December 30, 2017
December 28, 2017
December 27, 2017
Xekong: A destination for adventurous tourists who love nature
By: Vientiane Times, December 23, 2017
XEKONG - Xekong province, located in the heart of southeastern Laos, is not very developed but is a favourite with tourists who enjoy trekking in the deep forest and learning about the lifestyle of ethnic people.
XEKONG - Xekong province, located in the heart of southeastern Laos, is not very developed but is a favourite with tourists who enjoy trekking in the deep forest and learning about the lifestyle of ethnic people.
Businesses gain access to job market info via website
By: Vientiane Times, December 25, 2017
VIENTIANE - Lao businesses will soon be able to access crucial information via a government-owned website that will also provide updates on job opportunities and other useful data regarding the demand and supply of labour.
VIENTIANE - Lao businesses will soon be able to access crucial information via a government-owned website that will also provide updates on job opportunities and other useful data regarding the demand and supply of labour.
December 26, 2017
Land should benefit everyone: Lao PM
By: Somxay Sengdara, Vientiane Times, December 25, 2017
VIENTIANE - Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith has stressed that the government’s policy on land use should add value to land and benefit everyone in the country.
VIENTIANE - Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith has stressed that the government’s policy on land use should add value to land and benefit everyone in the country.
Tourism falls in first 9 months of 2017, Chinese tourists increase
Original Title: Laos: Tourist arrivals fall by 9 per cent in Jan-Sept
By: Souksakhone Vaenkeo, Vientiane Times, December 20, 2017
VIENTIANE - The number of foreign tourists visiting Laos in the first nine months of this year dropped by 9.1 per cent to just over 2.88 million people compared to the same period last year.
By: Souksakhone Vaenkeo, Vientiane Times, December 20, 2017
VIENTIANE - The number of foreign tourists visiting Laos in the first nine months of this year dropped by 9.1 per cent to just over 2.88 million people compared to the same period last year.
December 25, 2017
December 21, 2017
December 19, 2017
December 18, 2017
Corruption causing major loss to Laos
By: Somsack Pongkhao, Vientiane Times, December 18, 2017
VIENTIANE - The state lost more than 480 billion kip (US$57.53 million) through corruption over the past five years, and this directly affected national development and poverty reduction efforts in Laos, the State Inspection Authority (SIA) has said.
December 15, 2017
Kompin ໂຄມປິ່ນ
Watch how kompin ໂຄມປິ່ນ (pronounced kohmbeen) - a Lao version of shadow paper lantern puppetry of sorts - as they're being made.
Video by: Xeng Yang via Youtube user AtMyLibrary
Lao PM seeks improvements across legal, judicial sectors
By: Vientiane Times, December 7, 2017
VIENTIANE - Sectors responsible for enforcement, administration, prosecution and adjudication of the law must do all they can to ensure that innocent people are protected and offenders punished, Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith told a meeting in the capital on Tuesday.
Laos Airlines cut ticket prices to stimulate tourism
By: Vientiane Times, December 7, 2017
VIENTIANE - Lao Airlines, the national flag carrier, is decreasing the price of tickets on domestic and international routes in a bid to stimulate tourism within the country.
The airline’s decision to reduce the price of tickets coincides with the traditional high season for tourists.
The airline’s decision to reduce the price of tickets coincides with the traditional high season for tourists.
December 14, 2017
Overvalued development projects face scrutiny in Laos
By: Somsack Pongkhao, Vientiane Times, December 12, 2017
VIENTIANE - Stronger measures have been put in place to address the problems related to overvalued state investment projects, a senior official has confirmed.
Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Dr. Kikeo Chanthabouly told Vientiane Times on Friday that the government was announcing measures to enforce laws strictly to ensure the effective expenditure of the State budget.
Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Dr. Kikeo Chanthabouly told Vientiane Times on Friday that the government was announcing measures to enforce laws strictly to ensure the effective expenditure of the State budget.
BCEL launches cashless payment system in Laos
By: Vientiane Times, December 2, 2017
VIENTIANE - Banque pour le Commerce Exterieur Lao Public (BCEL) has launched a new service called ‘OnePay’- a mobile phone app that allows users to pay anyone, anywhere, directly from their account by simply photographing a QR code.
December 10, 2017
A brief look at Lao-South Korean diplomatic relations
The relationship between the two countries has grown considerably in just the last 10 years. Foreign investment and the number of tourists from South Korea to Laos has skyrocketed. Here's a brief look at their diplomatic relations.
December 05, 2017
December 04, 2017
December 03, 2017
Vat Haw Pakaew received a new crown
In Vientiane, the famous Vat Haw Pakaew, received a new crown
after its renovations in 2015.
after its renovations in 2015.
Video Credit: Vientiane Times, May 3, 2015
Heavy debt load in Laos
By: David Hutt, Asia Times News, November 4, 2017
Twenty years since the 1997 Asian financial crisis, analysts are once again looking skeptically at potentially unsustainable debt piles in the region. Largely untouched by the ’97 collapse, Laos could get pulled into a new era of financial turmoil.
Twenty years since the 1997 Asian financial crisis, analysts are once again looking skeptically at potentially unsustainable debt piles in the region. Largely untouched by the ’97 collapse, Laos could get pulled into a new era of financial turmoil.
November 28, 2017
A golden crown for the Tat Luang
More than 10 kg of gold leaf placed on the That Luang stupa.
Video Credit: Vientiane Times, October 31, 2016
A taste of North Korean food in Vientiane
Original Title: Would You Like A Side Of Propaganda? Lunch At A North Korean Restaurant
By: Elise Hu, NPR News, September 5, 2016
With contributions from: Xaisongkham Induangchanthy
By: Elise Hu, NPR News, September 5, 2016
With contributions from: Xaisongkham Induangchanthy
North Korean restaurants, like this one in Vientiane, Laos,
don't just serve North Korean cuisine. They are run by the North Korean
government as a way to earn hard currency to send back to an increasingly
sanctioned Pyongyang. Photo Credit: Elise Hu/NPR
November 26, 2017
November 25, 2017
ຖາມຫຍັງກໍໄດ້ - Wedding Talk
Question: Is it possible to have a Lao wedding without elements of Buddhism?November 21, 2017
A lot more available than you might have thought
Showcase of all the Beer Lao products, taken by Jesse for his blog,
after he visited the Beer Lao headquarters.
Photo Credit: JesseLaos, 2016. Edited by: Laoconnection.com
A sight to behold along the river in Thakek
Nak statue in Thakek, Khammouane
Photo Credit: ຄຳມ່ວນແດນງາມ via Facebook
Edited by: Laoconnection.com
November 20, 2017
Minimum investment requirement eliminated on general businesses
November 18, 2017
Lao-American woman in hospital after recent California shooting
Photo Credits: Phommathep Family
Very sad news coming from Rancho Tehama, California regarding a recent mass shooting. One of the those shot was Tiffany Phommathep who was shot several times while trying to protect the children in her vehicle, 3 of whom were own children. Even the children sustained injuries and bullet wounds.
November 15, 2017
Chinese President Xi meets with former Lao classmates
Chinese President Xi meets with old classmates in Vientiane during the second day of his two day visit to Laos. His old classmates included Lao nationals, such as former Lao Foreign Minister Pholsena, who had sought asylum during the 1960s in China.
Video Credit: CGTN via Youtube, November 14, 2017
Chinese President Xi Jinping lands in Laos for state visit
By: EChinaNews (ECNS.CN), November 14, 2017
Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, arrived in Laos Monday for a state visit as the two socialist countries seek to consolidate their traditional friendship.
It marks the first visit in 11 years by a Chinese head of state and top CPC leader to this neighboring country in Southeast Asia.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, arrived in Laos Monday for a state visit as the two socialist countries seek to consolidate their traditional friendship.
It marks the first visit in 11 years by a Chinese head of state and top CPC leader to this neighboring country in Southeast Asia.
November 12, 2017
Lao culture epitomized in a dress costume
Miss Phounesup Phonnyotha, Miss International 2017 contestant representing Laos.
Photo Credit: Fluke Photography and Than Mak Wedding Studio, via Vientiane Times.
November 08, 2017
November 07, 2017
TEDxLaneXangAveWomen 2017 - Full Video
Five talented, creative, and intelligent Lao women
presented at this year's TEDxLaneXangAve event.
presented at this year's TEDxLaneXangAve event.
Video Credit: TEDxLaneXangAve Women 2017
November 06, 2017
“Laos Simply Beautiful” showcased at Asia’s biggest travel fair
By: Vientiane Times, October 30, 2017
VIENTIANE - A private and public effort under the leadership of the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism successfully showcased the strengths of Laos’ tourism potential at this year’s ITB Asia in Singapore.
VIENTIANE - A private and public effort under the leadership of the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism successfully showcased the strengths of Laos’ tourism potential at this year’s ITB Asia in Singapore.
South Korean visitors to Laos double over 3 years
By: Vientiane Times, November 3, 2017
VIENTIANE - The number of South Korean tourists visiting Laos has doubled in the three years from 2014-16, according to report by the Tourism Development Department of Laos’ Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism.
VIENTIANE - The number of South Korean tourists visiting Laos has doubled in the three years from 2014-16, according to report by the Tourism Development Department of Laos’ Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism.
Law Amendments Allow Government to Grant Citizenship
By: KPL News, November 2, 2017
The National Assembly (NA) approved on Nov 1 at the ongoing 4th Ordinary Session of the National Assembly’s 8th legislature amendments to the Law on Lao Nationality that authorises the government to grant Lao nationality to foreigners.
The National Assembly (NA) approved on Nov 1 at the ongoing 4th Ordinary Session of the National Assembly’s 8th legislature amendments to the Law on Lao Nationality that authorises the government to grant Lao nationality to foreigners.
November 05, 2017
Govt vows to retrieve billions lost to misuse, illegal imports
By: Souksakhone Vaenkeo, Vientiane Times, November 6, 2017
The government has entrusted authorities in charge to carry out inspections into 45.53 million litres of oil that was imported for a state investment project but was never actually used for that project.
The move is part of measures adopted by the ongoing 4th ordinary session of the National Assembly’s 8th Legislature.
The government has entrusted authorities in charge to carry out inspections into 45.53 million litres of oil that was imported for a state investment project but was never actually used for that project.
The move is part of measures adopted by the ongoing 4th ordinary session of the National Assembly’s 8th Legislature.
Volunteer teachers issue solutions sought
By: Somsack Pongkhao, Vientiane Times, October 23, 2017
The Ministry of Education and Sports has committed to taking recommendations proposed by National Assembly members into account to better address chronic issues surrounding the nation’s volunteer teachers.
The Ministry of Education and Sports has committed to taking recommendations proposed by National Assembly members into account to better address chronic issues surrounding the nation’s volunteer teachers.
2nd Lao Coffee Festival Set for December
Original Title: Laos: Coffee festival to put local industry on the boil
By: Vientiane Times, October 30, 2017
VIENTIANE - The Lao Coffee Association (LCA) is hosting the second Lao Coffee Festival in Vientiane from December 10-12, aiming to expand domestic and export sales.
By: Vientiane Times, October 30, 2017
Photo Credit: Vientiane Times, October 30, 2017
VIENTIANE - The Lao Coffee Association (LCA) is hosting the second Lao Coffee Festival in Vientiane from December 10-12, aiming to expand domestic and export sales.
1st Laos Chess International Open
By: Edwin Lam, Chess Base News, October 27, 2017
Chess being played in Lao schools. Photo Credit: Lao Chess Federation.
November 01, 2017
Phouvong Jewelry Calendar 2017 - November and December
ບະຕິທິນຮ້ານຄໍາພູວົງ 2017 ເດືອນພະຈິກແລະເດືອນທັນວາ
October 29, 2017
Laos aims to attract 5.2 mln foreign tourists in 2018
Source: Xinhua News, October 24, 2017
VIENTIANE - The Lao government has set a plan to attract more than 5.2 million foreign arrivals to the country and increase the annual income generated by the foreign visitors to 900 million U.S. dollars in 2018.
VIENTIANE - The Lao government has set a plan to attract more than 5.2 million foreign arrivals to the country and increase the annual income generated by the foreign visitors to 900 million U.S. dollars in 2018.
Laos sets to promote tourism, preserve unique, fine traditional culture
Source: Xinhua News, October 28, 2017
Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith launches the "Visit Laos Year 2018" at the opening of the annual That Luang Festival in Vientiane, Laos, Oct. 28, 2017. Laos officially launched the "Visit Laos Year 2018" on Saturday, aiming to promote tourism and preserve unique and fine traditional culture of Laos. (Photo Credit: Xinhua/Liu Ailun)
October 27, 2017
Embodied Nation - Sport, Masculinity, and the Making of Modern Laos
Title: Embodied Nation - Sport, Masculinity, and the Making of Modern Laos
By: Simon Creak
Publisher, Year: University of Hawaii, 2015
ISBN: 9780824838890
Price: USD$30
By: Simon Creak
Publisher, Year: University of Hawaii, 2015
ISBN: 9780824838890
Price: USD$30
October 26, 2017
Lao prime minister pushing to ease business barriers
By: Vientiane Times, October 25, 2017
VIENTIANE - Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith told the National Assembly (NA) on Monday the government will take serious action against red tape hampering exports and lessen unnecessary barriers for business.
The PM made the comment responding to questions raised by members of the parliament at the ongoing 4th ordinary session of the NA’s 8th legislature in Vientiane.
VIENTIANE - Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith told the National Assembly (NA) on Monday the government will take serious action against red tape hampering exports and lessen unnecessary barriers for business.
The PM made the comment responding to questions raised by members of the parliament at the ongoing 4th ordinary session of the NA’s 8th legislature in Vientiane.
Timelapsed Mekong River
A very cool timelapse video of the Mekong River from different cities/towns in Laos and from different perspectives.
Video Credit: Tobias Doblinger via Youtube, February 11, 2016
October 24, 2017
Repeat Offender: Vietnam’s persistent trade in illegal timber
Title: Repeat Offender: Vietnam’s persistent trade in illegal timber
By: Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA)
Publisher, Year: EIA, 2017
ISBN: N/A
Cost: Free
"As Laos has tightened controls over illicit timber flows, Vietnamese traders, abetted by Government policies and support, have increasingly switched their attention to Cambodia as a source of cheap illegal raw materials." - EIA
By: Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA)
Publisher, Year: EIA, 2017
ISBN: N/A
Cost: Free
"As Laos has tightened controls over illicit timber flows, Vietnamese traders, abetted by Government policies and support, have increasingly switched their attention to Cambodia as a source of cheap illegal raw materials." - EIA
October 23, 2017
October 20, 2017
October 19, 2017
Laos: Trillion kip spent unlawfully, says the top auditor
By: Souksakhone Vaenkeo, Vientiane Times, October 19, 2017
VIENTIANE - More than one trillion kip of state spending without approval from the National Assembly (NA) has been uncovered, the state top auditor told the parliament this week.
More than one trillion kip of state spending without approval from the National Assembly (NA) has been uncovered, the state top auditor told the parliament this week.
VIENTIANE - More than one trillion kip of state spending without approval from the National Assembly (NA) has been uncovered, the state top auditor told the parliament this week.
More than one trillion kip of state spending without approval from the National Assembly (NA) has been uncovered, the state top auditor told the parliament this week.
October 16, 2017
Waterfalls in Laos You've Never Heard of - Part 3
Tad Sae Pong Lai Waterfall, Attapeu, Laos.
Photo credit: Popumon TiH (via Google Maps), July 2017.
Photo credit: Popumon TiH (via Google Maps), July 2017.
October 14, 2017
October 13, 2017
The Ivory Trade of Laos: Now the Fastest Growing in the World
Title: The Ivory Trade of Laos: Now the Fastest Growing in the World
By: Lucy Vigne and Esmond Martin, Save the Elephants
Publisher, Year: Save the Elephants, 2017
ISBN: 9789966107831
Cost: Free
Background:
It has been reported in recent weeks that Laos has become the fastest growing market for the illegal ivory trade. This comes on the heels of Thailand and China's ban on ivory causing the market to have unfortunately moved to Laos where Chinese and Vietnamese demand continues. This is the investigative report that has shed a very informative light on the issue and to which news outlets have picked up on.
By: Lucy Vigne and Esmond Martin, Save the Elephants
Publisher, Year: Save the Elephants, 2017
ISBN: 9789966107831
Cost: Free
Background:
It has been reported in recent weeks that Laos has become the fastest growing market for the illegal ivory trade. This comes on the heels of Thailand and China's ban on ivory causing the market to have unfortunately moved to Laos where Chinese and Vietnamese demand continues. This is the investigative report that has shed a very informative light on the issue and to which news outlets have picked up on.
October 12, 2017
Laos: Oudomxay legalises foreign workers
By: Vientiane Times, October 12, 2017
VIENTIANE - Oudomxay provincial authorities are registering foreigners and issuing them with temporary work permits in a bid to regulate the increasing number of undocumented migrant workers in the province.
VIENTIANE - Oudomxay provincial authorities are registering foreigners and issuing them with temporary work permits in a bid to regulate the increasing number of undocumented migrant workers in the province.
Lao government clamps down on foreigners’ illegal business activities
By: Vientiane Times, October 9, 2017
ATTAPEU, Laos - Attapeu province has taken steps to tackle the problems surrounding alien workers and foreigners who run businesses illegally and flout the regulations concerning land use rights.
ATTAPEU, Laos - Attapeu province has taken steps to tackle the problems surrounding alien workers and foreigners who run businesses illegally and flout the regulations concerning land use rights.
October 11, 2017
Before and After Footage - Dam Collapse and Flooding in Xiengkhuang
Video Credit: SA Note via Youtube, September 20, 2017
October 10, 2017
Almost 10,000 Lao Students Studying in China
Article Title: China welcomes more overseas students
By: Khonesavanh Latsaphao, Vientiane Times, October 10, 2017
BEIJING - More and more foreign students from South Asia and Southeast Asia are coming to study in China, including from Laos, which last year had almost 10,000 people studying in the country.
By: Khonesavanh Latsaphao, Vientiane Times, October 10, 2017
Photo Credit: Vientiane Times, October 10, 2017
BEIJING - More and more foreign students from South Asia and Southeast Asia are coming to study in China, including from Laos, which last year had almost 10,000 people studying in the country.
October 09, 2017
The Lao Trade Story
Title: The Lao Trade Story - Implementing Trade Policy and Trade Facilitation Reforms in Lao PDR
By: World Bank
Publisher/Year: World Bank, 2016
ISBN: N/A
Cost: Free
By: World Bank
Publisher/Year: World Bank, 2016
ISBN: N/A
Cost: Free
Perhaps a Lesson for Laos?
Article Title: War of the Dragons: Why North Korea Does Not Trust China
The legacy of the Sino-Vietnamese War continues to cast a shadow on China-North Korea relations.
By: Franz-Stefan Gady, The Diplomat, September 29, 2017
The idea that China holds the key to solving the ongoing political and military crisis on the Korean Peninsula has been the standard jack-in-the-box of U.S. North Korea policy for the past seven decades, set to pop up whenever U.S.-North Korea tensions escalated and the threat of war thought imminent.
The legacy of the Sino-Vietnamese War continues to cast a shadow on China-North Korea relations.
By: Franz-Stefan Gady, The Diplomat, September 29, 2017
The idea that China holds the key to solving the ongoing political and military crisis on the Korean Peninsula has been the standard jack-in-the-box of U.S. North Korea policy for the past seven decades, set to pop up whenever U.S.-North Korea tensions escalated and the threat of war thought imminent.
October 08, 2017
End of Buddhist Lent 2017 - Timeline and Collages
The Festival of Light Boats 2017 Boun Loy Heua Fai.
Photo credits noted below.
October 06, 2017
Private Investment Over 2 Years at USD$7.5B in Laos
By: KPL News, September 24, 2017
Minister of Planning and Investment Souphan Keomixay told a government meeting on the promotion of private investment on Friday that over the past two years 120 private investment projects have been recorded with a combined capital of 7.5 billion US dollars.
Minister of Planning and Investment Souphan Keomixay told a government meeting on the promotion of private investment on Friday that over the past two years 120 private investment projects have been recorded with a combined capital of 7.5 billion US dollars.
Will Laos Buy New Weapons from Indonesia?
Jakarta continues to look for regional opportunities for its state-owned defense companies.
By: Prashanth Parameswaran, The Diplomat, September 26, 2017
On September 24, reports surfaced that one of Indonesia’s state-owned defense companies had received interest from Laos for some new arms sales. The reports are part of a broader development where Jakarta is seeking to strengthen its defense industry, including through selling more products to regional countries like Laos with which it is commemorating 60 years of relations this year.
By: Prashanth Parameswaran, The Diplomat, September 26, 2017
On September 24, reports surfaced that one of Indonesia’s state-owned defense companies had received interest from Laos for some new arms sales. The reports are part of a broader development where Jakarta is seeking to strengthen its defense industry, including through selling more products to regional countries like Laos with which it is commemorating 60 years of relations this year.
Fiercely paddling right to the finish line
Boat Racing Festival. Video Credit: Vientiane Times, October 6, 2017
October 03, 2017
If you're in Laos this week, two colourful festivals await
By: Visith Teppalath, Vientiane Times, October 4, 2017
Anyone visiting Laos this week is urged not to miss the Vientiane Boat Racing Festival and the traditional and religious activities nationwide that mark the end of Buddhist Lent.
Photo Credit: Phoonsab
Anyone visiting Laos this week is urged not to miss the Vientiane Boat Racing Festival and the traditional and religious activities nationwide that mark the end of Buddhist Lent.
October 01, 2017
Lao Mushroom Sauce
A simple and delicious mushroom jaew (sauce). ແຈ່ວເຫັດນາງຟ້າ
Video Credit: May Laos Kitchen via Youtube, September 18, 2017.
September 30, 2017
The 4th Population and Housing Census 2015 - Full Report
Title, Lao: ຜົນການສຳຫຼວດພົນລະເມືອງ ແລະ ທີ່ຢູ່ອາໄສ ທົ່ວປະເທດ ຄັ້ງທີ IV ປີ2015
Title, English: Results of Population and Housing Census 2015
By: Lao Statistics Bureau
Publisher, Year: UNFPA, 2016
ISBN: n/a
Cost: Free
Title, English: Results of Population and Housing Census 2015
By: Lao Statistics Bureau
Publisher, Year: UNFPA, 2016
ISBN: n/a
Cost: Free
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