This page was updated: Tuesday, December 04, 2007 10:47 PM -0500

November 30, 2007



Laotians take to modernization while retaining socialist norms (Kyodo News)
As recently as a decade ago, most visitors to Laos found themselves among a bare handful of tourists plying the dusty backstreets of the capital, wandering nearly alone through world heritage site Luang Prabang or lazing
Switzerland funds UXO clearance (VientianeTimes)
The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) yesterday announced a contribution of more than 14 billion kip (about US$1.5 million) towards clearing unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Laos. The grant from the SDC through the United Nations Development Programme will be shared
Sepon mine in Laos (Mining Weekly)
The Sepon copper mine includes an ore, atmospheric leach, solvent extraction electrowinning copper processing plant. The chalcocite and other copper minerals go through a two-step process comprising an atmospheric leach and subsequent pressure oxidation circuit. The majority of the copper
Lao Pop Star Alexandra Bounxouei Helps Raise Funds for Lao Temples in U.S. (VOA)
Lao pop star Alexandra Thidavanh Bounxouei is on a five-week visit to the U.S. with her parents and sister. The Lao-Bulgarian artist told VOA-Lao the main purpose of her visit is to hold charity concerts to raise funds for Lao
Lao-American Obituary: Ta Mahathath (seMissourian)
Ta Mahathath, 86, of Kansas City died Saturday, Nov. 24, 2007, at Providence Medical Center in Kansas City. He was born Jan. 9, 1921, in Thakhek, Laos, son of Pheng and Sing Mahathath. He married Mack Mounsavenq. Mahathath was a self-employed businessman. Survivors include
More stories about Laos from other sources
... Human resource development necessary for tourism growth (VT)
... Ending violence against women (VT)




November 29, 2007



Chinese firm CMEC wins tender to build power station in Laos (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse)
CMEC... has won a tender to act as general contractor for the Laotian Hongsa thermo-power station. With a total investment of $US1.35 billion, the project, with a capacity of three 600 megawatt generators, will be finished
Laos: Unesco Urges Luang Prabang To Enforce Heritage Commitments (VT/Sinchew or VientianeTimes)
A team of Unesco officials have expressed concerns over the rise of new buildings and unplanned developments in the town of Luang Prabang, and urged local authorities to address the issue immediately, according to
Travel: Cycling in Laos, $1,305 (MSNBC)
The 10 percent discount is reflected in the $1,305 price, which also includes a local payment of $250 in cash. Taxes & the services of an English-speaking guide are included. G.A.P recommends that you bring an emergency fund of at least $200. Participants must either bring their own mountain or hybrid bike
Viet PM pushes for smooth investment ties with Laos (ND)
Viet PM Nguyen Tan Dung has urged relevant ministries and agencies from Vietnam and Laos to increase meetings to remove all obstacles hindering bilateral investment relations. The government leader made the request while receiving Lao Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Thoonglun Sisulith in Hanoi
Man gets maximum sentence in Hmong hunter killing (SO)
A white man who killed a Hmong squirrel hunter near Peshtigo was sentenced today to 69 years in prison. That was the maximum James Nichols, 29, could get for second-degree intentional homicide, hiding a corpse and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. A jury convicted Nichols almost two months
More stories about Laos from other sources
... Lao artists exhibit modern works (VT)
... Officials confiscate out-of-date food products (VT)
... Deputy PM: Vietnam to help Laos in archive work (ND)




November 28, 2007



ADB backs transport network with US$27m (VientianeTimes)
The Asian Development Bank has agreed to provide financial support of US$27 million to the Northern Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) Transport Network Improvement Project, (ADB11). The agreement on grant aid was reached on Monday in Vientiane by the ADB President, Mr Haruhiko Kuroda,
Remains in Laos Identified as Air Force Captain from NJ (AP) 
Defense Department officials have identified the remains of an Air Force captain from Lambertville who was missing in action in the Vietnam War. Captain Stephen Rusch was a weapons system officer on a fighter jet that was apparently shot down over Laos in 1972. Authorities searched the crash
Laos VP: use of nuclear energy among Iran's rights (IRNA)
Laotian Vice President Bounnhang Vorachith said on Wed. that making use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes is among Iran's legitimate rights. He made the remark in a meeting with Iran's Accredited Ambassador to Laos Mohsen Pakayeen on Wednesday. Every country should be allowed to take
More stories about Laos from other sources
... Laos: Colder weather predicted for next month (VT)
... Laos: Forests suffer in land concessions (VT)
... Vietnam, Laos promote procuracy co-operation (VOV)
... PM pushes for smooth investment ties with Laos (ND)




November 27, 2007



Laos dam hurting villagers: environmentalists (AFP/Yahoo)
As Laos plans to turn itself into the "battery" of Southeast Asia through hydropower, environmental groups warned Tuesday that a nearly decade-old dam had harmed tens of thousands of villagers. The FIVAS said the Theun-Hinboun project in central Laos had led to dangerous river surges and
Green group urges Laos to stop dam expansion plan (Reuters)
A major expansion of a hydropower dam in communist Laos will cause serious flooding, ruin fisheries and displace thousands of people living downstream, a Norwegian environmental group said on Tuesday. Water releases from the Theun-Hinboun dam had already ruined the ecology of two
Illegal Logging Stripping Lao Forests (RFA)
Timber traders in Laos are still logging through “unofficial” channels despite new government curbs, a well-placed source in Laos has told RFA’s Lao service. The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the felling and exporting of black-market timber remained widespread.
Laos hands over remains of soldiers to U.S. (Xinhua)
The Lao Govt has recently handed over a number of remains of American soldiers who died during the Indochina War in the country to representatives of the U.S. government, for analysis and return to their families. Lao and U.S. technicians found the remains after excavating some sites in the two
Thai princess visits Laos (VientianeTimes, Sinchew)
Thai Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn arrived in Vientiane on Sunday for a four-day official visit to Laos from November 25-28. Her Majesty paid a courtesy visit to President Choummaly Sayasone at the Presidential Palace, followed by a visit to the Houaysone-Houyasoua Agricultural Development
More stories about Laos from other sources
... ADF plays major role in Asia-Pacific (VT)
... Sustainable development vital for poverty reduction (VT)





November 26, 2007



Laos: Traditional festival bigger than ever (VientianeTimes)
Traffic jams and crowds were not enough to deter people from making their way to That Luang stupa to take part in the annual festival, which ended on Saturday. People from different parts of the country also took the event as an opportunity to visit their relatives in Vientiane, to check up on their families'
Lao women rowers hopeful to get SEA Games medal (Xinhua)
Lao women's boat crew are expected to pick up a medal at the 24th SEA Games, to beheld in Thailand next week, Lao newspaper Vientiane Times reported Monday. The team's coach Soradeth Puttho is confident that they can get either gold, silver or bronze. The crew of 12 women from Thapha
Laos Ready For Asean-Parliament Meeting (Bernama)
The National Assembly has claimed its readiness for the upcoming ASEAN Parliament Meeting, which will be held on Non 26-28 here, Lao News Agency (KPL) reported. According to the Permanent Commission's meeting held on Nov 22-23 here under the chairmanship of Thongsing Thammavong,
More stories about Laos from other sources
... Japan backs ‘east-west corridor' tourism (VT)
... Indochina countries meet Japan (VT)




November 25, 2007



Laos-U.S.: Two thumbs up (Lowell Sun)
Congratulations to Maxwell Scott, the Chelmsford High School senior whose documentary recently won first place for Student Programming at the 10th annual Alliance for CMNCAC. He created a 22-minute documentary featuring a group of young Laotians starting up the first privately owned TV station in
Vang Pao visits St. Paul, but gets a bit of the cold shoulder (Star Tribune)
Famed Gen. Vang Pao sat front and center at the Hmong Minnesota New Year beauty pageant Sunday evening, surrounded by a phalanx of security guards. But the guards couldn't protect him from his fall in stature in the eyes
Hmong gather for celebration (Daily News)
Traditionally in Laos, the Hmong people would celebrate the New Year after the harvest. On Saturday, at Crowder College, the Hmong & others gathered to keep the tradition going, as the third annual Southwest Missouri Hmong Association presented the New Year Celebration. Usually, the new year was





November 24, 2007



Ord River Resources Releases Drilling Results from Bolaven Plateau, Laos (Yahoo)
Drilling Results from Bolaven Plateau laos Ord River Resources advised that very encouraging results have been received for 2,549 resource drilling samples taken in 131 drill holes drilled in the last field season on the Bolaven
Indicted Hmong leader guest of honor at Hmong celebration (AP/Republican-Eagle)
A leader of Minnesota's Hmong community made his first public appearance in the Twin Cities since his indictment earlier this year on federal charges of plotting to overthrow the Laotian government. General Vang Pao was a guest
General Pao Celebrates Hmong New Year (ABC)
Like many years past General Vang Pao kicked off a Hmong New Year celebration in Minnesota. But his appearance had extra significance and security, because Pao and nine others face serious criminal charges here in California. General Vang Pao has been in relative isolation since being
Hmong New Year party brings out style and smiles (CT)
The U.S. calendar may call it "Black Friday" for the start of the shopping season that puts retailers' books in the black, but for Hmong-Americans, the day after Thanksgiving marks the first day of a colorful New Year celebration. Thousands of Hmong traveled to the Alliant Energy Center on Friday to begin





November 23, 2007



Laos spares no efforts to produce quality coffee (CNA)
Laos is sparing no efforts to develop its coffee industry, and hopes its homegrown brews will be well received in global markets. Coffee is currently the fifth largest food industry product for Laos. The country's best selling local coffee comes from Paksong on the Bolovens plateau where land and weather
Laotian-Americans Celebrate Thanksgiving With A Touch of Their Own Culture (VOA)
Thanksgiving Day, the 4th Thursday of November, is an annual holiday, a day to give thanks to God for all the blessings and the good things in life. This tradition has been observed and celebrated since the early settlements of
War remnants claim victims in present-day Laos (LA Times)
He is a shy boy, wincing from the stabbing pain of jagged shrapnel in his leg, a casualty of a war that ended 25 years before he was born. His name is "To" and he is 7, too young to understand why a weapon brought halfway around the world lay hidden in the dirt behind his wooden house, waiting to
Germany grants aid to Laos (VientianeTimes)
The German government has provided grant aid to Laos valued at 17 million euros this year, German aid agency representatives said yesterday. The funds were committed on the occasion of the last government negotiations in September 2006 in Bonn, Germany. The grant aid will be used to finance
Laos: Govt, FAO To Discuss Food Safety Planning (Sinchew)
The Lao government and the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation will jointly hold an inter-ministerial roundtable meeting in Vientiane next week on the need for planning for food safety emergencies. The discussions, on 27 November, will be part of ongoing efforts to establish a national food safety
More stories about Laos from other sources
... Lao profile boosted as conference ends (VT)
... Hydropower to affect 50 hectares of rice in north (VT)
... Laos Launched Anti-Measles Vaccination Campaign (VOA)
... ORR Releases Drilling Results from Bolaven Plateau, Laos (Yahoo)
... Sweden Assists Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos
    in Helping Drug Users Kick the Habit (ScanAsia)
... Hmong celebrate New Year in Newton (CO)
... Mien: Last arrest made in slaying (VTD)




November 22, 2007



Laos plans a water-powered future (BBC News)
For an Asian capital, Vientiane in the PDR of Lao is a sleepy place. The pace of life in the former French colony is slow, and time often feels as if it is standing still. The closest thing to rush hour is the morning market with every other stall selling baguette sandwiches. Just minutes away from the capital,
Laos: Grand stupa renews community spirit (VientianeTimes)
Government leaders officially opened the That Luang Festival and Trade Fair 2007 on Tuesday at the That Luang esplanade, to mark the start of the annual festival that gives devotees from all over the country the chance to worship at the grand stupa in Vientiane. The festival consists of many events, including
Laos plans reforestation to increase forest areas (VOA)
Laos plans to implement an intensive reforestation program to reclaim and increase its forests to 70% of its total land area by 2020. The communist country's forest areas have declined steadily due to logging and slash & burn agriculture. A 1992 survey indicated that forest areas which then covered
More stories about Laos from other sources
... DVD movie about Laos: Rescue Dawn (TO)
... Francophonie to expand French teaching (VT)
... Govt steps up efforts to preserve cultural heritage (VT)
... Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos help drug users kick the habit (VNA)
... Vietnamese firm builds two large projects in Laos (VNA)





November 21, 2007



Northern Laos: Happy valley (Bangkok Post)
An unforgettable self-drive journey through Laos to Dien Bien Phu in northern Vietnam Travelling through Laos to witness the Black Tai ethnic community in Dien Bien Phu in northern Vietnam was an unforgettable journey. One evening I saw farmers busy harvesting rice. ''Good crop?'' I ventured in Thai,
Laos: No Democracy, Only Socialism (VOA)
Laos' PM Bouasone Bouphavanh says his country has no plan to introduce a multi-party democracy, but re-affirms the Lao PRP's ultimate goal to lead the nation towards socialism. The prime minister made the comments to foreign reporters on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit in Singapore. He did not
Vientiane welcomes Francophonie delegates (VT)
Sounds of music rang out Tuesday morning when hundreds of people danced and waved flags to welcome delegations from five continents to the opening ceremony of the 23rd Francophonie ministerial meeting in Vientiane. The opening event was held at the National Culture Hall, causing authorities to
Restaurant: Lao-Thai Epiphany (Stranger)
Viengthong's menu offers "Lao-Thai cuisines." Laos and Thailand share a border and while the countries' cuisines overlap, Thai food is much more widely known, and is better represented on Viengthong's menu. One shared dish is som tum ($7), a tangy, salty salad of shredded green papaya with
Appleton to host national Hmong conference in 2009 (APC)
The Fox Cities will play host to a national Hmong conference for the first time in 2009. The Hmong National Conference, hosted by a D.C.-based nonprofit, unites professionals, politicians, businesses and students to network and delve into national and regional issues. This year’s conference was based in
More stories about Laos from other sources
... Lao PM gives interview at 13th Asean Summit (VT)
... Vietnam, Laos legislative leaders meet in Hanoi (VNA)




November 20, 2007



Thai Ratchaburi to invest in power plant in Laos (Reuters/Y)
Thailand's Ratchaburi EGH PCL said on Tuesday it would invest in the 1,653 megawatt Hongsa lignite-based power plant in Laos in a bid to boost its power generating capacity. The country's largest private power producer did not say how much it would invest but expected the $2.6 billion Hongsa plant to begin
Luang Prabang - a Laotian jewel where time seems to stand still (Earth Times)
Luang Prabang, Laos - Everything is just fine in Luang Prabang, particularly at 7 o'clock in the morning when the senior abbot raises his hand and the monks set off to collect alms in the small Laotian town. At the break of dawn,
Mitr Phol to invest in new B2.3-bil sugar refinery in Laos (BP)
Mitr Phol is investing in building a new raw sugar production plant in Laos to serve increasing global demand for refined sugar, said Kanong Sakpetch, executive vice-president for production. The new mill will be able to produce 60,000 tonnes of refined sugar and can crush 500,000 tonnes of cane
Laos hosts francophone ministerial meeting (EarthTimes)
Communist Laos, a former French colony, played host Tuesday at the opening of the 23rd francophone ministerial meeting, drawing delegates from 68 French-speaking countries to Vientiane. "For the past three decades, the francophone organization has been dedicated to the cause of peace and
Gutsy flavors hit the mark at Champa (San Francisco Gate)
The gutsy flavors of the Laotian and Lue dishes on the menu are what keep me coming back to Champa Garden - and the reason I wanted to say a few more things about it here. I first wrote about it as a Bargain Bite a few months after it opened in Feb. 2006, a very DIY project of three East Bay residents:
ASEAN leaders open formal summit (AFP/Google)
Southeast Asian leaders opened their annual summit Tuesday with the signing of their first charter overshadowed by Myanmar, which embarrassed the region by blocking a UN briefing on the military state. The ASEAN has come under mounting international pressure to rein in member state
More stories about Laos from other sources
... Laos plans to develop electricity sector (MCOT)
... Vietnam-Laos travel routes to improve (VNA)




November 19, 2007



New Lao-French cultural centre opens in Luang Prabang (VT)
A fine example of early 20 th century French architecture has reopened after renovation as a new Lao-French Culture Centre for the World Heritage City of Luang Prabang. The official opening took place yesterday, witnessed by the Standing Deputy PM, Mr Somsavat Lengsavad, Luang Prabang Provincial
Laos Attends Cambodian Boat Racing Festival (Sinchew)
The Lao National Tourism Administratoin (LNTA) Sunday (18 Nov) sent a traditional boat racing team of 24 rowers to attend the Asean-Cambodia Traditional Boat Racing Competition during the Water Festival in Phnom Penh from 23 to 25 November. The team were invited to participate by
Hmong dismayed by national security status (NorthWestern)
Faida Thao is still trying to figure out how the U.S. Govt would classify the Hmong, American allies during the Vietnam War era, as threats to national security. Thao, 43, a store owner and president of the Hmong-American Partnership of the Fox Valley, said Hmong leaders throughout the country are
More stories about Laos from other sources
... Lao President welcomes Francophonie Secretary General (VT)
... SE Asian countries study heritage conservation (VT)




November 18, 2007



Laos targets hydropower not democracy (Reuters/Yahoo!)
Landlocked Laos is shaping itself into a battery for its power-hungry neighbours, by damming up its rivers to tap hydropower, but the communist state has no plans to introduce democracy, its prime minister told Reuters. With an average monthly income of less than $2 (98 pence) a day and 80%
Laos slams Myanmar sanctions (Reuters/Yahoo!, AlertNet)
Laos condemned the Western economic sanctions imposed on Myanmar after its brutal crackdown on democracy protests, calling on fellow members of the ASEAN regional bloc to stay out of each other's internal affairs. Laos, a poor and landlocked communist state of 6.5 million people, has close
Over 800 Celebrated the Royal Wedding of HRH Prince Soulivong Savang, Grandson of Laos' Former King (VOA)
The royal wedding of His Royal Highness Prince Soulivong Savang to Princess Chansouk Soukthala, held in Mississauga, Canada, on November 10, 2007 TheRealDance_Best The Royal Lamvong Dance was witnessed by
More stories about Laos from other sources
... Brunei: Talks with Laos envoy (Brunei Direct)




November 17, 2007



Vietnam & Laos ink border delimitation treaty (ND)
Vietnam and Laos have inked a supplementary treaty to the Border Delimitation Treaty regarding the revision of the starting point of the two countries’ border line. The signing was made on the last day of the 17th annual meeting between the two countries’ border missions held in Hue city,
Sweden to close more embassies [i.e., Laos] (PD)
The Swedish Foreign Ministry is planning to shut down four more of its embassies, Radio Sweden reported on Friday. It quoted an unconfirmed report as saying that the embassies to be closed are the ones in Vientiane in Laos, Manila in The Philippines, Colombo in Sri Landka and Luanda in
Racial slurs written on bodies of 2 unconscious Hmong (MC)
Madison police are investigating an incident Thursday morning on the East Side in which two Hmong juveniles were found unconscious with racial and sexual slurs written on their bodies. The two boys, whom officers said smelled heavily of alcohol and were thought to have been drinking before passing out,




November 16, 2007



Cambodia raps Laos over Mekong dams (DPA/Bangkok Post)
Although the meetings were closed to media, Cambodian delegates made their frustration with what they called neighbouring Laos' lack of transparency clear outside as tensions over six proposed hydro- electric dams in a number of countries on the lower Mekong mounted. Scientists said in May they
Investors want Lao bio-diesel policy (VientianeTimes, Sinchew)
A group of Japanese investors want the Lao government to develop a bio-diesel policy and build new infrastructure to attract foreign investm ent in the sector, according to a senior energy official. The Director General of the Energy Department of the Ministry of Energy and Mining, Mr Vilaphone
Nationwide push in Lao PDR to eliminate measles (UNICEF)
Mid-morning on a Tuesday isn’t normally a time that you expect to see much activity in a Buddhist temple. But a recent Tuesday was different, and the brightly coloured temple in Houay Namien was thronged with mothers and young children. Khaming Padungsee—who had come with her 11-month-old
More stories about Laos from other sources
... Lao Govt orders urgent funding for irrigation repairs (VT)
... Francophonie promotes linguistic and cultural diversity (VT)




November 15, 2007



Every day is a birthday on Laos "cake" street (Reuters/Yahoo!)
Saylom Road in central Vientiane, the capital of Laos, is birthday-cake heaven. All along the road, rows of shops display creamy, colorful concoctions that attract dozens of customers daily, evidence of the affluence of a growing middle-class in this Communist country and their desire to
Across the globe, breaking new ground in Laos (Daily Penn)
One Penn professor is working to fill in longtime holes in Southeast Asian history. Archeology professor Joyce White hopes to find the once-inaccessible keys to opening up the region's history through a research project in the southeast Asian state of Laos, where she will return to in March.
Laos Experienced Budget Deficit of Over 8,800 bil Kip (VOA)
The Lao government experienced a budget deficit of more than 2,800 billion kip, or around $294 million, for the just-ended fiscal year of 2006-07, because of shortfalls in revenues. Laos' Finance Ministry says government expenses for the last fiscal year exceed 8,800 billion kip, while revenues total
Lao Govt to raise state expenditure (VientianeTimes)
The government plans to spend a total of 8,884 billion kip this fiscal year, up from 7,913 billion kip last year, to ensure all sectors can achieve their objectives. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Finance will increase its efforts to control state expenditure in accordance with set targets, in a plan approved
Cambodian And Laos Envoys Hold Meeting (Brunei Direct)
The Ambassador of Cambodia to Brunei, Mr Nan Sy, received a courtesy call yesterday from Mr Sandy Bounkhourn, the newly-appointed Ambassador of the Lao People's Democratic Republic to Brunei, at the Cambodian envoy's residence in Bamboo Garden in Kg Bengkurong. According to Mr Nan Sy,
Hmong Man Says Wife Deserved To Die, Police Say (WISN)
A Milwaukee man charged with killing his wife told police she deserved to die, police said. Investigators said Pheng Yang lured his wife, Bao, to his body shop near Armitage and Fond du Lac avenues on Saturday and beat her while his cousin kept watch. Court records show Yang was upset that Bao
More stories about Laos from other sources
... Authorities set the bar high for Francophonie conference (VT)
... Forest strategy on course for better protection (VT)
... Zinifex Shares Surge on Speculation of Oxiana Offer (Bloomberg)
... Other stories from VientianeTimes  Need Subscription
... Other stories from Laos NA





November 14, 2007



Laos: Pride of the Mekong (News)
LUANG Prabang's happy fate was sealed in 1995 when UNESCO anointed it a World Heritage town. A backwater on the Mekong River in central Laos, but with a long history as a cultural focus and the seat of Lao royalty, Luang Prabang has become an irresistible stopover on any trip through Indochina,
MIA: Academy grad lost over Laos in '72 (Denver Post)
Finally, after more than 35 years, Maj. John L. Carroll is home. Carroll, an Air Force pilot, was shot down by enemy fire on Nov. 7, 1972, during a mission over Xiangkhoang province, Laos. Earlier this year, Carroll's remains were found near the crash site. He was buried Tuesday, with full military
Laos: Healthy livestock helps push against poverty (SA)
Village-raised pigs add substantially to the income of Lao farmers, but pig production is under pressure from the endemic presence of infectious diseases. With an eye to alleviating this, Australia and Laos have been cooperating since 2003 to strengthen disease-control options at the village
Laos: Big crowd expected at next Elephant Festival (VT)
Organisers of next year's Elephant Festival, to be held in February, expect more than 15,000 visitors to attend the parade of 70 elephants in Paklai district, Xayaboury province. During the first Elephant Festival, held over two days in February this year in Hongsa district of Xayaboury province, close to
UNHCR: Laos, Thailand Still Refuse UN Screening of Hmong Refugees (VOA)
The UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) says Thai and Lao authorities still refuse to allow its representatives to visit and screen the Hmong refugees at Ban Huay Nam Khao in Thailand's Phetchbun province.
Hmong: Husband confesses to beating mother of six (MSNBC)
A 33-year-old man confessed that he became so angry at his domestic partner after she left him for another man, that he beat her to death with a rubber mallet when she came to his auto shop to ask for money, according to criminal complaints filed in the death. Pheng Yang and his cousin, Kao Yang,
More stories about Laos from other sources
... Traditional music, silks disappearing in Laos (VT)
... Laos: Medical students help out with vaccinations (VT)
... State takes steps to ease tensions between white, Hmong hunters (RDG)
... Other stories from VientianeTimes  Need Subscription
... Other stories from Laos NA





November 13, 2007



Japanese firm to buy train for Laos (VientianeTimes)
A Japanese business group has expressed interest in buying a train for Laos, to help the landlocked country overcome transport barriers to world markets in the future, according to a senior railway official... Tezuka Rolling Stock of Japan had announced it would buy a two-carriage train, for goods
Victim of secret Laotian war buried 35 years later (RMN)
An Air Force Academy graduate was buried at the school’s cemetery Tuesday, 35 years after he was shot down during a secret mission over Laos. Maj. John Carroll was laid to rest beside his wife, Beverly, who died 12 years ago without knowing if the body of the man she married in 1962 would
Vietnam discusses security, trade with Laos (VNA) 
A delegation from Laos’s Luang Prabang province paid a working visit to Vietnam’s northwestern province of Dien Bien yesterday to discuss strengthening co-operation across the border. During the visit, the two sides reviewed implementation of a signed cooperation agreement and pledged to
Lao-American Pida Kongphouthone, a Rising Star in California's Real Estate and Financial Investment Industry (VOA)
Young Laotian-American businessman Pida Kongphouthone is the owner and president of the California Capital and Investment Group, which has been in business for three years with assets currently worth $2,500,000.
Proposed Dams Threaten Mekong (AP/Forbes or AFX/Forbes)
Six proposed dams on the Mekong River could displace up to 75,000 villagers & harm hundreds of species like the endangered giant catfish and Irrawaddy dolphin, conservationists warned Tuesday. Premrudee Daoroung, director of the Bangkok-based environmental group TERRA, said 13-year-old plans to
NGOs against Mekong dams (Bangkok Post or Nation)
More than 200 civil and environmental groups from 30 countries have called on the Mekong River Commission (MRC) to block the planned construction of six dams on the Mekong river. In a petition sent to the commission's chief executive officer & donors of the MRC, the NGOs said they were concerned
More stories about Laos from other sources
... Govt classifies 49 Lao ethnic groups (VT)
... Mekong Daiko drums captivate art students (VT)
... Database to better manage development (VT)
... Vietnam, Laos provinces enhance cooperation (VNB)
... Finland Funds Mekong Hydropower Projects (ScandAsia)
... Other stories from VientianeTimes  Need Subscription
... Other stories from Laos NA





November 12, 2007



Laos: Dentist's dedication takes bite out of poverty (SMH)
LOOKING for the dentist? He's just down past the fried cockroaches and before the pickled fish roe and papaya. It is market day in a small village in Laos. In the stifling humidity, villagers are searching for Paul Kotala's old kitchen chair, nestled between the fruits and vegetables laid out on tarpaulins.
Lao Govt to cancel debt for flood victims (VientianeTimes)
The Lao government has agreed to extend the debt payment duration and in some cases cancel debt for farmers affected by flooding last month. The agreement was made during a government meeting from November 9-10 held at the PM's Office and chaired by PM Bouasone Bouphavanh, according to
Laos targets measles eradication by 2012 (XinhuaNet)
Laos is strengthening measles vaccination nationwide, in a move to eliminate the disease, a cause of child mortality & blindness, by 2012, Lao newspaper VientianeTimes reported on Monday. Under a national anti-measles program, at least two million children, one third of the Lao population, are expected to
Students host panel on Laos (Steven Points Journal)
The student members of the Hmong and Southeast Asian American Club have found a way to turn an overwhelmingly sad event into a moment of action. Members of the club on the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point campus held a panel discussion on the long-lasting genocide against
More stories about Laos from other sources
... Laos: Vaccinations to wipe out measles (VT)
... Laos: Health ministry orders closure of drinking water factory (VT)
... Ch Karnchang seeking more contracts abroad (Nation)
... Other stories from VientianeTimes  Need Subscription
... Other stories from Laos NA





November 11, 2007



Laos: Rescue Dawn DVD Review (411 Mania)
A german-born American pilot is shot down in Laos at the beginning of the Vietnam War. He survives the crash but is immediately captured. He is taken to a P.O.W camp where he meets a group of men who have been there for up to two years. Dieter plans an escape in the face of overwhelming odds
Hmong: Two men in custody after mother of six is slain (MJS)
Two men were in custody Saturday and awaiting charges in the death of a 28-year-old mother of six, whose body was found late Friday at an auto body shop where her husband worked, Milwaukee police said. Police Capt. Debra Davidoski said the case was being investigated as a domestic homicide.
Hmong: Habitat for Humanity dedicates 23rd home (LCT)
Sounds of kids at play echoed from the stairwell and basement Saturday during the dedication ceremony for the 23rd Habitat for Humanity house in the La Crosse area... The home’s new owners, Tong and Chong Yang, who came to the U.S. from Laos in 1991, will move in with their six children:
Hmong community celebrates New Year in Detroit (DFP)
The sound was melodic, like the steady rhythm of change jingling in a pocket with every step. Hundreds of Hmong women and men were draped in traditional, colorful outfits, each embellished with silver coins, pinging together as they shuffled around a building at the Michigan State Fairgrounds in





November 10, 2007



Laotians in U.S.: Driver jailed [5 years] in fatal crash (WT)
A Gardner woman was sentenced yesterday to 5 years in jail, with 40 months to be served, for her role in an accident last year in Lancaster that claimed two lives. Bouakeow Keomany, 28, of 181 Park St., Gardner, was the driver of a 1993 Acura Integra that spun out of control while traveling at more than
Doctors Without Borders Find Evidence of Atrocities Against Lao-Hmong in Thailand (FFC)Nov 4, 2007
Doctors in the refugee camp at Huay Nam Khao have found dozens of Hmong with bullet and shrapnel wounds as well as psychological trauma. The international humanitarian organization Medecins Sans Frontieres or Doctors
Woman helps tell a story of Lao people (Anchorage DN)
Xayasana Lounmala, 23, could barely make it through "Refugee Nation," a performance at Out North Theater that delves deep into the Lao American experience. He didn't know what to expect, but it sure wasn't sitting there in tears. "It was just hitting me in the face," he said after the show. "It was like I
Opinion: Evjue grant helps make health film for Hmong (CT)
Dear Editor: The Center for Patient Partnerships and Freedom Inc. Hmong Resource Center would like to thank The Evjue Foundation for funding the creation of a short film, "Body and Spirit: Healing Your Way." Produced in the Hmong language with English subtitles, and featuring Hmong Americans






November 09, 2007



In Laos, a Touch of Paris (Street)
At 5:59 in the morning, Luang Prabang could be any small city snuggled in the sleepy hills of Southern France. The crooked streets, some paved with cobblestones, others not paved at all, are empty and last night's rain -- it's the tail end of the monsoon here -- is evaporating into the humid air, shrouding
Laos-U.S.: Missing, but not forgotten (Daily Iowegian)
The last time his fellow soldiers saw him was in January, 1968. Deep in Laos on a covert mission, his team was ambushed. According to a Web page on Cohron created by Task Force Omega Inc., “After an extensive, fierce exchange of gunfire, the Spike team broke contact by evading through a gully
Laos: Basic Healthcare Unavailable for Mothers and Children in Rural Areas (VOA)
A high-ranking Lao official acknowledges that basic healthcare for mothers and children in his country’s rural areas is still very inadequate. Laos' Deputy Prime Minister Somsavat Lengsavad says health centers are scarce and
Laos: Public vehicles to have shorter road life (VT)
Public transport companies may have to contend with vehicles that have a road life of just 15 years, to ensure safe transportation services, according to a senior transport official.... buses and taxis that are more than 15 years old are not safe enough for public use, and could cause accidents.
Laos, Myanmar set to enhance relations (Xinhua)
Lao PM Bouasone Bouphavanh and his Myanmar counterpart Thein Sein touched upon measures to enhance their bilateral ties, especially cooperative ones in such fields as politics, security & technical expertise, Lao newspaper Vientiane Times reported Friday. During their talks on Thursday, the two
Mien: Immigrants grow crops, friendships in park (OT/IBA)
TWO UNLIKELY groups have come together in a Fruitvale park to garden, cook and share stories with each other. For the past couple of years, Iu Mien (pronounced "yu me-en") elders from Laotian elders and African-American youth — groups that use Peralta Hacienda Historical Park the most — got
Hmong in U.S.: Mother, charged with killing infant, found mentally incompetent (Capital Times)
A Madison mother charged with killing her infant daughter after weeks of torturing the baby was found to be mentally incompetent Friday and legal proceedings were put on hold while she receives treatment. Ee Lee, 23, was
More stories about Laos from other sources
... Laos, Myanmar enhance relations (VT)
... Five year plan on target for success (VT)
... UWSP night of education on Hmong genocide in Laos (SPJ)
... Other stories from VientianeTimes  Need Subscription
... Other stories from Laos NA





November 08, 2007



Laos: Hoping freedom might grow (Advertiser)
THE death of a imprisoned pro-democracy activist in the Lao PDR has been marked by a poignant ceremony in Buxton. Khamphouvieng Sisa-At was arrested in 1999 with four student colleagues after a peaceful demonstration calling for freedom and fair treatment. He died two years later in harsh
Malnutrition plagues Laos children: WFP (AFP/Yahoo!, Nation)
Half of the children under the age of five in rural Laos are suffering from malnutrition, according to a study released Thursday by the UN World Food Programme (WFP). "In rural Laos today, every second child is chronically malnourished," the agency's representative in the country, Christa Raeder
A Laotian veteran’s story (DL-Online)
Two soldiers reunited after 35 years; one an American and one an American ally--a Laotian “Freedom Fighter” during the southeast Asian conflict. For all Michael Olson knew, his friend Khao Insixiengmay was long dead. The two discovered they were both Minnesotans, reuniting in the Twin Cities in late
Ratchaburi in talks with China for investment in Lao power plant (Bangkok Post)
Ratchaburi Electricity Generating Holding Plc is expected to soon finish negotiations with a Chinese state agency on a joint investment in the Hongsa Lignite power project in Laos. The project is currently a joint venture between
Laos: Ministry announces control of wood business (VT)
The Minister of Industry and Commerce, Dr Nam Vinhaket, has announced that the ministry will establish an organisation to manage the distribution of timber, with an order for high ranking provincial officials to cease their part in this work. Speaking in a meeting at the ministry on wood management, which
Private sector in Laos needed to address unemployment (VT)
A number of private vocational schools are still running courses that do not match the demands of the labour market... schools had failed to consult the ministry to determine which courses were the most appropriate in terms of job prospects for students. There are now 55 private vocational schools
More stories about Laos from other sources
... Finland supports MRC basin programmes (VT)
... Deputy Prime Minister offers Laos more healthcare help (VNA)
... Other stories from VientianeTimes  Need Subscription
... Other stories from Laos NA





November 07, 2007



Study: chronic malnutrition in Laos requires attention (VT)
Despite the economic growth experienced in Laos over the past decade, chronic malnutrition of children below five years remains high, according to a new study released yesterday. The study on food security and vulnerability, released yesterday by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP)
Myanmar PM to visit Laos, Vietnam (People's Daily)
Myanmar new Prime Minister Thein Sein, who has been promoted to a military rank of general, will pay official visits to Laos and Vietnam in the near future, according to an official announcement from Nay Pyi Taw Wed.. It will be the first trip abroad for Thein Sein after he was appointed prime minister
Prinsiptek to build properties in Laos via JV (Edge Daily)
Prinsiptek Corporation Bhd has signed a joint-venture (JV) agreement with Khamphet Vongdala, a Laotian, to build three-storey shophouses on a piece of 30,000 sq metre land in Laos. Prinsiptek said in a statement yesterday that it would incorporate a subsidiary company in Laos for the JV. Vongdala
More stories about Laos from other sources
... Myanmar PM to visit Laos (VT)
... PM receives Cambodian delegation (VT)
... Lao journalists meet with local counterparts to promote ties (VNA)
... Doualy Xaykaothao, NPR Biography (NPR)
... Other stories from VientianeTimes  Need Subscription
... Other stories from Laos NA





November 06, 2007



Laos Among Six Asia-Pacific Countries with Worst Illegal Logging (VOA)
The Lao PDR is listed as one of the six countries with the worst illegal logging in the Asia-Pacific region in the past fifteen years, according to a recent joint-survey by Transparency International and Global Witness.
Remains of Georgia pilot killed 35 years ago in Laos coming home (AP/Ledger-Enquirer)
The remains of an Air Force pilot from Georgia who was killed during a Vietnam War mission in Laos, have been recovered and will be returned to his family for burial 35 years after his death. Maj. John L. Carroll of Decatur
That Luang festival draws near (VientianeTimes)
The That Luang festival and trade fair will be held in two separate places - as was the case last year - in That Luang square from November 20 to 24, and at Lao-ITECC from November 17 to 25, to reduce traffic congestion. Vice president of the festival organising committee, Mr Bounpone Sisoulath, said
Laos Minister Visits Al-Islah Centre, Maraburong Prison (BD)
Laos Minister of Public Security Thongbanth Seng yesterday visited Al-Islah Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre and Maraburong Prison. Accompanying the Laos minister throughout the visit was Brunei Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs Haji Omar bin Haji Rahman.
More stories about Laos from other sources
... Laos, North Korea strengthen cooperation (VT)
... Govt backs 3rd Lao Business Forum (VT)
... Vietnamese and Lao capitals bolster co-operation (ND)
... Other stories from VientianeTimes  Need Subscription
... Other stories from Laos NA




November 05, 2007



North Korean premier briefs Laos on nuclear talks (KT, XN)
North Korean Prime Minister Kim Yong Il on Monday briefed Laos' top leadership on the outcome of six-party talks on its nuclear weapons program, winding up a regional trip that has already taken him to Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia. Kim, who arrived on Vientiane Sunday, paid a courtesy call
North Korean premier visits Laos on last leg of regional tour (Earth Times)
North Korean Prime Minister Kim Yong Il was scheduled to meet with Laos' top leadership Monday on the last leg of a tour of South-East Asia aimed at boosting economic ties with the region, ministry sources said. Kim, who
Laotian: Dance teacher's passion not strictly ballroom (FTU)
Twenty-eight years ago, Vida Vongsay had no idea she would end up being a ballroom dancing teacher. She was living in a refugee camp in Thailand, waiting in line for rice soup. At the age of 6, she & her family fled Communist Laos for Thailand, hiding under a pile of fruit & vegetables in a boat crossing
Lao National Chamber plans upgrade (VientianeTimes)
The Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry hosted a discussion last week between the executive committee and provincial chambers, as well as other business associations. The president of the chamber, Mr Kissana Vongsay, said the executive committee discussed plans to improve
UW Hmong students raise awareness of Laos genocide (DC)
The Hmong Human Rights Committee, part of UW-Madison’s Hmong American Student Association, met Friday at the base of Bascom Hill to post pictures of the genocide in Laos in an effort to inform and educate students about the persecution of Hmong still occurring today. Mai Choua Thao,
More stories about Laos from other sources
... Lao President calls for measles vaccination cooperation (VT)
... Other stories from VientianeTimes  Need Subscription
... Other stories from Laos NA




November 04, 2007



Plan for massive dam on Mekong (Nation)
The Energy Ministry is conducting a feasibility study on the construction of a massive hydroelectric dam on the Mekong River which could be opposed by countries downstream. The proposed dam in the northeastern province of Ubon Ratchathani would power a 1,800-megawatt generator for an estimated
Soccer: Viet coal ladies give Laos a 5-0 trouncing (VNA)
Laos was lucky to hold Coal-Mineral down to a 5-0 final result on Thursday at the International Women’s Coal-Minerals Football Tournament held in Quang Ninh Province. Rainy weather worked in favor of the visitors, preventing Vietnamese players from building strong assaults. However, coach Lam Ngoc
Hmong group takes citizenship to next level (NorthWestern)
Anyone who lives or works in this city can sign up for the Citizens’ Police Academy. But when the Appleton Police Department decided to offer the same course in the Hmong language, it drew interest from all around the state. The first Hmong-speaking class graduated Saturday, & to its 23 grads




November 03, 2007


Luang Prabang, Laos: La Résidence Phou Vao (NY Times)
The town of Luang Prabang, the ancient royal capital of Laos, has long attracted visitors because of its elegant mix of traditional Laotian architecture and well-preserved French colonial villas and patisseries, all overlooking the chocolaty Mekong River. But La Résidence Phou Vao, owned by a company
Crocodile sizes up Laos and Cambodia (Bangkok Post)
Chataweekij Corporation Ltd, the licensee of the Crocodile clothing brand, will expand its business to Laos and Cambodia next year, one year later than its original plan because of a production shortage. Managing director Somsak Chataweesak said the company was planning to spend about 100 million baht
Rugby: Lao Dokchampa return from Bangkok Sevens (LRF)
The Lao Dochampa team returned from a tough competitive outing in the Bangkok Sevens.  The tournament began brightly enough with a 40-5 victory over Rangsit University from Thailand.  The Dokchampa team powered through the game with some strong running, slick handling & some excellent
Media Alert: Divinity School Alumnus of Year to lecture on Buddhism in Laos (University of Chicago)
John C. Holt, Ph.D. 1977 (History of Religions), the Divinity School Alumnus of the Year for 2007, will deliver his lecture on “The Spirit(s) of the Place: Buddhism and the Religious Culture of Laos” on Thursday Nov. 1, 2007 at
Peng Her: Message in slaying of Hmong is that minorities are second-class citizens (Capital Times)
Dear Editor: It was a sad day for all Americans as the legal system delivered a blow to human and civil rights by treating minorities as second-class citizens. The recent conviction of James Nichols of second-degree homicide





November 02, 2007



Tuk tuk-free? Laos may soon ban iconic auto-rickshaws (RL)
Tuk tuks are to Southeast Asia what horse-drawn carriages were to Europe centuries ago, but the iconic and ubiquitous three-wheeled auto-rickshaw could soon disappear from Laos. Vientiane is home to about 3,800 vividly painted tuk tuks that ferry both tourists and locals around
Hallelujah Moment From Laos -- 'A Dream Come True' (UMC)
The children had visited the school several times just to touch the school desks and practice holding their pencils. They could hardly wait to don their school uniforms. When the anxiously awaited day finally arrived, the children set off to school. The look in their eyes told the miraculous story of a dream
Laos to launch stock market in three years (Bangkok Post)
Laos plans to establish a stock exchange in the next three years with co-operation from the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Somsavat Lengsavad, the deputy prime minister of Laos, yesterday led a delegation to visit the SET. He said the Laotian Govt would sign an agreement with the SET next month that
North Korean premier to visit Laos (DPA/Earth Times or BP)
North Korean Prime Minister Kim Yong Il will visit Laos next week as part of a regional tour of South-East Asia that has already taken him to Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia, Lao foreign ministry sources said Friday. Kim, and his entourage of some 30 delegates, will arrive in Vientiane on Sunday and
Japanese firm to award scholarships to Laos students (VT)
Around 100 boarding ethnic primary and secondary students in two districts of Savannakhet province will soon receive scholarships from a Japanese company. The Marubeni Corporation of Japan on Wednesday agreed to provide funds to establish a scholarship foundation for disadvantaged ethnic
More stories about Laos from other sources
... Lao handicraft festival opens (VT)
... PM of North Korea to visit Laos (VT)
... Soccer: Hosts Vietnam Coal and Minerals beat Laos (ND)
... Lao party leader meets senior CPC official on strengthening ties (XN)
... Other stories from VientianeTimes  Need Subscription
... Other stories from Laos NA





November 01, 2007



Laos: Bank warns about fake kip (VientianeTimes)
People should examine Lao banknotes carefully before accepting them, because of the number of counterfeit notes that have recently been discovered in circulation in the country, a senior bank official has warned... bank officials and economic police had found evidence of widespread use of
Laotians in U.S.: Elegant, exotic and Eastern (Rochester D&C)
Jasmine's Asian Fusion elevates the fine art of Asian cuisine in Rochester. The food is presented with a sense of drama in sleek, urban chic surroundings. Owners are sisters Sue Xaisanasy-Chen and Debbie Thongsavanh, natives of Laos, and Sue's husband, Lee Chen, born in China
Hmong in U.S.: In poker, life, Yang keeps grip on roots (PNT)
A guy walks into a casino. Stop me if you've heard this one. More specifically, a guy walks into Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino, halfway from Fresno to Yosemite National Park. He gets to the poker room and buys into one of its "satellite" tournaments for $120. The winner, he knows, gets free
More stories about Laos from other sources
... Lao President receives Myanmar Foreign Minister (VT)
... Join in the traditional revelry at the Hmong New Year celebration (SPI)
... Other stories from VientianeTimes  Need Subscription
... Other stories from Laos NA

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