August 30, 2017

Nation prepares welcome for 5.2 million during Visit Lao Year 2018

By:  Souksakhone Vaenkeo, Vientiane Times, August 5, 2017

Lao tourism authorities will aim for a total of 5.2 million foreign tourist arrivals for Visit Lao Year 2018, representing a significant increase from last years' figures that saw the country witness a year-on-year decrease of some 10 percent.

Laos Moves to Restrict ‘Disordered’ Lottery System

By:  RadioFreeAsia News (RFA), August 23, 2017

Government authorities in Laos are moving to restrict informal and illegal lotteries in the one-party communist state, with one high-placed police source calling the situation at present “disordered” and “antisocial.”

A screen grab from Lao television shows a drawing from the state lottery, Nov. 17, 2016.  Screen grab

Saudi imposes temporary ban on poultry imports from Philippines, Laos over bird flu fears

By:  Xinhua News, August 23, 2017

RIYADH - Saudi Arabia has imposed a temporary ban on importing live birds, hatching eggs and chicks from the Philippines and Laos due to bird flu outbreaks, the Saudi Press Agency reported Tuesday.

Laos will send its first ever contestant to the next Miss Universe pageant

Original Title:  First ever Miss Universe Laos crowned
By:  Sisouphan Amphonephong, Vientiane Times, August 29, 2017

VIENTIANE - Souphaphone Somvichith, has been crowned Miss Universe Laos 2017, following the contest final held last Saturday night at the National Convention Centre.

Ms. Souphaphone Somvichith


August 26, 2017

Laos: Rice export value plummets in Q2

By:  Vientiane Times, August 24, 2017

VIENTIANE - The export value of rice in the first six months of this year fell by 42 per cent compared to the first six months of last year.

Laos’ exports to EU decline despite assistance

By:  Vientiane Times, August 24, 2017

VIENTIANE - Exports from Laos to European Union countries have declined and stagnated as the private sector has been unable to fully benefit from the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP).

August 24, 2017

OPINION: Stabilising and creating confidence in Lao kip

By:  Somsack Pongkhao, Vientiane Times, August 24, 2017

VIENTIANE - Over the past decades, the Bank of the Lao PDR has tried to conduct stronger campaigns to encourage Lao people to use kip in trade exchange including displaying the prices of products in the nation’s own currency.

Laos: Lack of facilities prevent adequate treatment of chemical waste

By:  Vientiane Times, August 24, 2017

VIENTIANE - The correct treatment of potentially harmful chemical waste is proving to be a challenge in fulfilling the Law on Chemical Management, and large sums of money will be needed to effectively achieve this.

August 15, 2017

When it's not so idyllic

While normally quite beautiful with its multi-tiered blue waters, 
Kuangsi Falls in Luangprabang after rainy floods in September 2016 doesn't look so appealing.
Ever see it like this?
Video Credit:  Two Boys One Trip via Youtube.

What’s behind Cambodia-Laos’ border flare-up?

By David Hutt, Asia Times, August 14, 2017

A boundary stone marking a border area between Laos and Cambodia. 
Photo: iStock/Getty Images.

After much sound, fury and troop deployments, it all ended with an embrace.

Lao and Cambodian troops have since February confronted one another at key crossings and military outposts that dot the two Southeast Asian nations’ 224-kilometer border in what was viewed as a mild escalation of a long-time dispute.

August 14, 2017

Troops Pull Back From Disputed Areas After Lao, Cambodian Prime Ministers Meet

By:  Radio Free Asia (US), August 14, 2017

Lao soldiers occupying an area south of the Sekong River claimed by both Laos and Cambodia have pulled back from the disputed zone following a meeting Saturday in which the prime ministers of both countries promised to work to reduce tensions, Cambodian media and other sources said.

Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen (L) and Lao prime minister Thongloun Sisolith meet in Vientiane, Aug. 12, 2017.  Photo Credit:  Tholakong/LaoUpdate.