Thursday, June 16, 2011 10:01 PM -0400 ------ Update at Least Twice a Day




March 21-27, 2011




The jars and ‘bombies’ of Laos (BC Local News)
Have you ever seen something so bizarre as to defy logic? As my eyes sweep over the vast array of pre-historic stone jars of mammoth proportions — there it is. A mind-boggling enigma. What ancient peoples fashioned these vessels and for what purpose? I am rendered speechless as I run my hand over the rough charcoal-coloured

Thailand: Lao girl cut in half in fatal accident (Bangkok Post) Police have identified the owner of a white Porsche which slammed into a Lao teenager at such a high speed it cut her body in half and left her torso in the driver's seat.  The distraught mother of Kambai Inthilat, 17, travelled from Laos to try and retrieve her daughter's remains yesterday. The Porsche Cayman owner, Suppachai Thaksinthaweesap, 58, has

Laos needs emergency food aid: WFP (AFP/Yahoo)
More than 111,000 people in impoverished Laos will need emergency food aid before the next harvest, the United Nations World Food Programme said Wednesday. The WFP said shortages of rice in the communist-run country's south and centre stem from a combination of weather factors last year -- dry spells, a late rainy season & flash floods
Activists join forces against Laos' Xayaburi Dam plan (M&C, IOL)
A group of 263 non-governmental organizations from 51 countries has called on Laos to cancel its proposed hydropower dam project on the Mekong River in Xayaburi province, representatives of the group said Tuesday. The coalition of environmentalists and civil rights groups sent a letter to Lao PM Thongsing Thammavong Monday urging him to
Choummaly retains Lao leadership on final day of National Congress (XN)
Choummaly Sayasone was re- elected as Secretary General of the Lao PRP at the close of the 9th National Party Congress here on Monday. It was announced that the incumbent Secretary General and President of Laos would continue for a second term at the head of the Party in a ceremony at the headquarters of the Party Central Committee
Lao Party delegates donate 740m kip for Japan relief effort (VT)
Delegates of the 9th National Congress of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party have donated more than 740 million kip (over US$90,000) to help Japan as the country and its people face ongoing impacts of the recent catastrophic earthquake and tsunami. The donations were received yesterday at the Party Central Committee Office in Vientiane
Other stories about Laos around the world
... Laos, the road less travelled (DC)
... Hmong Searching for a Home (FPJ)
... Mercy mission to children of Laos (EJ)
... Teaching English in Laos (Associated Content)
... Laos, Vietnam cooperate in stock market (VOV)
... CK sees Bt15 bn revenue on start of Laos power plant (BP)
... Laos-Vietnam Golf tourney mark Lao Party Congress (VOV)
... Durham woman has new appreciation for life after teaching English in Laos
... Vientiane Plaza launched in Laos (VOV)
... Lao People's Security Museum opens (VT)
... Laos expresses concern for Libyan situation (MCOT)
... Laos-India trade volumes rocket 288% in 2010 (USNLV)
... Earthquake hits Burma, Thailand and Laos (WO)
... To Laos and back with lessons to share (Town Times)
... Lao PDR Rural Electrification Program (World Bank)
... National committee scrutinises election preparations (VT)
... Mailbag: Maj. Richard Elzinga’s remains found in Laos (DH)
... Laos: School children to receive healthy meals (New Kerala)
... Emergency food aid needed in central, southern Laos (VT)
... Mekong countries to have meeting for controversial Xayaburi dam (Saigon)
... Businesses in Laos welcome Party resolution (VT)
... Laos: Visible aid effectiveness vital to encourage donors (VT)
... Dog sniffs out opium in parcels [from Laos] at O’Hare (ST)
... Northern Laos: Huaphan exports handicrafts to Singapore (VT)
... Laotian children to get healthy meals under UN project (UN)
... Luang Prabang - 3 days in Laos (Gadling)
... Socially responsible renewable initiatives in Laos (CSR)
... UN Says 111,000 In Laos Need Immediate Food Aid (TW)
... Laos needs emergency food assistance: UN agencies (CBC)
... College lecture to focus on local man's escape from Laos (PN)
... Child Sponsorship Report 2010, from Vientiane, Laos (SOS)
... Lao communists vote to keep party chief (MSN)
... Communist Laos elects Politburo, three new faces (M&C)
... Lao PM delivers message to mark World Water Day (VT)
... Lao Party members urged to enhance leadership to boost devpt (VT)
... Donsao Island: A Handful of Laos for Those in a Hurry (Associated Content)
... Laos official stresses importance of Laos-China relations in new leadership term
... Northern provinces, China foster stronger cooperation (VT)
... Party congress elects new Executive Committee to guide nation (VT)
... 2-day Mekong River cruise journeys take you to the heart of Lao culture
... Mekong River cruise journeys up river and back in time (Scoop)






March 14-20, 2011



Laos communists to tussle over China-Vietnam role (MSN)
The ruling communist party of Laos opened its five-yearly congress on Thursday, an event analysts say will see a power struggle between rival pro-Vietnam and China camps. Red banners are on display throughout the capital Vientiane, where 576 delegates of the Lao PRP are gathered until March 21 to choose members of the ruling
Politburo changes expected in Laos (Nation)
Laos' ruling People's Revolutionary Party will today convene a five-day congress to choose a new set of leaders and map out a strategic plan for development over the next five years.  It will be the ninth congress of the party that has ruled the country since its revolutionary victory in 1975 and remained committed to Marxist-Leninist political
Video on deadly cluster bomb legacy in Laos wins CNN award (SCM)
An original video news report on the devastating impact of cluster bombs in Lao PDR won the first-ever CNN iReport Community Choice Award, CNN announced on 15 March 2011. The Cluster Munition Coalition (CMC) worked with reporter Samantha Bolton and independent video production team CoJo Productions to release the video, “Clearing
Lighting Homes, Empowering Lives in Lao PDR (World Bank)
Ms. Pan is a widow and she makes her living by weaving fishing nets and mats. To add to their meager earnings, she and her daughter work by the dim glow of a kerosene lamp at night. But things changed when electricity came to their village in southern Laos. "My life is normal now, not like in the past when we couldn’t see well," she said. 
Our neighbour Laos: No longer the missing link (Nation)
Vientiane's recent decision to allow Laotian students to study for bachelor degrees in the Thai language represents a new benchmark of Thai-Lao relations.  For decades, this has been an off-area for ties across the Mekong. Until recently, students could study only for masters and post graduate degrees with English language instruction in Thai
Other stories about Laos around the world
... Laos unveils first Tablet (TMC)
... Mekong Damned in Laos (Diplomat)
... Boost for women’s game in Laos (FIFA)
... New road threatens tiger breeding area in Laos (WL)
... Lao Party urged to seize opportunities for progress (VT)
... Lao Party vows to maintain strong economic growth (VT)
... Viet Opposition Could Sway Lao Hydropower Plans (VOA)
... Laos aims to invest 15.9 billion dollars over next five years (M&C)
... Laos, Hmong Crisis: Rights Groups Make International Appeal (Bradenton)
... Vietnam, Laos cooperate in mineral exploration (VOV)
... Nghe An to open more border gates to Laos (ND)
... Laos gears up for closed-door party congress (ET)
... More than 70 per cent of households in Laos access electricity (LV/KPL)
... Laos Groups Issue Appeal Before Communist Party Congress (Scoop)
... Party delegates pay respects to national heroes ahead of Congress opening
... Northern Laos: Xayaboury counts the cost of thunderstorm (VT)
... Feds drop Laos conspiracy case in CA (AP/WDH)
... Lao-American: Local Buddhists Pray for Japan (KATC)
... Insect farming aims to end food insecurity in Laos (EE)
... Tri-nation trust fund to back irrigation project (VT)
... Laos welcomes VietinBank’s branch (VOV)
... Laos on standby to help Japan disaster victims (VT)
... World looks to regional blocs for economic integration (VT)
... Party Congress delegates arrive in Vientiane (VT)
... New road project to run through Laos' last tiger habitat (Mongabay)
... 2nd hyro power pre-concession in Laos (4-traders)
... VimpelCom closes Laos deal (PPP)
... No Lao lives lost in Japan quake (VT)
... Upland rice farmers in Laos start clearing land (VT)
... Okla airman killed in Laos to be buried in Va. (NC10)
... Laos: 9th Party Congress schedule announced (VT)
... Indian trade with Laos expanding (Vancouver Sun)
... Aquino receives new Kuwait, Laos envoys (MB)





March 7-13, 2011




Stable kip, low inflation are bank's highlights (VT)
The governor of the Bank of the Lao PDR believes the bank has successfully played its role over the past five years, highlighting the stability of the kip and single digit inflation as noteworthy achievements. Mr Phouphet Kham-phounvong spoke to media yesterday at the Bank of the Lao PDR to review the bank's activities for the 2006-2010 period.
Into the forests of Laos with Mrs Flower (Australian)
"THEY say it is polite to compliment a Lao woman by telling her she walks like an elephant," Sebastien Duffillot says, chuckling. "To watch an elephant walk is an exquisite sight, though I would not like to try saying it to a Frenchwoman." A scant 700 wild and about 560 domesticated jumbos remain in the landlocked PDR of Laos, the fabled Land
Human trafficking on the rise in Laos (Xinhua)
Human trafficking is an escalating problem in Laos, due to unemployment, poverty and lack of education opportunities, Lao News Agency (KPL) reported on Wednesday. The number of Laotians falling victim to human trafficking was reported to increase significantly in 2010, most of whom were poor and lack access to jobs and education.
Bus crash in Laos kills 2, injures 46 (PD)
Two people died and 46 were injured in a bus crash in Laos on Sunday, local media reports said on Tuesday. The 45-seater bus was traveling at 80 to 90-kilometers per hour from northern province of Oudomxay to Vientiane when it ran into a hillside and rolled for a distance of about 25 meters. The driver had been unable to change into
Xayaburi dam faces opposition from countries downriver (Nation)
A highly contentious plan by the Lao government to build the first dam on the lower stretch of the Mekong River has spurred growing speculation that Hanoi - and possibly Phnom Penh - may pressure Vientiane to delay the dam for 10 years.  The Mekong River Commission has recommended the dam be deferred because of fears about
USAID Assists Laos In Preventing Infectious Diseases (Bernama)
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has enhanced commitment to assisting the Lao PDR in preventing infectious diseases, reports Lao news agency (KPL). The National Emerging Infectious Diseases Coordination Office (NEIDCO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a USAID-funded contractor
Other stories about Laos around the world
... Soccer: Pride of Laos (Bangkok Post)
... Vagabond Tales: Vang Vieng, Laos (Examiner)
... Laos contributes aid for quake-hit Japan (Investors)
... Australia urged to help halt Mekong dam in Laos (BT)
... Lao-American: Dine Out: Thai in Kannapolis (SP)
... Monks meeting appoints new president (VT)
... Reporter abroad: A country wedding in Laos (Post)
... Laos prepares for National Party Congress (PD)
... Prepare to Get Drenched over New Year in Luang Prabang (FP)
... Japan gives boost to public transport, TV broadcasting (VT)
... Japan Grants Aid For Better Public Transport In Vientiane (B)
... Grassroots Development Fund Aids Laos Villages (YOB)
... Lao-American: Authentic Thai food in the heart of New Britain (NBH)
... Laos border zones offer incentives to investors (VN)
... Viet businessman donates US$2 million to Laos (VOV)
... Son La to plant 50 border markers with Laos (VOV)
... Lao Vice President oversees election preparations (VT)
... Laos: Nayoby Bank lends hand to nation's poorest (VT)
... Laos to Ink Trade Agreements with Canada, S. Korea (CRI)
... New regulation to see medical graduates work in rural areas (VT)
... Construction work on China-Laos railway to start next month (M&C)
... VimpelCom Enters the Lao Cellular Market (PR Newswire/SacBee)
... VimpelCom Acquires Stake In Laos's Millicom Lao Co. For $88 Million (FB)
... Petrol hikes in Laos (VT/Lao Voices)
... Laos to import less electricity this year (VT/LV)
... Dam splits Vietnam, Laos (Asia Times)
... Men not forgotten on women's day in Laos (PD)
... Lao women's groups tackle trafficking, violence (RA)
... Philip Smith: Vang Pao burial decision is a disgrace (ST)
... Viet Defence Minister visits Laos (VOV)
... New decree regulates IT sector in Laos (VT)
... Laos shooting: Body of shot villager cremated (PPP)
...Thai investor plans 4-star hotel in Luang Prabang (Nation)
... Hydropower project boosts Lao-Viet relationship (VT)
... Vietnam firm starts build of 332 MW hydro plant in Laos (PE)
... Xekaman hydro plant construction begins in Laos (HydroWorld)
... Former Lao Party leader stresses need for sustainable development (VT)
... Wilco Investors Set Up College In Thailand, Look Into Potential Of Laos (BD)
... New Hospitality School in Laos Boosted by Hong Kong Generosity (TPR)
... Lao delegation visits historical site in Hoa Binh (VOV)






Feb 28-Mar 6, 2011




US: Sharp rise in drug trafficking through Laos, ...  (WFP)
Communist-controlled Laos has suffered an unprecedented spike in violent crime as drug trafficking from neighbouring Myanmar, China and Vietnam has risen dramatically, the U.S. government reported Thursday. The cultivation of opium, the raw material of heroin, has plummeted in Southeast Asia's Golden Triangle over the past decade
Lao-American: Son Gets 20 Years In Dad’s Beating Death (SW Times)
A Crawford County man was sentenced to 20 years in prison Monday for beating his father to death. Khamphong Tony Phimvongsa, 34, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in Crawford County Circuit Court in the January 2010 beating of his father, Khamdy Phimvongsa. Tony Phimvongsa will be eligible for parole after serving at least 14 years
Landowners voice concerns over development (VT)
Vientiane residents are living in fear that their land will be swallowed up by development projects due to the ambiguity of the city's development plans. But urban planners are optimistic that a new master plan will provide a clearer picture of the zones targeted by the government for development and expansion. The master plan, which will be finalised
In Laos, Bringing Books to Children—Via Elephant (Newser)
In Laos, many children had never seen a book until “Uncle Sasha” came to town. American Sasha Alyson first visited the impoverished country in 2003, and was struck by the lack of books for children. “Many [kids] don't even know what a book is. Sometimes you have to show them how to turn a page,” he tells the Christian Science Monitor.
Rice shortages force Lao people to find work abroad (VT)
Dry weather has forced large numbers of people to leave their homes and find work in neighbouring countries, as they need money to buy rice after their crops failed. Deputy Head of the Mounlapamok District Office in Champassak province and member of its Disaster Management Committee, Mr Xeunmany Keoviengsamai, said on Friday
Other stories about Laos around the world
... Laos: small steps forward (Guardian)
... Mekong dam in Laos faces resistance (UPI)
... 14 new fish species discovered in Laos (VT)
... MIA in Laos: One bracelet, two men (MSNBC)
... Laos, Thailand agree to open new border gates (Saigon)
... Cambodia, Laos, VN discuss joint website management (Saigon)
... Laos, Luxembourg ink 50m euro cooperation deal (VT)
... Next Lao NA to reflect separation of powers (VT)
... History, Hmong archive need a place (Star Tribune)
... Vietnam, Laos split over Mekong dam (Aljazeera)
... Vientiane province spends big on embankment project (VT)
... Laos: Animal feed factories planned (VT)
... Govt to regulate Lao workers abroad (VT)
... Laos: General election candidates announced (VT)
... Laos Makes Preparation To Host ASEM Summit In 2012 (B)
... Grassroots development fund aids Laos villages (Ode Mag)
... Lao PM wraps up Vietnam visit (XinhuaNet)
... Vietnam president hails ‘priceless' relationship with Laos (VT)
... Clear skies on the horizon for Vientiane (VT)
... Indian Army training Lao troops in de-mining (SIFY)
... Govt pledges 3.9b kip (~$490K) for aged care (VT)
... Tan Chong sets up subsidiary in Laos (BT)
... Appleton, Fox Valley steps up to help latest Lao-Hmong arrivals from Thai camp
... Asean welcomes Chinese rail expansion (VT)
... Laos, China ink cooperation pacts (ANN)
... Vietnam, Laos PMs engage in talk on ties (ND)
... PM's visit deepens Lao-Vietnamese relations (VT)
... Ethnic customs need to reflect social positives (VT)
... Laos Tourism Marketing Board Unveils Targets (ATT)
... Laos plans B2.8bn bond (BP)
... Laos, China ink cooperation pacts (VT)
... Lao-Thai: Banpu unphased by TLL lawsuit (Nation)
... Rice shortages force people to find work abroad (VT)
... Laos lends muscle to regional economic integration (VT)
... CLMV Economic Ministers' Meeting opens in Laos (iSA)
... Lao Tourism Marketing Board active in promoting quality tourism (FFN)






February 21-27, 2011



Laos: Decision expected on controversial Mekong dam (IRIN, Trust)
The proposed Xayabury Dam on the lower Mekong River promises to supply much-needed energy to the region, but at a "devastating" environmental and personal cost to surrounding communities, say activists and environmental experts. "Millions more people in the region are likely to be adversely [affected] through changes to the river's
Christians deprived of food, water in Laos at ‘critical stage’ (CT)
A total of 62 Christians forced from their village to crude shelters at the edge of the jungle in Saravan Province, Laos, are at a “critical stage” from lack of food and water, an advocacy group warned. “The wells are drying up as they are going into the dry season, and their food supplies are exhausted” after villagers thwarted their attempts to plant
Thai import tax hits Lao sweetcorn growers (VT)
Thailand has infringed the Asean Trade in Goods Agreement after the government slapped an import tax on sweetcorn, deterring Thai traders from buying the crop from Laos. Now more than 200,000 tonnes of sweetcorn lies in storage in Xayaboury province after the Thai Trade Department imposed a 73% tax on sweetcorn imports
Christian villagers driven from homes in Laos face starvation (CT, CSW)
A group of approximately 65 villagers, who were driven from their village at gunpoint for refusing to give up Christianity, are facing starvation as local authorities in Laos destroy crops and prevent food from reaching the group. The 18 families have been living in a temporary camp outside Katin village, Ta-Oyl district, Saravan province since they were
Investment in Laos surges in Q1 (VT)
Investment in Laos saw a major increase in the first quarter of the current financial year as the resource rich country continued to attract foreign direct investment, according to a senior official from the Ministry of Planning and Investment. Investment Promotion Department Deputy Director General, Mr Achong Laomao, said on Thursday
Thai, Laos, Vietnam border area a loop of peace and prosperity (Nation)
New homes, hotels and warehouses are springing up along the loop of land between Thailand, Laos and Vietnam, which is now being known as the loop of peace and prosperity.  From Ubon Ratchathani, we headed to the Chongmek checkpoint, along the border of Laos, and found a larger Thai Customs House under construction. "We are
Other stories about Laos around the world
... Donations for Laos (Nation)
... Laos' only railway: 14 km of rust (CNN)
... Don Chan slated for development (VT)
... Govt approves anti-corruption strategy (VT)
... Food festival serves up traditional cuisine (VT)
... Hill Tribes on the Bolevan Plateau, Laos (Salon)
... Laos Christians Facing Starvation; Officials Cutting Off Food, Water (BNL)
... Food denied to 65 Laotian farmers to force them to renounce Christianity
... Lao PM's visit to Vietnam underlines Laos' priority to boost ties & solidarity
... Vietnamese businesses praise investment prospects in Laos (VOV)
... Laos quake no effect on Thai dams (Bangkok Post)
... Lao earthquake damages Nan's Phrathat Chae Haeng (MCOT)
... Quake hit Laos and felt in Thailand Wednesday night (Nation)
... 27 firms authorized to serve Lao, Thai tourists (VN)
... Debate on hydro-power dams in Mekong River (VN)
... Ministry calls for more responsibility from Lao artists (VT)
... Lao-Hmong: Green Bay couple who got opium in mail gets 3 years' supervision
... Asean welcomes Cambodia, Thailand commitment for peaceful border solution
... Vietnam, Laos Trade Union promote cooperation (VOV)
... Lao Govt speeds up WTO membership bid (VT)
... Lao gov't seeks to speed up WTO membership (XN)
... US Supports Laos Improving Single Window Service (Bernama)
... Laos: More bomblets to clear, prevent (Relief Web)
... Southern Laos: 136,000 bombies destroyed in Saravane (LV/KPL)
... World Vision S. Korea gives US$1m boost to Borikhamxay (VT)
... Japan finances school construction in poor district of Laos (LV/KPL)
... The Mekong: roll on, muddy river, roll on (Reuters)
... Laos approves funding to stockpile rice (M&C)
... Laos, Vietnam deepen security cooperation (VT)
... Lao Govt officials prepare for natural disasters (VT)
... Laos to develop tourism on Mekong River islands (Nation, M&C)
... EU pledges to help Laos host Asia-Europe Meeting (VT)
... Laos communists to hold Congress from March 18 (MSN)
... Northern Laos: Pachyderms on parade in Laos (VT)
... Paklai elephant festival attracts huge throng of tourists (LV/KPL)
... Southern Laos: Saravan road blazes trail to Vietnam (VT)
... Place to Visit in Laos (Article Rich)
... Vietnamese Minister of Public Security visits Laos (VOV)
... Lao media ponders challenges to better reporting (VT)
... Poverty Fund to expand work in poor communities (VT)
... Businesses call for full enforcement of investment promotion law (VT)
... Lao-American Obituary: Khamphonh Douangkhamchanh (IN)
... General Vang Pao: Arlington decision not surprising (Missoulian)





February 14-20, 2011




Laos spices things up with unique cuisine (The Star)
The irony of Joy’s name doesn’t escape me as he sighs and trudges over to my cooking station to show me, once again, how to stuff the ground chicken mixture into the cut stalk of lemongrass. In all fairness, Joy is a Lao chef and cooking instructor, not a saint. Moments earlier I had been happily exuding the confidence of a domestic goddess in

Thai greens step up campaign against Laos's Xayaburi dam (BP, Nation) Thai environmentalists plan to use every avenue to stop Laos from going ahead with the construction of the Xayaburi hydropower dam on the Mekong River. Laos has signalled the launch of the dam, which will be built by the Thai company Ch Karnchang, with its first official statement saying the project would go ahead despite calls last year for it to to provide further information. Pakawan Chufahmanee, of the Thai

Airport expansion upgraded to handle more planes (VT, M&C)
The government plans to upgrade Wattay International Airport to handle more inbound flights and larger aircraft, as well as accommodate planes of foreign delegations who will attend the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) to be held in Vientiane late next year. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has completed a feasibility study on
ADB grants lend muscle to development efforts (VT)
Asian Development Bank (ADB) yesterday agreed to grants totalling US$21.68 million to help the Lao government develop its environment, infrastructure and agriculture sectors. This is in line with the government's development strategy to promote pro-poor sustainable growth, social inclusiveness & improved governance. The agreement was
New decree aims to control rising prices in Laos (VT)
Rising costs in Laos have forced the government to issue a decree controlling sales prices for selected products and services in a bid to protect consumers. The Prime Ministerial Decree on Management of Product Prices and Service Fees comes into force this week amidst rising inflation triggered by food and fuel costs. 
Other stories about Laos around the world
... Ongpin pays courtesy call on Laos prime minister (ABS)
... In Northern Preah Vihear, Lao Is a Way of Life (VOA)
... Vietnam helps Laos develop agriculture strategy (VOV)
... For the Hmong, an enduring sense of exile (Washington Post)
... Southeast Asian diversity: first insights into the complex mtDNA structure of Laos
... Vietnam-Laos friendship enhanced (VOV)
... Laos, China pledge to strengthen ties (PD)
... Laos, China vow to consolidate friendship (PD)
... Africa, China, Laos might close coffee supply gap (VS)
... Thailand, Laos To Discuss Joint Co-op Against Drugs (Bernama)
... Thaicom’s Laos, Cambodia telecoms revenues fall 32% (TG)
... Visiting Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia: An exquisite experience (PRI)
... Laos keen to learn from China's security lessons: President (VT)
... Activists prod govt to speed up hearings on Laos dam (Nation)
... Foot-and-mouth kills over 2,000 cattle in southern Laos (XinhuaNet)
... Laos asks for more solutions, less criticism on human rights (VT)
... Interview: Tara Gujadhur, Founder - Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre, Laos
... Thai-Lao Friendship Bridges no.3 and 4 (Bangkok Post)
... Vat Phou marks 10th year as World Heritage Site (VT)
... A Lesson in Laos at Vientian Asian Grocery (SW)
... Laos has political will to strengthen human rights: ambassador (Investors)
... Kayaking & Trekking in Vang Vieng, Kayaking in Laos (PR Log)
... Hoang Anh Gia Lai invests in Lao hydropower plants (eco-Business)
... Lao-American Obituary: Khamphonh Douangkhamchanh (IberiaNet)
... Govt offices to be relocated (VT)
... Tourism operators urged to register with national body (VT)
... Two-year campaign aims to eliminate maternal & neonatal tetanus in Laos
... Laos seeks Indian investment in agro-industries (MSN)
... Tropical medicine network meets in Vientiane (VT)
... Global water experts study Nam Ngum basin (VT)
... Lao Food: Restaurant is must-try for fans of Asian food (OCR)
... Laos: Report sheds light on sexual exploitation of children (VT)
... Party Sec Gen receives Vietnam special envoy (VT)
... One-party Laos to get more legislators (M&C)





February 7-13, 2011




NGOs weigh in on Laos dam (Phnom Penh Post)
The Cambodian National Mekong Commission met with local government officials and NGO representatives yesterday in Kratie province at Cambodia’s first consultative meeting regarding the Xayaburi dam planned for Northern Laos. Peou Vuthyrak, national environmental program coordinator for CNMC, said the meeting

Laos: The elephant express (Sydney MH or The Age) Once known as the ''Land of a Million Elephants'', Laos is today home to little more than 1000. Half roam wild in the forests, half work in the logging industry and a select few carry travellers looking for the path less travelled. On the floor of a farmhouse, we chat with the head mahout, Mr Peng. It has taken two days to find this village, travelling by Mekong riverboat and then a dusty songthaew (a shared taxi bus) over the mountains of northern Laos. From here we will travel by

Furniture makers suffer uncertain timber supply in Laos (VT)
Furniture makers are continuing to push the Govt to ban exports of unprocessed timber in the face of increasing uncertainty in the supply of raw materials, according to a business representative. “We will keep repeating our demand until the government stops exports of unprocessed timber,” Lao Wooden Furniture Association Vice
Claiming snub, Hmong bury Vang Pao in LA (AFP/Google)
Emotional and angry Hmong on Wednesday buried legendary general Vang Pao in California after failing to win a funeral with US military honors for the commander of the Vietnam War-era secret army. Mourners in traditional costumes escorted Vang Pao's body to the Los Angeles area for a burial at a private cemetery after an elaborate
EU to further assist floods and drought victims in Laos (TC)
The European Commission, which is the executive institute of the Union, has agreed to give a further 400,000 euros or (around 4.4 billion kip) to communities facing food insecurity caused by flooding and drought in central and southern Laos. The EU Charge d'Affaires in Vientiane, Mr. Henry Prankerd said the European Union has
Immigrant [from Laos] wins $1 million Iowa Lottery prize (DR)
An immigrant who was born in a refugee camp in Thailand claimed an Iowa Lottery prize of $1 million today. Aenoi Phetxoumphone, 29, of Webster City, said he cried when he realized he had won the top prize in “Lifetime Riches’ instant-scratch game. He had purchased the last chance in a box of $20 scratch tickets. “I just said, Wow
Rice shortages widespread in Laos (VT)
While Laos is normally able to produce enough rice to meet national demand, 56 districts out of the total 143 have failed to grow the rice they need for local consumption, a minister has said. Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Sitaheng Rasphone reported the situation to President Choummaly Sayasone at the ministry
Silence is golden, someone tell Laos (SMH)
IT'S 6pm and the bells of Big Ben are tolling. However, there's no sign of London's famed tower clock or the Houses of Parliament from where I'm sitting - just a golden statue of Buddha and a gauche-looking casino, newly perched on the banks of the Mekong across the way in Laos. The chimes emanate from there, as incongruous as
Other stories about Laos around the world
... A deadly legacy in Laos (Vancouver Sun)
... Lao-American: A home in the Park (Tampa BN)
... Lao Government raises petrol prices again (VT)
... Laos: Salt Producers Need Government Help (Bernama)
... China backs Lao farmers to cut opium production (iSA)
... MIA in Laos: In Vietnam War love story, a medallion comes home (Macon)
... Vietnam hands over the Sekaman hydro-power project to Laos (MCOT)
... 200-Hour Outage Begins Maintenance Contract at Nam Theun 2 (PRL)
... Vietnam, Laos cooperate in building hydro-electric power plant (VOV)
... Vietnamese, Lao Parties promote mutual understanding (VOV)
... OVs from Laos, Thailand meet in HCM City (VOV)
... Indochina 'attracting more visitors' (Opodo)
... Soccer: Chinese Taipei crush Laos (AFC)
... Adventures in flashpacking - Laos (Manila ST)
... Finland boosts support for environ-mental management (VT)
... Cambodia and Laos Telecommunications Report Q1 2011 (MP)
... Dog finds drug shipment from Laos at O'Hare (ABC)
... Baskets of Opium from Laos Found at O’Hare by Drug-Sniffing Dog (Fox)
... Lao firms not ready to hire more workers: survey (VT)
... New plan outlines long term vision for Vientiane (VT)
... Bio fuel promoted as petrol consumption rises in Laos (VT)
... Child Sponsorship Report 2010, from Luangprabang, Laos (SOS)
... Cycling to Singapore: Vientiane to the Four-Thousand Islands...
... Finland to assist Lao digital mapping, database project (VT)
... Laos voices concern over Thai-Cambodia border clashes (VT)
... Laos calls on Thailand, Cambodia to peacefully resolve border conflict
... Chemicals that harm ozone layer to be banned in Laos (VT)
... Luang Prabang named Top City (ScandAsia)
... Luang Prabang retains top ranking in tourism awards (VT)
... Family of Laos army leader to appeal to US (ABC)  
... US spurns secret warrior of Laos and Vietnam (Australia NN)
... Business leader calls for protection of Lao cuisine (VT)
... Laos: Human resources key to public administration (VT)
... Lao Govt vows to remove barriers to business (VT)
... Vientiane food festival to serve up healthy treats (VT)
... For a Hmong Hero, a Lavish Farewell (Herald Tribune)
... Vang Pao family not pushing for Arlington (UPI)
... An oversea Viet billionaire in Laos (VOV)





Jan. 31-Feb. 6, 2011



Vehicle ownership [including bikes] tops one million in Laos (VT)
The number of vehicles in Laos is still increasing, with Public Works and Transport Ministry figures showing that 1,008,788 were registered in 2010 – an increase from 886,348 vehicles in 2009.  The total population of Laos is about 6 million. The figures include motorbikes, cars, trucks and pick-ups with Vientiane topping

Laos: When to Go and When not to (NW Pioneer) A holiday in Laos isn’t generally considered as one of the ‘normal’ places where you would spend your break, but if you want a destination with a little more culture, this wonderful region has everything you require. The cuisine found in this historical part of the world is like no other, & traditional Laotian cuisine is bound to tantalise the taste buds of even those with an experienced palate. Family gatherings, parties and social occasions are held dear to Vietnamese people,

Poor but charming Laos offers relaxing stop in SEA (Kyiv Post)
Arriving into the capital of Laos’s tiny airport, you are struck immediately by its relaxed attitude and laid-back atmosphere. Vientiane is an unusual capital city. When you get to the center of it, the first thing you’ll notice is that few buildings, except for some government ones, are over three stories in height. 
Laos: Villagers count the cost of high-speed railway (VT)
While most people are happy to surrender their land and homes to make way for the planned Laos-China railway, they hope they will be properly compensated. Many Vientiane residents say they are confident the US$7 billion project will speed up the development of landlocked Laos, but hope the compensation they
Other stories about Laos around the world
... Hmong ask: Who will lead? (Fresno Bee)
... Laos general’s backers ‘disappointed’ (IOL)
... Laos general's backers press Obama over burial snub (AFP)
... Vang Pao Family Decries Arlington Burial Denial (WSAV)
... Thousands remember U.S. military ally from mountains of Laos (CNN)
... Lao Telecom to inject over 200 bln kip ($30 mil) into network expansion (LV)
... US Army denies Vang Pao burial at Arlington cemetery (SFG)
... Hundreds gather to mourn Hmong leader (WDH)
... Vang Pao's body arrives at funeral site (Sac Bee)
... Issues to combat flood disasters are analysed in 
    Luang Prabang in February 2011 (IB Times)
... Cultural park to undergo facelift (VT)
... Lao President urges help for rural farmers (VT)
... Laos Fights Rural Poverty Amidst Cattle Disease (PL)
... Disease sweeps through calves in Huaphan (VT)
... Thai builder CK sees 2011 profit, Laos focus (Reuters)
... Lion dancers roar in year of the rabbit in Laos (China)
... Hundreds attend vigil for Hmong Leader (ABC)
... Vang funeral preparations under way (Merced ST)
... Laos: High-speed railway to lower transport costs (VT)
... Poverty Reduction Fund to expand community assistance (VT)
... To Laos with Love: A Fundraising Presentation & Concert for The Hill Tribes
... Rwanda: Envoy Presents Credentials in Laos (AA)
... Asian restaurant offers taste of Thailand, Laos, Vietnam (Star)
... Laos: Wetlands preservation under scrutiny (VT)
... Catholics in Laos welcome new priest (CNA)
... Pigs, poultry sufficient for New Year festivities (VT)
... Transport officials to carry out bus safety checks (VT)
... Vang Pao: Removing a Stain from America's Honor (HP)
... A glimpse of Boten, Golden Triangle special zones in Laos (PD)
... Lao, Thai ministers discuss future media teamwork (VT)
... Consumers voice concerns over vegetable cleanliness (VT)
... Construction on Laos' high-speed railway set to start in April (ET)

January 24-30, 2011




US: Laotian teen suspects in market killings plead not guilty (SFG)
Three teen gang members accused in the shooting deaths of a respected Laotian immigrant couple and their daughter have pleaded not guilty to charges that include murder, robbery and burglary. Prosecutors allege that Oloth "Dicky" Phommahaxay, 18, Sophon Theoun Ting, 16, and Chris Douangkham, 15,

Native of Laos brings Thai cuisine to China Grove (Salisbury Post) China Grove has a new restaurant on Main Street, Mala’s Thai Café. This cafe adds another dining option to the town, this time Thai and Japanese cuisine at 117 North Main St. Mala Martin is a native of Laos, where her family had a small restaurant, and she had always wanted to have a restaurant of her own. She came to the U.S. about six years ago, first to visit her brother in Washington.

Lao Govt to crack down on illegal checkpoint charges (VT)
The government hopes to stamp out the illegal service fees arbitrarily charged at international and local checkpoints in a bid to ease trading, a government spokesman has announced.  The move is one of several outcomes of a two-day meeting held at the Prime Minister's Office between the government cabinet,
Laos: First ordination in northern Laos after in years (SF or AN)
The first ordination in forty years in northern Laos will be celebrated on January 29, 2011. It was to have been held December 12, 2010 but was delayed by almost two months. The new priest, Pierre (Peter) Buntha Silaphet, is thirty years-old, was born in Phnom Van (Sayaboury - Northern Laos) and belongs to
PanAust expects 2011 earnings above $335m (Nine MSN or PN)
PanAust Ltd says its Phu Kham mine in Laos achieved record copper production at a competitive cash cost in the December quarter due to above nameplate ore processing rates and high commodity prices for precious metal by-products.  PanAust said it produced 18,871 tonnes of copper at an average cach cost of
Border troubles: Villagers say Laos troops fired on them (PPP)
Six Kratie province residents returned to Cambodia on Saturday two days after Laotian soldiers allegedly fired shots at the group for trespassing, wounding one man in the process. Sun Ban, a battalion commander with the Cambodian military, said a group of nine Cambodians entered Laos on January 20 from
Other stories about Laos around the world
... Luang Prabang, Laos (San Diego Reader)
... Just back: Fishing for tourists in Laos (Telegraph)
... Rescues Underscore Trafficking Troubles (RFA)
... Survey to assess aid effectiveness in Laos (VT)
... Chinese casino on the Mekong: fears devpt front for money laundering
... Laos, UN Population Fund outline focus until 2015 (VT)
... Please release the 20 prisoners whom were arrested by 
    the district police in Nakoon Village, Lao (PR-Inside)
... New leader of Hmong has giant's role to fill (GPG)
... Hmong community pays tribute to its beloved Vang Pao (RN)
... Lao Air agrees new insurance cover (VT)
... UXO clearance must speed up: Lao Deputy PM (VT)
... Thai entrepreneurs attends Lao-Thai expo 2011 in Vientiane
... Laos: Prosecutors urged to combat negative tendencies (VT)
... ASEAN Coffee Federation organized in Laos (US News LV, PNM)
... ASEAN delegation inspects key highway linking Thailand, Laos, China
... New Radio Station Opens For Public Service In Laos (Bernama)
... VN, Laos, Thailand to protect Mekong (VNN)
... Laos awards ex-NA leaders Freedom medals (VNN)
... Hmong in US: Library hosting festival, workshop on immigrants (LS)
... Australia supports school meals programme (VT)
... Lao President outlines directives for development (VT)
... ADB lends muscle to Vientiane transport upgrade (VT)
... Record copper output from Laos mine (CM)
... Thai-Lao bridge set for November opening (M&C)
... UNDP to extend planning assistance [to Laos] (VT)
... Laos: Cabinet, provincial governors to discuss illegal foreign workers
... First ever radio controlled aeroplane competition held in Laos (VT)
... Lost in Laos (and first white guy) (DK)
... Bokeo kapok tree festival begins (VT)
... New Hmong TV station launching soon (MNB)
... EU mulls aid for UXO clearance, ex-opium farmers (VT)
... Laos' first listed bank looks toward expanding services (M&C)
... Viet Embassy in Laos organizes friendship golf tournament (VOV)
... Lao leader congratulates Vietnam on successful 11 th congress (VT)
... Hmong community awaits U.S. decision on leader's burial (LA Times)

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