This page was updated: Thursday, April 05, 2007 09:46 PM -0400






February 28, 2007


Travellers to Laos warned to stay away from poultry (Nation)
The Public Health Ministry Wednesday warned travellers to Laos to stay away from poultry particularly those around farms in Vientiane where the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of bird flu had infected the country's first human. The travel and health advisory regarding the bird flu situation in Laos was being
Thailand Wants to Study Laos Human Bird Flu Case (VOA)
Thailand has requested permission from Laotian authorities to gather information about the first case of bird flu human infection in Laos. The 15 year-old girl who was confirmed by WHO and Lao officials as infected by a strain of bird flu virus is hospitalized in Nongkhai, Thailand. The girl who lives
Laos, IOM sign counter trafficking pact (TNA/MCOT or VT)
Geneva-based International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Lao PDR Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (MLSW) and the Lao Women's Union (LWU) on Tuesday signed an agreement relating to the return & reintegration of Lao trafficking victims and other vulnerable Lao migrants trafficked within
LaoViet-American: The Unstoppable Chloe Dao (Fashion Tribes)
After emigrating to Houston, Texas from Pakse, Laos in 1979, Dao's parents naturally encouraged Dao & her seven sisters to study hard and pursue sensible careers. However, after watching her first episode of CNN's Style with Elsa Klensch at the tender age of 10, Dao had other plans.
Laos-Bangladesh: Increased cooperation between two countries stressed (FE)
President Iajuddin Ahmed has stressed the need for increased cooperation between the commercial bodies of Bangladesh and Laos, particularly the FBCCI and Laos National Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Hmong wonder: How could law professor make such remarks? (Capital Times)
Peng Her wonders how a man as educated as University of Wisconsin law Professor Leonard Kaplan could have been ignorant enough to make the ethnic slurs Hmong students have reported. What's more, Kaplan is a tenured
Rest of stories about Laos from other sources
... First human bird flu case confirmed in Laos (VT) 
... Vietnam doctors lend hand to child-patients in Laos (TND)
... UNC Hmong community small, but close-knit (Durham Herald Sun)
... Play depicts life of Hmong female soldier (Pioneer Press)
... Other stories from VientianeTimes  Need Subscription
... Other stories from Laos NA



February 27, 2007


Laos confirms first human case of bird flu (AFP/Yahoo!)
A 15-year-old girl from Laos has become the country's first confirmed human case of the H5N1 strain of bird flu, the communist Govt and World Health Organisation said on Tuesday. Medical samples taken from the teenager "tested positive for H5N1 in two laboratories in Thailand, according to WHO
Laos to Add One Year to Academic System (VOA)
Laos says it will extend its elementary and secondary education from 11 to 12 years by adding another year to its elementary school system, and will also take one year off its undergraduate system, to conform with the educational systems of other ASEAN member-nations. Laos' Minister of Education says
Mega First considering partner for Laos power plant (ED)
Mega First Corporation Bhd is considering taking in a partner to undertake the proposed RM1.05 billion hydroelectric project in Laos given the huge cost involved, its group managing director Lim Thian Soo said. He said a joint venture partner in the project was a possibility and the plant could also supply
Sweden aids Lao juvenile legal system (VientianeTimes)
The Swedish government has agreed to grant US$2.6 million to the Lao government to help improve the country's legal system in relation to juveniles. The agreement was made yesterday in Vientiane between the Deputy President of the National Committee for Mother and Child, Mrs Bounpheng
Rest of stories about Laos from other sources
... Savannakhet plans cross-border airport (VT)
... UN continues support for water, sanitation in Laos (VT)
... Laos decorates Vietnamese journalists (ND)
... Other stories from VientianeTimes  Need Subscription
... Other stories from Laos NA



February 26, 2007


Laos reports first suspected human case of bird flu (AFP/Y)
A 15-year-old girl may be the first person infected with bird flu in communist Laos, an official has said Monday as further tests were carried out. Foreign ministry spokesman Yong Chanthalangsy said a Thai laboratory had confirmed that the type of virus was H5, but not whether it was the virulent
Laos: First human case of bird flu suspected (VientianeTimes)
The transmission of avian influenza to a human host is now suspected for the first time in Laos , but more scientific research is being conducted to confirm it as fact, the government announced on Sunday. Minister of Public Health, Dr Ponmek Dalalay, said at the emergency press conference that the patient
Laos: Hanging out with a peripatetic cyclist-photographer (NA)
From our table on the sidewalk, we could see the bustling night market of Luang Prabang, the cultural capital of Laos. Rick Gunn sat to my left, a Beerlao at his elbow, relaxing as we watched the steady stream of tourists making their way through the colorful crafts Hmong and Akha merchants had
Lao-Americans: WFC draws crowd (Winfield Courier)2/22/07
More than 250 people attended the Welcome Friends Celebration hosted by the Winfield Public Library & the Winfield Lao community Saturday evening at the community center in Baden Square. The Kansas Humanities Council sponsored the celebration. This event was part of the "Between Fences"
Highway from Laos To Hue (Sinchew)
With the opening of Route 9 through Laos, a road trip to Vietnam is a breeze--well almost... Welcome to Route 9, Laos' newly constructed highway. The road is straight and well paved. Motorists will enjoy plenty of rustic countryside, water buffaloes and even the occasional abandoned tank.
Lao-Hmong: Human echo from the Indochina War (BP)
The recent history of the Lao Hmong is closely related to the Indochina War which raged during the second half of the 20th century. Hmong fought to dislodge communist forces from the region, particularly in the 1960s and 1970s. However, 1975 saw the rise of communist/socialist governments in
Rest of stories about Laos from other sources
... Laos: Media should push Millennium Goals (VT)
... Thai abbot receives medal for helping the poor in Laos (VT)
... Dak Lak plans to grow more industrial trees in Laos (ND)
... China to ratify treaty on national border with Vietnam, Laos (EastDay)
... Oxiana mounts takeover bid for gold mining company (ABC)
... Fresno's Hmong farmers stung by freeze (LA Times)
... Hmong students demand apology from Wisconsin law professor
... Other stories from VientianeTimes  Need Subscription
... Other stories from Laos NA



February 25, 2007


Laos calls US travel alert overreaction (AFP/Nation)
Laos confirmed Sat. it has stepped up security along a northern highway but rejected reports in a US travel warning of fighting, saying it was safeguarding tourists. The US warned its citizens Friday against travel in the region, saying it had received multiple reports of "fighting between Lao Govt forces and one
Life as a Thai [or Lao] sex worker (BBC/Sunday Times)
Bangkok is a notorious destination for sex tourism. But the lives of many of the city's sex workers are full of danger, disease and the urgent need to send money home. Pim, who recently left her job in a go-go bar, has a typical story: "I grew up in the countryside in Phetchabun, northern Thailand.
HR Issues In Communist Southeast Asia: Red Alert (OEN)
After thousand of Hmong Lao tribal peoples fled Vietnamese and Laotian military aggressions inside of the Communist country of Laos, the Communist Party of Indochina issued an order to eliminate the more than 10,000 of the ethnic minority Hmong Lao, descendants of former CIA soldiers, who remain
Letters: Open minds needed in Hmong murder case (AC)
The Toward Community: Unity in Diversity board of directors notes that we're all saddened by any untimely death, and more so by a violent death such as the murder of Cha Vang. As an organization devoted to inclusiveness and diversity in our community, Toward Community has two concerns.
Rest of stories about Laos from other sources
... Yer Yang column: Hmong history important to teach (SP)
... ASEAN pact allows Filipino nurses anywhere in region (ABC-CBN)




February 24, 2007


US warns of fighting in Laos (Inquirer or US State Dept)
The US State Department warned Americans Friday against travel to northern Laos due to reports of fighting between government troops and unidentified groups. "Multiple sources report fighting between Lao government forces and one or more unidentified groups as well as increased movements by Lao Govt
Laos: A meeting-place of strangers (The Star)
I am in Huay Xai – a quaint Mekong town west of Laos, along the north-eastern border of Thailand – and have a dilemma on my hands: take the slow boat or speed boat to Luang Prabang, which is a Unesco World Heritage Site? The slow boat – a covered 12-seater wooden vessel – would
Travel: 48 hours in Vientiane (News)
Once part of French Indochina, Asia's biggest village, Vientiane (which means "city of sandalwood"), offers travellers the best of both worlds. French colonial villas standing next to ornate ancient Buddhist temples create a timeless atmosphere, while patisseries sit next to noodle bars, making for



February 23, 2007


Gold, gold, gold for Laos miner (Sydney Morning Herald)
A RISING gold price and a whopping $553 million first-half profit from fellow Laos miner Oxiana certainly hasn't hurt shares in Pan Australian Resources. Pan's shares surged as much as 20 per cent yesterday on high trading volumes before the stock exchange slapped it with a speeding ticket.
Laos to apply for WTO membership next year (Xinhua)
Laos will apply for Word Trade Organization (WTO) membership in 2008, the country's news agency KPL reported Friday. To this end, the Lao Govt has instructed relevant ministries and sectors to hold WTO-related seminars and map out their development strategies to well prepare for the international
Laos Govt steps up efforts against bird flu (VientianeTimes)
The National Committee for the Control of Communicable Diseases yesterday urged ministers, heads of government organisations, the Vientiane Mayor and provincial governors nationwide to step up their efforts in the fight against bird flu. The committee made the announcement amid fresh concerns about
Rest of stories about Laos from other sources
... Japan loans 40b kip for poverty reduction in Laos (VT)
... Laos Govt to extend insurance scheme for officials (VT)
... Oxiana limited 2006 full year financial results (Antara)
... Seexeng Lee to unveil North Point sculpture (AAP)
... Hmong Farmers Bring History And Tasty Asian Veggies (SMM)
... Other stories from VientianeTimes  Need Subscription
... Other stories from Laos NA



February 22, 2007


Laos: Resistance -- Children Defy Sex Traffickers (WV)
Young girls in Laos voice their opposition to child sex traffickers.  Children yelled their defiance toward sex traffickers & held placards condemning their trade at an awareness-raising event in the Laotian village of Naphaekngai, close to the Thai border. "Don’t believe recruiters. Don’t believe recruiters!"
Thailand Asks Laos to Speed Up Verification of Lao Workers' Nationality (VOA)
Thai officials say there are currently over 90,000 registered laborers from Laos working legally in Thailand, of which about 40,000 have had their nationality verified by the Lao Govt. They have requested Lao authorities to
Hanging out with Rick Gunn in Laos (Tahoe Daily Tribune)
From our table on the sidewalk we could see the bustling night market of Luang Prabang, the cultural capital of Laos. Rick Gunn sat to my left, a Beerlao at his elbow, relaxing as we watched the steady stream of tourists making their way through the colorful crafts the Hmong and Akha merchants
Lao-American: Questions with Bob (Pioneer Press)
Xiro Novalath's first name is pronounced zero, which also is the number he wears for the Minneapolis Community and Technical College basketball team. He's no zero on the court, though. A freshman point guard who was born in Laos and raised in Minneapolis, Novalath is a junior college All-America
Vientiane adopts one-way grid system (VientianeTimes)
Vientiane authorities will designate several roads in the capital's ancient town as part of a one-way system, starting March 1 of this year, to reduce traffic congestion, ensure order, and to promote tourism. The authorities have also mentioned new measures to address parking problems and the misuse of
UW professor accused of Hmong slurs (Capital Times)
Law students have accused University of Wisconsin Law Professor Leonard Kaplan of making statements in class that denigrate Hmong people, leading to a public apology from the dean of the Law School at a meeting of more than 100 people. According to the e-mail that organized the meeting Wednesday
Rest of stories about Laos from other sources
... Laos: Govt to focus on SME promotion (VT)
... Laos: Surveys find no human cases of bird flu (VT)
... Lao-American: Teachers Play a Big Role 
    in Delveloping Children's Education (VOA)
... Asia's majestic Mekong begins to feel pinch of development (AFP/Y!)
... Other stories from VientianeTimes  Need Subscription
... Other stories from Laos NA



February 21, 2007


Compelling narratives from Laos (Philippine News)
In “Good-bye Vientiane: Untold Stories of Filipinos in Laos,” Flores recounts some of the memorable moments of her life in that landlocked country, as well as those of her Filipino compatriots who served in Laos during her time there and for many more years thereafter. Flores served as a teacher and social
CARE responds to bird flu outbreak in Laos (VientianeTimes)
The Vientiane office of CARE International conducted village-level community awareness-raising activities over the weekend, in response to the recent outbreak of bird flu in Sisattanak and Xaysettha districts. Funded by AusAID, the activities, which are being conducted in schools and temples, aim to
Biggest bauxite mine under feasibility in southern Laos (LNA)
Sectors concerned are conducting a feasibility study of the Paksong bauxite mining in the southern Champassak province... According to the previous survey conducted by Lao and Chinese experts, Pakxong has over 50,000 ha consists of bauxite ore. With such extremely large area, bauxite mine in
Vietnam to fund feasibility study for Laos railway project (VOA)
Laos and Vietnam have agreed to cooperate on a project to build a railway route linking Quang Binh province to Laos' province of Khammouane. The study will take one year to complete & will be funded by a grant from Vietnam. The agreement was reached between the two communist neighbors
JPAC teams return to Hawai'i after monthlong mission (HA)
Five JPAC teams returned to Hawai'i from Laos and Cambodia this week after spending more than a month in Southeast Asia seeking information associated with Americans missing from the Vietnam War. Hickam Air Force Base announced their return Tuesday via news release.
Rest of stories about Laos from other sources
... STEA boosts IT growth (VT)
... WB to facilitate poverty reduction (VT)
... Vietnam to grow rubber trees in Cambodia and Laos (ND)
... Other stories from VientianeTimes  Need Subscription
... Other stories from Laos NA



February 20, 2007


Laos confirms bird first flu case in seven months (Reuters)
Landlocked Laos has reported its first case of the H5N1 bird flu virus in seven months, found on a chicken farm near Vientiane, a senior official said on Tuesday. More than 1,000 fowl in Non-Sawang village, 5 km (3 miles) from the capital, were culled in a bid to stop the virus spreading following
Laos announces bird flu outbreak (AFP/Yahoo! or Nation)
A new outbreak of the H5N1 bird flu virus has been detected in Laos in the first such case in nearly seven months, according to Lao authorities. Presence of the virus was confirmed after 112 birds were found dead in the village of Nonesavang not far from the capital Vientiane, foreign ministry
Lao-Thai Trade Tops 100,000 Million Bahts in 2006 (VOA)
The value of the two nations' trade across international entry-points exceeded 58,000 million Bahts last year, an increase of 48%. And border trade totalled more than 47,000 millions, up 25%, with Laos running a deficit of 19,000 million Bahts in across-international entry point trade & almost 22,000 million
Oxford University’s aid to Mahosot (Laos NA)
The Oxford University of England has agreed to provide USD1.3 million worth of grant for a tropical disease research project-phase III to Mahosot Hospital. A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed here yesterday, between Deputy Pro. Dr Chanpheng Thammavong & the Oxford’s Registrar
Rest of stories about Laos from other sources
... Oxiana May Say Profit Surged to Record as Metal Prices Gained
... Other stories from VientianeTimes  Need Subscription
... Other stories from Laos NA



February 19, 2007


Laos Reports New Bird Flu Outbreak Among Poultry Near Capital (AP/CN or MSN or AP/AOL)
A fresh outbreak of a virulent bird flu strain has been reported in poultry at two farms near the Laotian capital Vientiane, the World Organization for Animal Health said Monday. The outbreak of H5N1 in Vientiane's Sisatannak
H5N1 virus resurfaces in Vientiane (Laos NA or backup)
Ban Dongsavath in Sisattanak district was announced infected H5N1 after the latest test in Vietnam’s lab confirmed the sample positive.  After being proved infected deadly virus H5N1 by local experts, the sample was reaffirmed by laboryatoury test in the neighbouring country.  On last Thursday, Vientiane
Thousands fail school exams in Xekong (VientianeTimes)
Over 3,300 students at schools of all levels in Xekong province failed their first semester exams last month, according to statistics reported by Xekong's Education Department last week. An official from the department, Mr Phouvin Souvanny, said that 3,344 of 19,140 students across the province failed.
Further strong results for Rox in Laos (MineBox)
Rox Resources Ltd has obtained further strong drill results from its current exploration campaign at the Nam Yen deposit at the Pha Luang lead-zinc project in Laos. The results from Nam Yen have defined a 2nd, new area of high-grade mineralisation. The drilling also extended the known mineralisation
Hmong in U.S.: Anti-terror laws hurting Viet War allies (AP/LC)
Another irony of history: Sept. 11-era laws aimed at keeping terrorists out of the United States have disqualified many Hmong refugees, the very people specially recognized by Congress for helping American troops in the Vietnam war. "Clearly, it‘s absurd that people who fought with us — people who have
Rest of stories about Laos from other sources
... Laos: Nongchan water park on track (VT)
... Bangkok Airways expands Mekong net (BP)
... Life-Saving Drugs, a Growing Epidemic of Deadly Fakes (NY Times)
... Other stories from VientianeTimes  Need Subscription
... Other stories from Laos NA



February 18, 2007


Lao-American: Refugee, scientist, inventor cooks up new career (Boston Globe)
At the age of 5, Laddavanh Bouphavichith fled communist Laos with her father; by 27 she patented a catheter for Natick-based Boston Scientific, and by 30 she found inner peace: behind a sushi bar in Northborough.
Lao-Thai: A Bridge Too Far (Bangkok Post)
Upon hearing the news that the cabinet had approved construction of a new Thai-Lao bridge over the Mekong River in Chiang Khong district, residents living around the bridge site responded with delight, convinced that the news would further boost land prices in the area. China has agreed to share
Lao-Thai span offers good news & bad for remote district (BP)
Economic fruits and social ills are shaping the outlook for a new ''Friendship Bridge'' to be built in the remote but tranquil district of Chiang Khong. The Govt hopes the bridge, linking Thailand & Laos across the Mekong River, will bolster the economy of the northern province.  But civic groups suspect it
Hmong in U.S.: Cultural threads (Fresno Bee)
Melanie Xiong sits with other girls around a table at Stone Soup Fresno. Her eyes begin to water as she explains why she's there."Since I don't have a mom to buy me this stuff, I feel sad," the 18-year-old Hoover High School senior says. "I can't afford an outfit. Since they are offering the equipment
Rest of stories about Laos from other sources
... Editorial: Teaching Hmong history should be local decision (SP)
... Horrors of modern-day slavery turned into mission (Pantagraph)




February 17, 2007


Laos-U.S.: Worlds and wars apart, Austin man yearns to see brother again (Austin Daily Herald)
Anyway one measures this situation, Toddthap Phanchan & his older brother, Munt, are far apart. Only the feelings in their hearts keep them close. Mostly it's brotherly love. One lives at rural Austin with his wife, Angela, & their three
Laos holds elephant parade (DPA/Yahoo!)
Laos held its first ever elephant parade Saturday to honour the beasts' considerable contributions to the country. Some 50 elephants, decked out in trappings and headgear and accompanied by their mahouts, participated in the pachyderm parade down the streets of Sayaboury, a provincial city
Viet-Laotians stick to traditional celebrations of Tet (VNB)
Elderly Viet-Laotians always take their children and grand-children to pay respect to their ancestors at their tombs as the lunar New Year festival approaches. Tran Thi Hue, Chairwoman of the Overseas Viet Association in Vientiane, has confided her feelings of home sickness to reporters as her
Hmong cultural center gets big boost (La Crosse Tribune)
Dick Swantz was a happy guy this week. The co-chairman of the fundraising committee for the Hmong Community and Cultural Center received an anonymous pledge of match money up to $100,000. And when he ran into Dave Skogen, owner of Festival Foods, Skogen pledged another $50,000.




February 16, 2007


Laos bids to quell fears over Lao-Hmong (Nation)
Padao Tho & Neung Yang, a young Hmong couple chosen to tell the story of their return to Laos - and to reassure the world about the fate of their ethnic minority sent home from Thailand - haltingly answer questions. Last Sept., the family decided to cross the Mekong river into Thailand, hoping to travel on
Emergency bird flu meeting held in Vientiane (VT, backup)
The NCCCD yesterday held an emergency meeting on how to tackle bird flu in Vientiane. PM Bouasone Bouphavanh chaired the meeting, & the Ad Hoc Committee against Avian Influenza of Vientiane presented a report on the recent detection of the H5N1 virus in ducks, followed by recommendations
Meeting the new Lao Ambassador to the U.S. (U.S. Embassy)
The Ambassador hosted lunch for Ambassador Phiane Philakone who is soon to depart Laos to take up his assignment as Lao Ambassador to the United States. Ambassador Phiane has most recently been Lao Ambassador to the Philippines for more than 5 years. Before that, he had a distinguished
Envoy calls on Lao-Americans to help develop Laos (VOA)
In this last part of an exclusive interview with VOA-Lao Service before leaving his post, former Lao PDR ambassador to the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, Mr. Phanthong Phommahaxay, called for increased cooperation between his country and the U.S. He said the Lao government has always maintained
Rest of stories about Laos from other sources
... Laos, Holland mark meeting of two cultures (VT) 
... Other stories from VientianeTimes  Need Subscription
... Other stories from Laos NA




February 15, 2007


What's left in Laos (Tahoe Daily Tribune)
In the year 2000, after achieving the rank of a UXO Senior Technical Advisor, Juergen came to Northern Laos. There was no shortage of work here. In fact during the "Silent War" (1963-72) the U.S. flew 580,944 Sortie missions over Laos. They dropped on average 1 plane load of bombs every
Thai-Laos local committee to tackle trade and security issues (TNA/MCOT)
Senior officials from the Thai town of Chiang Rai and Lao province of Bokeo agreed to address mutual problems related to border trade, land demarcation and routine patrols on the Mekong during a one-day meeting Wednesday.
National roads to receive urgent repairs in Laos (VT)
The Road Maintenance Fund will sign a contract with a private company to repair major highways damaged by severe weather. “We have plans to sign a three-year contract with a private company for the urgent repair of roads before the arrival of this year's rainy season,” the Head of the Secretariat of
Hill End Gold Limited Acquires Laos Project (Reuters)
Hill End Gold Limited announced that it has signed a Heads of Agreement for a joint venture with Mekong Resources Pty Ltd, a private Sydney based company, for a project area in Laos. The Company have a 51% interest in the Lak Sao Project and will sole fund the $500,000 expenditure, with straight
Rest of stories about Laos from other sources
... Traditional trees for Vietnamese, Chinese New Year (VT)
... Local authorities facilitate commercial plantations (VT)
... Other stories from VientianeTimes  Need Subscription
... Other stories from Laos NA




February 14, 2007


Thai TV station suspends soap opera deemed offensive to neighboring Laos (AP/AOL)
A Thai TV station canceled the debut of a soap opera about a Thai man and a Laotian woman after Laos' Foreign Ministry objected to the televised romance, officials said Wednesday.The first episode of the soap opera
Soap opera pulled after Laos objects (Bangkok Post)
Thai soap opera Pleng Rak Song Fang Khong (The Mekong Love Song) was yanked from Channel 7's schedule yesterday after the Lao Govt expressed concern about its content. Souvanna Phouyavong, deputy head of mission at the Lao embassy in Bangkok, said the Information & Culture Ministry asked
Lao Govt knocks Thai soap off the air (Nation)
Channel 7 television and Workpoint Entertainment yesterday gave in under pressure from the Lao government and suspended indefinitely the airing of a controversial soap opera that was scheduled to make its debut last night. Channel 7 executive Surang Prempree tried to play down the controversy at
Australia to take 200 Lao refugees from Thailand (ABC)
Foreign Minister Alexander Downer says Australia plans to give refuge to 200 of about 8,000 Lao ethnic Hmong refugees currently in Thailand. "We'll take about 200 of them at this stage," Mr Downer told reporters in Bangkok when asked how many Hmongs, an ethnic minority who fought alongside America
Laos: Gas tax to pay for road maintenance (VientianeTimes)
Road Maintenance Fund revenues will rise this year, after an increase in the fuel levy from 150 to 200 kip per litre expands the budget for road repairs. “We expect the fund to bring in about 120 billion kip in revenue this year,” said the Chairman of the Advisory Board, Mr Viengsavath Siphandone,
Hmong in U.S.: Judge orders Nichols to stand trial in slaying of squirrel hunter (Journal Times)
A judge Tuesday ordered a white hunter to stand trial for murder in the fatal shooting and stabbing of a Hmong hunter in woods near Peshtigo last month. The slaying has rekindled racial tension in northern Wisconsin, where
Rest of stories about Laos from other sources
... ASEAN COCI finds exchange useful (VT)
... World Bank regional Vice President urges further reform in Laos (VT)
... Other stories from VientianeTimes  Need Subscription
... Other stories from Laos NA




February 13, 2007


Laos: HIV/AIDS Infection Rate on the Rise (VOA)
Laos officials say random screenings of almost 200,000 working-age people across the nation in the period between 1999 and late 2006 found that 2003 persons have been infected with the HIV/AIDS virus. Of that number, 688 people have died. The victims' age was in the 25-35 year-old range.
Big adventure in Laos became mission of love (Capital)
The Price Auditorium at Severn School was packed, standing room only, Feb. 6. Teachers were standing in the doorways, craning for a view of the stage. But it wasn't a rock star that riveted the attention of the Severn School community. The solitary figure in the spotlight's glow was Patrick
Laos urges suspension of a Thai soap opera (Nation)
Laos has urged Thai television channel 7 to suspend airing a soap opera, the first episode of which will on air tonight, because the Vientiane government deemed the love story a threat to Lao culture. Vientiane has conveyed their concerns to the television executives through the Thai Foreign Ministry last
Laos must manage resources wisely to escape poverty, says WBank (Today Online)
Communist Laos, one of Asia's poorest countries, can achieve its goal of becoming a middle-income economy by 2020 if it pushes reforms and manages its natural resources wisely, according to the World Bank.
UXO continues to affect central Laos (VientianeTimes)
The European Commission last week conducted a press tour to view EU-funded unexploded ordnance (UXO) projects in Khammuan and Savannakhet provinces. The aim of the tour was to show members of the media the progress of the projects for which the EU has donated EUR1 mil
High drama in Hmong filmdom (Fresno Bee)
The movie titles say it all: "Deadly Jealousy," "Extreme Greed" and -- finally -- "The Way of Naopha's Evil Design."The popular Hmong films portray human nature at its worst. And behind the scenes, a smoldering feud between the movies' producers is almost as ugly.Herlinda Vang, a 38-year-old Fresno
Rest of stories about Laos from other sources
... Finland Strengthens Aids to Laos (ScanAsia)
... Microfinance to boost development (VT)
... Traditional remedies need preserving, says NGO (VT)
... Other stories from VientianeTimes  Need Subscription
... Other stories from Laos NA



February 12, 2007


Lao-American: Vallejo's Thai flavor -- Restaurant hopes to thrive under new ownership (Times-Herald)
Ano means sunrise in Laotian, which explains the picture of the sun rising over the Mekong River appearing on the menu of Vallejo's newest Asian gastronomic offering. Ano also resembles Anna, the name of the owner of
Finland grants US$ 8.6 million to MRC (VientianeTimes)
The government of Finland has granted more than US$8.6 million to the Mekong River Commission (MRC). The agreement, which will disburse the funds over four years, was signed by the Ambassador of Finland to Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar, Mr Lars Backstrom, and the Chief Executive
Vietnam, Laos discuss transport co-operation plans (ND)
The transport ministries of Vietnam and Laos have discussed co-operation plans in the near future, including road construction projects and carrying out a feasibility study of a railway route linking their respective provinces of Quang Binh and Khammoune. The visiting Vietnamese Minister of Transport
Hmong: Asian restaurant fulfills area couple's goal (NW)
Kou and Vong Ly looked at the possibility of opening a restaurant for a long time. That came to fruition last month when Asian-American Café opened on Jan. 2. on Green Bay's east side.  "It's very exciting for me because I have been thinking about this for over a decade," Kou said with a laugh. "I like to
Rest of stories about Laos from other sources
... World Bank envoy visits Laos (VT)
... Meteorology department warns of severe weather in Laos (VT)
... Unilever expecting big growth in Indochina (The Nation)
... Other stories from VientianeTimes  Need Subscription
... Other stories from Laos NA



February 11, 2007


President of Laos -- the 16th 'Worst Dictator' (Parade)
The son of a farmer, General Choummaly Sayasone assumed the presidency of this old-style communist state in 2006 after spending 52 years slowly working his way up the ladder of Laos’ only political party. In Laos, it is possible to be arrested for a wide variety of vague, alleged offenses, such as
Beneath the attraction of Laos' enchantment (Jakarta Post)
Few parts of Southeast Asia can be as enchanting as Laos, a small, mountainous and landlocked country on the upper reaches of the Mekong River. The predominantly Buddhist country, a largely agricultural society of a little more than six million people, once part of France's Indochinese empire



February 10, 2007


Laos-Vietnam's Transition Tiger On The Prowl (Brunei Direct)
Just about 20 years ago, I took a trip to Laos and then on to Vietnam. It was a journey that took me from Bangkok northwards by overnight train then crossed the border to Vientiane. Then it was real adventure. It was indeed a brand new world that opened up. The overwhelming American military
Laos-Burma: Open borders expose Mekong's disparities (IPS)
In the town of Bo Ten in Laos, near the border with China, local people are training to be card dealers so they can get jobs at a soon-to-rise casino owned by a Chinese company. In January, Burma and Laos formally opened their first border checkpoint just north of the ‘Golden Triangle'. This falls



February 09, 2007


Survey Shows Grim Reality of Lao Sex Trade (RFA or SPERO)
Lao women seeking to escape poverty and poor education are increasingly ending up as sex workers in Laos & neighboring Thailand, mainly to support their families and themselves, experts say. Though many consider it "bad work", they believe prostitution amounts to the best economic opportunity
Lao-Hmong refugees in Thailand to move to Netherlands (AFP/Yahoo! or AP/AOL)
Some 22 ethnic Hmong refugees are set to move to the Netherlands, after fleeing Laos to neighboring Thailand where they were at risk of deportation, according to the UN refugee agency. They are among 153 migrants who
Vietnam-Laos trade likely to reach US $1 billion by 2010 (ND)
A Lao trade senior official has expressed optismism about a US $1 billion target of bilateral trade with Vietnam for the decade-end, saying it is well grounded... Bilateral trade between the two neighbours recorded US $240 million in 2006, marking a year-on-year increase of 30%.
Entrepreneurs mull e-commerce problems in Laos (VT)
Members of the Lao ICT Commerce Association (LICA) discussed the problems of e-commerce in Laos with an expert from the UN in Vientiane yesterday. The association gathered its members in Vientiane to meet Professor Ravinder Kumar Raina from UN-ESCAP to discuss e-commerce
Hmong ChaoFa: Admitted to UNPO (UNPO)
The latest meeting of the UNPO Presidency, which met from Feb. 1-3 at the European Parliament in Brussels, has continued pursuit of UNPO’s goal of giving a voice to all unrepresented nations and peoples, by welcoming Tsimshian into the organisation. The Hmong People live in distinct
Rest of stories about Laos from other sources
... Laos-U.S.: Building a Partnership for Prosperity (AAP)
... Laos, Finland enhance cooperation (ScandAsia)
... Lao-Hmong Returnee: “I am happy to come back to my homeland” (VT)
... Finland funds forestry development (VT)
... Lao-American Socioeconomic Profile (AAP)
... Museum celebrates Hmong, children (Orange CR)
... Other stories from VientianeTimes  Need Subscription
... Other stories from Laos NA



February 08, 2007


Laos urges Thailand to deport refugees, despite UN concerns (AFP/Yahoo!)
Vientiane asked Thailand to deport 153 ethnic Hmong refugees to Laos, after their expulsion was suspended in January, despite criticism by the UN refugee agency. "We have concluded an agreement (with Bangkok) for
UNICEF grants Laos over US$39m (VientianeTimes)
UNICEF has granted more than US$39 million for the Country Programme Action Plan for 2007-2011, following an agreement with the government of Laos. The agreement was signed on Tuesday by the Deputy Prime Minister, Standing Government Member and Chairman of the National Commission for
Laos cracks down on illegal logging & lumber exports (VOA)
The Lao government has set up a special task force to deal with illegal logging and illegal lumber exports to neighboring countries. The new task force is headed by Deputy PM Somsavad Lengsavat. The preventive and crackdown measures were taken after authorities recently seized 11 truck-loads of illegal
Laos, Vietnam cement long-standing ties (VN)
Vietnam and Laos have noted with pleasure in a joint statement issued at the conclusion of a three-day official visit to Laos by the Viet President that the traditional friendship, special solidarity and the comprehensive co-operation between the two countries have been unceasingly consolidated & developed
Insulting their sacrifice -- Hmong who fought for U.S. in Laos deserve better than this (Fresno Bee)
Chalk up another impressive victory for the Patriot Act. Among the provisions of the the anti-terrorism law is one that forbids granting green cards and ultimately citizenship to those who have fought as guerrilla fighters.
Rest of stories about Laos from other sources
... Former Lao Envoy Says Laos-US Relations Great (VOA)
... Siphandone islands to have wetland protection site (VT) 
... Teaching Hmong History in Wisconsin Schools (WEAU)
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... Other stories from Laos NA



February 07, 2007


Viet President visits Vientiane National University (ND, VN)
State President Nguyen Minh Triet, on February 6, visited the Vientiane National University during his official visit to Laos. Addressing a welcome meeting at the university, the Vietnamese leader praised the Vientiane university for providing the society with talented officials to uphold their
Sugarcane to ease poverty in Laos (ANN)
A Thai company has been growing sugarcane in Savannakhet province since the end of last year, helping the government to eradicate poverty as part of its Millennium Development Goals. After surveying the province for a few months, the Mit Lao company from Thailand has been planting sugarcane in
Laos: JB Trade Company profits back to customers (LNA)
The JB Trade Company organised an annual lucky draw prize for its customers with worth 90 million kip last Saturday, Done Chan Palace. More than 100 JB regular customers, media and Minister to Prime Minister and Chairman of STEA Mr Bounthieng Phisamay participated in the event.
Hmong: Groups rally for support, awareness after police shooting (C&G News)
The family and friends of a Warren man killed by police in September insist that many questions remain about circumstances surrounding his death. The answers to those questions, and a general call to raise community awareness
Rest of stories about Laos from other sources
... Viet President’s visit to Laos boosts business, education (VN)
... ASEAN Unlikely to Change to EU Model in Near Future (DC)
... Other stories from VientianeTimes  Need Subscription
... Other stories from Laos NA



February 06, 2007


Lao-American: Jimmy The Barber (11 Alive)
Jimmy Chandakham swam the Mekong River to Thailand to get away from Communist rule, but his family did not. He has been a US citizen for years now, and has always wanted to help his home village of eighty families in the middle of the Laotian jungles. What he has done is amazing, and that’s why
Doubt cast over traditional medicines in Laos (VT)
Experts have raised concerns over the quality of traditional medicines sold on the roadsides and warned the public not to purchase them. Director of the Traditional Medicine Research Centre, Professor Dr Bounhong Southavong, said people were buying plants sold on the roadside even though there was
Hmong fight for green cards (Fresno Bee)
Va Ger Vang and Nao Pao Her of Fresno demonstrated their loyalty to the United States by fighting on behalf of U.S. troops during the Vietnam War.But under U.S. anti-terrorism laws, that wartime service as guerrilla fighters could keep Vang, Her and other recent refugees from earning a green card and
Rest of stories about Laos from other sources
... Vietnam supports Lao education, TV (VT)
... New Lao-Viet border crossing to open (VT)
... Vietnam and Laos towards deeper special solidarity ties (ND)
... Hmong: More than $8000 reward posted in St. Paul rape cases (PP)
... Other stories from VientianeTimes  Need Subscription
... Other stories from Laos NA



February 05, 2007


Laos is best place to visit (Opodo)
Laos has been voted as one of the best places in the world to take a holiday.The south-east Asian country topped a poll carried out by travel magazine Wanderlust, which sought the opinions of over 3,000 of its readers. Luang Prabang was the destination specifically highlighted in the poll, with
Laos demands Hmong deportation (Nation)
Thailand & Laos are split over the repatriation of 153 Hmong. Vientiane wants the group back but Bangkok is now seeking third countries to take them. This past weekend, Laos demanded Thailand honour a December 2006 bilateral repatriation agreement and deport the group. The repatriation of the group
Vietnam's president visits communist ally Laos (AFP/Y)
Vietnam's President Nguyen Minh Triet has left for a three-day visit to neighbouring Laos for talks with the leaders of Hanoi's small and landlocked communist ally on closer economic cooperation. Triet makes his first official visit to Laos, accompanied by his transport and agriculture ministers, at
Laos: Hundred left homeless by fire (VientianeTimes)
A fire engulfed Nakhaen village in Thaphabath district, Borikhamxay province on Thursday, injuring one and leaving around 100 people homeless. The fire, the cause of which is still unknown, began mid-afternoon at a house in the south of the village, quickly spreading to neighbouring houses. Strong winds
Isle 'Bachelor' honored as inspirational triathlete (HA)
In December 2006 he was placed on Outside magazine's list of the world's most influential people for the humanitarian work he did in Laos that summer, treating more than 600 Laotians in remote mountain villages for malaria, dengue fever, parasites and malnutrition. "Andy Baldwin inspires people,"
Upgrading of Myanmar-Lao checkpoints to boost tourism industry: local media (PD)
The recent upgrading of Myanmar-Lao border checkpoints to meet international standard on the respective sides will boost arrivals of world tourists and those from the third countries visiting the two border areas, said
Wisconsin Hmong seeking justice (MPR)
When news spread that police had found hunter Cha Vang's body lying in the Wisconsin wilderness, his family had little doubt why he was dead. They believe he died because he was Hmong. Vaughn Vang, who is not related to Cha Vang, directs the Lao Human Rights Council in Green Bay. He worries
Rest of stories about Laos from other sources
... Laos, Vietnam boost education ties (VT)
... Vietnamese President arrives today (VT)
... Continue to foster the Vietnam-Laos special relations (ND)
... Hmong seeking voice at top level (Pioneer Press)
... Hmong appreciation dinner honors residents (HTR)
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... Other stories from Laos NA



February 04, 2007


MIA in Laos: Pilot killed in '54, other air heroes honored (DMN)
For more than 50 years an unmarked grave in Laos held the remains of a formidable man forced to make a tough decision on May 6, 1954. On that day World War II veteran James B. McGovern Jr., a Civil Air Transport pilot, flew a CIA-owned cargo plane on a low-level mission to drop supplies to
Memorial, rally held for slain Hmong teenager (DFP)
The shooting death of a Hmong teen by Warren police last year has prompted activism among local Asian Americans, community members and civil rights organizations. On Saturday, an ad hoc coalition -- born from the Detroit Asian Youth Project -- held a community forum and memorial service
Lao-Hmong Became First Asian-American Councilman in Fresno, CA (VOA)
The city of Fresno, in the heart of California's Central Valley, is one of the nation's most diverse -- home to some ninety ethnic groups. Despite a historic population of Japanese-American farmers and Southeast Asian



February 03, 2007


Current Condition of 153 Lao-Hmong in Nong Khai (FFC)
The condition of the 153 Hmong held at the Nong Khai Immigration Detention Center has dramatically improved despite the frustration and distrust of the Thai authorities among the men. With the assurance of the International Community to protect them from being repatriate, they have decided to come
Way to flow: A lazy river trip in Laos (Independent)
If I could only sweat around my toenails I'd hotfoot it down to the river as fast as my sturdy thighs could take me, too. And if four hours sleep a night, most of that standing up, was all I could snatch, I guarantee I'd be far tetchier about it as well. Crouched beneath a searing sun on top of the elephant's
Viet, Lao security ministries enhance cooperation (VNB)
The two Ministries of Public Security of Vietnam and Laos have agreed to further boost cooperation in the year 2007. The agreement was reached during talks held between the visiting Viet Minister of Public Security, Gen. Le Hong Anh, and his Lao counterpart, Thongbanh Sengaphone, in Vientiane
Rest of stories about Laos from other sources
... Vietnam, Laos eye closer cooperation (TNN)



February 02, 2007


Laos Govt compensates farmers for bird flu losses (VT)
The government has paid around 460 million kip in compensation to farmers whose livestock was lost to bird flu in July last year, officials said yesterday. It has already doled out about 77 million kip for the loss of around 6,300 poultry culled in Dong Bang, Nasala and Nontae villages, Xaythany district in
Vietnamese firms to grow rubber trees in Laos (PD)
The Lao government has licensed two Vietnamese companies to grow 13,000 hectares of rubber trees, local newspaper Vietnam News reported Friday. Under the licenses, Quang Minh company will invest 14 million U. S. dollars in planting 3,000 hectares of the trees in Laos' Attapu province.
Editorial: Teach history of the Hmong (Capital Times)
The recent fatal shooting of a Hmong hunter in a northeast Wisconsin incident that may involve racial and ethnic prejudice provides a powerful reminder that there are many Wisconsinites who have a lot to learn about the tens of thousands of Hmong who immigrated from Laos to this state after
Rest of stories about Laos from other sources
... Laos PM completes ASEAN visit (VT) 
... Statement on Lao Hmong illegal refugees in Thailand (VT) 
... Other stories from VientianeTimes  Need Subscription
... Other stories from Laos NA



February 01, 2007


German EU presidency welcomes Thai decision not to deport Hmong refugees (AP/IHT)
The European Union on Thursday welcomed Thailand's decision not to deport more than 150 ethnic Hmong refugees to Laos. Thailand made the decision on Tuesday, after the U.S. and other countries sent assurances that
Laos - Annual report 2007 (RSF)
President and leader of the sole party, Choummaly Sayasone, who was appointed in June 2006, has done nothing to change the country’s ideological line. The party controls all media and a more liberal press law unveiled in 2001 has never seen the light of day.
Laos: Empowering women to fight bird flu (Asia Times)
Women from ethnic communities in the hilly northern part of Laos have, for more than a decade, been encouraged to go into poultry breeding as a way of earning a living in Southeast Asia's poorest nation. However, this initiative has come up against a daunting challenge in the shape of the deadly bird-flu
Laos Cracks Down on Poultry Smuggling from Neighboring Countries (VOA)
As preventive measures against possible future bird flu outbreaks, Lao authorities prohibit poultry and egg imports and are cracking down hard on merchants who smuggle them from neighboring countries that are facing bird
Royal audience to Lao premier (Brunei Online)
His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday consented to receive in audience the Prime Minister of Lao PDR, Mr Bouasone Bouphavanh, and his delegates. Present at the audience at the Istana Nurul Iman were His Royal Highness Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah
Laos Govt issues announcement on illegal logging (VT)
The Govt secretariat on January 29 issued a notice informing ministers, heads of organisations, provincial governors & the mayor of Vientiane to use strict measures against illegal logging and timber trading. The announcement was made following a report from an ad hoc committee on official involvement
Rest of stories about Laos from other sources
... Laos plans to open corporate bond market (VT) 
... Villages in Laos preserve local forests (VT) 
... Laos thanks Brunei for aid given (Brunei Times)
... Thai PM pledges no forced Hmong repatriation to Laos (TNA)
... Vietnamese president to visit Laos next week (PD)
... Three Mekong nations discuss bird flu prevention (TNA)
... Other stories from VientianeTimes  Need Subscription
... Other stories from Laos NA

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