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To lower the number of smokers in Laos, health officials have requested the government to raise the price of cigarettes by 10 percent. According to KPL, authorities predict that if tobacco costs rise by ten percent, the national smoking rate will drop by five percent. Dr. Sanong Thongsana, the Deputy Minister of Health, said during a recent National Assembly session that raising cigarette taxes is one of the most efficient ways to discourage smoking since it has no influence on production but helps lower the number of smokers. "Laos has the lowest tobacco tax rate in ASEAN, at just 18.8%, whereas Cambodia has a tax rate of 25-30%, Vietnam has a tax rate of 36%, and the rest of ASEAN has a rate of 60-80 percent, making tobacco control more effective than in Laos," said Deputy Minister Sanong. "Cigarette taxes must be increased on a regular basis in accordance with socioeconomic growth, purchasing power, inflation, and the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control," he stated. "To ensure transparency, the Ministry of Health will manage and administer the Tobacco Control Fund under the supervision of the National Tobacco Control Committee, with 37% of the funds going to tobacco-related activities, 32% to national health insurance, 25% to improving health services, and 6% to administrative tasks," Dr. Sanong Thongsana added. Smokers have grown in Laos from 25% of the population in 2012 to 27.9% in 2015. This is due to the low relative cost of smoking. According to health experts, some 6,700 individuals die each year from smoking-related ailments, with e-cigarette usage among teenagers on the rise. Lung cancer, atherosclerosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are all on the rise among smokers, costing the country around LAK 28 billion per year in treatment. Credit Source: The Laotian Times Join our 3x a week Laotian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe

Today, 999 new cases of Covid-19 have been reported in Laos. Over the previous 24 hours, 4,793 tests were completed around the nation, with 999 new cases verified, according to the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control. Across the country, there were 995 cases of community spread and four imported cases. New Death A 58-year-old lady from Sisavath Village in Bolikhan District, Bolikhamxay Province, died at Mittaphap Hospital last evening. She had just had surgery and had received a complete Covid-19 vaccination. Credit Source: The Laotian Times Join our 3x a week Laotian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view

Hun Mana provided homes and other contributions to the elderly and needy in Takeo province. Hun Mana, Director General of Bayon Radio and Television and Director of the Thevada House Program, led a team to Takeo to distribute contributions. On November 21, the crew arrived at the province early in the morning. The Thevada House Program constructed two houses, which were given to two old women. Sean Srey Nich's family from Kraing Chheu Neang Village, Ang Kanh Commune, Traing District, was granted the first house, an 811 meter residence. Prak Saroeun of Kansom Ok Village, Prey Khla Commune, Koh Andet District, was given the second dwelling, which measures 60.7 meters. Both ladies received contributions from Prime Minister Hun Sen and the First Lady, including household supplies, food donations, and money, in addition to the residences. Residents in the neighborhood where the houses were erected were also given donations. Hun Mana, the director, also donated to four pagodas in the Traing and Koh Andet districts.

Today's official daily new COVID case count (as determined by PCR) was 37, increasing the overall number of COVID cases to 119,867. Covid-19 in Cambodia has been placed under strict control nine months after the February 20 Community Event, and the country is reopening in practically all areas. Credit Source: Khmer Times Join our 3x a week Cambodian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view

The ninth consignment of Covid-19 vaccinations from China has arrived in Laos, with 1.9 million doses from Sinopharm arriving at Wattay International Airport. Yesterday, the newest consignment of Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccination from China arrived at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane Capital. Dr. Phankham Viphavanh, the Prime Minister of Laos, formally accepted the vaccinations from Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong. Laos' Prime Minister thanked the Chinese government for its support in the fight against the Coronavirus in Laos and throughout the world. "Since the epidemic began, China has supplied the most vaccinations to Laos, raising the total number of donated doses to 6.2 million," Prime Minister Phankham stated. Dr. Phankham Viphavanh stated, "The vaccinations and vaccination equipment were supplied as part of Chinese help to Laos in its endeavor to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and meet its objective of vaccinating over 50% of the population by the end of the year." To assist Laos meet its immunization objective, China has agreed to donate another 800,000 doses of Sinopharm Covid-19 Vaccines by the end of November. Credit Source: The Laotian Times Join our 3x a week Laotian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view

Under the new Lao Travel Green Zone strategy, the government of Laos has began making preparations to reopen the nation to vaccinated travelers. According to the Vientiane Times, the new plan for reopening would designate Vientiane Capital, Vang Vieng, and Luang Prabang as "green zones" to safeguard the safety of passengers and service providers. The idea was reviewed during the Public and Private Sector Consultation Meeting on Country Reopening Plan Preparation on Tuesday, which was headed by Mrs. Suanesavanh Vingaket, the country's new Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism. According to the Lao Travel Green Zone policy, regions classified as green zones must have a population of 70-80 percent vaccinated, with 90-95 percent of service providers inoculated. A valid certificate of entry, a vaccination certificate valid for at least two weeks before to arrival, and a negative PCR test done 72 hours prior to departure for Laos are all requirements for vaccinated arrivals. Tourists would be carried to hotels in cars recognized under the LaoSafe certification program while they awaited the results of a PCR test, which would be ready within 24 hours, according to the Vientiane Times. If the test results were positive, the patient would be isolated for three days before being subjected to another test. Meanwhile, travelers will be able to use a new Contact Tracing Application called LaoStaySafe, which will offer information updates and track their activities in English. Tourists staying in green zone approved areas would be required to use transportation and book hotels that have been certified under the LaoSafe program, whereas tourists traveling outside of green zone approved areas would be required to use transportation and book hotels that have been certified under the LaoSafe program. The Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism (MICT) have authorized the LaoSafe initiative, which will be trialled in Vientiane Capital before being expanded to other provinces. It consists of a set of health and sanitary requirements for many segments of the tourism and hospitality business, such as lodging, food and beverage outlets, airlines, tourist attractions, tour guides, and drivers. Credit Source: The Laotian Times Join our 3x a week Laotian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe

The National Police said today that during the Water Festival holidays, they will increase security, public order, and safety, particularly in tourist-heavy places such as in front of the Royal Palace and its environs. San Sok Seiha, a spokeswoman for the Phnom Penh Municipal Police, said the first day of the festive vacation went off without a hitch. Despite the lack of incidents or concerns, he noted that the armed forces will continue to patrol over the festive holidays to protect public order and safety as festive revelers come out with their families to visit some of the popular tourist destinations. The National Police has deployed 1,600 uniformed troops on the ground over the three Water Festival holidays to guarantee public order and security for the protection of both local and foreign visitors visiting Phnom Penh. As people travel from provinces to the capital and vice versa, the police will guarantee that traffic flows smoothly on all major highways in the capital. Although there was no boat racing this year as part of the Water Festival, there were plenty of other events to keep visitors entertained, especially those who came to see the river. According to the Duan Penh Administration, the number of people visiting the riverside and other sites in the region on the first day of the festival grew by 30 to 40% compared to the previous year. Credit Source: Khmer Times Join our 3x a week Cambodian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe

According to the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning, and Construction, the infrastructure of freshly built 34 roads in Sihanoukville, southwest Cambodia's Preah Sihanouk province, would be launched in early December. Minister Chea Sophara said this yesterday after leading a working party of persons to assess the status of the road construction. "The purpose of the visit was to evaluate the development of the 34-road construction project as well as the venue of the future inauguration ceremony, which will be presided over by Prime Minister Hun Sen," he stated. To assist improve the look of the beach city, the government committed about $300 million to develop the infrastructure of 34 highways in Sihanoukville. The government's ambition to develop Sihanoukville into Cambodia's industrial powerhouse — a "second Shenzhen city" – would include improving infrastructure. Credit Source: Khmer Times Join our 3x a week Cambodian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe

Today's official daily new COVID case count (as determined by PCR) was 45, increasing the overall number of COVID cases to 119,786. Under the prior reporting scheme, there was a general increasing tendency in the Kingdom; however, the latest 50 days' results have entirely reversed this pattern, as seen in the graph below (please note that results may be up to two days behind): Other statistics show that there are currently 100,022 Community Instances, with 19,764 cases being imported. The disparity between Cambodia's COVID condition and that of Thailand and Vietnam, its neighbors, is astounding. The numbers (see graph below) are proof of the Kingdom's comprehensive immunization drive, which has been dubbed the "Cambodian vaccination miracle." Today, 5 imported cases were disclosed, maintaining the pattern of importing few instances. Cambodia also revealed four further deaths, increasing the total number of COVID-19-related deaths in Cambodia to 2891. As active cases decreased, 48 recoveries were announced, bringing the total number of active COVID cases in Cambodia to only 718. Credit Source: Khmer Times Join our 3x a week Cambodian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view

Today, 1,401 new cases of Covid-19 were reported in Laos, with four new deaths. Over the previous 24 hours, 7,948 tests were completed around the country, with 1,401 new cases verified, according to the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control. Across the country, there were 1,391 cases of community spread and ten imported cases. New Deaths On Monday evening, a 40-year-old lady from Phosy Village in Luang Prabang City, Luang Prabang Province, died at the hospital. Kidney illness, hypertension, diabetes, and hepatitis plagued her. She had not received the Covid-19 vaccine. A 55-year-old lady from Dongnasok Village in Sikhottabong District, Vientiane Capital, died at Setthathirath Hospital yesterday evening. Obesity and diabetes have been a problem for her. She had not received the Covid-19 vaccine. An 82-year-old man died today at Mittaphap Hospital in Phonpapao Village, Sisattanak District, Vientiane Capital. Kidney illness, hypertension, and arthritis plagued him. He was entirely protected against Covid-19. A 78-year-old man from Thongsangnang Village in Vientiane Capital's Chanthabouly District died today at Setthathirath Hospital. He wasn't immune to Covid-19 since he hadn't been immunized. Credit Source: The Laotian Times Join our 3x a week Laotian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view

As Cambodia moves forward with its reopening following the dramatic announcement of the end of quarantine restrictions for fully vaccinated travelers, the country has registered low daily new COVID case figures (diagnosed by PCR test) for the 49th day in a row. The official daily new COVID case count (as determined by PCR test) was 54 today, increasing the overall number of COVID cases to 119,741. Other statistics show that there are now 99,982 Community Instances, with 19,759 cases being imported. Today, 5 imported cases were announced, maintaining the trend of importing few instances. Cambodia also revealed 6 further deaths, bringing the total number of COVID-19-related deaths in Cambodia to 2887. As active cases decreased, 50 recoveries were announced, bringing the total number of active COVID cases in Cambodia to just 725. Credit Source: Khmer Times Join our 3x a week Cambodian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view

The first wing of Vientiane Capital's new Mahosot Hospital building was completed and officially handed over yesterday. According to Lao National Radio, the Chinese Ambassador to Laos, Jiang Zaidong, formally presented the new Mahosot Hospital and amenities to the Minister of Health, Dr. Bounfeng Phommalaysith, at a ceremony in Vientiane Capital. The new facilities were built on a total of more than five hectares of land, with the new hospital becoming the country's largest once completed. The project is being completed in two parts, with the first phase seeing the completion of an eight-story building and a four-story structure, and the second phase seeing the completion of another five-story building and a four-story building by the end of 2022. The People's Republic of China built and sponsored the hospital, which has 600 beds and a rooftop helicopter pad, at a cost of about CNY 592 million (USD 92 million). The Chinese government has also provided medical equipment to the new Mahosot Hospital, as well as three years of training for the hospital's medical staff after the construction project is completed, with the goal of increasing the quality of treatment provided by Lao doctors. During a visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping, the project's groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Bounnhang Vorachit, the former President of Laos. Mahosot Hospital, founded by French doctors in 1910, is one of Laos' first hospitals, with some of the old structures still standing. Credit Source: The Laotian Times Join our 3x a week Laotian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe

The That Luang Festival will be place this year in a scaled-down version due to the Covid-19 outbreak, according to authorities in Vientiane Capital. Due to the Covid-19 outbreak, the That Luang Festival will be held across three days this year, according to a notice published by the Prime Minister's Office yesterday. According to the announcement, the That Luang Celebration will take place from November 17 to 19, with limited event activities as part of a scaled-down festival due to the Covid epidemic. This year's celebration will focus solely on religious customs, with no carnival, performances, or market stalls. The Taskforce will spread information on Covid-19 prevention and control procedures during the festival to ensure that festivalgoers follow the rules to the letter. Due to the current coronavirus pandemic, the That Luang Festival has had to tone back its celebrations for the second year. Last year's That Luang Festival took place from October 29 to October 31, and featured wax castle processions on the first day, as well as a game of Ti Khee (a hockey-like game played with curved sticks) on the second day. On the festival's last day, an almsgiving ritual will be held. The That Luang Festival (Boun That Luang) is held for three days on the full moon of the twelfth Lao lunar month, and it is the country's most important sacred landmark. Credit Source: The Laotian Times Join our 3x a week Laotian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe

Today, 1,198 new cases of Covid-19 have been reported in Laos, with the first cases being reported in Houaphanh Province. Over the last 24 hours, 6,729 tests were completed around the country, with 1,198 new cases verified, according to the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control. Across the country, there were 1,196 cases of community spread and two imported cases. New Death A 79-year-old man from Viengkham Village in Sikhottabong District, Vientiane Capital, died in 103 Hospital yesterday evening. Diabetes, hypertension, heart problems, and paralysis had all afflicted him. He wasn't immune to Covid-19 because he hadn't been immunized. Credit Source: The Laotian Times Join our 3x a week Laotian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view

Last night, an unlucky motorist in Phnom Penh found himself in a terrible scenario when he drove into an open sewer. On November 11, 2021, around 7:30 p.m. in Sangkat O Bek Kam, Khan Sen Sok, Phnom Penh, an accident occurred. According to witnesses, the silver Toyota Prius was going north to south when the driver had a sudden lack of judgment and managed to maneuver himself into an unpleasant smelling end. Fortunately, the driver was unharmed, but his vehicle, which appeared to be heavily coated in effluent, could not say the same. Authorities arrived shortly after the occurrence to ensure that no harm had been done to individuals or state property, and to assist the automobile owner in contacting a crane to remove his sad vehicle. Credit Source: Khmer Times Join our 3x a week Cambodian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe

In Phnom Penh, more than 10,000 patients with mild Covid-19 symptoms are receiving therapy in the privacy of their own homes. However, health experts are concerned that they may spread the virus to others in their homes, producing an exponential increase in the number of cases, presenting yet another major issue. If the symptoms are minor, the sufferers will recover quickly; otherwise, they may require hospitalization. People with Covid-19 increased after the holidays, according to Health Ministry spokeswoman Hok Kim Cheng, but they only had mild symptoms, so they were urged to stay at home and get treated. "If the sufferer does not follow our counsel and remains alone, home treatment is perilous." The infection can be passed on to people in the house as well as neighbors. That is why they must follow the instructions and guidelines of the health authority," he added. He stated that they are aware that these victims are transmitting the virus to their families as a result of their negligence and disregard for the rules. "The health staff are keeping track of these sufferers, but they must also be accountable," Kim Cheng said, adding that if the others become infected and their symptoms are light, they would also be treated at home until otherwise instructed. Many of those with modest symptoms, he noted, are people who have been twice vaccinated. Keut Chhe, the deputy governor of Phnom Penh, told the Khmer Times yesterday that he knows of more than 10,000 people being treated at home, with many of them spreading the illness to others or neighbors. "All of these folks are just experiencing minor symptoms, since even those who have gotten the disease are only experiencing minor symptoms, as the majority have already been double-vaccinated and received their booster doses." "Almost everyone recovers in four to seven days," he noted. He stated that they are taking aggressive measures to reduce the spread of infections by educating sufferers and isolating them in their homes. Dr. Li Ailan, a representative of the World Health Organization in Cambodia, told Khmer Times yesterday that caring for an infected individual at home rather than in a medical institution increases the risk of the virus spreading to others in the house. However, she claims that patients heal faster at home because of the support of family members, while those with severe diseases should be treated in a hospital. She went on to say that patients receiving home therapy should be segregated in a room, have excellent ventilation, not wear facemasks in the room, carers should not have underlying health concerns, and if feasible, have their own utensils, soaps, towels, and bedsheets. Both victims and caregivers, according to Dr. Ailan, must wash their hands frequently and follow the three dos and three don'ts, which include proper disposal of all used materials. Long Mandavy, a mother of seven children aged two to fifteen, said she was the first to get infected, followed by her husband, who traveled to Siem Reap. "When both of us became ill, the disease finally spread to all seven of my children." We were all receiving treatment at home. Thankfully, we all recovered within a week," she said, noting that it was fortunate that they were all together during their illness. Kheng Thearoth, who visited Siem Reap, brought Covid-19 home with her and unhappily infected her mother and brother. "We were treated at home because we were all completely vaccinated and had just minor symptoms." When we use a bathroom, it's tough not to spread the infection," she remarked. Thearoth stated that they were all relieved to be back at home, to be treated, and to fully recover. Credit Source: Khmer Times Join our 3x a week Cambodian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe

In a historic stretch of 43 days of 'new normal' low case numbers, Cambodia registered the lowest daily new COVID case figures (diagnosed by PCR test) as the country gets closer to reopening. Today's official new COVID case total (as determined by PCR test) was 63, increasing the overall number of COVID cases to 115,797. There are presently 99,699 Community Instances, with 19,722 cases being imported. Today, 8 imported cases were disclosed, keeping the pattern of few imported cases going. Cambodia also revealed 6 more deaths, bringing the total number of COVID-19-related deaths in Cambodia to 2856. As active cases decreased, 67 recoveries were announced, bringing the total number of active COVID cases in Cambodia to just 761. Credit Source: Khmer Times Join our 3x a week Cambodian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view

With the goal of restoring schools, Laos' Prime Minister has ordered the distribution of Covid-19 immunizations to youngsters aged 12 to 17. Authorities have been asked to collect data around the country to establish the number of youngsters aged 12 to 17 years old, according to an order signed yesterday by Lao Prime Minister Dr. Phankham Viphavanh. According to the announcement, health workers will begin immunizing youngsters this month, with the goal of reopening schools in the coming weeks. Since the latest wave of Covid-19 began, schools in Vientiane Capital and a number of regions have been closed, with pupils learning remotely or online. Meanwhile, vaccinations for individuals above the age of 18 are continuing, with the goal of reopening the country and adjusting to the "new normal," according to the PM's order. By the end of this year, the government hopes to have vaccinated more than 70% of the adult population, and more than 80% by the end of 2022. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister will review a reopening plan proposed by the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism, as well as the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control. While the administration explored a gradual reopening to some organizations, such as South Korean golf tour groups, debates about how the new reopening plan will proceed are still ongoing. According to a notice published by the Prime Minister's Office on Friday, a broad reopening is the most likely option, with the PM requesting an update on tourism operators' and hospitality firms' readiness to accommodate visitors. Credit Source: The Laotian Times Join our 3x a week Laotian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe

In the foreseeable future, Laos' health authorities aim to allow persons infected with Covid-19 who have minimal symptoms to isolate at home. Authorities hope to allow people infected with Covid who have moderate symptoms to recuperate at home, according to a handbook released this month by the Ministry of Health's Department of Healthcare and Rehabilitation. In the following days, the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control is expected to make a formal pronouncement approving Covid self-care. Dr. Bounfeng Phommalaysith, Laos' Minister of Health, stated in the guidebook that the country is coping with an outbreak that is affecting public health, people's livelihoods, and the country's economic development. According to Minister Bounfeng Phommalaysith, the government is now attempting to increase healthcare facilities for coronavirus sufferers, whose numbers are increasing on a daily basis across the country. "Healthcare institutions may become overburdened if the number of Covid-19 infections continues to climb. As a result, finding a treatment for minor cases that can be implemented at home is crucial," he stated. "Since the discovery of viral variations, health officials have put in place robust prevention measures. These, as well as the virus's transmissibility, are always evolving," Dr. Bounfeng stated. The manual is intended to serve as a guide for asymptomatic patients or those with minor cases of Covid-19, as well as a basis for action in situations where the number of Covid patients exceeds the capacity of hospitals or health-care facilities. Prioritizing individuals who can be hospitalized or cared for at home, assessing patients' physical and mental conditions, keeping family members from becoming infected, and knowing when to contact medical officials for a hospital referral are all covered in the booklet. Credit Source: The Laotian Times Join our 3x a week Laotian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe

Today, 945 new cases of Covid-19 have been reported in Laos, with two deaths. Over the previous 24 hours, 5,540 tests were completed around the nation, with 945 new cases verified, according to the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control. Across the country, there were 942 cases of community spread and three imported cases. New Deaths A 67-year-old woman died in hospital yesterday evening in Donekuad Village, Viengkham District, Vientiane Province. She had been diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma. She had not received the Covid-19 vaccine. A 99-year-old woman died in hospital on Tuesday in Phonkoung Village, Pakse City, Champasack Province. She had high blood pressure and diabetes. She'd only gotten one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. Credit Source: The Laotian Times Join our 3x a week Laotian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe

Cambodia is working on a campaign to attract Japanese tourists who have been vaccinated. The Ministry of Tourism continues to promote safe tourism after the Royal Government proclaimed the country's preparedness to begin welcoming vaccianted visitors and the commencement of vaccination tourism in Koh Kong and Preah Sihanouk. The Ministry is still working on methods to attract visitors from the "Covid-19 safe nations," which includes Japan. On the afternoon of November 10, Thong Khon, the Minister of Tourism, met with Mikami Masahiro, the Ambassador of Japan to Cambodia, to discuss the extension of Cambodian-Japanese tourism cooperation. Minister Khon stated that the government hopes to attract more Japanese tourists as a result of the Royal Government's recent announcement of vaccine tourism. The country is organizing direct flights between Japan and Cambodia. Aside from direct flights, additional preparations are being made for Japanese visitors to travel to the places that have been designated for vaccine tourists. When Siem Reap is included in vaccine tourism in January 2022, they will be adopted as well. These are all part of a plan to attract Japanese visitors. Most Cambodians are completely vaccinated and can go overseas securely, thus Cambodian tour companies are being invited to re-enter Japan as a destination for Cambodian visitors. Credit Source: Khmer Times Join our 3x a week Cambodian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe

Four antique sculptures from the Denver Museum of Art are returning home after decades of being looted from temples and other historical places. Credit Source: Khmer Times Join our 3x a week Cambodian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe

As Cambodia nears reopening, the country has once again registered low daily COVID case counts, capping a 42-day stretch of 'new normal' low case numbers. The official daily new COVID case count for today was 66, increasing the overall number of COVID cases to 119,358. With 19,714 instances being imported, the total number of Community Cases is currently 99,644. Today, 8 imported cases were disclosed, keeping the pattern of few imported cases going. Cambodia also revealed 5 more deaths, bringing the total number of COVID-19-related deaths in Cambodia to 2850. As active cases decreased, 71 recoveries were announced, bringing the total number of active COVID cases in Cambodia to only 771. Credit Source: Khmer Times Join our 3x a week Laotian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view

Seven convicts in a jail in Cambodia's Stung Treng Province broke through a wall to make a daring escape. According to Khmer Times, the incident occurred on Monday about 3 a.m., when the guys stole a boat and crossed the Mekong River to adjacent O'Rai hamlet after bursting through a prison wall. The seven fugitives are believed to be on their way to Laos, according to Cambodian authorities. Men Kung, a provincial spokeswoman, told Khmer Times yesterday that police were working with jail authorities to find the fugitives. Both sides of the border have been warned, and officials are on high alert. A witness from a nearby town has come forward to report that about 4 a.m. on Monday, he was approached by seven people who were naked and drenched in water. Before retreating into the dense woodland nearby, they begged the man to sell them shoes. The escapees' commander, Jakky Seutaly, thought to be a Lao citizen, had been sentenced to life in prison for narcotics trafficking. Credit Source: The Laotian Times Join our 3x a week Laotian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe

The Lao Front for National Development (LFND) has requested that the National Assembly handle land conflicts and property acquisition without development throughout the country. According to a story in the Vientiane Times, firms have taken over significant amounts of wooded land, forbidden land, and public property without paying compensation or taxes to the government. The land has been appropriated on several times while development projects have languished or never started. Mrs. Khamchan Phomsengsavanh, Vice President of the Lao Front for National Development, spoke out on a number of issues during the Ninth National Assembly's Second Ordinary Session, including the issue of land acquisition. "Some local people don't have land on which to build a shelter and produce their crops - they don't have a steady income and live in poverty," she said in her address to the National Assembly. She claims that compensation for crop losses suffered by inhabitants in agricultural regions impacted by construction projects frequently falls short of statutory requirements, and that project owners have employed administrative authorities against locals without justification. "For example, a land acquisition issue between the Nam Tha Bridge and Road Construction Company and about 126 people in Xiengda has been a big concern for many years in Saysettha District of Vientiane Capital but has yet to be resolved," Mrs. Khamchan remarked. Meanwhile, she raised the issue of foreigners purchasing and selling property through Lao nominees, which has resulted in many people being deceived and caused major issues. Mrs. Khamchan continued, "The government should properly monitor, examine, and re-allocate land in a systematic manner, as well as making reasonable steps to help in the resolution of individual land disputes." Credit Source: The Laotian Times Join our 3x a week Laotian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe