On 08 April 2023, H.E. Sonexay VANNAXAY, Ambassador of the Lao PDR to the Republic of the Philippines and the Lao Embassy's personnel together with Lao students studying in the Philippines celebrated the Lao New Year 2566 at the Resident of the Lao Ambassador.

Lao New Year is a popular English name for a traditional celebration known in Laos as "Pi Mai". Lao New Year is widely celebrated festival in Laos. Lao New Year takes place in April, the hottest time of the year in Laos. The official festival lasts for three days from 14 to 16 April, although celebrations can last more than a week in towns such as Luang Prabang. The first day is the last day of the old year. Houses and villages are properly cleaned on the first day. Perfume, water and flowers are also prepared for the Lao New Year. The second day of the festival is the "day of no year", a day that falls in neither the old year or the new year. The last day of the festival marks the start of the new year. In Laos, Lao New Year is a government holiday, with state offices closed during those three days.

Water is used for washing homes, Buddha images, monks, and soaking friends and passers-by. Students first respectfully pour water on their elders, then monks for blessings of long life and peace, and last of all they splash water at each other. The water is perfumed with flowers or natural perfumes. Some people prefer flowers in the water to give a pleasing smell, as well as adding other things, like cologne and perfume.