AIS to Acquire Indirect Stake in Lao Telecom
The $43.35 million investment aims to expand the Thai provider's presence in the Laotian market by the end of 2026.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Telecommunications
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AIS plans to acquire a 24.01% indirect stake in Lao Telecom by the end of 2026, marking a $43.35 million expansion into the Laotian market. The investment is structured through the acquisition of a 49% stake in Singapore-registered Shenington Investments.
Why it matters
The deal signals a strategic move by the Thai telecommunications provider to secure a foothold in Laos as digital infrastructure expands. This investment targets an established carrier serving over 3 million customers in a market where nearly 70% of the population has internet access.
AIS is investing $43.35 million for a 24.01% indirect interest in the carrier, which maintains a 3.1 million customer base as of early 2026. The deal leaves the Laotian government with a majority 51% direct stake in the telecom firm.
The players
AIS
A leading Thai telecommunications provider managing extensive mobile and broadband networks.
Lao Telecom
A major telecommunications carrier in Laos that has operated since 1996.
Shenington Investments
A Singapore-registered investment vehicle that holds a 49% stake in Lao Telecom.
Gulf Space Technology
An investment firm that retains a 51% stake in Shenington Investments.
The details
The transaction proceeds through AIS Inter Venture, a subsidiary of the Thailand-based provider, which will purchase 49% of Singapore-registered Shenington Investments. Shenington Investments functions as a holding entity that maintains a 49% stake in Lao Telecom. This layered structure allows AIS to indirectly influence the operations of the Laotian carrier, which was originally established in 1996.
Timeline
1996: Lao Telecom was established.
2025: Laos conducted a national population and housing census.
Early 2026: Lao Telecom reached a customer base of 3.1 million.
October 20, 2026: The AIS board signed off on the transaction.
End of 2026: The parties aim to close the acquisition.
The Tech Race
This deal aligns with regional efforts to capture market share in Southeast Asian telecommunications sectors. It follows recent 2025 census data indicating 69.8% internet penetration, creating a competitive environment for carriers like Lao Telecom.
Laotian users of Lao Telecom services may see shifts in infrastructure investment as AIS integrates into the firm's operations. The timeline for specific service updates remains tied to the deal's expected closing date at the end of 2026.
The takeaway
AIS is leveraging a $43.35 million investment to gain influence over a carrier in a market where nearly 70% of adults now have internet access. Watch for the official transaction closure date at the end of 2026 to confirm the shift in operational control.
What happens next
The transaction is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.
Further reading
For broader trends in international network consolidation, explore our coverage of Telecommunications.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Intellinews.
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