tropical depression strengthens into storm Bavi, with risks of flash floods, landslides and urban flooding. Aquatic Conservation: Laos plans to release 72 million fish fingerlings nationwide on July 13 to restore freshwater biodiversity and fish stocks. Anti-Corruption Oversight: Lao leaders met in Vientiane for the fifth National Conference on Inspection Work, setting 2026–2030 priorities to strengthen oversight and curb corruption and waste. Regional Air Quality Alarm: IQAir’s 2026 report names Pakistan the world’s most polluted country; it also flags that only a small share of cities meet WHO air standards. Cross-Border Connectivity: The China-Laos Railway is seeing rising cross-border passenger traffic, underscoring growing people-to-people links. ASEAN Diplomacy: Myanmar’s junta chief-turned-president Min Aung Hlaing is set to visit Laos soon, his first trip to an ASEAN member state since taking the civilian role. Bilateral Recognition: Laos awarded a Friendship Medal to outgoing Republic of Korea Ambassador Jung Yung-soo for expanding cooperation across multiple sectors. Health Access: Japanese and Lao doctors will provide free cleft lip and cleft palate surgeries for Lao children in Vientiane in late August.

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. Bilateral Recognition: Laos awarded a Friendship Medal to outgoing Republic of Korea Ambassador Jung Yung-soo for expanding cooperation across politics, security, trade, education, culture, sports and development. Aquaculture & Health: Laos plans to release 72 million fingerlings nationwide on July 13 to boost aquatic biodiversity, while Japanese and Lao doctors will offer free cleft lip and palate surgeries for Lao children in Vientiane Aug 24–28. Flood Risk: Heavy rains triggered Laos’ first rainy-season floods in northern provinces, with authorities urging residents to monitor water levels and prepare for more downpours. Air Quality: Vientiane launched a Forest Fire and Haze “war room” under the CLEAR Sky Strategy to tackle transboundary haze and PM2.5. Economy & Trade: Laos reported crop exports of $752m in the first five months of 2026 and said it’s pushing reforms to strengthen the economy in the second half. Regional Security: Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam are moving toward a permanent trilateral liaison mechanism to speed up information sharing against transnational crime and online scams.

Aquatic Conservation: Laos is preparing to release 72 million fingerlings nationwide on July 13 for National Fish and Aquatic Animal Release Day, with hatcheries and breeding stations mobilized across provinces and a main launch at Bueng That Luang in Vientiane. Free Medical Care: Japanese and Lao doctors will offer free cleft lip and cleft palate surgeries for eligible Lao children at Setthathirath Hospital in August 2026, with registration now open. Diplomacy Watch: Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing will visit Laos July 3–5 to mark 70 years of diplomatic ties, following recent regional engagement. Regional Security: Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam are pushing a trilateral law-enforcement push against transnational crime and online scams, including plans for a liaison mechanism to speed up information sharing. Trade & Economy: Laos reports strong export momentum, with crop and crop product exports reaching about $752 million in the first five months of 2026, while officials also reviewed priorities to strengthen the economy in the second half. 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.

Security Cooperation: Cambodia’s PM Hun Manet urged Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam to deepen trilateral public security ties to tackle online scams and transnational crime after the second ministerial meeting in Phnom Penh. Economy Priorities: Laos’ Industry and Commerce ministry set second-half 2026 priorities to strengthen the economy, including boosting domestic production, reforming state-owned enterprises, modernizing trade, and improving human resources. Food Exports: Laos reported crop and crop-product exports of $752 million in the first five months of 2026, plus growth in livestock and forestry-related exports, alongside efforts to expand market access. Tax Relief: Laos raised the monthly personal income tax-free threshold to LAK 2.5 million, easing the burden on lower-income workers. Green Development: China highlighted the Vientiane-Saysettha Low-Carbon Demonstration Zone as a model for green cooperation, citing solar lighting, new-energy buses and expected emissions cuts. Regional Environment: Laos PM Sonexay Siphandone warned of rising transboundary haze risks as governments coordinate to prevent forest and peatland fires across the Mekong region. Diplomatic Calendar: Myanmar’s president is set for a state visit to Laos July 3–5 to mark 70 years of diplomatic ties.

Laos Economy: Laos raised the monthly income tax-free threshold under new personal income tax rules, lifting it from LAK 1.3 million to LAK 2.5 million, while keeping the same progressive tax rates (5% to 25%) for income above the new cutoff. Inflation Watch: Separate reporting says Laos’ inflation eased to 7.4% in June, down from 9.0% in May, with housing and utilities still the biggest driver. Cluster Munitions Prep: Laos is stepping up preparations to host the Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions in Vientiane on Sept. 13–18, with technical consultations and stakeholder briefings underway. Regional Climate & Health: Laos Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone warned at a Vientiane meeting that forest fires and transboundary haze are major threats across the Mekong as governments coordinate to prevent another smoky season. Innovation in Vientiane: The 4th China-ASEAN Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition finals were held in Vientiane, spotlighting cross-border startup and tech cooperation. Diplomacy: Laos’ National Assembly president sent congratulations to Cambodia’s Hun Sen on 70 years of Laos–Cambodia diplomatic ties, reaffirming continued cooperation.

Inflation Watch: Laos’ annual inflation eased to 7.4% in June, down from 9.0% in May, as the Ministry of Finance pointed to slower price pressures while housing, water, electricity and gas still led the rise. 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, with technical consultations and a draft action plan focused on community-led UXO action. Regional Haze Alert: Mekong governments are bracing for another transboundary haze episode as hotter-than-usual conditions and El Niño raise the risk of forest and peat fires; Laos PM Sonexay Siphandone flagged the growing health and economic damage. Digital & Education Trust: Laos media is being highlighted as a key bridge between government and the public, with a focus on using communication to support basic education during economic strain. Diplomacy Calls: Vice President Viengthong Siphandone received a farewell call from South Korea’s outgoing ambassador, praising expanding cooperation under the two countries’ comprehensive strategic partnership. Humanitarian Solidarity: Laos extended condolences to Venezuela after deadly earthquakes in late June.

Transboundary Haze Watch: Lao PM Sonexay Siphandone warned that forest and peatland fires could worsen across the Mekong as El Niño nears, after a June 25 meeting in Vientiane flagged an 8% rise in hotspots from Dec 2025–May 2026. Digital Payments for Tourism: Thailand is pushing “Pay Like a Local” cross-border QR payments, letting visitors including Laos pay Thai merchants via home apps like Alipay and WeChat Pay. Cybercrime and Scams: A new report highlights how online scam compounds in the region use forced labour and “pig-butchering” tactics, with Laos named among places tied to these operations. Wildlife Trafficking Online: AFP reviews show illegal wildlife sales—like dead pangolins—being advertised on social media, with NGOs accusing Meta of enabling the trade. Venezuela Earthquake Condolences: Laos leaders sent condolences to Venezuela after deadly quakes struck on June 24. EV Push in Laos: Coverage notes Laos is rolling out EV-friendly policies, including fleet targets and import curbs, as Chinese EV exports surge into Southeast Asia.

Methanol Safety Breakthrough: Researchers say Raman spectroscopy can detect toxic methanol in sealed spirit bottles without opening them, after Laos saw methanol-linked deaths in 2024—an advance that could speed up routine screening. Water Access Map: A new global look shows over 2 billion people still lack safely managed drinking water, with big gaps between wealthy countries and many low-income states. ASEAN Anti-Piracy Coordination: ReCAAP ISC and the Philippine Coast Guard held a Manila meeting with Laos and other partners to improve port security, incident reporting, and joint enforcement against piracy and sea robbery. ASEAN STI in Vientiane: Ministers meeting in Laos pushed a more resilient, sustainable innovation agenda under APASTI, with Thailand proposing an ASEAN CHIPS Act to build a unified semiconductor ecosystem. Drug Abuse Push in Laos: Laos marked the International Day Against Drug Abuse with renewed calls for stronger national action against trafficking and abuse. Regional Border Security: Indonesia and Australia discussed tighter ASEAN border cooperation, highlighting Laos among countries facing irregular migration, trafficking, and online scam threats. Khammouane Mining Visit: Laos’ Vice President toured potash mining firms in Khammouane, urging greener operations and local jobs. AgroBerries in Laos: AgroBerries announced a 150-hectare blueberry project in Laos, with first commercial volumes expected in Q4 2026.

ASEAN STI in Vientiane: Ministers meeting in Laos pushed a more resilient, competitive science-and-innovation agenda under APASTI 2026-2035, with Vietnam urging joint research on water security, climate-smart agriculture and the green energy transition, and Thailand floating an ASEAN CHIPS Act to build a shared semiconductor ecosystem. Regional payments push: Thailand rolled out a Cross-Border QR Payment plan to let travelers—including from Laos—pay Thai merchants via home e-wallets like Alipay and WeChat Pay, aiming to make tourism spending “like a local.” Drug fight focus: Laos marked International Day Against Drug Abuse with renewed calls for stronger national action, while UN reporting warned Afghanistan’s heroin supply is still sustained by pre-ban opium stockpiles and that synthetic drugs are spreading faster. Economy update: Laos inflation eased to 7.4% in June, with housing and utilities the biggest driver. Mining and industry: Laos’ vice president visited Khammouane potash firms, urging greener operations and continued investment. Cross-border security talks: Indonesia and Australia discussed tighter border security cooperation, highlighting growing risks from irregular migration, trafficking and online scams.

ASEAN Science & Innovation in Vientiane: Laos hosted the 22nd ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science, Technology and Innovation, pushing a regional agenda for a more resilient, sustainable and competitive ASEAN, with ministers stressing investment in education, research, human capital and turning innovation into real-world impact. ASEAN–Japan STI ties: Laos also hosted the ASEAN–Japan Joint Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation, where both sides reaffirmed support for the ASEAN STI plan and new opportunities in research, skills and technology transfer. ASEAN–China STI cooperation: Laos and China met under the ASEAN-China Joint Committee on STI Cooperation, agreeing to expand joint research, technology transfer and exchanges of skilled personnel under the 2026–2035 work plan. Drug abuse crackdown focus: On International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Laos PM Sonexay Siphandone reiterated stronger law enforcement, public awareness, rehabilitation and legal action against trafficking networks, citing thousands of cases and arrests in 2025. Regional security coordination: Indonesia and Australia discussed tighter border security with ASEAN partners, highlighting Laos among countries facing complex threats like irregular migration, trafficking and online scams. Mining investment push: Laos’ Vice President visited Khammouane mining firms, urging continued environmentally sustainable operations and local jobs, as potash projects and circular-economy plans move forward. Economy watch: Laos inflation eased to 7.4% in June, with housing and utilities still the biggest driver of price rises. Business in agriculture: AgroBerries announced a 150-hectare blueberry project in Laos, with early plantings underway and first commercial volumes expected in late 2026.

ASEAN STI Push in Vientiane: Laos hosted the 22nd ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science, Technology and Innovation, with Lao leaders stressing investment in education, research, and innovation to build a resilient, sustainable, competitive ASEAN. Regional Partnerships: Japan and the Republic of Korea also reaffirmed STI cooperation in Vientiane, while Malaysia urged a more integrated, mission-driven innovation ecosystem. Drug Abuse Focus: On the 39th International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Laos’ PM and government highlighted stronger law enforcement, rehabilitation, and community action, citing thousands of trafficking cases in 2025. Mining With a Green Pitch: Laos’ vice president visited Khammouane mining firms, urging environmentally sustainable operations and local jobs. Economy Watch: Laos inflation eased to 7.4% in June, with housing and utilities still the biggest price pressure. Diplomatic Solidarity: Laos extended condolences to Venezuela after major earthquakes. Border Security Cooperation: Indonesia and Australia agreed to deepen ASEAN-Australia border security work, including intelligence sharing and immigration coordination, as online scams and trafficking threats grow.

ASEAN STI Push in Vientiane: Malaysia urged ASEAN to build a more integrated, mission-driven science, technology and innovation ecosystem, linking research to real-world impact on energy transition, food security, public health and climate resilience, as ministers met in Laos. Regional Science Partnerships: Laos hosted renewed ASEAN cooperation with Japan and South Korea on STI, with talks focused on joint research, technology transfer and skilled personnel exchange. Drug Fight Focused on Results: Lao PM Sonexay Siphandone reaffirmed the government’s push against drug abuse and trafficking, citing public awareness, stronger enforcement, alternative livelihoods, and rehab services, alongside 3,660 trafficking cases and 5,643 arrests in 2025. Inflation Eases: Laos inflation slowed to 7.4% in June, down from 9%, with housing and utilities the biggest driver. Fuel Taxes Return to Normal: Laos restored higher fuel excise taxes as emergency relief ended, with Vientiane retail prices updated. Cross-border Cooperation: Laos and Thailand inaugurated a special border marker at Nam Ngeun–Huai Kon to mark 75 years of diplomatic ties and progress on border demarcation. Business & Agriculture: AgroBerries announced a 150-hectare blueberry venture in Laos, with first commercial volumes expected in Q4 2026.

Fuel Policy: Laos restored higher fuel excise taxes as emergency relief ended, with regular gasoline rising to LAK 30,690/litre and diesel to LAK 24,560/litre from June 25. Border Relations: Laos and Thailand unveiled a special border marker at Nam Ngeun–Huai Kon to mark 75 years of diplomatic ties and highlight progress on joint demarcation. Scam Crackdown: Laos says it has arrested nearly 900 people linked to scam centers since early June, including the handover of 170 Chinese suspects to Chinese authorities. Regional Cooperation: Vietnam and Laos audit agencies agreed to deepen digital transformation and modernise auditing, while Vietnam–Laos border forces carried out joint patrols to curb smuggling and illegal crossings. Culture & Public Life: Fête de la Musique 2026 returns to the Institut Français du Laos with free concerts from June 26–28. Education & Skills: MoES and Australia backed a Vientiane conference on early Lao language and literacy to support inclusive learning for all children. ASEAN Science: Laos hosted ASEAN–Japan and ASEAN–RoK sci-tech meetings in Vientiane, pushing research, innovation, and technology transfer.