Vientiane Mai
Vientiane Mai, meaning “New Vientiane” in Lao, is a weekly newspaper published under the auspices of the Government of Laos. Based in the capital city of Vientiane, it functions as one of the primary official outlets for disseminating state-sanctioned information. In more recent years, Vientiane Mai has channelled considerable effort into expanding its digital footprint, reflecting a broader shift within the state media apparatus toward online engagement.
Media assets
Publishing: Vientiane Mai
State Media Matrix Typology
Ownership and governance
Vientiane Mai is a state-owned publication. Its operations fall under direct government oversight, with appointments to senior editorial and managerial posts made by the authorities.
Source of funding and budget
Historically, Vientiane Mai has relied on financial support from the Vientiane municipal government. While the outlet has reportedly seen a rise in advertising revenue in recent years—particularly from state-affiliated companies and public campaigns—local media analysts continue to believe that most of its funding comes from state grants. The publication does not release detailed financial statements, and there is no publicly available breakdown of its annual operating budget.
Editorial independence
Like all media entities operating in Laos, Vientiane Mai functions within a tightly controlled information environment. Its editorial line is closely aligned with government narratives and policy messaging. As of June 2025, there are still no known legal safeguards or institutional mechanisms in place to ensure the editorial independence of the publication. Local journalists and media observers interviewed in late 2023 confirmed that the publication’s content continues to be shaped by party and state directives.
July 2025