The reform, implemented under a resolution of the 11th Party Central Committee, designates the sub-district as the lowest level of local government, while villages are redefined as community-based organizations. The initiative aims to modernize public administration, improve local governance, and strengthen service delivery.
Speaking to the Lao News Agency on July 3, Pongphon Xayyachak, Deputy Director of the Local Administration Department of the Party Central Committee's Organization Committee, said the 379 newly established sub-districts are located across 110 districts in Vientiane Capital and the country's 17 provinces.
He said sub-district administrations are responsible for local governance, socio-economic development, public services, environmental management, and national defense and security within their jurisdictions. They also oversee the implementation of village development plans.
According to Pongphon, implementation has proceeded in line with the amended Local Administration Law (2025). Relevant ministries and local authorities have prepared the necessary legal framework, administrative systems, and infrastructure, while personnel have been reassigned from existing district administrations, security forces, and qualified village officials without increasing the overall number of civil servants. One-stop public service centers have also been established in operational sub-districts.
Despite the progress, Pongphon acknowledged several challenges, including limited public awareness of the reforms, shortages of qualified personnel, inadequate office facilities and equipment, and budget constraints. He added that some residents living in remote areas have expressed concerns over longer travel distances to access government services following the consolidation of administrative functions at the sub-district level.
Authorities said they will continue addressing these challenges as the nationwide reform progresses.

KPL