Laos gets ready for parade marking 50th National Day

The joint rehearsal featured multiple marching formations representing exemplary units from the Lao army and police, showcasing their discipline, determination, and readiness for the grand parade on the upcoming National Day.

The joint rehearsal of the military and police forces takes place on the morning of November 12 at Thatluang Square in Vientiane (Photo: VNA)
The joint rehearsal of the military and police forces takes place on the morning of November 12 at Thatluang Square in Vientiane (Photo: VNA)

Vientiane (VNA) - A large-scale joint rehearsal of the military and police forces took place on the morning of November 12 at Thatluang Square in Vientiane in preparation for celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of Laos’ National Day (December 2, 1975 – 2025).

The joint rehearsal featured multiple marching formations representing exemplary units from the Lao army and police, showcasing their discipline, determination, and readiness for the grand parade on the upcoming National Day.

Colonel Ounlay Asanaxay, parade coordinator from the Ministry of Public Security of Laos, said this was the first joint rehearsal between the army and police at Thatluang Square as part of the preparation phase.

Despite being the first session, participating units already demonstrated strong spirit, skill, and preparedness for the 50th National Day parade. He noted that further combined drills would be conducted to refine formations and ensure the official event proceeds smoothly and successfully.

Colonel Ounlay added that the units received close attention and guidance from their superiors, facilitating effective and coordinated training. All officers and soldiers remained committed to overcoming challenges and fulfilling their assigned duties.

The November 12 rehearsal marked an important milestone, reflecting the unity, discipline, and pride of Laos’ armed forces as the nation prepares to celebrate half a century of construction and development./.

VNA

See more

Air passengers at the departure terminal of the Phnom Penh International Airport. (Photo: khmertimeskh.com)

Air travel between Cambodia, Thailand remains operational

In a statement released on his Facebook post, Hun Sen explained that his earlier message, advising the Royal Government to consider suspending cross-border travel, referred specifically to land routes, as tensions are escalating along the entire land border, with some spillover into maritime areas.

Thailand, Myanmar boost anti-drug cooperation

Thailand, Myanmar boost anti-drug cooperation

Myanmar authorities have handed over three drug-related fugitives wanted by Thailand and one Thai national who was residing illegally in Myanmar to Thai authorities, according to the Myanmar Police Force.

An aerial drone photo shows a bridge damaged by floods in Bener Meriah regency, Aceh, Indonesia, (Photo: Xinhua)

Indonesia: Over 200 people remain missing after floods, landslides

The floods and landslides that struck three provinces on Indonesia's Sumatra Island have caused damage to about 1,200 public facilities, as well as 219 health facilities, 581 educational establishments, 434 places for worship, 290 office buildings and 145 bridges.

Director General of Customs and Excise Djaka Budhi Utama (Photo: cncbindonesia.com)

Indonesia’s customs warns of emerging smuggling “hotspot”

To prevent similar smuggling activities, Indonesia’s Directorate General of Customs and Excise is conducting strict surveillance along the coast. The areas under surveillance include Belawan, Tanjung Balai Asahan, Dumai, Jambi, and the Riau Islands.

Prime Minister of Timor-Leste Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão on December 11 delivers a policy speech at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat. (Photo: VNA)

Timor Leste PM: Admission into ASEAN – a dream comes true

Prime Minister of Timor-Leste Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão emphasised that becoming a member of ASEAN is “a dream comes true" for the people of Timor Leste, affirming that joining ASEAN marked a significant turning point, helping Timor Leste move towards the future and integrate into the broader regional community.

Tourists visit Bangkok, Thailand. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Foreign arrivals to Thailand down nearly 10% year-on-year

For 2026, Thailand expects 34.9 million foreign visitors, a 4% increase, earning 1.63 trillion THB in revenue, up 8% year-on-year. Total tourism revenue, including domestic travel, is forecast at 2.79 trillion THB (88 billion USD).

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul speaks before the Parliament in Bangkok on September 29 (Photo: XINHUA/VNA)

Thai PM dissolves parliament

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on December 12 signed a decree dissolving the House of Representatives, paving the way for a new general election.

Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming (Photo: Bernama)

Malaysia takes drastic measures to prevent illegal dumping

As of October, a total of 3,634 illegal dumping sites in Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perlis, Kedah, and areas under Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya had been shut down - the highest number recorded since the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007 (Act 672) took effect.

The joint military training exercise, Exercise Cooperation, is in its seventh iteration, and will centre on urban counter-terrorism operations. (Photo: Singapore's Ministry of Defence)

Singapore, China strengthen defence cooperation

Exercise Cooperation, a joint exercise between Singapore and China, is taking place from December 10 to 17, featuring a battalion-level field training exercise at Safti City for the first time.

Illustrative image (Photo: Getty Images)

Singapore sees alarming rise in domestic violence cases

Domestic violence in Singapore continued to rise in 2024, mainly due to increased child abuse and spousal violence, according to the Domestic Violence Trends Report released by the Ministry of Social and Family Development on December 10.

 Indonesia speeds up reconstruction after severe floods, landslides

Indonesia speeds up reconstruction after severe floods, landslides

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has approved a relief package worth 60 million IDR (about 3,600 USD) for each damaged home. Coordinated efforts are underway to provide financial aid, rebuild infrastructure, and restore livelihoods, particularly for 25,000 ha of farmland in West Sumatra.