March 26, 2018

Mister Laos 2017

You've probably heard of the Miss Laos competition but did you know there's also a men's version?

Mister Laos 2017.  Video Credit:  Noy VX, November 29, 2017, via Youtube.

March 24, 2018

Want to learn English or Lao?

​ຢາກຮຽນພາສາອັງກິດຫຼືພາສາລາວ​ບໍ Here are some videos that might help you.

ການອອກສຽງ - Th,Ch,Sh.
Video Credit:  DICLaos, August 12, 2013, via Youtube

March 23, 2018

Russian diplomat translates perfect Lao

News clips of foreign diplomats occasionally speaking Lao at news conferences and during interviews can be seen across the internet.  But this clip takes the cake in an impressive display of Russian-to-Lao translation.

Video Credit:  Vientiane Times, September 8, 2015, via Youtube.

Young Russians singing a Lao song

Found this video recently, though it's from 2014.  Have you ever seen such a thing? Russian teenagers, while visiting Laos on a cultural exchange program, perform for the audience singing a Lao song with some dancing.  Quite impressive!

 Video Credit: MrBounthanom, October 28, 2014, via Youtube.

March 21, 2018

Can't get enough of the Tat Luang?

Beautiful aerial footage of the iconic Tat Luang during the day, sunset and at night.
Credit:  DBS Production, February 11, 2018

Lao expatriates pledge support for development efforts

By:  Somxay Sengdara, Vientiane Times, March 19, 2018

Ethnic Lao who now live overseas have pledged to do more to unify Lao communities in their countries, as well as preserving their original national identity and supporting the government’s policy of people-based diplomacy.

March 20, 2018

Chinese bank, already largest foreign bank in Laos, aims do to more

Original Title:  ICBC Vientiane eyes to become leading bank in Laos
By:  Xinhua News, March 16, 2018

VIENTIANE - Established in 2011, the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) Vientiane Branch aims to become a leading commercial bank in Laos and offer the best banking services in the country in the coming years.

March 17, 2018

Explore Food Markets of Laos

This is such a wonderful new food market channel on Youtube that's called simply "Amazing Food". He's been posting videos of different food markets across Laos (and some from Thailand). Here are couple of videos here.

In Pakse.  Credit:  Amazing Food

March 12, 2018

March 07, 2018

Laos closes wood processing plants to comply with PM’s Order

By:  Somsack Pongkhao, Vientiane Times, March 5, 2018

VIENTIANE - Some 349 wood processing plants and over 1,000 family-based furniture workshops have been shut down since the Prime Minister’s Order No. 15 was issued in 2016.

These drastic measures are intended to reform regulation of the timber industry and ensure that only finished wood products are exported.


Foreign currency deposits soar as people lose confidence in kip

By:  Ekaphone Phouthonesy, Vientiane Times, March 1, 2018

VIENTIANE - A large number of businesspeople and members of the public still deposit money in foreign currencies despite increased efforts by the Bank of the Lao PDR to promote the usage of the national currency, according to data from the central bank.

Image of Lao money, the kip

As part of its efforts to promote usage of the kip, the central bank has joined forces with the commerce sector to urge vendors in major towns to display prices in kip.

March 06, 2018

Lao Language: Other ways to say "how are you?"

When conversing in Lao there are a few different ways to say "how are you?".  However, each way of saying it has a subtle difference in meaning.  Learn them here...

Lao Language:  Other ways to say "how are you?"

Analysts warn economic losses from road accidents are immense

By:  Somsack Pongkhao, Vientiane Times, March 1, 2018

VIENTIANE - While road accidents have become the main cause of fatalities in Laos, the economic losses resulting from these tragedies are massive, analysts say.

Every day at least three people are killed in road accidents, mostly because of speeding, drunk driving or similar irresponsible behaviour.


Lao govt advertises 27 potential investment projects

By:  Ekaphone Phouthonesy, Vientiane Times, March 5, 2018

VIENTIANE - The government has compiled a list of potential development projects in which investment by the private sector is needed.

The list can be found on the Ministry of Planning and Investment’s website.

Bike for Her 2018

What a great success to a wonderful event! The Bike for Her 2018 completed on March 3 2018 in Vientiane. An event to help raise funds to stop violence against women and towards the Counselling and Protection Centre for Women and Children. Have a look!

March 03, 2018

Swift action to fill national coffers called for as Cabinet meets

By:  Souksakhone Vaenkeo, Vientiane Times, February 22, 2018

A meeting of the government’s executive cabinet has endorsed a call for swift and immediate action to speed up the employing of modern technologies and equipment for revenue collection in an attempt to close loopholes and revenue leaks and maximise revenue collection.

March 02, 2018

Laos: Temporary Suspension of Business Licenses in Certain Industries

By:  Dino Santaniello, Tilleke & Gibbins law firm, via Lexology.com, February 14, 2018

Laos has attracted substantial foreign investment in recent years, which has contributed to a surge in the establishment of legal entities, both local and foreign. However, the Lao government has noted that a number of legal entities have not actually been operating business activities in the country, nor have they fulfilled minimum requirements set out in relevant regulations. Moreover, the government found that several concessions that were granted are still not operational, or have been used as collateral or bargaining assets that were later sold to other investors for projects that were not originally part of the concessions granted.