Does Laos Have Minimum Wage?

It may be a surprise for some to learn that Laos, even though it is a poorer country, actually does have minimum wage laws.  The minimum wage was created as recently as 2005 when it was set to 290,000 kip per month (based on a typical work day of 8 hours, 26 days a month).  Four years later, in 2009, it was increased to 348,000 kip.  Another four years later, effective January 1st, 2013, the new wage had been set to 626,000 kip (approx. $80 USD / month; 1USD = 7,827LAK). Additionally, as of 2009, it became mandatory for employers to also include a daily meal allowance as well.

Lao Phrase of the Day: Traveling With My Friend(s)

Buddha on Ornate and Detailed Lotus Pedestal

 Artistic Credit: Unknown Artist(?)

UNESCAP's Video on Lao Handicrafts

Here's a video profile on Lao Handicraft's and its economic benefits.  It was a part of UNESCAP's A Matter of Rights series exploring the Right to Development.

Sashay and Work It! Laos Gets Its First Fashion Week 2014

Beautiful clothing, talented Lao designers, what more could one ask for?  The Lao fashion industry finally got its own and first ever Fashion Week.

Laos' Fashion Week was founded by Pany Saignavongs and supported by the French Embassy in Vientiane and local businesses.  Clothing from Phaeng Mai Gallery, Mandarina, Ministry of Silk, L'Elegant and Nittaya Somsanith were featured.  The event took place in the Grand Ballroom of the Settha Palace Hotel on March 6-7 2014.  Have a look at this video from LNTV.

Largest Lao Dance and Incredible Aerial Photography!

Watch this video as 4,200 Lao students perform the pasalop dance.  Along with incredible aerial photography and video cameras recording it.  Not to mention, they chose a beautiful location - the That Luang.

Posted by Youtube user Santi Baran.  Video by Perfect Solution Entertainment.

Lao Phrase of the Day: A Single Pair of Shoes