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Today in Laos, 1,140 new cases of Covid-19 were reported, as well as two new deaths. Over the previous 24 hours, 7,703 tests were completed around the country, with 1,140 new cases verified, according to the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control. Across the country, there were 1,134 cases of community spread and six imported cases. New Deaths A 56-year-old lady from Thongnamy Village in Pakkading District, Bolikhamxay Province, died at KM6 field hospital yesterday evening. She had diabetes as well as renal illness. She had not received the Covid-19 vaccine. At KM6 field hospital, an 82-year-old woman from Hadxaykham Village, Pakkading District, Bolikhamxay Province, died today. Asthma and hypertension have been a problem for her. She had not received the Covid-19 vaccine. 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

Today in Laos, 1,140 new cases of Covid-19 were reported, as well as two new deaths. Over the previous 24 hours, 7,703 tests were completed around the country, with 1,140 new cases verified, according to the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control. Across the country, there were 1,134 cases of community spread and six imported cases. New Deaths A 56-year-old lady from Thongnamy Village in Pakkading District, Bolikhamxay Province, died at KM6 field hospital yesterday evening. She had diabetes as well as renal illness. She had not received the Covid-19 vaccine. At KM6 field hospital, an 82-year-old woman from Hadxaykham Village, Pakkading District, Bolikhamxay Province, died today. Asthma and hypertension have been a problem for her. She had not received the Covid-19 vaccine. 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

The Chamkarmon Administration, which just joined the Daun Penh District, has begun a bidding process to support additional development under its authority. The auction took held in Wat Toul Tum Poung on November 10th, with officials from the Phnom Penh Municipal Administration, Chamkarmon District Administration, and other important officials in attendance. Theng Sothol, the Governor of Chamkarmon District, revealed that the 5th Mandate Council has presented its annual development plan for the second year. The proposal follows the decentralization policy, which intends to make each Sangkat Council responsible for the people under its control. The bidding is for enhancement initiatives, according to the Governor. Infrastructure, road maintenance and cleanliness, and drainage systems will all be improved, with the district's goals being five sangkats. Improvement projects that are up for bidding include: Sangkat Tonle Bassac is in need of road and drainage upgrades. Sangkat Boeung Trabek's drainage system was repaired. In Sangkat Toul Tum Poung 1, a drainage ditch was installed, as well as concrete roadways. In Sangkat Toul Tum Poung II, a piece of road was paved, as well as A section of road in Sangkat Phsar Daeum Thkov has been repaired and reinforced. Suy Serith, the Deputy Governor of Phnom Penh, stressed that enterprises engaging in improvement projects should do so ethically and professionally; bad repair, improvement, or construction execution is unacceptable. The Deputy Governor also recommended businesses to adhere to internal price and contract regulations. Credit Source: Khmer Times Join our 3x a week Cambodian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe

A huge number of Cambodians attempting to cross the border into Thailand were apprehended by police. The 815th Border Guard Battalion apprehended the gang on November 9th morning. At Phum Phivat village, Toul Pong commune, Malai district, Banteay Meanchey, they were attempting to enter the border. Col. Suong Sao, Commander of the 815th Border Guard Battalion, claimed that the operation was launched on the orders of Banteay Meanchey Provincial Police Commissioner Maj. Gen. Sithi Loh. The 815th battalion collaborated with the Malai District military force. According to the cops, the combined group was monitoring the border when they came across a group of 30 Cambodians, including 15 women, who were planning to cross. They were detained by the authorities in order to prevent them from entering Thailand. They were interviewed and forced to sign contracts promising not to participate in the crime again. They were then sent to the Malai District Police Inspectorate for additional legal proceedings. They apprehended a guy suspected of being the broker the same day. While the border guard was patrolling another area, he was apprehended. Col. Suong Sao revealed the man's identity, revealing that he is 29-year-old Heat Hak. Hak confessed to smuggling individuals across the border twice after his detention. He was handed over to the Malai Police for legal action after his confession. Credit Source: Khmer Times Join our 3x a week Cambodian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe

In a historic stretch of 41 days of 'new normal' low case counts, Cambodia has achieved its lowest daily COVID cases statistic as it edges closer to reopening. The official daily new COVID case count for today was 65, increasing the overall number of COVID cases to 119,292. With 19,706 instances being imported, the total number of Community Cases is currently 99,586. Today, 7 imported cases were disclosed, maintaining the pattern of importing few instances. Cambodia also revealed 5 further deaths, bringing the total number of COVID-19-related deaths in Cambodia to 2845. As active cases decreased, 68 recoveries were announced, bringing the total number of active COVID cases in Cambodia to just 781. 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

According to Socio-Economic News, citrus fruits grown in Laos, such as oranges, pomelo, and lemons, would be transported to China in the coming months. The anticipated export comes after Phet Phomphiphak, the Lao Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, and Ni Yuefeng, a senior Chinese customs official, signed a memorandum of agreement last week. In an agreement worth $50 million, Laos is expecting to transport over 50,000 tons of citrus oranges to China. Citrus fruits are grown on 3,600 hectares of land around the country, with 70% of crops produced purely for export. In nine provinces across the country, citrus fruit is farmed for export: Luang Namtha, Bokeo, Xayaboury, Luang Prabang, Vientiane Province, Bolikhamxay, Savannakhet, Champasack, and Attapeu. The province of Vientiane is also famous for its mandarin oranges. In 2017, Australian citrus rootstock was shipped to Laos and planted in newly constructed nurseries, assisting Lao farmers in moving beyond subsistence farming. Smallholder families may grow citrus commercially using optimal horticultural methods thanks to a program launched by Ironbark Laos. Meanwhile, China is a major export market for Laos' agricultural products, accounting for more than 80% of total exports, including cassava, bananas, watermelon, sugarcane, and rubber. The opening of the Laos-China Railway next month is intended to make exports from Laos and other Southeast Asian countries to China more easier. Credit Source: The Laotian Times Join our 3x a week Laotian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe

The State Railway of Thailand has announced that freight train services between Nong Khai and Laos will be raised to 24 round trips per day over the next five years to handle increased cargo traffic following the opening of the Laos-China Railway, according to the Bangkok Post. Between Nong Khai, Thailand, and Thanaleng, Laos, the Thai state-run railway now runs four daily cargo round trips and four daily passenger round trips. Nirut Maneephan, the Governor of Thailand's State Railway, said the country's state railway may benefit from growth by developing cargo rail connections with Laos from Nong Khai. The railway presently runs four round trips every day, but by the end of the year, it hopes to raise that to ten. "The number of freight round trips will be increased to 16 per day from 2023 to 2025, and to 24 by 2026," he said. Mr. Nirut was cited as adding, "Each train will have 25 coaches." Furthermore, Thailand's State Railway wants to build a freight storage space at Nong Khai Railway Station and a container yard at Thanalaeng Station in Vientiane Capital. This would allow cargo to be transported by train from Chon Buri's Laem Chabang port to Nong Khai's Thanalaeng Station, where it would be delivered to China. In 2019, Laos and Thailand began operating a freight train service between Vientiane and Nong Khai via the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge. Credit Source: The Laotian Times Join our 3x a week Laotian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe

Today, 1049 new cases of Covid-19 were reported across Laos, with three new deaths. Over the last 24 hours, 7,107 tests were completed around the country, with 1049 new cases verified, according to the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control. Across the country, there were 1045 cases of community spread and four imported cases. New Deaths On Sunday evening, a 52-year-old woman died in Donekhaxay Village, Hatsaifong District, Vientiane Capital. She was diabetic and had high blood pressure. She had not received the Covid-19 vaccine. A 65-year-old woman died at the hospital yesterday evening in Xaylom Village, Luang Prabang City, Luang Prabang Province. She was diabetic and had a heart condition. She had not received the Covid-19 vaccine. Yesterday evening, a 40-year-old man from Nongniew Village, Vientiane Capital, died in 103 Hospital. Asthma, hypertension, and a gall bladder infection plagued him. The Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine had only been given to him once. 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

For individuals who were twice vaccinated by army doctors, the Ministry of Defence was able to create 90.56 percent of the 2.7 million Covid-19 immunization cards. People have collected 88 percent of the cards so far, while another 270,000 are still waiting to be collected. Lieutenant General Kosal Sovanvisal, the head of the Ministry's vaccination card production unit, told Khmer Times yesterday that individuals who have yet to get their vaccination cards should do so soon and not be complacent or disregard the call. "We're baffled as to why folks who were double-vaccinated at our centers haven't come forward to claim their cards." They appeared to be unaware of its significance," he added. Lt Gen Sovannvisal said the vaccination team has been attempting to contact those who have not yet received their cards, but has run into some challenges because they usually rely on their village or commune leaders to schedule their immunization. "Our staff attempted to contact them on their cell numbers but received no answer or they used the numbers of people who assisted them," he added, adding that many of those who did not pick up the cards were factory workers who may be too busy at work to come pick them up. "I've enlisted the help of mobile phone firms to send out e-messages inviting individuals to come pick up their vaccination cards," said Gen Sovannvisal. He went on to say that they now print the immunization cards on the spot rather than requiring those who have been vaccinated to pick them up later. Lt Gen Sovannvisal asked those who have not received their immunization cards to contact the Ministry's Facebook page https://www.m.me/dotmodkh or the Ministry's military police in six districts. He also reminded the Ministry's working group in all localities not to accept money from anyone who come to pick up immunization cards. Credit Source: Khmer Times Join our 3x a week Cambodian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe

Because children under the age of five have not been vaccinated against Covid-19, the Ministry of Education has ordered all kindergartens to close until further notice. The order came just hours after Prime Minister Hun Sen declared yesterday at the inauguration of the Ministry of Land Management's New Office Building, "I don't advocate all kindergartens reopening yet." It has things it shouldn't be doing." "Because the kindergarten level comprises children under the age of five, they are unvaccinated and do not yet fall into the category of needing to be vaccinated." We must persevere and take things one step at a time. “Don't be too quick,” he cautioned. He went on to say that only elementary schools and higher should be reopened, not kindergartens, and that this should be done gradually. In a statement, the Education Ministry requested all kindergartens to postpone reopening in accordance with the Prime Minister's advice for the safety and welfare of the children. More than 280,000 unvaccinated pupils to stay home The government will notify on the re-opening of kindergartens once the five-year-old children have been immunized as part of the ongoing vaccination program. There are 5,003 kindergarten schools and 10,357 kindergarten classes, including 132 in pagodas, according to Education Statistics and Indicators Public and Private Institutions 2016-2020. These kindergartens have a total of 289,136 students and 5,414 teachers. The Ministry of Education, according to Education Minister Hang Chuon Naron, will carry with the Prime Minister's request. Meas Chorpaon, the director of Norodom Primary School in Phnom Penh, told Khmer Times yesterday that the school had reopened three kindergartens, each with 13 to 16 students, and that they were following the Education Ministry's stringent Covid-19 measures, not just for kindergarten students but for all primary school students. "I support Prime Minister Hun Sen's and the Ministry of Education's instruction since I am well aware that unvaccinated little children have a significant chance of contracting the Covid-19 virus, particularly its variations," he added. "In all classrooms, the school rigorously follows the SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) and health precautions, whether students are vaccinated or not. “I agree that tiny children under the age of five are still at risk,” Chorpaon stated. Sovannaphumi School operations director Kong Veasna told Khmer Times yesterday that schools, including kindergartens, should begin in stages, with three levels based on age: low, middle, and high. "We only permitted children aged four and five to attend high-level lessons this week, and we planned to open next week after assessing the situation," she said. But now, given the Ministry's declaration, we'll conclude the case and wait for more information," he continued. According to an investigation by Khmer Times, not all kindergartens in some schools are open. Quach Mengly, the founder, chairman, and CEO of MJQ Education, told Khmer Times yesterday that tiny children having direct access to education at schools at this time when the Covid-19 is still settling has negative consequences. "As Covid-19 and its derivatives have taken many lives, we can't do business without thinking about the health concerns to little children," he continued. Mengly claimed that MJQ Education has yet to establish suitable kindergarten programs because they believe that little children are still vulnerable to the dangerous illness. "At all levels, we have yet to open kindergarten courses," he added. Meanwhile, Heng Rathy, the mother of a four-year-old daughter, expressed her concern when kindergartens reopened, stating that she was concerned about her daughter acquiring the deadly disease and refused to send her to class. She continued, "I liked her studying online because it is much safer than traveling to the kindergarten and being exposed to the teachers and children." Rathy said she is not worried of becoming infected, but she is concerned about her child, who is too young to be protected by a vaccine. Pov Pisey, a mother of a three-year-old kid, said she let her child attend kindergarten despite her fears and prayers that he would not be infected with the virus. "I'm sending him to school because I don't want his academic performance to suffer." Now that my son has a fever and the flu, I'm concerned he's contaminated. "I don't have the courage to do a quick test because I'm afraid it may come out positive," Pisey explained. Sok Chan, a father of a four-year-old girl, said he supports Mr Hun Sen's decision to close kindergartens since it is still risky for tiny children to attend school, particularly those aged five and under. He believes that all children, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated, should be in a safe learning environment, and that online learning for kindergarten students is still preferable. 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 total was 67, bringing the COVID case total to 119,227 cases. The total number of Community Cases is now 99,528 with 19,699 cases being imported. 4 imported cases were announced today, continuing the trend of minimal imported cases. Cambodia also announced 5 new deaths, bringing the total to 2,840 direct deaths from COVID-19 in Cambodia. 72 recoveries were announced as active cases continued to drop – there are now just 789 active COVID cases in Cambodia. 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

Laos' Prime Minister has ordered full-scale preparations for the country's reopening in the wake of the opening of the Laos-China Railway. According to Chinese State Media in Laos, Lao Prime Minister Dr. Phankham Viphavanh made the statement while speaking to the National Assembly yesterday. During his opening remarks, he stated that the government must prepare a comprehensive strategy for reopening the country, which includes the start of railway services and increased vaccinations. According to Dr. Phankham, the Lao government should concentrate on fixing economic concerns and dealing with the Covid-19 dilemma by ensuring that locals can acclimatize to the new normal. Authorities are racing against the clock to obtain more vaccines and vaccinate as many people as possible, with the goal of reaching 50% of the population by the end of 2021. "Over the previous two years, no country in the world has been totally free of Covid-19, despite improved research and technology." People cannot remain cooped up at home for the rest of their lives without making a living, so we must learn to live with this disease," PM Phankham remarked. In the meantime, Sonexay Siphandone, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Planning and Investment, announced during a National Assembly session that the hospitality business had shrunk by 28.6% as a result of the closing of international borders and the suspension of domestic travel. At the same time, according to the Vientiane Times, the government promised to restructure state companies, establish a digital economy, boost output and exports, and encourage investment in large-scale projects like expressways, hotels, and tourist attractions. Credit Source: The Laotian Times Join our 3x a week Laotian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe

Authorities in Bolikhamxay Province dismantled a massive marijuana plantation that spanned four hectares. On Tuesday, police and military officers in Bolikhamxay Province worked together to demolish an illicit marijuana cultivation, according to KPL. Authorities looked into a group of eight cannabis plantations in Oudomxay Village, Viengthong District, Bolikhamxay Province, where over 4,447 cannabis plants were grown on 4.2 hectares of land. The identity of the owners of the other seven estates is unclear. Police apprehended a guy thought to be the owner of one of the plantations. In Laos, marijuana and opium poppy production are illegal, although the activity is nonetheless widespread in the northern provinces. After investigating eight villages with operations involving 42 people, officials in Xay District, Oudomxay Province, burnt around 31 hectares of illegal opium poppy plants in February. Meanwhile, in January, authorities in Luang Namtha Province reported burning 12.7 hectares of illegal opium cultivation in Nalae District's Tagu and Taloiu Villages. Credit Source: The Laotian Times Join our 3x a week Laotian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe

Laos has verified another record day for Covid-19 cases, with 1,170 new cases and three new deaths reported across the country. Over the last 24 hours, 7,179 tests were completed around the country, with 1,170 new cases verified, according to the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control. Across the country, there were 1,165 cases of community spread and five imported cases. New Deaths On Tuesday, a 67-year-old man from Phonhin, Nan District, Luang Prabang Province, died of Covid-19 at the provincial hospital in Luang Prabang. He had kidney problems and high blood pressure, and he hadn't been immunized against Covid-19. On Wednesday, a 59-year-old man from Huayhong, Xaythany District, Vientiane Capital, died in Mittaphap Hospital. He was properly vaccinated against Covid-19 and suffered from arthritis. On Wednesday, a 29-year-old lady from Namong, Xaythany District, Vientiane Capital, died in Mittaphap Hospital. He had been fully vaccinated against Covid-19, whereas she had diabetes. 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

The authorities in Daun Penh took steps to decrease traffic accidents by seizing overcrowded transportation tuk-tuks and educating the drivers. The authorities confiscated more than 70 of these overloaded tuk-tuks in order to reduce traffic accidents and damage to the area's scenery. On November 3, the drivers and owners of the vehicles were transported to the Daun Penh District Hall to be educated. The tuk-tuks were confiscated under the supervision of the Daun Penh District Governor, Sok Penh Vuth, according to Chap Dina of the Daun Penh District Administration. The operation was comprehensive, taking place on all of the district's streets. The tuk-tuks, according to the Administration Director, were breaking the rules. Steel, construction materials, and agricultural products were all delivered in these tuk-tuks. They claimed that the tuk-tuks were causing traffic jams. This is one of the steps made to beautify the city ahead of the ASEAN Summit. The tuk-tuk drivers were not allowed to enter the district. Credit Source: Khmer Times Join our 3x a week Cambodian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe

Business owners who trespass on public sidewalks and streets have been threatened with legal action by the Toul Kork District Administration. Business owners and sellers doing business on a section of road in Khan Toul Kork that extends through Sangkat Phsar Daeum Kor and Sangkat Boeung Salang were given one week to get out of the public sidewalks and streets before legal action was taken against them. The administration further stated that once the business owners and sellers have been forcibly removed from the area, it will not be responsible for any damage or loss of property. The order was issued on November 2 to all vendors and business owners in Sangkat Phsar Daeum Kor and Sangkat Boeung Salang who conduct business on street 245 (from Street 230 to Street 336). The injunction was issued to avoid encroachment on public sidewalks and roadways, which can cause traffic congestion. Those who conduct business without a permit should apply for a business license, according to the government. To prevent legal action, business owners are advised to follow the district administration's orders. Credit Source: Khmer Times Join our 3x a week Cambodian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe

Cambodia again recorded it’s lowest daily COVID cases figure in a unprecedented run of 34 days of ‘new normal’ low case numbers. Today’s official daily new COVID case total was 83, bringing the COVID case total to 118,870 cases. Two Cambodian airlines confirmed today that flights between Phnom Penh and Bangkok will resume on November 13, signaling the start of normalized air travel. However, amid this euphoric environment around Cambodia's'reopening,' a voice of caution must be spoken. COVID has not vanished – far from it – and, while the Kingdom is significantly better prepared to handle with the pandemic threat than many other countries due to widespread immunization, it remains a devastating – if hopefully controlled – threat. Cambodians must understand that the "new normal" does not imply an immediate return to pre-COVID conditions. 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

On Sunday, the COVAX Facility delivered a new supply of 523,200 doses of the AstraZeneca Oxford Covid-19 vaccine to Laos. The Government of Laos will employ the AstraZeneca vaccinations to boost its ongoing efforts to vaccinate the Lao people against Covid-19 and achieve its aim of 50% immunization coverage by the end of the year. A TRI-M-G Asian Airlines plane delivered the new consignment of Covid-19 vaccines to Wattay International Airport in Vientiane Capital on Sunday afternoon. The vaccines, consisting of 523,200 doses of the AstraZeneca Oxford Covid-19 vaccine, were donated through the COVAX Facility, a collaboration between the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF, and the World Health Organization (WHO). The latest shipment is part of a larger effort to ensure that everyone in the world has access to COVID-19 immunizations. At Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Sanong Thongsana, WHO Representative to Laos Dr. Jun Gao, UNICEF Representative to Laos Dr. Pia Rebello Britto, and senior Ministry of Health officials attended a vaccine transfer ceremony. The vaccines, according to Dr. Sanong, will be used to boost efforts to vaccinate the public against Covid-19 and meet the government's goal of 50% immunization coverage by the end of the year. 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

Laos' Prime Minister has ordered full-scale preparations for the country's reopening in the wake of the opening of the Laos-China Railway. According to Chinese State Media in Laos, Lao Prime Minister Dr. Phankham Viphavanh made the statement while speaking to the National Assembly yesterday. During his opening remarks, he stated that the government must prepare a comprehensive strategy for reopening the country, which includes the start of railway services and increased vaccinations. According to Dr. Phankham, the Lao government should concentrate on fixing economic concerns and dealing with the Covid-19 dilemma by ensuring that locals can acclimatize to the new normal. Authorities are racing against the clock to obtain more vaccines and vaccinate as many people as possible, with the goal of reaching 50% of the population by the end of 2021. "Over the previous two years, no country in the world has been totally free of Covid-19, despite improved research and technology." People cannot remain cooped up at home for the rest of their lives without making a living, so we must learn to live with this disease," PM Phankham remarked. In the meantime, Sonexay Siphandone, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Planning and Investment, announced during a National Assembly session that the hospitality business had shrunk by 28.6% as a result of the closing of international borders and the suspension of domestic travel. At the same time, according to the Vientiane Times, the government promised to restructure state companies, establish a digital economy, boost output and exports, and encourage investment in large-scale projects like expressways, hotels, and tourist attractions. Credit Source: The Laotian Times Join our 3x a week Laotian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe

Today, 873 new cases of Covid-19 were reported across Laos, with three new deaths. Over the last 24 hours, 5,415 tests were completed around the country, with 873 new cases verified, according to the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control. Across the country, there were 871 cases of community spread and two imported cases. New Deaths At 4 p.m. yesterday, a 23-year-old inmate at a prison in Saysettha District, Vientiane Capital, died. He'd been malnourished for a long time. The individual had not been vaccinated against Covid-19, according to the information presented. A 73-year-old man from Kasi District in Vientiane Province died at the Phonehong district hospital yesterday evening after suffering from diabetes and hypertension. He'd just gotten back on his feet after a stroke. He may or may not have been immunized against Covid-19. At Mittaphab Hospital in Vientiane, an 82-year-old man from Dongpaleb in the Chanthabouly District died this morning. The individual had not been vaccinated against Covid-19, according to the information presented. 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

On Friday, November 19, Malaysia Airlines will resume direct service from Kuala Lumpur to Phnom Penh. According to its website, it expects to fly every Friday, depending on the amount of passengers, with Saturday and Sunday flights beginning December 4 and 5. Flights will depart from Malaysia's capital at 9 a.m. local time and arrive at Phnom Penh International Airport at 9:50 a.m. Cambodia time, one hour and 50 minutes later. Business Class prices on MH754 start at $287 while Economy Class fares start at $106 including charges and taxes. The Malaysia Airlines website presently has no information about flights from Phnom Penh to Kuala Lumpur. Cambodia Airports, which runs the country's three international airports in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville, has confirmed that the flights from Kuala Lumpur are in its system. If capacity and demand are aligned, Malaysia Airlines is likely to run the flights, according to the report. The Cambodian government banned flights from Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines 15 months ago because to increased Covid-19 infection rates in those nations. On October 23, Prime Minister Hun Sen announced the easing of the flight ban between Malaysia, the Philippines, and Indonesia. "The government's actions breathe new life into a struggling industry." We anticipate the rapid realization of the numerous prospects they presently provide. According to a spokeswoman for Cambodia Airports, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Indonesia are "attractive markets due to their prospective passenger numbers." Last month, Cambodia cut the quarantine period for properly vaccinated visitors to Phnom Penh in half. Most tourists will be required to remain in a quarantine hotel for seven days, though investors, diplomatic employees, international specialists, and other groups will only be required to stay for three days. From November 30, the government will offer five-day quarantine-free tours to Sihanoukville, the island of Koh Rong, and the Dara Sakor Resort in Koh Kong province. The Dara Sakor International Airport is set to open in the first quarter of next year. The Vaccine Tourism Program will begin in January with visits to Siem Reap. Following an 18-month ban, Thailand opened its airports in Bangkok and Phuket to vaccinated travellers from more than 60 nations Monday. Cambodia will face stiff competition for holidaymakers. It already has a'sandbox' program in place for foreign visitors in Phuket and Koh Samui. Indonesia has opened Bali to international travelers, while Vietnam will open Phu Quoc to international visitors later this month. Credit Source: Khmer Times Join our 3x a week Cambodian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe

PM Hun Sen said yesterday at the Peace Palace, marking the commencement of a vaccination program for children aged five, that his decision to reopen the country was based on four factors. The first factor, he added, is that nearly two million Cambodians received a booster dose of the vaccine. As a result of the vaccination program, the Khmer people have developed a high level of resistance to Covid-19, which is helping to reduce the pandemic's fatality rate. In light of this, Hun Sen advised citizens not to rely solely on the vaccines provided by the government, but to take precautions against the pandemic everywhere and at all times. The second factor is that the government is improving its capabilities to resist the pandemic so that dealing with an epidemic in the country will not be an issue. Furthermore, new treatments for the Covid-19 pandemic are being developed one by one. These drugs are accessible for purchase by both public and private organisations to treat individuals. The third point is that the government has sufficient expertise in combating the Covid-19, including restricting its spread and implementing large-scale preventive measures. The fourth point is that the majority of Cambodians now have the knowledge and education about the pandemic to defend themselves, as well as to understand how to live with it and treat themselves if they become infected with Covid-19. Hun Many, a CPP senator, said the country's reopening indicates the government's clear accomplishment in combating the Covid-19 outbreak through very effective measures. "I applaud all of our residents and would like to take this occasion to urge all of our citizens to continue to respect the health initiatives made by ministries and authorities, because peaceful life depends on our participation," Many said. According to Seng Sary, an independent social and political researcher, the government's initiative to reopen the country has his backing. He did say, however, that this measure could have arrived two or three months sooner to help the country's economy get back on track. Sin Chanserey Vutha, spokesman for the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA), said in an interview with Khmer Times for the Cross Talk program last week that reopening the country, particularly its commercial sector, will not be an issue for the Kingdom. Meanwhile, during a meeting with representatives from Dara Sakor Resort Company on Saturday at Dara Sakor Resort in Koh Kong province, Minister of Tourism Thong Khon recommended that the company work to attract more tourists by expanding its services and providing good quality service at an affordable price for domestic tourists. Furthermore, Khon asked Dara Sakor Resort Company to expedite the airport's construction in order to begin domestic and regional flights, particularly with the new Siem Reap airport, which is set to open in January. Credit Source: Khmer Times Join our 3x a week Cambodian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe

PM Hun Sen said today that "the country is completely reopened in all sectors from today forth." Expect busy shops and roads," Cambodia reported yet another low daily COVID case count, capping a 32-day streak of 'new normal' low case counts. The official daily new COVID case total for today was 89, increasing the overall number of COVID cases to 118,702. Cambodia has seen a number of major developments on the ‘road to reopening’ in the past 2 weeks – including the announcement of a ‘sandbox scheme’ to allow quarantine-free visits for those who are fully-vaccinated to Sihanoukville, Koh Rong island and the Dara Sakor Resort , the re-opening of the e-Visa scheme for tourists and investors, relaxation of the quarantine period for incoming travellers, the ban on flights from Malaysia, Indonesia and Philippines being lifted and a new QR code system for checking vaccination status that show a determination from the Royal Government to get The Kingdom open for business again as soon as is safely possible. Both Malaysia Airlines and Bangkok Airlines have announced the restoration of direct flights to Cambodia, potentially signaling a return to normalcy in international travel. However, given this euphoric environment around Cambodia's reopening, a voice of caution must be spoken. COVID has not vanished – far from it – and, while the Kingdom is significantly better prepared to handle with the pandemic threat than many other countries due to widespread immunization, it remains a devastating – if hopefully controlled – threat. Cambodians must understand that the "new normal" does not imply an immediate return to pre-COVID conditions. With 19,645 instances being imported, the total number of Community Cases is now 99,057. Today, four new imported cases were announced, continuing the trend of fewer imported cases. Cambodia also revealed 6 further deaths, bringing the total number of COVID-19-related deaths in Cambodia to 2,800. As active cases decreased, 115 recoveries were announced, bringing the total number of active COVID cases in Cambodia to 877. The strategy of limited fast testing for COVID-19, which is the first step in transitioning away from the pandemic to the 'endemic stage' of the COVID-19 issue, is linked to the dramatic downward trend in reported cases. This approach has drastically reduced the number of cases recorded, and when combined with the current policy of not providing any provincial or 'Delta' numbers, it is now difficult to determine the exact extent of COVID in Cambodia. 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

In Bokeo Province, a guy was caught in connection with a truck transporting tons of illegal substances. When police seized a vehicle in the province, they discovered almost seven tons of amphetamine and crystal methamphetamines wrapped in empty beer crates and bottles. According to Lao Security News, authorities seized a large amount of amphetamines, including 55.6 million tablets and 1,537 packets of crystal methamphetamines, which were smuggled in a truck carrying crates of empty beer bottles. On the same day, Mr. Thongxay Thor, a 22-year-old driver from Bokeo Province's Houayxay District, was apprehended. He claimed at first that he had no idea what was in the beer boxes and that he had merely been paid to bring them from Bokeo Province. Following a thorough investigation, authorities detained Mr. Xaytong Thor, a 40-year-old businessman from Houayxay Noi Village in Bokeo's Houayxay District, who hired the driver to transport the illegal narcotics. Several types of illegal substances, including 45.5 kilograms of amphetamines, tablet press equipment, an AK-47 weapon, and other prohibited things, were seized at his home. According to a UN spokesperson who spoke with foreign media, this cocaine raid could be the largest single drug seizure ever recorded in Asia. Earlier last week, authorities in Bokeo Province's Ton Pheung District confiscated nearly six million amphetamine tablets in yet another big drug bust. To address the narcotics problem, the Lao government has declared drug prevention and control a national agenda, which demands for decisive action and the participation of diverse sectors. Credit Source: The Laotian Times Join our 3x a week Laotian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe

When Laos reopens its borders to international tourists, it says it would give priority to visitors from Vietnam, China, and other ASEAN countries. Mr. Ounthuang Khaophan, Deputy Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism, informed Vietnamese media on October 27 that tourists from surrounding countries will be given priority for entry into Laos. After Laos has vaccinated at least 50% of its people against Covid-19, Vietnam, China, and ASEAN countries will be at the top of the list. It aims to reach a vaccination rate of 50% by the end of 2021, having vaccinated slightly over 38% of the population so far. As a result, the country has yet to set a date for welcoming back vaccinated foreign tourists, according to the deputy minister. At the same time, senior authorities in Laos stated earlier this week that the country may try out group golf vacations for South Korean people, using charter flights to and from Incheon International Airport. Fully vaccinated Korean golfers would travel to Laos for a nine-day golfing package that would allow them to play at two courses in the capital city of Vientiane. While Laos has been added to a list of 72 nations that have been accepted by Vietnam for admission into the country following its reopening, it is noticeably absent from a list of countries that have been allowed for travel into Thailand. Credit Source: The Laotian Time Join our 3x a week Laotian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe