Tuesday, March 09, 2010 09:33 PM -0500 ------ Update at Least Twice a Day

March 8-14, 2010


Thailand approves $19 mil loan to Laos for road construction (TNA)
The Thai Cabinet on Tuesday gave a green light to lend Bt655 million (US$19.8 million) to neighbouring Laos for two road improvement projects, according to Finance Ministry... NEDA reported that financial assistance worth Bt655 million will be allocated for two road improvement projects in Laos
Book Review: The great Lao buffer zone (Nation)
This is a fascinating study of the "creation" of Laos as we know it today, the "land in between" Indochina and Siam. In comprehensive chapters, the author deftly handles such differ¬ent topics as the colonial encounter and Thai discourses on history and race, pointing to the crucial date of 1893,
Low water levels raise fears of tourism drought in Laos (ANN or ET)
The unusually low level of many rivers across Laos has resulted in reduced flow in waterfalls in several provinces, with fears it could affect long term tourism patterns... the province has witnessed a remarkable drop in water levels in many rivers and waterfalls. “Although we have witnessed less water
Nations renew offer of refuge to Lao-Hmong (Bangkok Post)
Four countries which agreed to accept 158 Hmong refugees for resettlement before they were repatriated to Laos have renewed their offers, diplomatic sources say. The US, which agreed to accept as many as 70 Hmong, Canada, the Netherlands and Australia, want to pursue the resettlement,
Experts debate future of Beung That Luang marsh (VT)
Recognising the rich history and natural wealth of the Beung That Luang marsh in central Vientiane, the Ministry of Information and Culture plans to preserve the wetland area as a valued Lao treasure. The ministry has been assigned by the government to play a central role in preserving & developing
Other stories about Laos around the world
... Vietnam, biggest foreign investor in Laos in 2009 (TMC)
... Getting away: Driving to Luang Prabang (GK)
... Laos steps up efforts to preserve cultural heritage (VT)
... Japanese grants light the way for cleaner energy in Laos (VT)
... Thailand joins fund repairing in Laos (Nation)
... Thai university presents honorary doctorate to Lao PM (VT)
... Lao PM tours Mekong irrigation stations (VT)
... Funding sought to asphalt Vientiane highway (VT)
... Vientiane authorities promise better life at Km 21 (VT)
... Ground broken for first private mother, child hospital (VT)
... Vietnamese donors build Laos hospital (VNN)
... Vietnam - Government Office Chairman visits Laos (ISRIA)
... Japan extends support for Lao environmental projects (VT)
Other stories relating to Southeast Asia
... China asks Mekong states to visit dam (Bangkok Post)
... Mekong: China's dams make no impact to upstream (Nation)
... Record low Mekong River levels affecting food, fishing, transportation




March 1-7, 2010



40 Years Later US Bombs Still Kill In Laos (NJP)
It is one of the legacies of the war in Vietnam. Even so the conflict in Vietnam ended in 1975 countries such as Laos and Cambodia are still paying an heavy price as the authorities still struggle to get rid of a massive quantity of unexploded bombs. Between 1964 and 1973 two billion kilograms of bombs
Kay Danes -- freedom fighter [in Laos & Afghanistan] (Gold Coast)
IN the cramped confines of the 3m x 3m cell she shared with five other inmates for almost 11 months is a sewage tank stamped with Kay Danes' footprints. Day after day, week after week, month after month, and despite the foul vapours it emitted, this grubby tank was Kay's form of escape.
Laos continues to block public access to deported Hmong (MC)
A California congressman has joined human rights activists in voicing concern over the treatment of ethnic Hmong deported by Thailand late last year to their native Laos and now being confined in isolated villages inaccessible to international news media and rights groups. Thailand expelled
When Dinosuars Roamed Laos (Associated Content)
There's much to see and do in Laos-whether visit historic and charming Luang Prabang in the north, enjoy eco-tourism in Vang Vieng, marvel at the Plain of Jars, or behold the Khmer beauty of Wat Phou in the south. In between, there's plenty of sightseeing from historic temples and museums to
Japan, Laos agree to boost economic ties in summit meeting (AP)
PM Yukio Hatoyama and his Laotian counterpart President Choummaly Sayasone agreed Thursday to boost economic ties between the two countries, with Tokyo pledging to expand its official development assistance to Vientiane. Japan promised the same day to provide 2.95 billion yen in
Law: Hold residential land use rights in Laos, need $500,000 (VT)
The Investment Promotion Law offers a number of investment incentives for local and foreign business people, including allowing any foreign investors who invest more than US$500,000 to hold residential land use rights. The new policy will enable foreign investors to own houses in certain areas as part of
Lao Govt addresses Mekong water worries (VT or AsiaOne)
The government will spend more on irrigation stations in Vientiane if the water level in the Mekong continues to fall... The level of the river is still dropping but the decrease has slowed this month. The average rate of fall is now about 1 centimetre per day. “In the present conditions, we don't need more money
Vientiane Expects 800,000 Visitors This Year (Bernama)
Vientiane expects some 800,000 tourist arrivals this year, compared with some 700,000 last year, Laos KPL news agency reported the Vientiane Tourism Service as saying. "2009 saw slightly over 711,000 foreign tourists entering Vientiane, lagging behind the 2008's record by 88,049," Head of
Laos: Thousands risk losing livelihoods in wetlands devpt. (Reuters)
Thousands of people living in a fertile wetland on the edge of Vientiane may lose their livelihoods and be relocated as part of the capital's urbanization plans, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) says. Beung That Luang is a 20 sqkm marsh on the eastern edge of Vientiane Municipality.
Laos: Shallow Mekong stops northern tourist, cargo boats (VT)
The Boat Association in Luang Prabang province has announced that northbound cargo boats and slow boats will stop running temporarily due to the low level of the Mekong , which is causing navigation difficulties. The association made the announcement after being informed by cargo boat
Third Lao-Thai bridge project ahead of schedule (VT)
The third Mekong Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge , linking the central Lao province of Khammuan to Nakhon Phanom province in Thailand , is on track for completion five months ahead of schedule. Project Deputy Head Mr Nongsavan Thammvavong said on Friday that work on the bridge, which
Other stories about Laos around the world
... Laos, Japan promote closer relations (VT)
... Japan Pledges US$30 Million To Help Laos Combat Climate Change (B)
... Laos' Unexploded Bombs: Deadly Scrap Metal, Toys (NPR)
... Japan to expand ODA to Laos to up environmental measures (JT)
... Lao- Thai SME Fair To Improve Entrepreneurship & Expand Market
... Luang Prabang residents facing water shortages (VT)
... Go Laotian at Vientiane Thai Laos Restaurant (OC Weekly)
... Free meals to attract Laotian children to school (Asia News)
... Expert to speak on Hmong culture and relationships (WQOW)
... Northern Laos: Oudomxay to have first shopping mall (VT)
... Appeal to M'Sian Govt to help secure release of father in Laos (Malay)
... Laos: Ministry toughens stance on slash and burn cultivation (VT)
... Helping children overcome language barriers at schools in Laos (UN)
... Exotissimo Invites Travelers to Make a Positive Impact in Laos (PRweb)
... Lao President departs for Japan (VT)
... Hmong: Uncertainty Awaits Repatriates in Laos (UNDP)
... Laos to host 16th ASEAN University Games in 2012 (PS)
... Vietnam and Laos to accelerate border demarcation (ND)
... Lao-Hmong in US: Man pleads guilty to opium possession in Tulsa (TW)
... Laos: Urban development needs long term consideration (VT)
... Laos CH to start constr. of 1,800 MW Hongsa power plant in Nov (PR)
... Vasantha Juggles Between Family, Karate To Bag Gold At Asian Games
... VT ups compensation for landowners displaced by 450 Year Road (VT)
... Laos: Minister calls for better news reporting (VT)
... Lao-Hmong in US: Respecting what came before (RecordNet)
Other stories relating to Southeast Asia
... Lower Mekong level endangers giant catfish (Nation)
... Lao,Khmer,Burmese: Thai Govt to deport 500,000 workers (Nation)
... Mekong River at record low flow (ENN)




February 22-28, 2010



Lao-Hmong returnees look life in eye in barren land (Bangkok Post)
Hmong people repatriated from Thailand to start a new life at a resettlement village in Laos are unsure whether their lives hold out the prospect of much improvement. Ban Thonekhan village, 150km east of the capital Vientiane, is in the country's mountainous centre. It is home to 2,768 Hmong repatriated
ADB grants US$20m for regional power transmission (VT)
The Asian Development Bank will help Laos to build trans-national power transmission facilities in the north of the country, enabling the export of energy to neighbouring countries. The facilities will also help the Govt to provide electricity in areas that currently import electricity or use generators.
Laos to allow expatriates to stay longer than 30 days (Bernama)
Overseas Laotians are likely to enjoy a longer stay in Laos after a draft decree issued by the Lao MFA. According to the draft decree, overseas Laotians will be allowed to stay up to nine months in Laos instead of just 30 days. The draft decree will be submitted to the government for approval.
BUAV Exposes Shocking Role Played by Laos in the International Trade in Primates for Research (PR Newswire)
BUAV investigators secretly filmed inside the largest monkey farm (Vannaseng Trading Company) in the first expose of the primate trade in Laos, also revealing the construction of a new monkey farm.
Hmong: Toyota recalls may help free jailed Camry owner (NYDN)
The spate of recent recalls from the Japanese automaker could reverse a Minnesota man's conviction for vehicular homicide in a 2006 accident where his Toyota Camry accelerated and crashed into another car, leaving three dead, ABC News reported.  Koua Fong Lee, 32, claimed his accelerator got

Laos: Women at the deadly end of the cluster-bomb debate (TImes Online) Orn Ungthalangsy was 18 when her father’s friend was blown to pieces by a cluster bomb. “He was cutting vegetation in a paddy field and there was an explosion,” she recalls. “I ran to see. He was just meat and bones. It was horrible.” The year was 2005. The bomb in question was dropped on Orn’s village of Lang Kang in eastern Laos more than three decades before, during the so-called

Laos: Farmers need emergency aid as Mekong falls (VT, M&C)
Seven irrigation projects on the Mekong River in Vientiane are encountering insufficient water inflow because the river level is falling more rapidly than usual, an official said on Friday. Some 3,680 hectares of rice fields in Hadxaifong and Pakngum districts irrigated by the seven irrigation systems
Laos: The serpent stays elusive (Nation)
Mayoury and Pheuiphanh Ngaosrivathana have itemised and analysed all the available information about the different protective guardian spirits of sacred places in Laos. They have used unpublished texts, paintings, local lore and guesswork to piece together a complex and sometimes confusing overview
Laos: Elephant Festival trumpets conservation message (VT, KH)
The village of Viengkeo in Hongsa district was spotlessly clean and the front yards of all the houses neatly swept. Candlelit lanterns were attached to gateways and many of the houses had lanterns hanging in the doorways. The streets were lined with newly planted banana trees. This could only mean one
Other stories about Laos around the world
... PanAust announce trading halt (BPN)
... The Hmong plight continues as the US continues their abandonment(VT)
... Lao-Hmong Fear to Speak During US, Thailand Visit (Scoop)
... Thailand seizes two tons of ivory destined for Laos (BD)
... First train from Singapore brings tourists to Laos (VT or ANN)
... Security beefed up on Burma-Laos border (Mizzima)
... US backs provincial education development in Laos (VT)
... Laos: Ministry of Info. & Culture reviews 5-year performance (VT)
... Vietnam and Laos plan 500 kV transmission line (ND)
... Germany gives 2.3 million dollars to cull Laos' opium cultivation (ET)
... Germany helps former opium farmers in Oudomxay (VT or ANN)
... Laos: Work starts on pavilion to preserve historic city pillars (VT)
... Laos signs agreement to smooth regional transit (VT)
... Laos signs agreement to smooth regional transit (ANN)
... Private firms to develop That Luang esplanade (VT)
... Laos: Doctors urge pharmacies to sell only prescription medication (VT)
... Laos Will Simplify Customs Procedures With Online System (Bernama)
... Laos, Cambodia cooperate in border demarcation survey (MCOT)
... Vietnam helps Laos implement hydro-electric power projects (VOV)
... Traditional Hmong cooking reflects rural culture (JS Online)
... Agents Intercept Opium Shipment [from Laos] At DHL Facility (WLWT)
... Laos HC to start construction of 1,800 MW Hongsa Power Plant in Nov
... Penny Smith gets a taste for steamy, mystical Laos & the local whisky
... Lao Pictures: Camera is a passport to the world (Daily Examiner)
... New pavilion to showcase Vientiane 's roots (VT)
... Laos: Customs clearance to be simplified (VT)
... Lao Defence Minister visits Vietnam (VOV)
... Lao Hydropower Plant - Nam Theun 2 (Nation)
... Lao Govt to lower budget deficit (VT)
... France backs supply of water to urban communities (VT)
Other stories relating to Southeast Asia
... Record low Mekong River poses threat to millions (AFP/Y)
... Mekong River Runs Dry; Cargo Ships Grounded For 10 Days (BNM)
... The mighty Mekong river is just a memory (Bangkok Post)
... NGOs push for talks with Beijing on dam impact (Bangkok Post)
... Thai paper criticizes China's closure of Mekong dams (Investors)
... A month on the Mekong (Chicago Tribune)
... Thailand may deport 1.3M migrants (Inquirer)




February 15-21, 2010



Laos calls for end to cluster bombs (VT)
Senior Lao government officials yesterday called for a unanimous global agreement to end the use of cluster munitions. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Phongsavath Boupha spoke at the half-day Special Event on the Convention on Cluster Munitions, convened in Vientiane . “I urge and
LAOS: Small towns buckling under strain of migration (AlertNet)
Small towns in Laos are experiencing an influx of migrants in search of better living conditions, increasing the strain on infrastructure and services such as water and sanitation, the UN & government officials say. Laos is experiencing a high urbanization rate of 4-5 percent per annum, adding to pressure on
Lao-Hmong: The secret army still fighting Vietnam war (Independent)
Up a winding dirt path through lush mountains comes the sound of whistling from the side of the road. Narrowly missing a passing motorbike, two young boys with machine guns leap out of the dense jungle. We need to move fast, but as one boy hauls me to the top of a steep, muddy slope his hand flicks to
Luang Prabang regains top ranking in tourism awards (VT)
The world heritage listed town of Luang Prabang has returned to the top of a list of best tourist destinations as polled by Wanderlust Travel Magazine. The magazine announces its Wanderlust Travel Awards annually. This year Luang Prabang received first place with a score of 94.74 percent, followed
Laos: Negative impacts on environment from mining industry (VOA)
Lao authorities have admitted that Laos is facing increasing negative impacts from mining industry, especially on the environment, due to failure by the companies or investors to abide by the regulations & agreements they signed with the Lao Govt... the violations ...  totaled as many as 8,000 and more than
Trickle of bad news comes from Laos (NW or Post Crescent)
Many local Hmong families say they have lost touch with loved ones who were forcibly removed from refugee camps in Thailand late last year, an advocate says. Vaughn Vang of the Lao Hmong Human Rights Council in Green Bay said Thursday a source told him the refugees were placed in a remote
Laos: Officials caution of summer water shortage (VT)
A senior official from the NCEHWH has advised people who use natural water sources to preserve or grow more trees to counteract the water shortage this summer... every year in March, April and May the weather is very hot and dry, which reduces the supply of water from natural sources.
Lao Minister calls for faster progress in resettlement village (VT)
Deputy PM and MD Lieutenant General Douangchay Phichit urged officials to accelerate work in a village being built to house recently returned illegal Lao migrants from Thailand. Lieutenant General Douangchay, his delegates and local media on Saturday travelled from Vientiane to Phonkham village in
Salamander Prepares to Drill Well in Laos, Suspends Thai Well (BB)
Salamander Energy Plc, a U.K. explorer, is preparing to drill a well in Laos as it suspended a well onshore Thailand. The Bang Nouan-1 well on the Savannakhet PSC block in Laos is expected to be drilled “in the coming days” the London- based explorer said in a statement today.
Other stories about Laos around the world
... Lao-American: Restaurant manager makes community her new family
... Sacramento agency that aided Hmong has folded (SacBee)
... Vietnam’s real estate project contributes to Laos’ development (ND)
... Laos: ‘We are part of the universal Church’ (CNA)
... Lao Minister Warns Hmong Returnees of Subversion (Scoop)
... Shirin Neshat Turns Toward Laos in Madrid Exhibition (NY Times)
... Open-air buses prove popular in Luang Prabang (VT)
... Laos: Education reforms reap benefits (VT)
... Central bank of Laos vows to rein in inflation (ANN)
... Laos eyes to become Asean's major electricity producer (Bernama)
... Vientiane compensates Dongphosy land occupiers (VT)
... Lao govt close to decision on Tigo sale (ANN)
... Lao Govt to spur rural development (VT)
... Remittances account for roughly a third of the economy of Laos (NJ)
... Sisattanak eyes top spot in school competition (VT)
... Laos: Formation of land, natural resource commission proposed (VT)
... Hmong refugees said to have little food, supplies in remote camp in Laos
... Officials detail plans to help Hmong returnees resettle (ANN)
... Cafe de Laos a tasty union of Thai and Laotian cuisines (CPO)
... Salamander Energy says Lao well expected to spud (IB Times)
... EU supports improved rice milling in Laos (VT)
... Chinese, Vietnamese enjoy a happy new year in Laos (VT)
... Laos Responds to Samantha Orobator's Lawyer (VOA)
Other stories relating to Southeast Asia
... Low water levels in Mekong River force companies to cancel trips (eTN)
... Mekong Divides Different Worlds In 'Golden Triangle' (NPR)
... Eating local in exotic locales like Laos (LP)
... Mekong activists call for Australian help to save river (ABC)




February 8-14, 2010



Laos: Rhythm of the Mekong (National)
Chane Thaphone points to the line of trees that run parallel to the water’s edge off the boat’s port side. “Water up, October, 20 metres,” he says in broken English over the hum of the engine and the splash of the prow. He’s pointing to the bottommost outline of the trees, where the jungle’s roots are
Laos: 48 Christians Detained Until They Deny Faith (EMG Online)
ICC has learned that 48 Laotian Christians are currently being held until they recant their faith. Yesterday, February 9, at 3:00 pm, the deputy government leader of Ta-Oyl district, visited the field where the Laotian Christians are forced to live. The deputy, Mr. Khamnun, ordered them to cease building
Hmong refugees sent to remote camp (GPG)
Many local Hmong families say they have lost touch with loved ones who were forcibly removed from refugee camps in Thailand late last year, an advocate says. Vaughn Vang of the Lao Hmong Human Rights Council in Green Bay said Thursday a source told him the refugees were placed in a remote
Artist reveals memories of Vientiane (ANN)
The celebration of the 450th anniversary of Vientiane as the Lao capital in November is the biggest event in Laos for 2010. Therefore a number of artists focus on painting people’s lifestyle in the capital over the past years including what have been disappeared due to modernization so that younger
Laos Travel And Tourism Market - A Detailed Report (OW)
Travel and Tourism in Laos report offers a comprehensive guide to the size and shape of the market at a national level. It provides the latest market size data (2002-2007), allowing you to identify the sectors driving growth. It identifies the leading companies and offers strategic analysis of key factors
Laos nears final round for WTO accession (VT or Earth Times)
Officials are considering setting up a land research information exchange network, believing it would help government efforts to improve land and natural resources development plans. The National Land Management Authority and Village Fund International held a meeting on Wednesday at
Four hydropower plants to start producing in Laos this year (ET)
Four new hydropower plants are scheduled to begin commercial operation this year in Laos, which aims to become the "battery of ASEAN" in the near future, media reports said Wednesday. The Ministry of Energy and Mines said electricity generation at hydropower plants Nam Ngum 2 and Nam Lik
Laos: Customs officials to pursue vehicle smugglers (VT)
The smuggling of cars into Laos from neighbouring countries remains a major problem, even though the government has stepped up efforts to curb such criminal activities. The government has revoked its policy to allow people to pay tax on smuggled vehicles in a bid to put a stop to the practice, but this
Local Hmong families fear for safety of relatives, friends (WRT)
As U.S. and international officials work to ensure the safety of thousands of deported Hmong refugees in communist Laos, some Wisconsin Rapids-area residents continue to worry about family and friends. Xia Moua Thao, 54, Wisconsin Rapids, still has not heard from his three relatives whom the Thai
Lao Govt takes steps to control illegal foreign workers (VT)
The Govt is eyeing measures for the proper management of illegal foreign workers in Laos and officials will meet this month to define responsibilities clearly amongst line ministries.... management of the issue involves several sectors so responsibilities amongst the relevant ministries must first be made
Lao Officials Force Christians from Worship at Gunpoint (CP)
About 100 local officials, police & villagers put guns to the heads of Christians during their Sunday morning service in a village in Laos last month, forcing them from their worship and homes, according to an advocacy organization.  HRWLRF reported that in Katin village of Ta-Oyl district, Saravan Province
Laos, World Bank reach new grant agreements (VT or Bernama)
The World Bank will provide Laos with new grants of US$46.5 million to boost development in the education, environment, and energy and mines sectors. According to a press release from the World Bank, the new grants will help the Lao government to implement four projects, including an Educational
Vientiane railway extension on the drawing board (VT or Nation)
The extension of a downtown Vientiane railway link from Thanalaeng station near the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge to Khamsavat village in Xaysettha district may begin soon. Lao NRADDG Sonesack Nhansana said on Friday the Thai Govt had provided a grant of 10 million baht to conduct a preliminary design
Laos expanding electricity access, boosting power exports (Brunei)
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is helping Laos roll out new power lines in underserved areas which will help improve living standards and increase opportunities to export excess power to neighboring Thailand. ADB is providing a $20 million grant for the first module of the Greater Mekong
Other stories about Laos around the world
... Ord River close to selecting feasibility study provider for Laos (BS)
... St. Paul woman pleads guilty to smuggling elephant parts from Laos (ST)
... Cambodia: Trade with Laos rose 4pc in 2009 (PPP)
... Laos: Lucky trees bring good fortune at New Year (VT)
... Laos: Govt to revoke reference prices on imports (VT)
... Laos: Export tariffs on raw materials set to rise (ANN)
... Lao-Hmong: Government silences, deports thousands (WND)
... Transport sector gears up for Chinese New Year travel in Laos (VT)
... Cambodia and Laos Telecommunications Report Q1 2010 (OW)
... Laos: Inspired by the law’s power to create (NE)
... Viet trade union delegation visits Laos (VOV)
... Viet nationals honoured in Laos (VOV)
... Update of the Luang Prabang Teak Program (IFT)
... Thai agency blocked from Lao-Hmong refugee access (UNPO)
... Norwegian Peoples Aid gets Green Light for 3rd Lao Province (SA)
... Laos: an archaeological blank page (ANN)
... Laos: Doctors to certify H1N1 vaccinations (VT)
... Vientiane province awaits govt nod on budget for new town (VT)
... Laos: MMG pays US$280-million tax for 2003-2010 periods (KPL)
... Indochina Bank in Laos celebrates first anniversary (VT)
... Norwegian aid to support UXO clearance (VT)
... Carlsberg Unaware of Public Listing of Beer Lao (ScandAsia)
Other stories relating to Southeast Asia
... Activists argue that “dams will kill the mighty Mekong” (VNB)
... Opponents of Mekong dams campaign in Australia (ABC)




February 1-7, 2010


Laos 'moving toward' Hmong access: US diplomat (AFP/Y)
Laos was "moving toward" allowing access to ethnic Hmong whose repatriation by Thailand in December sparked international outrage, a US diplomat said Saturday. "I think the Lao have indicated that they're moving toward allowing access but (it) may not be as quickly as we would like," 
UXO survey reveals victim, accident figures (VT, ANN, ST or ET)
From 1964 to 2008, more than 50,000 Lao people were the victims of accidents involving unexploded ordnance (UXO), according to the first survey report... About 60 percent (30,000) of people maimed or killed by UXO suffered accidents between 1964 and 1973, said NRA Director Dr Malinga
An everyday miracle in Laos (Australian)
IT is a harsh lesson to watch a young girl learn: tardiness can leave you blind. Ten-year-old Hatsaline has endured a 10-hour bus ride from her village to arrive at the Laotian capital, Vientiane, little more than a half-hour late for her doctor's appointment. She sits alone on a waiting room chair clinging to
Iowa connection to jungle vine bags [from Laos] (Gazette Online)
For thousands of years, bags like these have been handmade only in the homes of the Khmu ethnic group of Laos, a landlocked country in Southeast Asia, which has one of the lowest per capita income levels in the world. The Nature Bags are now being produced for sale to others by the Khmu as part
Laos' Aims Unclear (Radio Free Asia)
The repatriation of more than 4,000 ethnic Hmong people from Thailand to Laos this past Dec. 28-29 has created a current of vehement opposition in the international community, especially among human rights organizations and at the United Nations. Will the issue of the Hmong in the temporary
Vientiane thanks Thai Govt for returning refugees (Bangkok Post)
Vientiane has thanked the Thai Govt for returning 4,000 ethnic Hmong to Laos. It said the decision had boosted relations between the two neighbours. Visiting Lao Deputy Prime Minister Somsavat Lengsavat yesterday said his Govt was delighted that its Thai counterpart had treated the Hmong issue
Laos says UN can visit Hmong returnees (AP/Yahoo, AP/NOK)
A spokesman for Laos' government said Wednesday that United Nations representatives are welcome to visit thousands of ethnic Hmong who were forcibly repatriated from Thailand late last year. Foreign Ministry spokesman Khenthong Nuanthasing told The Associated Press by phone from the capital,
Laos needs China for railway & highway funding (VT or ET)
The government is planning to include the construction of a national railway and super-highway in its next five year socio-economic development plan, according to a senior official from the Ministry of Planning and Investment.... the government was looking for sources of funding to roll out the large-scale
Tap Laos ICT boom, Malaysian firms told (Business Times)
Malaysian firms involved in information and communication technology (ICT) have been urged to take advantage of the boom in the sector in Laos... the time was now ripe for Malaysian ICT companies, to explore the Indochinese nation. "To date, we have only utilised ICT at offices and such. But this is now
Over 80,000 flock to Laos' Vat Phou Festival (VT/ANN)
More than 80,000 people attended the annual Vat Phou Festival in Laos' Champassak province which ended on Saturday (January 30), with the surge in visitors causing traffic jams on the last two nights of the event. Vat Phou is the second World Heritage Site in Laos, after the Unesco added the temple
Laos-UK: Why all football fans should worry about Mike Ashely sweatshop allegations (Mirror Football)
A sweatshop in Laos has been filmed churning out sport clothing on the cheap for SportsDirect, paying workers just £1 a day for a 12 hour shift. Workers hunch over sewing machines enduring searing heat in a factory that
Work to start this year on largest power plant in Laos (VT, ANN)
Construction of the largest electricity power plant in Laos will kick off at the end of this year according to a Lao shareholder in the project. “The ground breaking ceremony for the Hongsa lignite project is planned for November,” Lao HSE Deputy Director General Dr Sayphet Amphayvanh said on Friday
Rights groups push Laos on access to returned Hmong (AFP/Y)
Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and 16 other rights groups on Monday urged Laos to give foreign observers access to thousands of ethnic Hmong expelled from Thailand. In a letter to Lao President Choummaly Sayasone, the organisations expressed "serious concerns for the safety and
Southern Laos: Pakxe airport closes for runway upgrade (VT)
Pakxe international airport in Champassak province will be closed from February 10 to May 10 to upgrade 1,625 metres of runway to meet international standards. During this period, flights to and from Pakxe will be diverted to Savannakhet airport. Director of the Pakxe Airport Improvement
Other stories about Laos around the world
... Laos open to idea of access to Hmong repatriates (ANN)
... Unitel Vietnam presents computers to Lao school (VOV)
... Construction of third Lao-Thai bridge ahead of schedule (LV/KPL)
... Laos: Locals prepare to open homes to Elephant Festival visitors (LV)
... Dr.Frazier Adventure Road Through Laos (M-USA)
... Sepon copper production reaches new record (LV/KPL)
... Five-star hotel to be built in Vientiane by Vietnamese (LV/KPL)
... Viet PM receives Lao education minister (VOV)
... Leading Lao Brewery Company Ready for Public Listing (CRI)
... KT Launches ‘Tribes and Rivers of Northern Laos’ - A 7 Day Tour (TV)
... Laos: Higher education to promote excellence (VT)
... Laos president to visit Japan from Mar 2 (BBC/Investors or AP)
... UK Company to further prospecting oil in Laos this month (LV/KPL)
... LPFL invests US$ 40 million in tree plantation in southern Laos (LV/KPL)
... Honda Foundation awards scholarship to Lao students (LV/KPL)
... Laos invites Indian investment (Express India or MyNews)
... Congress, Hmong Scholar Urge Laos To Admit UNHCR (Scoop)
... Vietnam, Laos to build five-star hotel in Vientiane (VOV)
... Laos Launches Strategy To Address Malnutrition (Bernama)
... Lao-Viet joint stock company to exploit Vung Ang Port approved (ND)
... Laos to pilot plan to narrow Asean development gap (VT)
... Spectacular Vangvieng cave popular with locals (VT)
... Sepon Mine offers copper to Vilabouly Buddha casting (LV/KPL)
Other stories relating to Southeast Asia
... Laos & Vietnam: Tales of Indochina: to open up or not to open up (eTN)
... The Mekong experience: 6 countries, one river (ET)





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