This page was updated: Monday, October 01, 2007 10:02 PM -0400

August 31, 2007



Laos insists to take Hmong (Nation or backup)
Laos officials insisted Friday they would take thousands of Hmong refugees from Thailand and even guarantee them a warm welcome back to their homeland, not the persecution feared by international humanrights groups. The repatriation of more than 7,500 Hmong being held in Phetchabun's Ban
Human Rigts Watch criticises Thai govt over Hmongs (Nation)
The Thai government should not forcibly repatriate thousands of Hmongs currently detained in Thailand to likely persecution in Laos, Human Rights Watch said Friday. "It is shocking that Thailand is even considering the return of refugees fleeing from political persecution, rights abuses & fighting
Human rights group voices fears Lao-Hmong repatriation plans (DPA/Nation or Bangkok Post)
A leading human rights group on Friday appealed to the Thai government to refrain from forcibly repatriating 8,000 Hmong refugees to neighbouring Laos where they face "likely persecution." The Thai-Lao border committee will
Trekking in Laos (TopLum Postasi)
During our time in Laos, my friend Alice and I did a three day trek, spending one night in a mountain village with the Akha Tribe. The tribe speaks a different language from the rest of the country and has a distinct belief system which involves the worship of spirit Gods and allowing their men to
Vientiane establishes forestry taskforce (VientianeTimes)
Vientiane authorities have established a taskforce to inspect and possibly reshuffle the agriculture and forestry administrative body in the capital, in the wake of a public scandal over government officals' involvement in corruption relating to timber. The Deputy Director of the Vientiane Party and State
More stories about Laos from other sources
... Lao-Viet fair opens at ITECC (VT)
... Thai-Lao provincial accord signed at Ubon (TNA)
... Roberto Baggio to kick off Lao football match (XinhuaNet)
... Laos, Hungary explore areas of future cooperation (VT)
... Hungary wants to strengthen economic cooperation with Laos (PD)
... Vietnam, Laos share renovation experiences (VNB)
... HCM City delegation visits Lao capital to underline close ties (VN)
... Laos meet Thailand in final of ASEAN U-17 football championship (PD)
... Other stories from VientianeTimes  Need Subscription
... Other stories from Laos NA




August 30, 2007



Serene Laos sways under heavy history (Straight)
A quiet spectacle occurs at dawn every day in Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Laos. Hundreds of saffron-robed monks file out from the city's monasteries seeking alms. In small groups throughout the streets of the historic old town, locals line up and kneel, heads bowed in silence.
Laos: Jars on a plain (The Hindu)
The mysterious Plain of Jars lies near the town of Phonsovan, in the district of Xien Khunang, north Lao PDR (Laos). Site number 1 known as “Thong Hai Hin”, lies about 15 km away from the small town of Phonsavan, the district headquarters, near the Vietnam border. After buying the entry ticket,
Thailand: Protect Lao-Hmong Refugees (Reuters/AlertNet)
The Thai government should not forcibly repatriate thousands of Lao Hmong refugees currently detained in Thailand to likely persecution in Laos, Human Rights Watch said today. The Thai-Lao border committee will meet from September 2-4 to decide the fate of Hmong refugees at a camp in Petchabun
Laos, Thailand Crisis: US Congressional Forum To Discuss Lao, Hmong Refugee Plight (PressZoom)
A special session of the U.S. Congressional Forum on Laos will be held in the U.S. Senate, ( Dirksen SOB, U.S. Congress, Washington, D.C. 20510 ), from 9:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M. on Thursday, August 30, 2007 to discuss the plight of some 8,000 Lao-Hmong political refugees and asylum seekers
Laos: Limited scholarships available at universities (VT)
Around 6,500 of over 42,000 upper secondary students can expect to receive governement funded university scholarships this year. According to the Academic Affairs Director, National University of Laos (NUOL) Associate Professor Seuak Soukchaleune during an interview with Vientiane Times last
A Family Reunion: Church members, Laotian refugees celebrate their long friendship (Winston-Salem Journal)
After the United States left Vietnam in the mid-1970s, Laos was overrun by the Soviet-backed North Vietnamese army. The Ninh family wanted to get out of Laos and come to the United States. Some of the dangers that the family
Laos licenses Chinese firm to build market, hotel (PD)
Laos has recently licensed Chinese- owned Mittaphab Company to construct a market and a hotel in southern Savannakhet province, which are expected to help draw more tourists from neighbor countries. The company will start construction of the market first, in a three-year period, then the hotel near
More stories about Laos from other sources
... Laos: Festival of fun underlines child rights (VT)
... Lao PM releases new traffic decree (VT)
... Laotian PM to attend Malaysia's 50th Merdeka (NST)
... Hmong: Woman slain near Wausau was pregnant (APC)
... Hmong soccer tournament starts Saturday (NW)
... Charting the Mekong's Changes (Time)
... Sub-Mekong region pins development hopes on highway (TNN)
... Other stories from VientianeTimes  Need Subscription
... Other stories from Laos NA




August 29, 2007




Regional race for Laos' riches (Asia Times)
With global commodity prices soaring and improved regional road infrastructure, landlocked Laos has more trade and investment options today than at any time in its modern history. Market forces have gradually diminished the country's past dependence on Vietnam for its economic
Japan supports cable bridge construction in Laos (VT)
Residents of Sopsan village in Xiengkhor district, Huaphan province will benefit from a new cable bridge across the Namma River financed by the Japanese government, as was announced yesterday. The Japanese government will provide grant assistance worth more than 790 million kip
Soccer: Laos, Vietnam, Thai, Indonesia to fight in semifinals of ASEAN U-17 football championship (People's Daily)
Vietnam will face Thailand while Laos takes on Indonesia in simultaneous matches in Phnom Penhon Thursday in the semifinals of the ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Football Federation (AFF) U17
Lao-American Obituaries: Saysamone Thongphala (WC)
Saysamone Thongphala age 45 of Ruby Street, Woonsocket died unexpectedly Friday August 24, 2007 at home. He was the husband of Khamsay Xayasing. He was born in Vientaine, Laos a son of Manh Thongphala of Woonsocket and the late Sy Thongphala. He had lived in
Government must do right by Hmong (Fresno Bee)
More than three decades ago, Hmong soldiers in Laos took up arms against the communist government there, in aid of U.S forces during the Vietnam War. They fought bravely and suffered greatly. And now they're called terrorists by the very U.S government they tried to help. A group of local
More stories about Laos from other sources
... Laos Govt aims to better manage civil organizations (VT)
... Lao-American Obituaries Vong Somvilai -- Rochester (PB)
... Construction on historical Lao-Viet museum begins in Savannakhet (VT)
... Dien Bien to lend a helping hand in Laos (VN)
... Other stories from VientianeTimes  Need Subscription
... Other stories from Laos NA





August 28, 2007



Laos to launch stock market (DPA/Earth Times or DPA/BP
Land-locked Laos plans to open a stock market by next year in Vientiane, state radio reports said Tuesday. Laos' central bank governor Phouphet Khamphounvong said a stock market was necessary for the long-term investment climate of the country, said Radio Vientiane in a broadcast
Laos: Pangasius catfish is anadromous (PFK)
Some pangasiid catfishes inhabit coastal waters when adult and undertake long-distance migrations to spawn. Publishing their results in the latest issue of the Journal of Fish Biology, Zeb Hogan, Ian Baird, Richard Radtke and Jake Vander Zanden studied catch data in southern Laos and analyzed bone
Laos: Universities announce enrollment policy change (VT)
Students intending to study at the National University of Laos (NUOL) this year will be restricted to just one course for their first year. The new policy was announced last week by the Academic Affairs Director of NUOL, Associate Professor Seuak Soukchaleune. “Students who pass the
Lao-American Obituaries: Sy Thongsy - Austin (Post Bulletin)
The funeral for Sy Thongsy will be at 9 a.m. Saturday at Worlein Funeral Home Chapel in Austin, with the Rev. Stephen DeFor officiating. Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery, Austin. Mr. Thongsy, 39, of Austin, died Friday (Aug. 24, 2007) at his home. He was born Sept. 20, 1967, in Laos.
More stories about Laos from other sources
... Laos: Km18 dump site to relocate (VT)
... Macro economy key to poverty reduction in Laos (VT)
... Road links between Laos, Thailand, VN to be developed (VNN)
... Viet, Lao youths to get together to boost ties (TNN)
... Hmong: Nichols statements about slaying were voluntary (Chippawa)
... Other stories from VientianeTimes  Need Subscription
... Other stories from Laos NA




August 27, 2007



Nong District, Savanakhet Province, Laos (Wausau DH)
Like a wide belt, Savanakhet Province spans the entire width of south central Laos. The western border of the province is the Mekong River, which also forms the national border with Thailand; to the east a jagged mountain range demarcates the Provincial border and the Lao border with Vietnam as well.
Thai Energy Policy Council OKs Buying More Power From Laos (Dow Jones/Nasdaq)
Thailand's National Energy Policy Council Monday approved the purchase of 440 megawatts of electricity from the Theun Hin Boun hydropower project in Laos, up from the 210 MW in the current contract. State-owned Electricity
Laos busts cross-border heroin trafficking ring (People's Daily)
Lao police, in coordination with Vietnamese border forces, have recently arrested three Lao people for trying to transport seven kilograms of heroin to Vietnam, according to local newspaper People on Monday. The police arrested a 38-year-old man named Somvat from Laos' southern Savannakhet
Small hydropower plant to begin in Bokeo (VientianeTimes)
Construction on the country's first privately run small-scale hydropower project, the Nam Nhone Hydropower Project, is set to begin in the next two months in Bokeo province. The project will cost more than 38 billion kip (US$4 million) in Tonpheung district, and the 22kV transmission line is now
Exploring explorations: Mad About The Mekong (DTE)
The Americas, the African Continent, West and South Asia have been playgrounds of explorers. Explorations along the Amazon and the Nile have been well-documented. Southeast Asia is, however, much neglected. French colonists maintained their sway over the region for long. In the second half of
More stories about Laos from other sources
... Laos to establish bourse next year (PD)
... San Miguel eyes eastern Europe, Laos beer markets (MST)
... Laos, China sign six deals for closer ties (VT)
... Bokeo to renovate French colonial military base (VT)
... Hmong - New Faces, New City: Finding room in city parks (ADN)
... ASEAN, China seek $2B for railway (BusinessWeek)
... ASEAN needs two billion dollars for China-Singapore rail link (Forbes)
... ASEAN Is on Track for EU-Style Bloc (Reuters/Moscow Times)




August 26, 2007



Laos' maid charged with theft from BoT governor (BP)
Bang Na police yesterday charged the maid of Bank of Thailand governor Tarisa Watanagase with stealing from her employer. Detsuda Wangathat, a 27-year-old maid from Laos, had told Ms Tarisa that a thief had broken into her house on Sukhumvit 107 (Soi Baring) yesterday after she had left for
Laos' Veteran Artist Phomma Phimmasone Still Continues to Write Songs and Sing for Laotian Communities Overseas (VOA)
Laos’ veteran crooner Phomma Phimmasone is considered a great songwriter and singer and has been since the old days of the Kingdom of Laos. He has recently released three new albums entitled “Neung Diew Nai
Lao, Thai, Viet: Transport ties likely to improve (BP)
The cross-border transportation and distribution of goods between Laos, Vietnam and Thailand is expected to improve following the recent signing of the East-West Corridor pact. Deputy TM Sansern Wongcha-um said the 2nd Thai-Lao bridge linking Mukdahan and Savannakhet, part of the so-called
Local lawmakers push for Hmong refugee citizenship (KMPH)
Activists are targeting the Patriot Act that was passed by lawmakers in 2002 to try and prevent other terrorist attacks like the one on September 11, 2001. They are saying the Patriot, Real I.D. and the Immigration and Nationality Acts are classifying some Hmong immigrants as being members of terrorist
More stories about Laos from other sources
... Valley lawmakers rally to remove 'terrorist' label from Hmong (FB)
... Funeral director reaches out to Hmong, other cultures (APC)
... Local Politicians Push For New Rights For Hmong Immigrants (ABC)





August 25, 2007



China, Laos vow to step up ties (XinhuaNet)
China and Laos agreed to expand the cooperation in some key fields to step up the bilateral relations to a higher level. China & Laos share huge potential of cooperation in some key areas such as trade, energy, infrastructure, agriculture and human resources, Chinese President Hu Jintao told visiting
Opinion: When will the US own up to its responsibility for the plight of the Lao-Hmong? (Nation)
Having worked with the Hmong and Thai people who have immigrated to the US, I find it hard to believe that the lives of the Hmong currently at the Nong Khai Immigration Detention Centre aren't worth saving. Published on Aug 25,
Blueprint Ready For Asean Free Trade Zone (Brunei Direct)
The blueprint to transform the Asean region into a booming free trade zone is finalised at the 39th Asean Economic Ministers Meeting held in Manila, Philippines. Asean targets the year 2015 for the setting up of the Asean Economic Community. With a total population of 500 million people from





August 24, 2007



Sleeping Beauty: Colonial architecture in Laos (Great Reporter)
More than 50 years after the French, the tranquil capital Vientiane boasts refurbished colonial buildings, formerly the playgrounds of the elite... After decades of neglect and deterioration under a communist regime, efforts to restore and preserve these witnesses of a bygone era have only started in
Relations with Laos set to get a boost (People's Daily)
China & Laos signed a series of agreements yesterday to enhance bilateral ties including one granting the Southeast Asian nation non-reimbursable assistance and interest-free loans and another on food safety partnership. Premier Wen Jiabao and visiting Lao PM Bouasone Bouphavanh witnessed
Luang Prabang to search for rumoured treasure (VT)
Luang Prabang authorities have set up a special taskforce to explore a cave said to be a place where French colonial army troops hid valuable items several decades ago. The Phadao cave is located in Chom village, Chomphet district, some 30 km from the capital city of Luang Prabang province.
Oxiana's hit by strong dollar (Australian or Sydney MH)
A STRONG Australian dollar and higher taxes on its Sepon copper and gold operation in Laos has hurt profits at growing mid-tier miner Oxiana, but it said production targets remained on track & it was well positioned to capitalise on continued strong metal markets. Melbourne-based Oxiana yesterday posted
More stories about Laos from other sources
... 25th SEA Games committee announces logo change (VT)
... Laos: Labour law confusion causes loss of benefits (VT)
... Vietnam and Laos promote co-operation in agriculture (ND)
... Second Highway Proposed To Link Vietnam With Laos, Thailand (Y!)
... Viet Party delegation on Laos visit (Nhan Dan)
... Other stories from VientianeTimes  Need Subscription
... Other stories from Laos NA




August 23, 2007



Mystery and Mirth on the Streets of Laos (NY Times, TaipeiTimes)
Laos may seem an unlikely setting for a series of terrifically beguiling detective novels steeped in local color and history. But look at what ingenious use Alexander McCall Smith’s No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency books make of the equally exotic culture of Botswana. Now look at Dr. Siri Paiboun,
Nam Theun 2 dam:  Call for forest to be made a heritage site (Bangkok Post)
A group of experts appointed by the Lao Govt to assess the Nam Theun 2 hydropower dam project in Laos yesterday reiterated their call for the lush forest around the dam site to be registered as a new World Heritage to
China, Laos sign six deals for closer ties (People's Daily)
China and Laos on Thursday signed six deals on cooperation in various fields in a bid to further boost their traditional friendship. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and visiting Lao PM Bouasone Bouphavanh witnessed the signing ceremony following their one-hour talks at the Great Hall of People in Beijing.
Lao Govt evaluates price stability, wet season production (VT)
PM Bouasone Bouphavanh advised officials earlier this week to campaign for the use of the national currency to maintain the exchange rate and product price stability. Mr Bouasone chaired a two day meeting from August 20-21 to evaluate the August performance of socio-economic development plans and
Second highway to link with Laos, Thailand (VNB)
A proposal to develop another trans-Asia highway linking central Vietnam with Laos and Thailand, officially called the Second East-West Economic Corridor (or EWEC-2), has been put forward by the central city of Da Nang. Under the proposal, the EWEC-2 would run from Tien Sa Port in Da Nang through
Dreaming in Hmong Saturday in St. Paul (Daily Planet)
Organizers expect more than two thousand people to come to St. Paul's Sculpture Park Saturday for the 6th annual Hmong Arts & Music Festival. The festival will include artwork created by Hmong artists, a main stage with traditional & contemporary musicians and performers,, a live cake decorating
More stories about Laos from other sources
... Nam Theun 2 moves ahead (VT)
... Vietnam plans more rubber plantations in Laos (VT)
... Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam to cooperate on transport system (NNB)
... Oxiana profit tumbles, guidance unchanged (News)
... Other stories from VientianeTimes  Need Subscription
... Other stories from Laos NA




August 22, 2007



Laos Electricity Projects: Egco to borrow B5bn from BBL, SCB to refinance debts (Bangkok Post)
The group is talking with REGH Plc & the EGAT to offer 1.2 billion baht in loans to the Laotian Govt to build power transmission lines. The group has seen delays in being granted a power plant licence in Laos. Laos planned to
Laos: UXO joins maths, languages on school curriculum (VT)
The threat to life and limb from unexploded bombs in large parts of the Lao PDR is such that an unexploded ordnance (UXO) curriculum is now being taught in schools in Laos , officials from the National Regulatory Authority (NRA), said yesterday. The UXO curriculum is being taught in schools in
Accused of assault, Laos national can't go home (RA)
A Laos national who is accused of breaking another man's face in a bar fight can't be departed because there's no process to send him home. A frustrated Superior Court judge tried but failed to initiate deportation hearings against a Torrington man accused of punching his former supervisor Aug. 9.
Hunger Strike Hmong Win Review of Living Conditions (IR)
Moves are under way to improve conditions at an immigration detention center in northeastern Thailand where 149 Hmong refugees staged a hunger strike, according to a spokesman for Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Thanit Charungwat said the US Embassy in Bangkok was considering
More stories about Laos from other sources
... Laos & Vietnam Agree on New Border Survey (VOA)
... Vientiane to mark Uprising Day (VT)
... Football: Lesotho beat Laos 3-1 (Star)
... LFNC Committed to Help in Laos Poverty Reduction (VOA)
... Human trafficking helps spread HIV in Asia: UN (Reuters/HC)
... Other stories from VientianeTimes  Need Subscription
... Other stories from Laos NA





August 21, 2007



Jailed Hmong refugees from Laos may not go on to third countries, says Thai official (AP/IHT)
Thailand's government said Tuesday that it may not allow a group of ethnic Hmong asylum-seekers from Laos to go to third countries, despite their U.N.-certified status as refugees and offers of resettlement abroad.
Lao-Hmong refugees in Thailand have no hope (FFC)
Fact Finding Commission has learned that the 153 Hmong refugees who have currently been detained in the detention facility in Nongkhai Province could face serious health problem which could cause many of them die in the next several days. Recently on June 29, 2007, four people from the detention
Laos' Luang Prabang to strengthen ecotourism devpt. (PD)
Laos' Luang Prabang province is intended to strengthen developing its ecotourism industry to attract more tourists to the area, Lao newspaper Vientiane Times reported Monday. The Tourism Department of the province is now drafting an ecotourism development master plan along the Khan river
PM: Laos sees better investment environment as important economic policy (XinhuaNet or People's Daily)
To create a better investment environment is one of Laos' important economic policies, said Laotian Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh in a recent exclusive interview with Xinhua. Foreign investment inflow this year is in
Laos: Authorities clamp down on fakes (VientianeTimes)
The inspection committee of Khammuan provincial Khammuan STEA searched local markets on August 9-10, seizing forged products including toothpastes, shampoos and facial cream. Selling forgeries of this kind can have a negative impact on consumer health, because of the lack of quality
Parkson eyes Cambodia, Laos & Myanmar (Edge Daily)
Parkson Group plans to venture into the retail markets in Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar as it moves aggressively to expand its presence into this growth region. The retailing arm of diversified Lion group, which is currently operating in Malaysia, China & Vietnam, plans to use Vietnam as the platform
More stories about Laos from other sources
... Laos Prime Minister leaves for China (VT)
... Urban work discussed in Vientiane (VT)
... Laos: Education Ministry proposes allowance increase (VT)
... Laos to reduce loans from other countries by 2010 (VT)
... Viettel completes negotiations to launch in Laos, Cambodia (TG)
... Joining ASEAN provides Laos with golden opportunity for devpt.: PM
... UN pleased jailed Lao-Hmong refugees end hunger strike, 
    urge Thailand to release them (MSN)
... Other stories from VientianeTimes  Need Subscription
... Other stories from Laos NA




August 20, 2007



U.N. protests detention conditions of Hmong refugees from Laos (KARE or IHT)
A group of ethnic Hmong refugees from Laos have called off a hunger strike at a jail in northeastern Thailand, but are still being held in dire conditions, the U.N. refugee agency said, urging the Thai government to release them.
Americans trickle back to Laos-or should be doing so (OEN)
I had certain concerns and questions about crossing into Laos as an American-even as recently as a few weeks ago. I wondered what remnants of war and isolation I would find in a land where the U.S. tonnage of bombs in an illegal and covert war in the 1960s and 1970s had totaled 2 million tons of
Laotians in U.S.: 'We Did it Again!' (Lowell Sun)
One year later, they stood in the same spot -- celebrating on Rynne Beach. "That's all I need, we did it again guys!" exclaimed Nick Prasavath, leader of the "Three Brothers: Lao, Thai, Cambodian" dragon-boat racing team, the tail of his brightly-colored bandana flying behind him in the breeze coming off
Laos: Parents complain about school application proccess (VT)
Amid the heightened competition among parents to secure places for their children in the best universities and vocational schools in the lead-up to the 2007-2008 academic year, complaints have surfaced relating to the lack of transparency in the school applications process. These complaints were
Young Hmong Americans Confront a Dark History (IPS)
The Hmong American community was catapulted into the national spotlight when, on Jun. 4, 11 California residents were arrested for plotting to overthrow the Govt of Laos. Among them was 77-year-old Vang Pao, who led a CIA-backed "secret army" of his tribesmen in Laos to aid U.S. soldiers
More stories about Laos from other sources
... Lao PM: Health equals wealth (VT)
... Soccer: Malaysia Defeat Laos 2-0 (Bernama)
... Soccer: Safee & skipper Shukor score for Malaysia against Laos (Star)
... Laos: Brewery confirms environmentally friendly practices (VT)
... Vietnam and Laos mark 30 th anniversary of border treaty (ND)
... Lao Hmongs in Thailand Insist They Do Have CIA Links (VOA)
... Other stories from VientianeTimes  Need Subscription
... Other stories from Laos NA




August 19, 2007



Laos, landlocked but not locked out (Korea Herald)
The small landlocked country of Laos is looking to turn that negative into a positive by increasing trade and travel with its neighboring countries and Korea. "The volume of foreign direct investments and trade relations are still small and we need to attract more foreign investments to contribute to
Laotians in U.S.: Dragons, dancers and more (News Tribune)
Traditional music, clothing and dance took over an elevated stage, where 10-year-old Selena Bounyavong and 7-year-old Alexis Kongmanivong performed in calf-length magenta skirts and matching sashes. Buns were pulled tight onto the top of their heads and wrapped in gold beads.
Hmong refugees in Thailand unable to leave for Australia (ABC)
Australia is caught in the middle of a dispute between Thailand & Laos, over the fate of the Hmong refugees who are currently locked up in a detention centre along the Thai-Laos border. This week the centre's 149 reluctant residents began a hunger strike to protest against the poor conditions in
Lao/Thai: Hmong Refugees Starve to Resist Deportation (IPS)
By going on a hunger strike, some 150 ethnic Hmong refugees in Thailand have turned the heat on Bangkok to respect their rights and treat them with compassion. ''They decided to starve themselves and die in prison due to the fact that they have been tortured for the last eight months without a date to be
Soccer: Malaysia won’t take Laos lightly, says coach (Star)
Malaysia have lost to Laos before and they are not about to under-estimate their opponents in the opening game of the 39th Merdeka Tournament at the MBPJ Stadium in Kelana Jaya tonight (8.45pm). Coach B. Sathianathan said that even when Malaysia had a strong side, they were beaten by Laos (1997
Hmong Pre-New Year is reason to celebrate (Herald Times)
You've heard of Christmas in July. Here's an event that celebrates New Year in August. It's the Manitowoc County Hmong Pre-New Year Celebration, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 25-26, at Silver Creek Park, 3001 S. 10th St., Manitowoc. The weekend will offer performance contests,



August 18, 2007



Hmong detainees in Nong Khai on hunger striken (Nation)
The 149 Hmong stuck in the Nong Khai immigration detention centre since January have gone on a hunger strike to call international attention to their alleged bad treatment at the hands of Thai authorities. "They decided to starve themselves & die in prison due to the fact that they have been tortured
Aust to seek access to Lao-Hmongs on hunger strike (ABC)
Australian officials will try to get access to a group of Hmong refugees who are on a hunger strike at a detention centre on Thailand's border with Laos. The United Nations (UN) is urging the Thai Government to act after a group of 149 refugees stopped eating on Thursday. The group includes 90 children
Dipping a toe in the Mekong (Bangkok Post)
Meanwhile, Anirut Ngercome, who runs Ann Tour agency, said he has been running cruise programmes between Chiang Rai & Laos' Huaisay, Pakbeng, and Luang Prabang cities for almost a decade. Luang Prabang remained the highlight of his programmes. He said most of the boats travelling on the route
More stories about Laos from other sources
... Hmong: Repatriation Continues Despite Peril (UNPO)
... Hundreds Gather to Watch Hmong History Movie: Secret Wars (ABC)




August 17, 2007



Laotian Govt Efforts to 'Eliminate Christianity' (Crosswalk)
A Presbyterian missionary first brought the gospel to Buddhist, animist Laos in 1885. Whilst the ethnic Lao were resistant, the ethnic minorities were not. Thanks to Gospel radio and indigenous missionaries, the 20th century saw revivals amongst the Hmong and the Khmu which sometimes involved whole
Upgraded crossings agreed on Thai-Lao border (TNA)/MCOT)
Thailand & Laos have mutually agreed to upgrade the two countries common border checkpoints from temporary to a permanent basis, as well as to promote social and economic cooperation between the two countries. During the seventh Thai-Lao provincial governors conference co-chaired by Interior
Lao-Hmong refugees go on hunger strike in Thai jail (M&C)
A group of 149 Hmong refugees who have been detained in a two-room immigration jail in northern Thailand for the past nine months went on hunger strike Friday to protest their 'inhumane' living conditions and uncertain future, sources said. The Hmong have been detained at an immigration jail in Nong
Savannakhet to organise tourism expo to link economic trail (VientianeTimes)
The Tourism Administration Department of Savannakhet province will host a tourism expo for five central provinces of Laos to promote the East-West economic trail between Laos , Vietnam and Thailand in December.
More stories about Laos from other sources
... Pier, road built to connect Laos & Thailand (MCOT)
... Lao Govt to use US$3.7m to alleviate poverty (VT)
... Laos: Health staff need to work in rural communities (VT)
... Lao spokesman speaks on Hmong repatriation (Nation)
... Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia To Join Forces To Boost Tourism (Yahoo)
... Asian American, Hmong centers merge (GBPG)
... Other stories from VientianeTimes  Need Subscription
... Other stories from Laos NA




August 16, 2007



Luang Prabang: Watican city (Hindu Buniness Line)
No visit to Laos (its official name is Lao PDR) can be complete without a visit to Luang Prabang, which was the capital of Laos for many years till the Pathet Lao dismantled the monarchy and shifted the capital to Vientiane. It is a sleepy little town near the confluence of rivers Mekong and Nam Kham.
Returning Hmong may be forced to stay in govt-designated site (Bangkok Post)
About 8,000 Hmong immigrants from Laos staying at the Ban Huay Nam Khao holding centre could return home unpunished but some would have to resettle at a prepared location near Vientiane, Lao government spokesman
Laos rejects monitoring of Hmong return (Nation)
Laos Thursday rejected an idea suggested by Thai PM Surayud Chulanont to have a "third party" monitor the repatriation of more than 7,500 Hmong refugees. Lao spokesman Yong Chanthalangsy said a joint sub-committee of border security officials would discuss the issue at a meeting from Sept. 24
Laos Skilled Labor Is Sub-Standard (VOA)
Laos’ development of skilled labor is still slow and sub-standard, not meeting requirements by overseas employers. During the past two years, only approximately 6,000 Lao workers have been officially certified and sent to work legally in Thailand, well below the 52,000 required under a bilateral
ADB provides US$13 million to improve health sector (VT)
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) yesterday agreed to provide around 125 billion kip (US$13 million) grant to the Lao government to improve health and nutrition for its Health System Development Project. The agreement was signed by the Deputy Minister of Finance, Mrs Viengthong Siphandone, and
Give Children A Choice to Build Ten Preschools in Laos This Year (VOA)
Give Children A Choice, a U.S.-based, non-profit organization, began building preschools in northern Laos in 2002. “Our goal was 3 preschools for the years 2004, 2005 and 2006,” said Mr. Dori Shimoda, founder & president
Viettel sets sights on Laos, Cambodia (VNN)
Viettel is also finishing negotiations with Laos Asia to set up a joint stock company to supply telecom services in Laos. "We would contribute 49 per cent of the company’s charter capital," Quang said. Last year, Viettel set up Viettel Cambodia, a wholly owned subsidiary and the company’s first foreign
More stories about Laos from other sources
... PM emphasizes regional integration (VT)
... New master plan to manage transport in Vientiane (VT)
... ADB, Laos govt sign 13 mln usd grant for health and nutrition project
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... Other stories from Laos NA





August 15, 2007



Thailand, Laos agree to boost trade and economy (MCOT)
Thailand and Laos have joined forces to double their total trade value by 2010 and will organise an expo to promote their products at the beginning of next month. Thai Commerce Minister Krirkkrai Jirapaet and Nam Viyaket, Lao Minister of Industry and Commerce recently endorsed an agreement to boost
Laos to face heavy rain soon (VientianeTimes)
Laos will face heavy rain in its northern regions and the capital from August 15 to 17, due to the tropical storm ‘Sepat' that is bearing down on the Philippines said an official of the Weather Forecasting Unit yesterday... the heavy rain will also move from the capital and down to Savannakhet province
Soccer: Malaysia to face Laos in opening match (Star)
Malaysia will play against Laos in the opening match of the 39th Merdeka Tournament, which kicks off at the MBPJ Stadium in Kelana Jaya on Monday. The national Under-23 squad under coach B. Sathianathan preparing for the Korat SEA Games in December will represent Malaysia in
More stories about Laos from other sources
... Assembly members take complaints on board (VT)
... Viet doctors give free operations (VT)
... Book into the best of Indo-China (News)
... Asean Golf Tour unveiled in Jakarta (Star)
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August 14, 2007



Laos: Hmongs Lie About CIA Connections (VOA)
Laos says the majority of the Hmong refugees in Thailand lie about their CIA connections, so that the U.S. & other countries would accept for resettlement. Laos' Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman, Yong Chanthalangsy, says the refugees made stories up. He gave an example of a Hmong family among
Water supply problem in Vientiane ‘electrical' (VientianeTimes)
An official from the Housing and Urban Planning Department has confirmed that interruptions to the water supply in some areas of Vientiane last week were not related to the laying of water pipes in the city. The water shortage and disruption occurred in some villages in the city, including in the Chinaimo
Obituaries: Somsy Phaythida, 57, Ottumwa (OC)
Somsy Phaythida, 57, of 6 Michelle Drive, died at 3:20 a.m. Aug. 11, 2007, at the Ottumwa Regional Health Center. He was born May 5, 1950, in Laos to Thithta and Chanthy Phaythida. He married Somphone Vinalong on Dec. 28, 1978. He served in Laos Army for 18 years before coming to Ottumwa in
Hmong women chart their future (MPR)
A remarkable thing happened to 25-year-old Sia Her the other day. Her father asked her opinion about the latest news of General Vang Pao, the former Hmong military leader. "My father called me while he was at work and said, 'Sia, tell me about the latest international policies related to terrorism.'
More stories about Laos from other sources
... Flags lowered to honor Vietnam vet died in Laos (KCRG)
... Chinese doctors provide free medical treatment (VT)
... Laos, Cambodia to complete demarcation, road link (VT)
... Young farmer shares new vision for Hmong farming (PB)
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August 13, 2007



True Coffee to expand cafes into China and Laos (Nation)
After success in Thailand, telecom firm True Corp's popular True Coffee cafes are set to enter China and Laos this year. Papon Ratanachaikanont, who is also in charge of True Coffee's business development, said the company planned to invest around Bt20 million to set up a True Coffee outlet
Hmong girls from Laos, two-time refugees, fear being forced home again (International Herald Tribune or AP/Yahoo!)
It was the fear of persecution that drove Yang Pahua to flee her native Laos - twice. Yang, 17, is one of 21 girls and five boys whose stories have drawn new attention to the plight of the Hmong, an ethnic minority.
China to develop Lao satellite project (VientianeTimes)
A Chinese company has expressed its intention to develop a satellite project with the Lao Govt, in a plan proposed to PM Bouasone Bouphavanh when the President of the China Asia Pacific Mobile Telecommunications Satellite Co., Ltd, China-APMT, Mr Han QingPing, met with him on Friday. China-APMT is
More stories about Laos from other sources
... EU identifies new development programme in Laos (VT)
... Laos: Govt, private sector agree on tax collection (VT)
... Vietnam-Laos diplomatic ties marked abroad (ND)
... Meet Inc. Innovators: Chungyia and Maiyoua Thao (APC)
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August 12, 2007



A Kinder, Gentler Dam in Laos (NewsWeek/MSNBC)
Dam projects in poor countries tend to wreak havoc on the communities they displace. But the $1.4 billion Nam Theun 2 dam in central Laos is a different story. Piu, a smallholder in her 30s, moved in May to a village built for some of the 1,200 families displaced by the project, scheduled for completion in
JPAC conducts mission to recover Vietnam War remains in Laos (Stars & Stripes)
For the past 22 years, the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command has been scouring the rugged terrain of Laos, searching for signs of U.S. servicemembers who have been missing since the Vietnam War.
MIA in Laos: Ayers family finally allowed to have closure (PN)
Lt. Col. James Henry Ayres, 33, went down in a nighttime air mission over Laos during the Vietnam War in 1971. At that time, his wife Brenda and children Allison, 6, Jim, 8, and Steve, 10, lived in Pampa. On Friday, they finally had some closure to this tragedy when they held a memorial service
Going hungry at a food festival in Laos (Sunday Times)
Food culture from country to country is different in style, preparation and presentation. Some love it raw, some hot and spicy and others prefer it cooked. Indochina – Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia, is where you experience the likes of giant crabs, black shrimps, huge tiger prawns, a variety of pork
More stories about Laos from other sources
... Variations on a theme: Thai [or Lao] women & foreign husbands (IHT)




August 11, 2007



Recovery agency teams complete 100th Laos mission (AFL)
Four recovery teams from the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command recently completed JPAC's 100th recovery mission in Laos... Since 1985, JPAC teams have been conducting search and recovery missions for unaccounted-for service members from the Vietnam War who were lost in
Hmong girls play football (Daily Planet)
Girls in football? No way! Believe it or not, girls are playing football now — hopefully you saw it for yourself. Women’s soccer was recently just accepted as a competitive sport within the Hmong community, which seemed to be a big change. But even a bigger change is happening right now: girls are





August 10, 2007



The ins and outs of leaving Laos (Asia Times)
State-sanctioned tourism literature would have foreign visitors believe that your average Lao chooses to live a laid-back life surrounded by their beautiful temples, tall, verdant mountains, and colorful hill tribes. But the growing number of Lao migrating from their villages to bigger towns & cities
Laos Educational Quality Declining (VOA)
Laos' educational development is facing a problem of declining quality because of budget constraint and shortage of teachers, who have left for better pay in the private sector. Official statics show an overall decrease in the number of students completing secondary schools throughout the country
Repair company on standby for bad weather in north (VT)
A recent landslide as a result of severe weather destroyed some stretches of National Road No.7 in Xieng Khuang province, but the results were not as dire as they could have been. The locally-based Khamson Construction Company was on hand to carry out emergency repairs, said the head of
Footy's first Elephant herd stomping in Laos (WFN)
About five months ago Mick Hassett and Marty Staples got together for a kick of the footy in Vientiane, capital of Laos. Since then, the "Lao Elephants" have grown to around 10-15 regular participants at weekly training sessions, with players from Laos, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Norway and the UK.
Hmong, Asian groups merge (Green Bay PG)
The United Hmong Community Center and The Asian American Resource Center have merged their services together to create the United Hmong and Asian American Community Center, Inc. After nine years of friendly competition, board members from both parties and local community leaders
More stories about Laos from other sources
... Phongsaly 5th-grader winner in international art comp (VT)
... Laos needs more juvenile fish (VT)
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August 09, 2007



Give Children A Choice funded preschools in Laos (VOA)
Give Children A Choice is a non-profit organization, established in 2002 with the aim of building preschools in northern Laos and filling them with children. Mr. Dori Shimoda, founder of Give Children A Choice said the idea of building preschools in Laos began after he went backpacking in Southeast
Laos: New graduates have health expertise (VientianeTimes)
The University of Health Science held a graduation ceremony on Monday in Vientiane to present 31 graduates with Master of Public Health degrees after studying the two-year programme. This was the first batch of graduates, who majored in two courses - Public Health Management and Health Service
Laos Tourism Steadily Growing, Says Lao PM (VOA)
Laos PM Bouasone Bouphavanh says his country's tourism industry has expanded at an average rate of 26.7% since 1991, with the number of tourists increasing to more than 1.2 million in 2006, bringing in over 173 million dollars in revenues. Mr. Bouasone said that in 1991, the  number of
Former principal to manage bomb removal in Laos (WHD)
In multiple trips to Laos, retired Kronenwetter educators Jim and Marty Harris learned that the after-effects of the Vietnam War were still killing and maiming innocent farmers and children who were simply trying to live off the land. They did their best raise awareness about the impact that unexploded bombs
Rains don’t hinder Vietnam volunteers in Laos (TNN)
This week’s rain did not stop 32 Vietnamese volunteers from helping poor Lao communities during a 12-day community service campaign that began Saturday. The delegation of HCMC Youth Union members handed hundreds of gifts to the poor while smiling happily as it rained cats and dogs.
Fresno Unified board adopts curriculum of 'Hmong Voices' (FB)
Fresno Unified's school board adopted a new curriculum Wednesday night in an effort to teach children more about southeast Asian heritage. The "Hmong Voices" curriculum will be taught to all children in grades 2 through 11 beginning this school year. The curriculum will include a "Remembering
More stories about Laos from other sources
... Laos marks anniversary of ASEAN (VT)
... Lao President returns home (VT)
... EGAT to set up arm for overseas projects, i.e. Laos (BP)
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August 08, 2007



Laos: Scorpion with your wine? (New Zealand Herald)
It's not the most salubrious pub I've ever drunk at but it did have an excellent view of the mighty brown Mekong River and a great selection of rice wine. To get there involved taking a 25km boat trip from the beautiful ancient Lao capital of Luang Prabang, clambering across a bendy gangplank - in this
After 40 years, a proper burial for Laos crash victims (ST)
Nearly 40 years ago, an Army helicopter on a mission to drop U.S. soldiers behind enemy lines was shot down in the Laos jungle. Next week the five U.S. servicemen killed in the crash, including a then-25-year-old soldier from Olympia, will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery near Washington,
Laos happy over growing India-China ties (Hindu)
Expressing “delight” over the strengthening relations between India & China, Deputy PM of Lao PDR, Thongloun Sisoulith, has described his country’s ties with the United States as “relatively good.” Speaking to The Hindu on the sidelines of the just-concluded series of multilateral meetings organised by
Malaysian to invest in Laos (VientianeTimes)
Malaysian organisation the Roxwell Group is interested in investing in oil and gas in four southern Lao provinces, according to the group's Project Coordinator, Mr Thavone Vixaysak. He said the Roxwell Group had presented its project concept to Lao officials and authorities concerned in Vientiane
La Crosse Hmong Community & Cultural Center open (LCT)
The 10-month transformation of a former restaurant into the Hmong Community and Cultural Center has “been like like watching an infant grow into a man,” the head of the Hmong Mutual Assistance Association said Tuesday. The $2.7 million center opened July 30 at 1815 Ward Ave.,
More stories about Laos from other sources
... Congressional Forum Panelists Called on Thailand 
    Not to Send Hmong Refugees Back to Laos (VOA)
... The Scoop On Hmong Protests (CBS)
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August 07, 2007



Laos: Hmong Christians killed, imprisoned in crackdown (CDN)
Soldiers, police and others have killed at least 13 Christians in Laos in the past month in a swarming crackdown on Hmong villagers falsely accused of stirring rebel dissent, sources told Compass. In the sweep, encouraged by communist village leaders and others who have falsely accused the Christians
Italian caravan to promote Lao tourism (VientianeTimes)
An Italian Reality Show Programme, Donnavventura , sent a caravan driving through Vientiane yesterday to promote Lao traditions, culture and tourism. The caravan arrived in Vientiane last Sunday with four Mitsubishi Tritons, driven by six Italian models from Donnavventura , who are here to promote
Laos Refugees Find Home (Daily Democrat)
The American Dream did not end after the Mayflower docked or when Ellis Island closed. Modern examples are still rampant today, and the story of Laos refugees Yao Cho and Tcheng Saelee of T&Y Strawberry Patch, on Highway 16, typifies one such tale. Amidst Communist rule in Laos, Yao Cho and
Remains of Iowa soldier MIA since '68 recovered in Laos (Des Moines Register)
The Army has recovered the remains of five Vietnam-era soldiers, including those of Chief Warrant Officer Dennis C. Hamilton of Barnes City, who died when their helicopter was shot down over Laos in 1968, the Department of
More stories about Laos from other sources
... Laos President on State Visit to Cambodia (VOA)
... Media learn correct use of Lao language (VT)
... Chinese doctors to provide free checkups at Mittaphab (VT)
... ASEAN has much work to do (Bangkok Post)
... Some Asians said to fall short of 'brainy' stereotype (HA)
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August 06, 2007



Thai PM: We will send Hmong back to Laos (AP/Forbes, Yahoo)
Thailand will return some 8,000 ethnic Hmong refugees to Laos despite their claims that they face persecution in their homeland, the Thai prime minister said Monday. Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont asserted that most of the refugees did not have legitimate asylum claims, but said an unspecified third
Thailand to keep on repatriating Lao-Hmong – PM (SOS)
Thailand has no plans to halt its repatriation of ethnic Hmong to communist Laos despite appeals by U.S. Congressmen and the United Nations, Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said on Monday. Thailand had not sent any Hmong, many of whom fought alongside the United States during the Vietnam
Surayud insists Lao-Hmong will be sent back (BP)
Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont insists that his government will repatriate Hmong immigrants to Laos to deter more coming in the future and end the burden on Thailand. Gen Surayud was responding to news that some US congressmen had petitioned His Majesty the King to stop the repatriation of
No forced repatriation for Lao-Hmongs: PM (Nation)
Thai PM Surayud Chulanont guaranteed on Monday that there would not be forced repatriation of 8,000 Hmongs taking refuge in Thai soil. "We will not force them to return to their homeland. Our repatriation will be organised with the respect to the human rights regulations. The Hmongs have to be
Lao Govt adds value to mines (VientianeTimes)
The government has agreed to speed up the process of building a national strategic plan on mining development to add value to the country's mines through the processing industry. This will maximise the benefits for the nation and ensure the sustainable development of the country's mining sector.