Lao-American Author Releases Children's Book "Noy's Journey to Belonging"

By:  EINPresswire.com and Beautiful Potential Consulting LLC, November 16, 2023

UNITED STATES, November 16, 2023 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Renowned Lao author Niphaphone Laura Robertson (formerly Sanavongsay) has unveiled her latest literary work, "Noy's Journey to Belonging: A Quest for Courage," aimed at addressing the scarcity of Lao literature in educational curriculums. Inspired by the Teaching Equitable Asian American Community History (TEAACH) Act of Illinois, Robertson's mission is to promote cultural representation and educate others about the history of Laos.

Laos government targets lower inflation rates in 2024

Source:  Laotian Times, December 29, 2023

Despite the country’s persistent efforts to curb inflation, Laos experienced an average inflation rate of 31.2 per cent throughout 2023. But the central bank and the Lao government are committed to taking action and reducing the rating by 9 per cent in 2024.

The latest report from the Lao Statistics Bureau reveals that inflation stood at 24.4 percent in December, although it showed a slight decrease from 25.24 percent in November.

Thai Dominance at Vientiane Book Festival Spurs Reflection on Lao Literary Identity

By Chono Lapuekou, Laotian Times, December 1, 2023
Additional reporting by Phontham Visapra

The Vientiane Book Festival 2023 kicked off on 27 November at the Vientiane Center shopping mall and is set to captivate book enthusiasts until 3 December. This event aims to instill a passion for reading, especially among children and students.

However, the evident prevalence of Thai books at the festival reflects a complex interplay of cultural, economic, and logistical factors that shape the reading preferences of many Lao people. The influx of Thai literature into the Lao book market reveals a broader dynamic where external influences play a significant role in shaping the literary landscape. 

Launch of Visit Laos Year 2024 Promises Cultural, Natural, Historical Adventures

By:  LaotianTimes.com, November 24, 2023

Under the theme “A Paradise of Lao Culture, Nature and History”, Visit Laos Year 2024 officially kicked off on 23 November in Vientiane Capital, featuring 79 events nationwide.

With the goal of attracting over 2.7 million international tourists in 2024, generating USD 401 million, and 2.9 million tourists in 2025, Laos is poised to share its cultural treasures and boost its economy.

‘Cheaper than beer’: Laos meth prices plummet as Myanmar chaos fuels trade

Source:  Alastair McCready, Al Jazeera, November 7, 2023
Additional reporting by Lamxay Duangchan

Source: Al Jazeera, November 7, 2023

Front-line workers say methamphetamine pills are now being sold for as little as $0.25 each as traffickers flood the country with unprecedented amounts of drugs.

Vientiane, Laos – Keo remembers the day he consumed so much yaba that he “lost his mind.”  The 37-year-old from Laos took more of the drug – a potent combination of methamphetamine and caffeine – than he had ever done before.

Laos eyes 2.7 million foreign tourists during Visit Laos Year 2024

Source:  Vientiane Times, August 25, 2023

The government has set a goal of attracting 2.7 million foreign visitors and generating US$401 million in tourism revenue during Visit Laos Year 2024, according to the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism.

Director General of the ministry’s Tourism Marketing Department, Mr Khom Douangchantha, told the Vientiane Times the ministry is preparing national and local activities and other events, involving businesses participating in the Visit Laos Year 2024 tourism promotion programme.

A Lao folktale - as told by an AI

With the recent popularity and rise of AI (artificial intelligence) chat, I thought I'd test it out myself to see what could come of it,  And more importantly, to test if it knew anything about Lao culture.  Here's a Lao story that the the AI told me...