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This page was updated: Saturday, November 03, 2007 11:31 AM -0500

September 30, 2007

ITE students have big plans for Laos village (Straits Times)
DONG Dok residents in Laos might soon get an injection of marketing, technological and health-care know-how. A group of 33 Institute of Technical Education (ITE) College East students and five teachers are visiting the village community - located 35 minutes from the Laotian capital, Vientiane
U.S. Ambassador's Fund Grant Will Aid Lao National Museum (U.S. Embassy)
On September 27, Ambassador Ravic Huso signed a grant for $26,821 for the preservation of the collection at the Lao National Museum. Mr. Thongsa Sayavongkhamdy, Director General of the Museums and Archeology Dept.
Lao President affirms special ties with Viet officials (VNA)
Lao President Choummaly Sayasone has assured a Vietnam National Assembly delegation of his country’s determination to reinforce the ties it has with its ASEAN neighbour. The Lao Party, parliament and government would consistently do its utmost to foster the special Vietnam-Laos relations, he said
Hmong in U.S.: Nichols' Murder Trial Begins Monday (WFRV)
Nearly three years after six deer hunters died in an angry outburst of gunfire in northern Wisconsin, another hunter homicide trial is about to start. Both cases have raised fears about racial tensions between white and Hmong hunters. James Nichols is accused of shooting and stabbing 30-year-old Cha

September 29, 2007

Former Lao refugees help ease transition for newcomers to U.S. (AP/Hartford Courant or AP/SA or AP/ND)
The call came when Nick Pathammavong was headed to an evening event. His wife, Sue, was going to pick up newly arrived refugees from Burma at the Connecticut Limo depot and drive them to apartments rented for them.
Thailand, Laos Crisis: Lao, Hmong Human Rights Forum To Discuss Plight of 8,000 Refugees (ProLog)
The Lao Human Rights Council will host a Lao-Hmong human rights forum from 10:00 A.M.-2:00 P.M., Saturday, September 29, 2007, at 2198 South Memorial Drive, Appleton, WI, on the plight of over 8,000 Lao-Hmong political refugees facing the threat of forced repatriation back to Laos.
Help sought for Lao-Hmong facing deportation in Thailand (La Crosse Tribune)
Xai Kao Vue, an 83-year-old Hmong American, held pictures Thursday of two older brothers, both killed while fighting on the U.S. side in the CIA’s Vietnam-era war in Laos. Now, decades after their deaths, he fears more
Hmong in U.S.: Woman describes threats (WDH or WRT)
Chao Lee suspected her estranged husband might try to kill her before the Sept. 18 crash that injured the couple, according to her statements to police. According to a Shawano County Sheriff's Department report: The woman told investigators her husband, Wausau Police officer Chueng Lee, visited her
More stories about Laos from other sources
... Laos fosters ties with Vietnam (ND)
... Hmong to celebrate new year next weekend (MI)
... Sydney Conference to address challenges of Mekong River basin

September 28, 2007

Family of Burma's super boss are in Laos - reports (Nation)
In what could be a harbinger of things to come in Burma, in bloody turmoil, a chartered flight from the country landed in Vientiane, Laos' capital. Rumours have been rife, right through the day, in the strife torn country that the military junta supremo, Senior General Than Shwe's family was planning to
Laos strengthens relations with Czech Republic (VT)
Representatives of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Laos and the Czech Republic yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance cooperation between the two ministries. The agreement was signed by the Lao Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Phongsavath Boupha, and
Lao-Canadian: Man faces new hate crime charge (CBC)
An Ottawa man charged with mischief after the vehicles of a Lao-Canadian family were vandalized now faces an additional charge under Canada's hate crime legislation. Daniel Shearing, 30, faces a new charge of willfully promoting hatred against an identifiable group, said an Ottawa police news
Hmong: Wausau officer accused of plotting to kill wife (WEAU)
A Wausau police officer is accused of trying to kill his wife by driving his car into a bridge. 45-year-old Chueng Lee is charged with attempted first-degree intentional homicide, false imprisonment and aggravated battery. The criminal complaint says Lee threatened to kill his estranged wife on September 18th,
More stories about Laos from other sources
... Laos to open stock market in 2010 (VientianeTimes)
... Vietnam, Laos work on legislative co-operation (ND)
... Other stories from VientianeTimes Need Subscription
... Other stories from Laos NA

September 27, 2007

Laos: Tuk-tuks to be off the streets by 2010 (VientianeTimes)
A move to ban tuk-tuks and jumbos in Vientiane is scheduled to take effect in 2010, but drivers have expressed dismay at the proposal, fearing they will lose their livelihood. Authorities see that these vehicles to some extent cause road accidents in the city, resulting in several deaths & injuries every month.
IRN unconvinced Laos dams will not harm environment (VOA)
Environmental groups, including the International Rivers Network or IRN, are unconvinced that the new dams Laos plans to build to expand its hydropower production for exporting to neighboring countries will not harm environment. Shannon Lawrence, Laos program director for the International Rivers
Laos earn praises for early efforts (The Star)
Laos' early preparation to host their first-ever SEA Games in 2009 has been given the thumbs up. The Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) secretary Datuk Sieh Kok Chi attended a three-day seminar on SEA Games rules, regulations, procedures and requirements in Vientiane last week & he came
Than Shwe's family in Laos (Mizzima News)
With rumours of Burma's military supremo Senior General Than Shwe's family fleeing to a foreign country making the rounds, among Burmese people, a chartered Air Bagan flight was spotted in Laos' capital city of Vientiane, an eyewitness told Mizzima. The chartered Air Bagan flight
More stories about Laos from other sources
... Health officials shut down illegal clinics in Laos (VT)
... Laos addresses UN General Assembly session on climate change (VT)
... Lao Heritage Foundation-A Musical Journey Through Laos (VOA)
... Laos to host Francophonie ministerial meeting (People's Daily)
... PAR Announces Gold Production Resumes Ahead of Schedule (Yahoo)
... Isan Food Festival (eTBB)
... Census data shows gains for immigrants in Minnesota (WDN)
... Other stories from VientianeTimes Need Subscription
... Other stories from Laos NA

September 26, 2007

The Lao gourmet way of water buffalo jerky (Reuters or W24)
In the sleepy former home of Lao kings, where stray dogs now roam quiet streets and saffron-robed Buddhist monks seek shade under black parasols, Yannick Upravan has started a culinary revolution. Born in Vientiane and trained at one of France's best culinary institutes, Upravan has turned rustic
Thais urge trade corridor in Laos (Bangkok Post)
The Thai Govt is being urged to expedite talks with the Laotian Govt to create to more cross-border agreements promoting bilateral logistics investments. Border checkpoints are heavily used in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) even though Thailand now has a 2nd bridge across the Mekong River
Laos' exports increase in 9 months (People's Daily)
Laos is estimated to make export earnings of 6.2 trillion kip (648.7 million U.S. dollars) in the first nine months of this year, a year-on-year rise of 4.4 percent, Lao newspaper Vientiane Times reported Tuesday. Copper exports are set to increase to 293.6 million dollars between January and September
Laos: Village chiefs hail salary increase (VientianeTimes)
The government has announced that it will increase salaries for village chiefs throughout the country in October. Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh made the announcement to officials and village chiefs in Xaythany district, Vientiane , on Sunday, but did not elaborate when the agreement for
Senators urge U.S. to help Hmong refugees in Thailand (FB)
Senators from Wisconsin, Minnesota and California are urging the State Department to take action to protect a group of Hmong refugees being held at an immigration detention center in Thailand. The six senators wrote to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice about the roughly 150 Hmong refugees
More stories about Laos from other sources
... Laos: Experts call for better management of forest products (VT)
... Laos: Paediatricians seek to improve neonatal health (VT)
... Other stories from VientianeTimes Need Subscription
... Other stories from Laos NA

September 25, 2007

Thailand: The Lao-Hmong problem (Bangkok Post)
Thailand could face strong world criticism if it forces 8,000 Hmong refugees detained in Phetchabun to return to Laos, but may have to if the 2008 deadline is to be met. The Thai-Lao general border sub-committee last week decided to complete repatriation within 2008. Ethnic Hmong began gathering
Laos Garments to Face Stiff Competition from China (VOA)
The planned lifting of quota and restrictions on Chinese garment exports by WTO members will certainly mean that Laos’ garment industry will face stiff competition both in the areas of price and quality. The 150+ member-nations of the World Trade Organization are set to take that action next year, giving
Lao-American: Survey finds big holes in little kids' dental care (Chicago Tribune)
"In many cultures, you do not go to a dentist until you get a toothache and they take it out and that's it," Punwani said. Born in Laos and raised in the U.S., Seng Patthana said no one warned her against putting Katelyn to bed
Laos: Section of new road to be repaved (VientianeTimes)
As part of the Vientiane Road No 1 rebuilding project, the road will soon be resurfaced in some areas with asphalt and cement to repair uneven stretches caused by underground water damage, especially between Km4 and the Chinaimo area, said a project official. Project coordinator Mr Dedsongkham
Viet rubber company crosses border to Laos (BVOM)
The Dak Lak Rubber Company has made bold moves and proved that its huge investment plans could bring successes both at home and abroad. The company has been conducting a 30 million USD project to plant 10,000 ha of rubber in three provinces of the neighbouring country under an agreement
Laos PM receives honorary Dr from Thai university (Nation) Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University in Bangkok, yesterday awarded an honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree in technology management to the Prime Minister of Laos, Bouasone Bouphavanh. The ceremony took place in the conference hall of the PM's Office in Vientiane. It was attended by
More stories about Laos from other sources
... Laos: Children and Women Abuses on the Rise (VOA)
... Lao PM receives honorary doctorate from Thai university (VT)
... EU programme to enhance eco-friendly agriculture in Laos (VT)
... Senior CPC official meets Lao guests (XinhuaNet)
... The Hmong, Thailand and greed (Daily Planet)
... Other stories from VientianeTimes Need Subscription
... Other stories from Laos NA

September 24, 2007

Vientiane nightclubs under scrutiny (VientianeTimes)
Vientiane authorities are keeping a close watch on the capital's two main nightclubs, which have been warned for repeated violation of official regulations by staying open beyond the official closing time and allowing underage children to enter. The two nightclubs, Meena and Romeo, are both
Lao Govt advises officials on new budget plan (VT)
The government has advised all officials to actively implement its development and budget plans for the fiscal year 2007-2008, so as to achieve the best possible results for the wider community. This directive was issued at the government's monthly meeting, held on September 20-21 and chaired by
Hmong: Lor becomes first DM Asian outreach officer (DMR)
Members of the Des Moines Asian community met with Des Moines police this morning to kick off the department's Asian Outreach Program. Police Chief Judy Bradshaw introduced Officer Doua Lor, who will be assigned to work part-time with 17 Asian and Pacific Island organizations as well as
More stories about Laos from other sources
... Lao PM pleased with progress on SEA Games stadium (VT)
... Hue helps Laos in building school (VNA)
... Other stories from VientianeTimes Need Subscription
... Other stories from Laos NA

September 23, 2007

Languid Luang Prabang: A dreamy atmosphere seduces travelers to Laos' Mekong gem (SF Chronicle/SF Gate)
My first hour in Luang Prabang was magical. The electricity was out, and in every wooden house, market stall and temple window, townspeople were lighting candles. As night fell the boulevards & alleyways became a flickering
Communist Laos plans stock market - Feature (DPA/ET)
It seems that every successful communist economy in Asia wants a stock market nowadays. China opened the Shanghai Stock Exchange in 1990, and the Stock Trading Center of Vietnam has been operating in Ho Chi Minh City since July, 2000. Both bourses are booming in tandem with their fast-paced
New Hmong Service Center director is very busy (NW)
Life is busy every single day for Vue Thao. Ever since he became the new director of the Hmong Service Center in July, Thao has a lot to do. He is making sure the bills get paid, the organization runs smoothly, and that Hmong families know about the center’s services. That’s okay, Thao said,

September 22, 2007

Ecotourism Laos Wins 2007 ES Award (Planeta)
Planeta.com announces the winner of the 2007 Ecotourism Spotlight Award: Ecotourism Laos funded by the Laos National Tourism Administration. The award is announced in advance of World Tourism Day (September 27) as way of pointing out best practice in sustainable travel and ecotourism.
Lao-Thai: Timeframe set for Hmong repatriation (Bangkok Post)
Thai and Laotian authorities have reached agreement on a timeframe for repatriating thousands of Lao-Hmong immigrants at Ban Huay Nam Khao in Phetchabun province before the end of next year. The timeframe was agreed to by both parties during a border committee meeting in this Laotian town on
Hmong refugees sent back to Laos (Al Jazeera)
Thailand and Laos have agreed to forcibly repatriate thousands of Hmong refugees currently living in Thailand to purpose built villages outside Vientiane, the Lao capital. The governments of the two South East Asian nations are to jointly sponsor the project to relocate the refugees and
Thailand to Buy More Power from Laos (VOA)
Thai officials say they are considering to increase their purchase of hydro-power from Laos, from the originally-agreed upon 5,000 megawatts in 2015 to 7,000 MW by 2020. The head of Thailand's EGAT tells VOA that Lao authorities have proposed to sell more electricity to Thailand, and he thinks
Obituary: Lo Pao Vang fought communists, then gangs (SB)
Lo Pao Vang, a leader in the Sacramento Hmong community who worked with grass-roots organizers to establish a counseling center for truant students in the Sacramento City Unified School District, died Sept. 14. He was 59. The cause was a stroke, said his son, Kao Vang. Lo Pao Vang was

September 21, 2007

Travel Postcard: 48 hours in Vientiane (Reuters)
Got 48 hours to explore Vientiane? Reuters Correspondents with local knowledge help visitors get the most from a short stay in the capital of Laos. FRIDAY 7 p.m. - Start your weekend at The Spirit House, a chic watering hole with an impressive list of cocktails & a great menu. Whether you choose
Lao Hydro Project expected to begin operations by 2009 - ADB (TF/Forbes)
The Nam Theun 2 hydropower project in Laos is expected to generate 1,070 megawatts of electricity when it begins operations in December 2009, Asian Development Bank (ADB) said in release. The project is being supported by
Religious Freedom Situation in Laos Improved Over Several Years Ago (VOA or US Dept of State)
On Laos, Ambassador Hanford says Laos has made progress in respecting religious freedom, but that laws protecting this freedom are arbitrarily applied in some areas, creating scattered problems. "I've traveled there, and we were
Laos: New bus rules ensure safe southbound trips (VT)
Passengers travelling by bus in the southern provinces will be safer now that the Bus TAC has issued a regulation prohibiting the overloading of goods on the roofs of buses this week. Committee representative Mr Khamsenh Thammavong told Vientiane Times that the new regulation would make bus
Republic of Korea contributes US$100,000 donation to WFP Laos (Reuters)
WFP has welcomed a critical contribution from the Republic of Korea for WFP food assistance for the Lao PDR. The US$100,000 contribution, the first by the Republic of Korea for WFP operations in Laos, will provide food
Two Hmong delegations travel to Thailand (AAP)
It was in St. Paul where much of the international uproar over the late 2005 exhumations of 1,027 Hmong graves near the Wat Tham Krabok Buddhist monastery in Saraburi, Thailand – which occurred as 13,000 Hmong refugees had left for America – 4,000 of them to Minnesota – and the refugee
More stories about Laos from other sources
... Lao President returns from Mongolia visit (VT)
... Laotian Diaspora Launches Its LaoITV in Los Angeles, California (VOA)
... Conference on Hmong Studies Call for Papers (AAP)
... Other stories from VientianeTimes Need Subscription
... Other stories from Laos NA

September 20, 2007

Hmong to be sent back to Laos (DPA/BP or EarthTimes)
About 8,000 Hmong refugees living in Thailand are to be repatriated within 12 months to Laos, the two countries announced Thursday, despite warnings from human rights groups that the refugees faced persecution back home. The deal meant that the refugees from the ethnic group that battled
Three US nationals have left Laos , officials tell US Embassy (VientianeTimes)
The Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed the US Embassy on September 14 that there had been no arrest or detention in Laos of three American nationals of Lao Hmong descent, following a request for
Laos: More than 50,000 dropped out of school (VOA)
Laos education officials say over 50,000 elementary and secondary-school students dropped out during the 2006-07 academic year. The most significant cause is reportedly budget shortage that prevents the government from extending educational opportunities to students in rural areas.
Beer Lao delays export plans (Nation or Bangkok Post)
Lao Brewery Co's plans to flood Thailand with its popular Beer Lao next year have been put on hold until 2011, a senior executive said Thursday. Lao Brewery, one of little Laos' biggest companies, has invested 25 million dollars in an expansion project in southern Laos aimed at exploiting the export market
Laos: Fast and furious (Bangkok Post)
Virtually unknown, Tat Nam Phak and Tat Sakkala of southern Laos make many other waterfalls look puny... After two meetings in one afternoon I dashed off to join the Khon Baak Pae (Backpackers) trekking group on a trip to Tat Nam Phak and Tat Sakkala in Laos' Champasak Province.
Hmong group: Vandalized grave sites not a political issue (ST)
More than 20 Hmong-Americans went to the St. Paul City Council meeting Wednesday to protest a city-led delegation heading to Thailand to address concerns about the desecration of Hmong graves there. The community members said the issue should be addressed by the Hmong community,
More stories about Laos from other sources
... Laos: Rice experts assess progress (VT)
... Laos reports 970 victims of human trafficking (XN)
... Laos: Trafficking victim repatriated with brain injuries (VT)
... Mongolia and Laos to strengthen bilateral cooperation (XN)
... Other stories from VientianeTimes Need Subscription
... Other stories from Laos NA

September 19, 2007

Lao-American: Wanna be a pop princess (Star Tribune, Birdie)
Becoming a successful pop singer is a one-in-a-million chance. And that's being generous. Birdie wants to be one, even though the 19-year-old with long dark hair is an atypical candidate for American pop stardom. She's Laotian (real name: Souphak Xaphakdy), and in this country, there has yet to
Laos has potential for world-class MVT style zinc deposit (MB)
A greenfields zinc project being explored in Laos by Australia’s Rox Resources has the potential to emerge as a new Mississippi Valley Type lead zinc district, according to the company. Rox Managing Director, Ian Mulholland said the company’s maiden work on the Pha Luang zinc lead
KRX Agrees to Help Laos Set Up Stock Exchange (KT)
The Korea Exchange (KRX) said it signed a memorandum of understanding Wednesday to help Laos establish its first stock exchange by 2010. Laos will have its bourse, if set up, run by central bank. Laos said it chose the KRX as a partner because it showed much enthusiasm & seriousness in cooperating
Korea's KRX to set up Laos stock exchange by 2010 (Yahoo)
South Korea's bourse operator said on Wednesday it has agreed with the Govt of Laos to set up a stock exchange in the Southeast Asian country by 2010 as a joint venture. The Korea Exchange signed a memorandum of understanding to launch the first stock exchange in Laos and encourage
Laos: Veterans' Day celebrated in style (VientianeTimes)
More than 1,000 high-ranking officials, soldiers, police, students and ministry representatives gathered yesterday to mark the 5 th anniversary of the foundation of the Lao National Veterans' Federation at the National Culture Hall. The federation was founded on September 9, 2002, in accordance with
More stories about Laos from other sources
... Presidential visit to Mongolia enhances relations (VT)
... Other stories from VientianeTimes Need Subscription
... Other stories from Laos NA

September 18, 2007

Pan Australian Resources Announces Phu Kham to be Expanded (Yahoo!)
Phu Kham to be expanded Pan Australian Resources announced that the Company plans to expand throughput at the Phu Kham Copper-Gold Mine in Laos. The mine development continues to run ahead of the scheduled
Thailand: Laos Is Drug Hub for East Asia (VOA)
A new drug report released by the Thai government says Vientiane has become the center for narcotics trafficking in East Asia, a meeting point for regional drug producers and traffickers. The report says stiff crackdowns on drugs by the Thai Govt has forced traffickers to relocate to the Lao capital,
Laos: Students to learn business know-how (VientianeTimes)
Education officials are working to introduce a subject called Know About Business to the school curriculum for the academic year 2007-08, as part of the strategic plan for education from 2006 to 2010. “Our plan was to include this subject in the Ministry of Education's curriculum for the academic year
Restaurants: The talk of Thai [& Lao] Town (LA Times)
Ahandful of restaurants in Orange County serve Thai-Lao cuisine. It's the food of the ethnic Lao people who have always lived in the Isaan region. In fact, more Lao live in Thailand's Isaan region than in Laos itself, so it's not surprising that Thai-Lao cooking incorporates dishes from the entire area
1st Hmong history course in the U.S. offered at U of M (KSTP)
History is being made at the University of Minnesota this fall in professor Mai Na Lee's Hmong History Across the Globe class. It is believed that it is the first course on Hmong history in a Southeast Asian context offered not only at the 'U', but at any university in the United States. There are classes about
More stories about Laos from other sources
... Back to school…almost (VT)
... EDL offers help with problem bills (VT)
... Other stories from VientianeTimes Need Subscription
... Other stories from Laos NA

September 17, 2007

Laos: Plan launches new early-learning strategy (VT)
The aid agency Plan International pledged its support yesterday for early education and child development in Laos at the Ministry of Education in Vientiane . The organisation will invest over 11 billion kip (US$1.2 million) in developing pre-school education at Sangthong Pre-school in Vientiane and in
Viet firm to develop Laos' 2nd biggest hydroelectric plant (PD)
The Viet-Lao Power Joint Stock Company will start construction of Laos' 2nd biggest hydroelectric plant with investment of US$ 400 million before the year's end, local newspaper Vietnam Investment Review reported Monday. The proposed 290-MW plant, Xekaman 1, will annually generate 1.1 billion
Lao young singer to perform in China (XinhuaNet)
A Lao young singer Palamy Phothisane will leave for China with seven other artists this week to take part in the Youth Festival in Changchun, Lao newspaper Vientiane Times reported Monday. The event, scheduled from Sept. 22-28, is organized by China Central TV. The Lao group included
More stories about Laos from other sources
... Laos, Cambodia strengthen ties (VT)
... Laos: Deputy PM addresses public on Ozone Day (VT)
... Lao delegation looks east for industry (VNA)
... Other stories from VientianeTimes Need Subscription
... Other stories from Laos NA

September 16, 2007

U.S. Ambassador Huso presents his credentials to President Choummaly (U.S. Embassy in Laos)9/13/2007
On September 13, Ambassador Ravic Huso presented his credentials to His Excellency Choummaly Sayasone, President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, in a ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Vientiane.
Laos to improve transparency (Nation)
Laos's State Inspection Authority looks set to become a new government mechanism to make the state administration more transparent after having been legally empowered, according to a senior state inspector. "The Law on State Inspection will enable us to work more effectively," said Vice President
Editorial: Hmong deportation threat requires intervention (NW)
Once again, the Hmong face danger. And, once again, their plight threatens to be overshadowed by or forgotten in the fog of war. Unacceptable. Wisconsin's U.S. Sens. Russ Feingold and Herb Kohl and the representatives within the rest of Wisconsin's Congressional delegation have been up to

September 15, 2007

Letter to U.S. Ambassador Ravic Huso in Laos (AAP)
Thank you for serving as our new U.S. Ambassador to Laos. As a fellow American, I am deeply concerned about the fate of the three missing Americans in Laos, as reported in the news in the last week. As I continue to read the news, I have come to realize a familiar pattern in how our U.S. Govt
Greater dialogue with Laos strengthens ties (VNA)
The Director of the CPV Tran Van Hang was received by Lao President Choummaly Sayasone in Vientiane yesterday. The Lao leader expressed his satisfaction with the development of the Vietnam-Laos comprehensive co-operation. He said the co-operation has received a boost in 2007 as
St. Paul Mayor to Send Mission About Hmong Graves (PZ)
Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman announced today that he will send a fact-finding delegation to Thailand to explore the options for bringing peace and reconciliation to the families affected by the 2005 desecration of more than 900 Hmong graves in Wat Tham Krabok, Saraburi, Thailand.

September 14, 2007

Laos: Law to improve transparency (VientianeTimes)
The State Inspection Authority looks set to become a new government mechanism to make the state administration more transparent after having been legally empowered, according to a senior state inspector. “The Law on State Inspection will enable us to work more effectively,” said Vice President
Laos takes concrete measures to reduce smokers (PD)
Laos has made an anti-tobacco draft law, intensified propaganda on smoking's harmful effects, and expanded non-smoking areas, aiming to reduce smokers in the country. The Lao Health Ministry is making an anti-tobacco draft law, an important step in controlling smoking in the country
Laos-US: Supporters rally for 3 missing St. Paul men (PP)
Hakit Yang missed the chance to take his daughter to her first day of kindergarten. Trillion Yunhaison's wife tells their six children: "Your father will be home. I will not stop waiting for his return." The family of Cong Shi Neng Yang - a single father of two children and the primary caretaker for his
Group hopes trip will remedy Hmong grave issue (PP)
A delegation from St. Paul will head to Thailand this month to address one of the longest-lingering issues left by the war in Southeast Asia and the Hmong refugees driven from Laos starting in 1975. Hundreds of refugees died in the last of the camps that were home to displaced Hmong. The dead were
More stories about Laos from other sources
... Numerous endangered turtles found in Laos (VT)
... Pan Australian Resources Extends Mineralisation
    at Phu Kham Copper-Gold Deposit (Yahoo!)
... Senate action is good news for the Hmong community (ST)
... Lao-Hmong Refugees held hostage at Nong Khai detention center (DP)
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September 13, 2007

Dropout students a continuing concern in Laos (VT, Nation)
Students who drop out of school before finishing their course are an enduring problem for education departments across the country, said a Ministry of Education official yesterday. Deputy Minister of Education Lytou Bouapao told the Vientiane Times by telephone that although there is
Laos, Thailand Crisis: Lao-Hmong of St. Paul (PressZoom, PRL)
Hmong and Lao-Americans are slated to rally and demonstrate in front of the State Capitol building in St. Paul, Minnesota on Thursday, September 13, 2007 from 11:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M. in opposition to the recent arrest in Laos of three Hmong-Americans and to oppose the repatriation of 8,000 Lao-Hmong
Laos to Try to Bring Educational Quality Closer to International Standards (VOA)
The Lao government has approved an increase in its educational expenses to almost 18% of the national budget for the 2007-08 academic year, aiming to bring the quality of its education system closer to international standards.
BIDV bankrolls US$30 million for projects in Laos (VE)
The Bank of Investment and Development of Viet Nam (BIDV) will bankroll US$30 million for four projects in Laos, said a BIDV official. According to BIDV Deputy General Director Le Dao Nguyen, the four projects were reached at the Viet Nam-Laos Investment Promotion Forum in central Nghe
Thailand and Laos discuss bird flu (TNA/MCOT)
Laotian officials said here on Thursday that the only laboratory for bird flu in the capital of Vientiane was insufficient to cope with the worsening situation and that more laboratories were needed. In a conference between Thai and Laos medical officials to discuss the bird flu situation in the region, both
Lao-American - A Gem in Redmond: From Berkley to Black Butte to Chloe (Source Weekly)
Jerry Phaisavath & Elaine Larson met while working at Black Butte Ranch– he was the executive chef, and she was a server. After they married, they set out to open their own place, and started looking for locations all over Central
Lao-Hmong-American Uses Poetry to Express His Values on Life (VOA)
Lao-Hmong Amerian poet Bryan Thao Worra recently published his first poetry book entitled “On The Other Side Of The Eye.” Born in Vientiane, he was only six months old when he was adopted by an American pilot who
More stories about Laos from other sources
... Lao bio-diesel hits the road (VT)
... Indian investors seek to expand plantation in Laos (VT)
... Dien Bien province celebrates Vietnam-Laos ties (ND)
... Datebook Diner: Pad Thai ups ante on great taste (DMR)
... Two Green Bay Hmong groups merge to form a stronger voice (GBPG)
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... Other stories from Laos NA

September 12, 2007

Laos: Difficult to Completely Stop Transnational Labor Smuggling (VOA)
Lao authorities acknowledge that it is difficult to completely stop illegal labor trade between Thailand and Laos, because it is not carried out by just one organized criminal group, but by many small gangs who smuggle only a few
Hospitals in Laos hit by losses (VientianeTimes)
Large hospitals in Vientiane are facing financial losses after joining the government's health insurance scheme in May last year. Mittaphab Hospital alone has lost 270 million kip and other hospitals such as Mahosot and Setthathirath have encountered the same problem, the Deputy Director of
Vientiane is beggar-free, state radio says (Nation)
Laos' capital of Vientiane is now beggar-free, state-run media reports claimed Wednesday. Lao police have rounded up the city's 141 beggars and placed them in charity homes or rehabilitation centres, said Radio Vientiane in a broadcast monitored in Bangkok. "Among the 141 beggars there were
Laos & Thailand Agree to Repatriate Hmong Refugees Regardless of CIA Connections (VOA)
Lao and Thai authorities have agreed to proceed with plans to repatriate Hmong refugees in Ban Huay Nam Khao, regardless of their claimed CIA links and without monitoring by third parties. The agreement was reached at
Hmong Labeled Terrorists, Denied Green Cards (NAM)
It’s an endless process of waiting, of not knowing why or how, but that’s often the way it is, applying for U.S. citizenship. Many can relate, but in particular, the situation has become tenuous for the 4,000 Hmong applications that have been backlogged. My maternal grandparents recently resettled in the U.S.
Hmong contributions highlighted at diversity forum (UW-M)
UW-Madison is highlighting the presence and contributions of Hmong Americans within the university and in the larger community. The campus community is invited to learn more at the Eighth Annual Diversity and Climate Campus Forum to be held on Friday, Sept. 28 at Memorial Union,
More stories about Laos from other sources
... Laos: Dawn ritual brings mercy for spirits (VT)
... Dolphin protection requires Laos-Cambodia cooperation (VT)
... Laos: Measures to Mitigate Environmental Impacts of
    Nam Theun 2 Meet International Standards (VOA)
... Thua Thien-Hue helps build school in Laos (VN)
... Laos pledges more assistance in gathering soldiers’ remains (VNA)
... Vietnam - Laos Investment Promotion Conference opens in Nghe An
... Miner Oxiana's urge to merge with Zinifex (News)
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September 11, 2007

Lao-Hmong Crisis in Huay Nam Khao: Refugees Resist Repatriation efforts (FFC)
Since August 25, 2007, the Thai military in Huay Nam Khao has continued to put pressure on the Hmong leaders at the Lao Hmong refugee camp in Huay Nam Khao. The camp is completely fenced with barbed wires and controlled
Laos: IT project to bring schools online (VientianeTimes)
World Links, in collaboration with the Jhai Foundation, has granted funds of roughly 2.2 billion kip (US$240,000) through the World Bank to support the Asean Schoolnet project in Laos. A signing ceremony took place on Friday at the Ministry of Education in Vientiane to set the project in motion.
Laos eyes martial arts medals at SEA Games (PD)
Laos pins big hope on gaining medals at kick boxing, judo, taekwondo, karatedo, wushu, and pencak silat events at the 24th Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) slated for December in Thailand, Lao newspaper Vientiane Times reported Tuesday. Laos' taekwondo team is undergoing advanced
Notorious Golden Triangle loses sway in the opium trade (IHT)
BANNA SALA, Laos: Fields of brightly colored opium poppies, Corsican gangsters and the CIA's secret war: The mystique of the Golden Triangle clings to the jungle-covered mountains here like the morning mist. But the prosaic reality is that after years of producing the lion's share of the world's
VN, Cambodia, Laos: jewels of the Mekong (VNB)
Vietnam NAT has said that the theme for this year's tourism exhibition in HCM City is Unveil the Jewels of the Mekong as Three Countries One Destination, a reference to Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. The ITE (International Travel Exhibition) HCM City 2007 will kick off at the Phu Tho Exhibition Centre with
More stories about Laos from other sources
... Laos to raise literacy rate to 78% in 2007 (PD)
... Laos: Bar Association offers free legal consultation (VT)
... Heavy rains cause road closure in Luang Namtha (VT)
... Oxiana 'on lookout for acquisitions' (MSN)
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September 10, 2007

Lao Govt sets development priorities for 2008 (VT)
The government will accept only priority projects in the fiscal year 2007-2008, to reduce debt and free up funds for key development tasks. It will give the green light to projects proposed by government sectors or local authorities only if they fall within the scope of the action plan approved by the National
Laotians in U.S.: Father's life teaches son to live fully (RG)
When Joe Tanovan was young, he and his father, Songseumsack, would stand in their hip-waders in the surf, near Astoria, and fish for perch. It was not the easiest way to fish - heavy poles, heavy weights and an occasional rogue wave that would send them backpedaling to shore. But Song Tanovan
Laos to diversify garment export markets: Report (PD)
Laos should seek new garment export markets, and strengthen the promotion of local products abroad, according to Laos' newspaper Vientiane Times on Monday. "Niche markets and products are needed if the Lao garment industry envisions survival in the future ... potential new markets for Lao
Laos-U.S.: Waiting, 'not knowing if they are even alive' (ST)
Sheng Xiong clutched a bouquet of purple and orange flowers at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport on Sunday afternoon -- her ninth wedding anniversary -- patiently waiting for her husband to return home from a trip to his native Laos. The slight Xiong watched for an hour and a half as
Laos, Thailand Crisis: St. Paul Hmong-Americans’ Wives to Hold Vigil (PressZoom)
The wives and families of three Hmong-Americans missing in Laos since their arrest on August 25 by Lao military and security forces in Vang Vieng, Xieng Khouang Province Laos will hold a vigil to await the return of their husbands
Families of missing Hmong men still waiting (KARE11,PressZoom)
The families of three local Hmong men missing in Laos made an emotional appeal for help Sunday. Hakit Yang, Cong Shi Neng Yang and Trillion Yunhaison were all scheduled to arrive at Twin Cities International Airport Sunday afternoon. No one has heard from them since they were reportedly
More stories about Laos from other sources
... Laos to focus on priority projects next year (PD)
... Laos: Children's concert marks International Literacy Day (VT)
... Rox Resources Reports Pha Luang IP Anomalies Remain Unexplained
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September 09, 2007

Laos: Who are you calling Dumbo? (Guardian)
Gwladys Fouche joins a mahout training course at an elephant camp in the heart of Laos. But it soon becomes apparent that two days won't be enough. 'Sai,' I shout, attempting to be authoritative. 'Sai, sai!' In elephant lingo it's supposed to mean left. But Nam is having none of it. She is marching straight
Thai military mounts pressure on Hmong (Nation)
Military officers who oversee the camp summoned a number of Hmong leaders for questioning after they gave interviews to local and international media against a plan to repatriate them to Laos. The plan was decided by a meeting of Thai and Lao military officials last week. Le Su, a 48 year-old
More stories about Laos from other sources
... Lao delegation shares oversight experiences (VNA)

September 08, 2007

Laos to triple exports to Thailand by 2010 (Mathaba)
Trade officials from Laos and Thailand have agreed to double trade volume by 2010 against 2006, of which Laos’ exports to Thailand will increase three-fold. According to figures from the Thail Ministry of Commerce, Laos exported 493.5 million USD worth of goods, mostly metal ores, wood and raw
Viet investors in Laos, Cambodia eye association (TNN)
Vietnam’s Standing Deputy PM Nguyen Sinh Hung has agreed in principle to the establishment of an association grouping Vietnamese investors in Laos & Cambodia... Vietnam has invested US$454.4 million in Laos & Cambodia, mainly in provinces located within a development triangle comprising
Thailand, Laos Crisis: Lao, Hmong Amendment Passed By U.S. Senate (PressZoom)
U.S. Senators Norm Coleman (R-MN), Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Jon Kyl (R-AZ) spearheaded an amendment that passed the U.S. Senate on Thurs. night ( Sept. 6, 2007 ) to clarify language in the U.S. Patriot Act and Real ID Act regarding the plight of Lao-Hmong veterans and their refugee families
Lao rugby returns from international competition (LR)
The Lao PDR national rugby team returned from Brunei Darussalam on othe 19th July from a set of much improved performances in the Asian Division 6 competition against Indonesia, Cambodia and hosts Brunei. The first game saw a late kick-off against a much larger Indonesian team. The game was
Hmong in U.S.: Prison likely for gang gunplay (APC)
A Linda gang member who fired at least 10 rifle shots at a rival gang member will be sentenced to nine years, eight months in prison, a Yuba County prosecutor said Friday. Cheng Yang, a member of the Hmong Nation Society, originally was charged with attempted murder. He pleaded no
Hmong: Inc. Innovator Update: Yang strikes a balance (NW)
Being an entrepreneur and a family man can be at odds. But Blong Yang feels he's hit a happy medium between the joy of being one's own boss and being available to his family, which just expanded with a baby girl born Aug. 23. That same month he became an agent for State Farm. Yang's work
More stories about Laos from other sources
... Laos, Vietnam youths strengthen ties (TNN)

September 07, 2007

Laos woos foreign investors to speed growth (BP)
Laos is stepping up efforts to attract foreign investors in its power and mining industries to help speed its economic growth, according to Vilaysone Sourigna, a senior officer for the Ministry of Energy and Mines. ''We would like to promote power generation exports to provide revenues to meet
Solving the Lao-Hmong problem (Bangkok Post)
Those outside our country have always caused trouble for us. They attack us and make the repatriation of Hmong back to Laos more difficult. They have accused the process of being inhumane, [and accused Lao authorities of] jailing the returned Hmong or raping the Hmong girls. Those [allegations] are
Laos urges to use NT II's standard with future dams (Nation)
Laos will use the measures for social and environmental protection in the controversial Nam Theun II hydropower project as the standard for other dams to be built in future, a Lao minister said . "I think it would be very good if any project, not only in our country, could follow this standard," said Lao
Sustainable hydropower [in Laos] can benefit us all (BP)
The words ''sustainable hydropower'' reflect the growing recognition around the world that hydro projects need to benefit everyone involved: from the local villagers to the government; from the private or public investor to the energy consumer; from the country to the global community. In Laos, the joint work
Japanese grant aid to ease poverty [in Laos] (VientianeTimes)
The World Bank has agreed to provide grant aid totalling about 272 billion kip (more than US$28.4 million) to the Lao Govt for the implementation of four poverty reduction projects, it was announced on Wed. in Vientiane. Funding for the grant was provided by the Japanese Govt and will be administered by
Travelling: Savannakhet picks the crumbs (Bangkok Post)
Meals on wheels take on new meaning for Lao tourism operators residing in Savannakhet Province. Wheels turn on their journey across the province to Vietnam, while car passengers digest a single meal munched in transit. When a new smooth highway known as Route 9 opened linking Thailand,
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... Laos: Plastic water metres to end thefts (VT)
... IMF observes strengthening Lao economy (VT)
... Laos to quadruple hydropower capacity on Thai demand (Forbes)
... Laos insists its dam building boom will not harm environment (IHT)
... Thailand signs Laos power purchase (Bangkok Post)
... Thailand commits to 5,000 megawatts of hydro-electricity from Laos
... Laos: Radical Party MEPs Question EU Commission
    on Hmong People Persecution (Radical Party)
... Senate Approves Amendment Aimed to Ease Plight of Hmong (WSAW)
... Dam builders line up again to tame the Mekong (P&P)
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September 06, 2007

US Says Laos Not Responding To Requests (ESI, ChinaPost)
Laos' government has not responded to repeated requests for information about three Hmong-American men who are missing in the country after reportedly being taken into custody by security forces, a U.S. Embassy official said Thursday (6 September). The three men from St. Paul,
Lao PM warns against dengue risk (VientianeTimes)
Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh has urged health officials across the country to increase their efforts in the fight against dengue fever. Mr Bouasone ... issued an order on August 28 to increase prevention activities against dengue. The virus has already killed four people in Laos this year and
Pope expresses his affection for the small Churches of Laos and Cambodia (AsiaNews or CW News)
Pope Benedict XVI was generous in expressing his encouragement and affection to the bishops of Laos and Cambodia, whom he received in audience today at the end of their ad limina visit. “When you return to Laos
Seven reasons to visit Luang Prabang before the rainy season ends (Gourmet)
1. The pace. There's a saying in Southeast Asia: the Vietnamese plant the rice, the Khmers watch it grow, and the Laotians listen to it grow. That's how laid-back Laos can be. Imagine an afternoon in the pounding rain, with
More stories about Laos from other sources
... Lao, Viet youth unions meet in Laos (VT)
... PM Dung urges stronger ties with Lao inspectorate (ND)
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September 05, 2007

Man found guilty in 1987 death of Laotian refugee (AP/ANG)
A 60-year-old LaGrange man was found guilty of murder Wednesday and sentenced to life in prison in the 1987 death of a Laotian refugee - a case that had remained unsolved for 18 years. The jury returned a guilty verdict about 11:30 a.m. in the trial of Charles Travis Manley. Earlier, the jurors had
Sleepy Vientiane resorts to parking fines (DPA/ET)
Vientiane, stereotypically labelled the "sleepy" capital of Laos, will soon impose fines on the city's growing fleet of private cars that are parking illegally on sidewalks and in the street, Radio Vientiane reported on Wednesday. Parking fines on illegally parked vehicles will commence on
No word from Laotian government on whereabouts of 3 missing St. Paul men (Star Tribune)
The Laotian central Govt had not responded to requests for confirmation that three St. Paul men are being detained, the U.S. State Dept said Wednesday. The men, Hakit Yang, 29, Cong Shi Neng Yang, 31, and Trillion Yunhaison,
Laos denies Hmong-Americans arrested (DPA/BP, Earth Times)
The Lao government on Wednesday denied reports that authorities had arrested three US citizens of Hmong decent in Vientiane, the capital. "I've checked with security authorities and they assured me that none of these people are being kept under custody in Laos," said Lao foreign ministry
US says Lao officials back report of three Americans arrested (AFP/Google or AFP/Raw Story)
The U.S. said Wed. it had received reports from Lao local officials, but not the central government, that three US citizens of ethnic Hmong descent had been arrested in the country. A Washington-based group, the Center for
Lao-Hmong prevented from going to press conference (Nation)
Thai officials prevented four leaders of "jungle Hmong" groups now living at Huay Nam Khao refugee settlement in Phetchabun from attending a press conference with Lao officials in Phitsanulok this week, supporters said Wed.. The "jungle Hmong" leaders had wanted to speak to Western journalists - who
Laos defends move to bring Hmong home (Bangkok Post)
The international community has no right to interfere in talks between Vientiane and Bangkok on returning Hmong staying in Thailand's Phetchabun province to Laos, a senior Lao official said yesterday. Brig-Gen Buasieng Champaphan, co-chairman of the Thai-Lao general border sub-committee,
Laos: New parking places, fees set (VientianeTimes)
The Mayor of Vientiane, Dr Sinlavong Khoutphaythoune, has announced a new agreement specifying vehicle parking areas and fees in the city. The new agreement comprises six articles, the first of which describes how the Mayor has directed the Vientiane Urban Development and Administration
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... Laos: FAO campaigns for freedom from hunger (VT)
... Laos, Vietnam, Thailand to remove transport barriers (PD)
... Other stories from VientianeTimes Need Subscription
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September 04, 2007

U.S. & Lao officials will meet about missing St. Paul men (ST)
Government officials from the United States and Laos are scheduled to meet today to discuss the whereabouts of three St. Paul men who have been missing for 11 days while visiting Laos. The men, Hakit Yang, 29, Cong Shi Neng Yang, 31, and Trillion Yunhaison, 41, left on July 10. They haven't been
US trying to confirm arrest of three citizens in Laos (AFP/PS)
The United States said Tuesday it was trying to confirm with Laos reports that three US citizens of Hmong descent had been arrested in the Southeast Asian state. A US group, the Center for Public Policy Analysis, claimed the trio were arrested on August 25 on unknown charges while on a sightseeing
No independent observers, Laos says (Nation, or backup)
Laos and Thailand would proceed with the bilateral plan to repatriate nearly 8,000 Hmong refugees now sheltered in Phetchabun province to Laos - with no third party involvement, a Lao senior official insisted yesterday. Repatriation of the Hmong had been delayed over recent months because
Thousands of Hmong in Thailand to be screened for repatriation to Laos (AP/IHT)
Thai officials plan to screen thousands of ethnic Hmong in northern Thailand to determine which should be repatriated to Laos, Thai & Lao authorities said Tuesday. Thai military officials who control an informal refugee settlement in
State Department looking into report of St. Paul men missing in Laos (AP/Pioneer Press)
The State Department is looking into reports that three Hmong men from St. Paul had been taken into custody by security forces in Laos. The incident is the latest of a handful cases involving Hmong-Americans who have run into