Vientiane: The National Assembly is considering a new General Education Law intended to enhance the management and quality of education throughout Lao PDR. The draft law was introduced on June 18, 2025, during the 9th Ordinary Session of the 9th National Assembly, under the chairmanship of Mr. Khambay Damlat, Vice President of the National Assembly.

According to Lao News Agency, Mr. Samlan Phankhavong, Deputy Minister of Education and Sports, presented the draft law, which includes 14 parts, 15 chapters, and 102 articles detailing principles, regulations, and measures for managing general education. The law aims to align with the Constitution, existing regulations, the National Human Resource Development Strategy, and the National Socio-Economic Development Plan.

The primary goals of the law include reducing student dropout rates, enhancing the role of parents, guardians, and communities in supporting school attendance, and encouraging investment from both public and private sectors in the general education system. It also seeks to improve the management and administration of general education to ensure it is unified, efficient, and effective, meeting both national and international education standards.

If enacted, the law will provide a framework for the Ministry of Education and Sports to develop policies, strategies, plans, and legal instruments for more effective management of general education. It aims to guarantee that all citizens have access to high-quality education, thereby increasing public confidence and attracting support from development partners and investors. Additionally, it seeks to promote a sense of responsibility among citizens to support education through financial, labor, and material contributions.

Members of the National Assembly offered constructive feedback on the draft law, emphasizing the need for it to be complete, concise, and practical to ensure effective implementation in real-world scenarios.