13-10-2024 (SINGAPORE) Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong chose to return from an official visit to Laos aboard a low-cost carrier, eschewing the luxuries typically associated with high-ranking government officials.
The 51-year-old leader, who had been attending the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits in Vientiane, boarded a Scoot flight on Saturday, 12 October, opting for an economy class seat with extra legroom. The decision has sparked widespread admiration among Singaporeans and international observers alike.
As Prime Minister Wong boarded the aircraft, fellow passengers erupted into spontaneous applause, a moment captured on video and widely shared across social media platforms. The Prime Minister, visibly touched by the warm reception, responded with a friendly wave and a smile before taking his seat in the front row.
The choice of transportation has been met with overwhelmingly positive reactions, with many praising Mr Wong for his down-to-earth approach. Commenters on various social media platforms described the Prime Minister as “humble” and “an incredible example” for choosing a budget airline over more expensive alternatives.
A cursory search revealed that one-way tickets from Vientiane to Singapore on Scoot can be purchased for as little as S$197, with the Prime Minister’s selected ‘stretch seat’ incurring an additional fee. This economical choice stands in stark contrast to the often-criticised extravagant travel arrangements of some world leaders.
Following his return, Prime Minister Wong took to Facebook to share his experience, posting: “Back from Laos. Felt like home, once I got on the plane! Thanks everyone for the warm reception!” The accompanying video showed a group of elderly Singaporean tourists, numbering more than 40, who had been on a tour in Laos, enthusiastically greeting their leader with applause and waves.
This ASEAN Summit marked a significant milestone for Mr Wong, being the first he attended in his capacity as Prime Minister. The visit also coincided with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Laos, adding a layer of historical importance to the trip.
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