Thursday, September 02, 2010 07:36 AM -0400 ------ Update at Least Twice a Day

Aug 30-Sep 5, 2010



N. Laos: Villagers left homeless as floods hit Luang Namtha (VT)
Flash flooding in Luang Namtha province's Long district triggered by heavy rain since last week has left almost 100 people in 21 families homeless. The flood swept away houses and household items and caused mudslides that destroyed homes in seven villages, forcing residents to seek accommodation with friends
Central Laos: Xebangfai riverside residents warned of flood risk (VT)
Residents of several villages alongside the Xebangfai River in central Khammuan province have been warned of a flood risk and some villages have already been flooded. The Meteorology and Hydrology Department yesterday advised the rest of the villages to remain vigilant of the situation, as further flooding could occur at
Reducing robberies in Vientiane (LV/VT)
Cases of bag snatching and other robberies have declined in Vientiane over the past three months after police established a special taskforce to deal with the issue.  Police Lieutenant Colonel Khamsuiy Keomanivong told Vientiane Times that between 70 & 80 bag snatchings and other robberies occurred in Vientiane
Doctors urge public to strengthen dengue prevention (VT)
Senior doctors from major hospitals in Vientiane have urged relatives of those with dengue fever to take greater steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes at hospitals or healthcare centres. Deputy Director of the Mittaphab Hospital Dr Phath Keungsaneth said that all people visiting the hospital should protect
Laos: The casualties of cluster bombs must not be forgotten (Guardian)
I have often imagined, living as I do in Laos, what it would be like to have the ground heave under your feet, to be tossed like a caber into the air and to lose parts of your body to a small, US-made cluster bomb lying there since 1969. Specific measures need to be taken to avert death and the immediate risk of
Laos: Tourists warned of flash flood risk at waterfall sites (VT)
The Lao National Tourism Administration has advised tourist companies to closely monitor weather forecasts if they have programmes to visit waterfalls. Director General of the Tourism Marketing and Promotion Department, Mr Saly Phimphinith said on Friday that although there are no cases of tourists been killed
Lao-Thai-Viet: Eco-tourism route proposed (Bangkok Post)
Vitavas Srivihok, the Thai ambassador to Vientiane, said Thailand would raise the issue with Laos and Vietnam to co-operate on eco-tourism as the two routes have good potential for eco-tourism, given the number of caves, waterfalls and other attractive features along the way. Goods transported to Vietnam via Laos on
Other stories about Laos around the world
... Students nationwide begin new school year (VT)
... Mekong River rises to near-alarm level in Laos (ET)
... Laos plan to reverse region's worst maternal mortality rates (ABC)
... Animated film to raise awareness of human trafficking (LV/KPL)
... Photo exhibition marks Vietnam National Day (VT)
... Lao-American: The Refugee Pastor That Could (CT)
... Thai arrested on suspicion of shooting two in Laos noodle shop (ET)
... Northern Laos:Luang Namtha districts cut off by landslides (VT)  
... Lao Diasporas no need to pay for visa during 450th Vientiane (LV/KPL)
... Extended school system gets underway despite poor preparation (VT)
... Laotian officials come to Pattaya to learn city management techniques
... Education Minister urges further development of education (LV/KPL)
... Vietnam helps Laos expand radio, TV coverage (VOV)
... Hmong in US: Farm gave Asian family refuge, purpose (CA)
... Hmong in US: LOR v. HMONG AMERICAN MUTUAL AA Inc. (LEagle)
... Northern wet season travel a hair-raising experience (LV/VT)
... Laos: Monthly Cabinet meeting approves documents (VT)
... Laos: Wet season fails to dampen fish farming (LV/VT)
... U.S trains Lao medical technicians on blood transfusion (LV/KPL)
... Germany pledges $7M for climate change adaptation in Vietnam, Laos
... Nam Lik 1-2 power plant begins commercial operation (VT)
... Chinese-built hydropower plant opens in Laos (ET)
... China’s CWE builds Nam Ngieb tributary dam [in Northern Laos] (VT)
... Vietnamese Culture Centre in Laos celebrates 15th anniversary (VOV)
... Teen to help needy children [in Laos] (Northern Star)
... China succumbs to Mekong nations (VS)




Aug 23-29, 2010



Laos and US sponsor a workshop on copyrights (US Embassy)
The Lao National Authority for Science and Technology (NAST), the United States Embassy and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC) are organizing a one-day intellectual property rights workshop on August 26 at the Novotel Hotel in Vientiane. 
Passionate about Pakse (AsiaOne/Nation)
Director Sakchai Deenan returns to Laos for "Sabaidee 2: From Pakse with Love", the follow up to his 2008 romance "Sabaidee Luang Prabang". Also back is Laotian beauty queen Khamly Philavong, reprises her role in "Sabaidee 2: Mai Me Kamtob Jak Pakse" as the tour guide Sornpaiwan. But this second entry in
Tropical storm Mindulle hits Vientiane roads (VT)
Tropical storm Mindulle, which arrived in Laos on August 25, has increased the water levels of rivers and streams in many of the country's central provinces, especially Xieng Khuang, Borikhamxay and Vientiane provinces. High water levels have flooded rice fields, homes and some roads, making transportation

Laos: Opinions mixed over import policy for used cars (LV/VT) The government’s policy is to allow only second hand cars which retain 80 percent of their new condition to be imported. But most of the officials involved say the country imports very old cars which were abandoned by their owners in foreign countries. According to a report from the Industry and Commerce Ministry’s Export and Import Department, Laos imported US$139 million

LAOS: Rebirth of the midwife (Reuters)
Dozens of Lao women are learning to be midwives as part of a national effort to bring down one of the region's highest maternal mortality rates. Two families lose a mother and nearly 20 babies are born dead every day, according to the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), which is supporting the government initiative.
Lao garment industry benefits from rising Chinese labor costs (VT)
The Lao garment industry is receiving more orders from international trading companies as the cost of Chinese labour continues to rise, according to officials from the Lao Garment Industry Association.  Chinese labour costs in the garment industry have reportedly increased by 30 percent, causing international trading
Laos steps up preparations for cluster munitions conference (VT)
Laos expects to spend over 10 billion kip hosting the inaugural meeting of states party to the international convention on cluster munitions later this year, according to organisers. Officials responsible for organising the conference held a press conference in Vientiane yesterday to review preparation work. 
Over 12,000 infected with dengue fever in Laos (LV/KPL)
Some 12,109 have been infected with dengue fever until August 14, said Director of the Laboratory and Epidemiology Centre, Dr. Phengta Vongphachanh. The number of this year’s dengue fever patients almost doubles those recorded in last year, according to Dr. Phengta. The official said last week that this year’s
Malaysian firm to build dam on Mekong tributary (C&M)
A Malaysian firm has been granted permission to build a 130-megawatt dam in north-western Laos on a tributary of the Mekong River, state media reports said Monday. Malaysia's Asia Pacific Business Lin Snd Bhd Co Ltd (AP Bizlink) last week signed an agreement with Laos' Ministry of Planning and Investment to
Other stories about Laos around the world
... RP, Laos to lead formulation of energy efficiency protocol (PS)
... Flash flood warming in Laos (LV/KPL)
... PM receives World Bank’s high-ranking delegation (VT)
... Picturing Laos: A book by Amherst anthropologist Joel Halpern 
    aims to promote literacy in Southeast Asia (Amherst Bulletin)
... Vietnam to build another hydro power plant in Laos (ND)
... Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia get learning network (ND)
... Vietnamese president concludes “fruitful” visit to Laos (VT)
... City Walk: Luang Prabang (Wall Street Journal)
... PanAust posts profit on strong operating performance, prices (MW)
... Sacombank Securities sets up joint venture in Laos (ND)
... US: Fresno Hmong New Year organizers split up (FB)
... TV trumps films in remote Laos (Nation)
... Lao handicraft to delve deeper into Japan market (LV/VT)
... ASEAN development gaps continue to widen (VT)
... Laos, Thailand sign power purchase agreement (LV/VT)
... Lao-Viet trade continues to prosper - up to $1 billion per year (LV/VT)
... Tiger protection in Laos: Let’s act before it’s too late (LV/VT)
... Chao Anouvong Park honours kingly deeds (VT)
... Laos celebrates Lao Front's 60th anniversary (VT)
... Vietnam, Laos upbeat about their fine relations (VOV)
... President Triet visits Lao province (VOV)
... Viet President Triet arrives in Vientiane (VOV)
... Vietnam and Laos to plant more border markers (ND)
... Flood warning issued for central, northern provinces (LV/VT)
... Luang Prabang aims for 500,000 tourists by 2015 (LV/VT)
... Hongsa lignite power plant to start operation as scheduled (LV/KPL)
... Youth urged to promote traditional friendly ties with Laos (VN)
... Vietnam helps improve Lao officials’ knowledge of political theory (VOV)




Aug 16-22, 2010



Old Bombs Shatter Laotian Women's Lives (WN)
Five years ago, 24-year-old Yue's husband, Lue Ha, hit a bomb while foraging for medicinal herbs in the jungles of northern Laos. The accident blinded him. Since then, Yue, who only goes by one name, says, "Ooh, there are many things that have changed." She feels "like two or three persons in one," having to care for
WHO: Dengue epidemic kills 36 in Laos (AFP/Yahoo)
Mosquito-borne dengue fever has killed 36 people in Laos this year, the worst epidemic in at least five years, the World Health Organization (WHO) said Friday. "It's a big epidemic year for dengue here," WHO epidemiologist Hannah Lewis told AFP from Laos. She said that in the last five years the highest annual number

Inside a bear bile farm in Laos (Telegraph) On a post outside a nondescript property on the outskirts of the historic city of Luang Prabang, there is a small, handwritten notice. It declares in simple Laotian: place where bears are kept. Entering the family home behind the sign, I am greeted by a scene of comfortable domesticity. A baby crawls on the dark teak floorboards; a teapot sits on a table in the front room; a dog pants in a shady corner,

Cholera outbreak kills four in southern Laos (ET or Nation)
A cholera outbreak killed four people in southern Laos before health workers could halt the disease, state media reports said Wednesday. Acting director of the provincial Health Department, Chanthavong Xayasena, said the outbreak began on July 5 when two families in Darkpokmay village purchased tilapia fish
US ambassador ends mission in Laos (LV/VT)
The outgoing US Ambassador to Laos, Mr Ravic R. Huso, yesterday bid farewell to Lao Vice President Bounnhang Vorachit at the Presidential Palace in Vientiane. The farewell took place at the conclusion of the ambassador’s mission as the United States of America’s chief diplomat in Laos. On the same day, 
Raid on mahouts leaves one elephant, one poacher dead in Laos (ET)
A shootout between a gang of poachers and elephant handlers in Laos left one man and one pachyderm dead, news reports said Tuesday. The gang allegedly attacked the mahouts at midnight on August 9 in Hinheup district, Vientiane province, in an attempt to slaughter four elephants for their ivory and body parts,
Laotian in US: Mother charged in death of toddler left in hot car (Tenn)
A La Vergne mother faces a homicide charge in the death of her 18-month-old daughter. Ladda Vorasane, 39, of Chenoweth Lane, had been at her sister's house with her two daughters, 11 years old and 18 months old, Friday preparing for her father's death in Laos, said La Vergne Police detective John Eubank.
Dream of returning to Laos to marry, dashed in bank robbery (DP)
John Kham Lee was in college and working at a bank in hopes of establishing himself and eventually returning to Laos to find a bride raised in his native culture. “He wanted to continue in the traditions,” said a relative who asked that her name not be used for fear of retaliation. “He was Buddhist.” On April 10, 1997, he was
$1.2b power plant in Laos (Strait Times or Penn Energy)
A CONSORTIUM of South Korean and Thai firms signed an agreement on Monday to build a US$900 million (S$1.2 billion) hydroelectric power plant in Laos, company officials said. The consortium involves Thai power supplier Ratchaburi Electricity Generating Holding and two South Korean firms, SK
Other stories about Laos around the world
... Lao refugee denied exit visa to Australia (Age)
... Birmingham kickboxer murder suspect could be in Laos (SM)
... Sienna Miller and Jude Law 'marry in Baci ceremony in Laos' (Metro)
... Laos: Police announce all vehicles must be registered (VT)
... Discovery unveils site of creation for Plain of Jars (LV/VT)
... PM Bouasone visits Ketsana flood-hit victims in Sekong (LV/KPL)
... State enterprise seeks to mobilise funds for latest power plant (LV/VT)
... Laos: Over 2,000 land concessions granted to investors (LV/KPL)
... Laos: Officials discuss cultural promotion and preservation (VT)
... Asia's new backpacking hot spots - Nong Khiaw, Laos (Guardian)
... New building provides better studying environment for students (VT)
... Art Exhibitions: Journey into Laos (Bangkok Post)
... Laos, Cambodian Armies On Better Footing (Brunei Direct)
... Vietnamese in Laos celebrate major anniversaries (VOV)
... Lao-Hmong in US: Farmers' Market Faces 8 (Winona)
... Dengue fever claims 14 lives in Saravan (VT)
... Mayor examines history of Vientiane (VT)
... Lung Prabang provincial Party discusses future (VT)
... IFC pledges further support for private investment in Laos (KPL)
... Luang Prabang ceases shifting cultivation practices (LV/KPL)
... Laos: Chandler, DFDL, LS Horizon, Milbank 
    and Latham act on multi-billion-dollar power project (LBO)
... Vietnam-Laos relations honoured (ND)
... Widow of late Lao Party leader visits Vietnam (VN)
... Man, elephant die in poacher attack (LV/VT)
... Lao Brewery Co. supports road safety project in Vientiane (LV/KPL)
... Luang Prabang no longer does nomadic cultivation practice (KPL)
... Laos considers international human rights proposals (LV/VT)
... Lao Govt to make decision on new mining investments soon (LV/VT)  
... Laos offers business incentives to Vietnam (VOV)
... Local bank sets up financial consultancy JV in Laos (VOV)
... North Korea, Laos vow to continue friendship, cooperation (PD)
... Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos & Thailand Will Benefit From EEP Mekong
... Lao-Hmong in US: Building a bridge with cross-cultural cancer education
... Egat inks deal to buy Lao power (Nation)
... Laos: Economic growth to hit 7.8 percent this year (KPL)
... Mitsui, Rio Tinto to start bauxite prospecting in Laos (TM, Platts)
... MMG signs US$70 million logistic contract with local transport company
... Lao-Hmong in US: Wet year washes out local flower farms (ST)
Other stories around ASEAN region
... 'Bold plan' for Mekong area rail link approved (AFP/Google)
... Mekong region rail network to move a step closer (AsiaOne or ST)
... Newest Mekong River Dam To Kill Iconic Fish (JM)
... Asean calls for end to spat (ST)





Aug 9-15, 2010



Laotian in US: Mother charged after child dies in hot car (DNJ)
Police have charged the mother of an 18-month-old girl who died inside a hot vehicle Friday evening with criminally negligent homicide, according to DNJ news partners WSMV-TV. Ladda Vorasane, 35, was reportedly arrested on the charge this morning. She has since made bond pending a court hearing, WSMV is
Laotian in US: Tenn. toddler dies in hot car (Tennessean, WMCTV)
A toddler has died in a hot car in La Vergne. The Daily News Journal quoted La Vergne Police Chief Ted Boyd who said the 18-month-old girl was found dead in her mother's car late Friday afternoon. Boyd said the mother - whose name he did not release - told family members she thought her daughter had been asleep in
High demand for labour but low wages in Savannakhet (LV/VT)
For example, a sugar company in Savannakhet province is hiring people to harvest sugar for a wage of (1.5 baht) per bundle of sugarcanes. An experienced person can earn about 25,000 kip (100 baht) per day. Mr Khampheui said this wage is considered low as labourers can earn at least (200 baht) per day

Conservationists warn of elephant exodus from Laos (Guardian)Pic: Courtesy of Guardian) It may be known as the Land of a Million Elephants, but conservationists are warning that the imminent exportation of more than a third of Laos's remaining domesticated elephant calves to a Chinese circus could prove disastrous for the endangered species. Once worshipped as gods, the animals are still considered sacred by many in Laos, but loss of habitat

Celebrating 55 years of Laos-U.S. relations (US Dept of State)
On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I extend my best wishes to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic as we celebrate 55 years of diplomatic relations between our two countries this August 10. On this occasion, the United States reaffirms our commitment to the peaceful and
Dengue fever claims 26 lives in Laos (LV/KPL)
The dengue fever-a monsoon disease epidemic usually spread out in rainy season has claimed 26 lives nationwide out of more than 9,000 dengue fever victims. The dengue fever (DF) has developed by itself such the infection with appearing and disappearing symptoms, Deputy Pro. Dr Bounkong Sihavong
On the road with the elephants of Laos (Herald Scotland)
Elephants were apparently the favoured mode of travel for Laos’s ancient gods and kings, and it’s not difficult to see why. Few forms of transport confer quite the level of panache conferred by six tons of majestic pachyderm. Admittedly, it seems unlikely that gods and kings were helped on to their gigantic mounts
Laos speeds up construction of power plants (Hydro World)
General Director of the Electricity of Laos (EDL) Khammani Inthirath has said at a press briefing that the country will build at least two hydropower plants every year until 2020. To date, the country has a total of 14 hydro power plants with a combined capacity of 2,540MW instead of 10 with capacity of 700 MW in 2006.
Other stories about Laos around the world
... Laotian in US: Baby Dies After Being Left In Car (WSMV, WMCTV)
... Rio Tinto and Mitsui Open Project Office in Laos (Japan Corp)
... Local Laotian community embarks on community center build (HS)
... RP Embassy in Vientiane Celebrates ASEAN Day with Mini-Marathon
... US gives 205 mln kip to Houaphanh (LV/KPL)
... Vietnam, Laos strengthen press ties (ND)
... Two more dams to power up Luang Prabang (LV/VT)
... Laos to host petanque World Championships (LV/VT)
... Two students see the world through the lens of wine [to help Laos] (NVR)
... Laos: From delivery boy to media mogul (LV/VT)
... Vietnam, Laos boost social science cooperation (VP)
... Viet youth finish voluntary campaigns in Cambodia, Laos (Saigon)
... Lao students set to study at Chinese universities (LV/VT)
... Rain to continue, but no need for alarm: forecaster (LV/VT)
... US: Lao-Hmong Obituary: BILLY LOR, 42 (LC)
... Vientiane fish prices no small fry (VT or LV/VT)
... Theun-Hinboun hydropower expansion on schedule (LV/VT)
... Japanese students explore rural lifestyle in Laos (LV/VT)
... Vientiane eyes on renewable energy development (LV/VT)
... Philippine Embassy in Vientiane Accepts 1st ePassport Applicant in Laos
... US govt reaffirms commitment to UXO clearance in Laos (VT)
... Donations presented to Vientiane City Pillar Pavilion project (VT)
... Unicef program seeks to broaden communication channels (LV/KPL)
... Reason for concern – but not alarm over repatriated Hmong (DP)
... Laos to build 20 new hydropower plants by 2020 (ET)
... To the circus: conservationists warn of elephant exodus from Laos
... Laos: Mechanism to address, prevent employment disputes (VT)
... Govt set to announce details of free medical treatment policy (VT)
... Laos: Doctors warn of wild mushroom risks (VT)
... FM praises roles of Asean, Laos in region (VT)
... Lao Govt expands discounted rice scheme (VT)
... Laos sentences four convicted drug dealers to death (ET)
... What difference do 16.5 kms of rural roads make?
    An answer from the effect of NT2 revenues in Laos (World Bank)
... Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia hold children’s camp (VOV)
... US: Hmong Presence Growing at Farmer's Market (WSAW)
Other stories around Mekong region
... US dips into Mekong politics (Asia Times)





Aug 2-8, 2010



Laos Takes Centre Stage in Cluster Bombs Treaty (IPS/Australia)
After being relegated to the shadows for decades by its more powerful neighbours, Laos is finally taking the lead role in a global campaign to ban the use of cluster bombs. It is a role that the poverty-stricken South-east Asian nation of 6.3 million people easily qualifies for. After all, it is the country most affected by
Laos: Cluster bomb focus raises hopes for development (Reuters)
A new cluster bomb ban has finally come into effect, but 37 years after the last US bomb fell here, Laos – the world's most affected country – still feels the impact of unexploded ordnance (UXO) across all sectors of society.  "The UXO problem now constitutes an impediment to socio-economic development in our country.

Vientiane warns dengue fever outbreak may get worse (LV/KPL) The trend of dengue fever is likely to increase and the disease have already claimed three lives and infected 1,876 people in the capital city, according to an official. Of the human deaths, two have been reported in Saythany and one in Saysettha districts.  “Over the last one week, 20 more people have been infected with dengue fever and most of them are from Saythany,

Bradford man jailed in Laos can seek parole (BBC or Telegraph)
A Briton serving a life sentence for a drugs offence in South-East Asia can have his case referred to the Parole Board, a judge has ruled. John Watson, 48, from Bradford, West Yorkshire, was transferred to the UK to serve out his sentence in April. He was convicted in 2006 in Laos of trading and possessing drugs after
Laos sentences four convicted drug dealers to death (ET)
A Lao court has sentenced four men to death after finding them guilty of smuggling a huge haul of drugs into the country, media reports said Wednesday. Vientiane's Primary Court last week found Lao nationals Tobee Her, 35, Xayvisith, 35, Seng-Athith, 47, and Thongphanh, 32, guilty of attempting to smuggle 2,180 Kg
Savannakhet: Dengue fever kills three and infects thousands (VT)
Savannakhet provincial hospital is currently treating an average of 40-50 inpatients with dengue fever per day, but doctors say the outbreak situation is stable. Between January 1 and July 25, three people have died and 1,205 people have been infected with dengue fever in the province. The deaths occurred in
As cluster bomb ban takes effect, the view from Laos (CSM or FT)
The young woman brushes her metal detector over coarse, dry grass in a field near a primary school. Against the sound of children playing, the machine beeps as she searches for unexploded bombs dropped by American aircraft four decades ago.  Most of those were cluster bombs – shells that open midair
Other stories about Laos around the world
... Police putting more eyes on Vientiane (LV/VT)
... Family of Laotian refugees uses hard work, education to succeed (DC)
... Work on Borikhamxay-Xieng Khuang road link washed out (LV/VT)
... Vietnam supports poor youth in Laos (ND)
... Blue-ear pig disease epidemic recedes, but close surveillance is necessary
... Freedom home for Halifax man tortured in Laos jail (HC)
... Laos: place of perfect serenity and happiness (Korea Times)
... More efforts needed to control dengue: Lao PM (VT)
... All schools in Laos to be exposed to global language (VT)
... Communist Laos approves free health care for tots (ET)
... Yunnan-Based Bank to Establish Office in Laos (CRI)
... Information and Culture Ministry outlines future direction (VT)
... Laos can achieve MDGs by 2015: DPM (VT)
... Yorkshire man jailed in Laos given hope of freedom in UK (YP)
... Royal foods of Vietnam and Laos (eTravel Blackboard)
... Lao-Hmong in US: Lee released from prison, won't be retried (AC)
... California's first Hmong charter school opens in Sacramento (SacBee)
... Vietnam helps Laos build youth village (VOV)
... Thua Thien-Hue pledges assistance to Lao province (VOV)
... Work on Luang Prabang link road halted by rain (VT)
... Champasak: dengue fever infection doubles (LV/KPL)
... La Residence Phou Vao in Luang Prabang launches Promotion (ATT)
... Lao-Hmong in US: Minn. man jailed in fatal crash seeks 
    retrial based on alleged Toyota defect (Washington Post)
... Support funds announced for outstanding students (VT)
... Vocational training gets a major boost from $23 million donation (VT)
... Laos, Burma links [with Thailand] approved (iSA/BP)
... Russia-Laos: Lengthy talks over Tigo sale still “ongoing” (LV/VT)
... Blue ear outbreak continues to gain momentum (LV/VT)
... Lao, Thai banks boost shared services (LV/VT)
... Thang Long-Hanoi exhibition opens in Laos (VOV)
... Laos still facing legacy of cluster bombs (Radio Australia)
... 711 students graduate from Vientiane Provincial Technical School (KPL)
... Franken Visits Laos To Check On Returned Hmong (WCCO)
... Two new possible bidders for MIC’s Laotian subsidiary? (TG)
... Local investor kicks off That Luang road expansion (LV/VT)
... US: Hmong General Vang Pao Visits Valley Veterans (SH)
... John Vang & Thong Vue accused of chaining their 13 years old son
Other stories about Mekong region
... Insects: The Future of Protein? (World Changing)
... Mekong Basin countries discuss river development, protection (VT)
... US-ASEAN: Lower Mekong Initiative (VOA)
... Why damming the world's most productive river 
    could have serious negative consequences (National Geography)




July 26-Aug 1, 2010



PanAust arranges $102m loan for Laos business (MW)
Australian gold-miner PanAust has entered into a $102-million bank debt facility to provide funding independence for its Laos business, and to enable the accelerated reduction of intercompany debt. PanAust’s assets in Laos would secure the debt facility, which would be used for general corporate
Laos gold diggers cause mercury contamination (ET or VT)
Independent gold miners are contaminating the air and water in Laos with the mercury used for extracting the precious metal, a news report said Thursday. The state-run daily newspaper Vientiane Times said prospectors dig up the soil in rivers and streams and then use mercury, a highly toxic metal, to

Laos: One man's bomb is another's garden hoe (Global Post or Minn Post) A scorching sun settled across southern Laos, as farmers burned the land to make new fields. A woman hacked at weeds with two young children in tow, the heat of a nearby fire caking her in a sweaty, sooty film. She paused a moment, wiped her neck, then hoisted her hoe. Sitting behind her thatched hut was the casing of a 750-pound bomb made at Pine

Laos gets US$15 million loan to help with electrification (ET)
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has agreed to provide a 15-million-dollar loan to Laos to expand its electricity grid to 37,000 rural families, news reports said Wednesday. The loan agreement was signed by IFC regional manager for Laos Simon Andrews and Electricite du Laos
Laos ready to welcome back .la (VT)
Laos is ready to reclaim its authorised ‘.la' internet domain name this year after handing over the rights to an overseas operator for more than ten years. Laos was given the right to manage the domain name ‘.la' in 1990s by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority. However at that time, the country still
Hmong Refugees Live in Fear in Laos and Thailand (Time)
Recently U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Laos Foreign Minister Thongloun Sisoulith met in Washington for the highest-level talks between the two countries since the end of the Vietnam War. For the U.S., the meeting was part of a strategy to re-engage with Asia, while Laos hoped the D.C.
Laos to cooperate on warming, U.N. (Kyodo/Japan Times)
Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada and Laotian Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh agreed Sunday to cooperate on measures to curb global warming and efforts to reform the United Nations, Japanese officials said. In their meeting in Vientiane, Okada assured Bouasone that Japan will continue
Other stories about Laos around the world
... Construction of third Lao-Thai bridge on track (LV/VT)
... Laos, Hmong Author Lauds U.S. Congressional Action on Veterans’ Bill
... Laos: More assistance on the horizon for UXO victims (LV/VT)
... Lao-Hmong in US: Poker king Yang is all in on Valley (FresnoBee)
... ADB grants US$23 million to improved vocational training (LV/KPL)
... Vientiane begins rearranging cables along streets (LV/KPL)
... Raising tiger populations in Laos by protecting tiger prey (YOB)
... Truck ban hits construction sector in Laos (LV/VT)
... Millicom said to get wwo expressions of interest for Laos unit (BB)
... Laos: Economic growth passing Lao workers by: report (LV/VT)
... Japan Govt funds 1st aid program for UXO survivors in Xieng Khuang
... Luang Prabang set to import rice as prices continue to rise (LV)
... Villa Maly revels in Explorer Henri Mouhot's Laos (eTBA)
... VN to encourage local firms to invest in Laos (VNN)
... HCM City volunteers start activities in Laos (Saigon)
... Hazardous mining practices emitting powerful toxins (VT)
... Rising rice prices in Laos-a reminder of 2008 global food crisis (LV)
... Lao yellow card holders pay high price in Thailand (VT)
... Investing in education & jobs the key to promoting devpt in Laos (UN)
... Trucks loaded with construction materials banned from city (VT)
... GPAR Fund disburses USD 160,000 for 13 projects (LV/KPL)
... Laos: Governor urges locals to produce cash crops (LV/KPL)
... War in Laos: Sense of history drives writer to tell POW tale (SFC)
... Lao, Vietnamese police crack down on smuggling (VOV)
... Vietnam-Laos discuss 2010 co-operation (VNN)
... Power Plant: Hongsa to light up Laos (Reuters)
... Laos Aims To Develop Tourism Industry (Bernama)
... Laos: Police open hotline to tackle traffic violations (VT)
... Laos: Roads built for SEA Games not up to standard (VT)
... Laos: Fund of 20bn kip ready to help disaster victims (VT)
... Swiss FSD gives US$ 185,596 to NRA for UXO solution (LV/KPL)
... U.S. Embassy Helps Preserve Cultural Heritage of Laos (LV/KPL)
... Laos, Hmong Veterans Burial Bill Spearheaded 
    By Jim Costa to Honor Veterans, Community (Media Newswire)
... World's largest fish under threat of extinction (Telegraph)
... Group: Dams would doom Mekong River's giant catfish (CNN)
... Govt considers ban on foreign hotel investments (LV/VT)
... Lao stock market to trade in kip only (LV/VT)
... Merit-making ushers in Buddhist Lent (VT)
... Western microcredit not for Laotians (RNW)
... Canadian firm expresses interest in investing in waste recycling sector
... RP companies explore Lao market during business mission (DFA)
... Laos, North Korea seek to broaden cooperation (VT)
... Vietnam and Laos: Border marking on track (ND)
... Lao-Hmong in US: World Series of Poker champions: The last nine
... My Time In Laos (Hamptons)
... Villa Maly revels in Explorer Henri Mouhot’s Laos (FTN)
... Low-cost Phongsavanh Airlines to take to the sky next month (LV)
... Lao FM attends US – Lower Mekong ministerial meeting (LV)




July 19-25, 2010



Govt to waive visa fees for Lao expats (VT or LV/VT)
The Lao Govt has agreed to waive visa fees for Lao expatriates who plan to visit their motherland during celebrations to mark the 450th anniversary of Vientiane as the nation's capital. Overseas Lao Affairs Department Director General, Mr Ly Bounkham said on Tuesday that the government had issued

Laos: Bugs Take a Bite Out of Hunger (VOA) Most people try to keep insects out of their kitchens. But many of the creepy-crawlers are edible and quite nutritious. That is, if you can get past the idea of eating something usually considered a pest. In Laos, that is not a problem, since nearly everyone likes to snack on edible insects. Now, the United Nations is encouraging even more bug-eating there to solve the country's high rates of child malnutrition.

Devpt. of That Luang marsh [into China Town] cancelled (VT)
The government has cancelled a plan to provide land at That Luang marsh for a Chinese company to develop a new urban area due to high compensation cost and concerns over adverse environmental & cultural impacts, according to officials. Instead, about 1,000 hectares of land near the National Sports
Laos earns first $600,000 off controversial hydropower plant (ET)
The Lao Govt earned 600,000 dollars off the Nam Theun II hydropower plant last month, its first revenue from the ecologically controversial project, project sources said Tuesday. According to a joint report issued by the World Bank and the Asian Devpt. Bank, two of the main sponsors of the 2-billion-dollar
Victoria Wood Joins Mine Hunters In Laos (Female First)
Celebrated British writer and comedian Victoria Wood has visited the war-scarred countryside of Laos to film an appeal in aid of Manchester-based MAG. Victoria spent a week in Xieng Khouang province, northern Laos, where the legacy of a conflict that ended nearly 40 years
Other stories about Laos around the world
... War-torn Laos Football Team Win Major Football Trophy (Yahoo)
... Lao leader addresses cultural issues with refugees in financial crisis
... Cambodia and Laos exchanges delayed (IFR Asia)
... Vientiane: Agro export increased by 9% (LV/KPL)
... Laos Soccer Team Goes to Gothia Cup (ScandAsia)
... Annnouncing Laos’ luxurious new retreat - Alila Luang Prabang
... Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia boost co-operation in energy (ND)
... Lao Front seeks to improve efficiency (VT)
... BeerSavan destined for Israel (LV/VT)
... Tourism increase: Crossings at Laos border rise by 67% (PPP)
... Northern Laos: One dead, three missing in Xayaboury mudslide (VT)
... Laos: PanAust on track for 2010 guidance (Sidney MH)
... Laos: Hospital brings new hope to want-to-be parents (VT)
... Laos: Development triggers building materials boom (LV/VT)
... China, Laos pledge to strengthen military ties (People)
... Latest Mercedes-Benz E250 Coupé arrives in Vientiane (LV)
... U.S Collaboration with the Lower Mekong Countries
     on the Environment, Health and Education (US Dept of State)
... Laos: A nation of contrasts (Boston)
... King Anouvong returns to life with new statue (VT)
... Lao Airlines Orders Two ATR 72-500s (ATT)
... Laos, Russia vow to cooperate, widen relations (VT)
... Chinese Govt hands over blue-ear disease vaccines to Laos (LV/KPL)
... Viet Culture Centre in Laos celebrates 15th anniversary (VOV)
... Vietnam-Laos power line ready by 2015 (VN)
... Hmong in US: A new farming culture takes root in NC (CO)
... Central bank promotes use of Lao kip (LV/VT)
... Phongsavanh Airlines prepares for take off (LV/VT)
... Laotians in US: Taking on Takraw (Desmoines Register)
... Southern Laos: Foreign funds stabilise Xekong province (VT)
... Laos: Power plant developer signs construction deals (LV/VT)
... Laos Communiqué Urges Release of 
    Jailed Americans, Dissidents, Hmong Refugees (BW)
... Laos: SUV sales soar as Range Rover turns 40 (LV/VT)
... Lao President acclaims achievements of Lao Women's Union (VT)
... Russian FM Lavrov to discuss bilateral economic ties in Laos (RIA)
... Lao Khmu: Fund sharing rift splitting Southeast Asian groups (RN)
... Laos: Recognized A Hero -- 39 Years Late (WUSA 9)
... Vientiane: 450th anniversary preparations progress slowly (VT)
... Floods deal a double blow for Borikhamxay farmers (VT)
... China assists in fight against blue ear disease in Laos (VT)
... Laos: Students juggle work & study as they plan for their futures (LV)







July 12-18, 2010



Unexploded bombs in Laos (Hindustan Times)
A twenty-two-year-old village girl in Laos is part of an all female Unexploded Ordinance (UXO) clearance team. Laos tops my list of favourite places visited so far. It made me feel peaceful & allowed solitude. The people are curious, yet charming and friendly. Laos is a small land-locked nation that shares
Hmong activists protest US engagement on Laos (AFP/Yahoo)
Advocates for the Hmong on Friday voiced concern about the new US engagement with Laos, urging the communist nation to improve treatment of the ethnic minority. Foreign Minister Thongloun Sisoulith this week paid the first visit by a senior Laotian official to Washington since the communist
The Hmong and Laos: Old wars never die (Economist)
FOREIGN dignitaries in black limos are a common sight in Washington, DC. Rarely though do they hail from Laos, a tiny, landlocked country that was caught up in America’s ill-fated Indochina War. Laos’s foreign minister, Thongloun Sisoulith, who met his counterpart, Hillary Clinton, on July 13th

Laos, US in highest contact since war (AFP/Google)Pic: Courtesy of AFP/Google The United States and Laos pledged Tuesday to step up cooperation after their highest-level talks since the Vietnam War, the latest country in a renewed US effort to engage Southeast Asia. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton met with Foreign Minister Thongloun Sisoulith, who was paying the first visit by a top Laotian official to Washington

High inflation rate, a challenge to Lao economy (LV/KPL)
The Lao government is facing a challenge in its economic development after the increase in the monthly inflation rate in June. The inflation rate rose from 4.2 percent in January to 5 percent last month, the peak record for this year. According to the website of the Bank of the Lao PDR, the kip currency rate
Laos hydroelectric dam easing poverty (UPI)
Revenue from a hydroelectric dam in Laos is making its way to the development of social and federal programs in the country, international groups say. The World Bank and the Asian Development Bank announced in a joint report that the first $600,000 generated from the Nam Theun 2 plant
Lao labour teams to check on migrant workers in Thailand (ET)
Lao labour officials plan to travel to Thailand next week to identify tens of thousands of labourers working there legally and illegally, news reports said Tuesday. The team is to stay for an unspecified time to identify an estimated 62,000 Lao nationals who have registered in the country for legal status
Laos: Doctors warn of dengue fever outbreak (VT)
The Vientiane Health Department has issued a statement advising the public to destroy potential breeding sites of the dengue mosquito in a bid to reduce rates of dengue fever. There have been no casualties as yet this year, although a staggering 400 cases have been recorded in Vientiane over
Other stories about Laos around the world
... Laos, US pledge to deepen cooperation (VT)
... Laos Visit Sparks Talk Of Release Of Dissidents (Scoop)
... China surpasses Thailand as biggest investor in Laos (LV/VT)
... Laos: Walking towards women's rights (VT)
... Crowds amass at funeral of revered monk (VT)
... Oil prices in Laos unaffected by global hike (LV/VientianeTimes)
... Laos: Economists call for forward exchange rate system (LV/VT)
... Lao-operated social network helps those far from home keep in touch
... Russian foreign minister to visit former satellite Laos (M&C)
... US: Hmong Town Business Center plans take shape (FB)
... How not to act around a monk in Laos (SC Monitor)
... Unexploded US bombs killed or injured 50,000 in Laos (ET)
... Human Rights Watch Laos continues to plead with US President (PR)
... Lao Govt, development partners coordinate future projects (VT)
... Unitel provides free Internet service to Lao schools (VOV)
... That Luang villagers receive compensations (LV/KPL)
... Laos repatriated Cambodian pair (Phnom Penh Post)
... Wildlife trade threatens rare native species in Laos (VT)
... Laos: Children’s Cultural Centre officials learn about UXO (VT)
... Southern Laos: Xekong education faces challenges (VT)
... Secretary Clinton's Meeting with Lao FM (US Dept. of State)
... Remarks With Laos FM Thongloun Sisoulith Before Their Meeting
... Lao FM makes highest-level visit to D.C. since 1975 (Bloomberg)
... US signs open skies accord with Laos (US Dept of State)
... Concerts to mark Lao-US ties held in Vientiane (LV/KPL)
... Lao PM issues order on severe weather response (VT)
... Internet project to wire up Lao schools nationwide (VT)
... Laos, one of ten tourist destinations where US$ goes furthest (DF)
... Lao UXO victim survey to conclude this month (VT)
... Alila opening hotels in Laos, India (West Australian/Yahoo)
... Ha Tinh builds four schools for Lao provinces (VOV)
... Laos - Swine flu (Meat TND)
... Laos: Mass fish release marks wildlife day (VT)
... World Vision supports fight against HIV/AIDS in Laos (VT)
... ADB grant to help meet demand for skilled labour in Laos (VT)
... Capping on swine disease outbreak in Laos (LV/KPL)
... Myanmar official media hail diplomatic ties with Laos (GT)
... Laos: The Visit To The U.S and the Hmong People (iNewP)
... Start of e-government in Laos postponed again (VT)
... Lao-Canadian Obituary: A young brother remembered (ALN)  
... Laos unable to clear UXO within ten years: official (LV/VT)
... Laos: Govt tax cuts to promote investment in rural areas (VT)
... Child Sponsorship Report 2009, from Samneua, Laos (SOS)
... Lao PM calls for action against blue ear disease (LV/VT)
... Laos: Minister outlines 2015 primary education goal (LV/VT)
... New bridge to connect Xayaboury & Vientiane provinces (LV/VT)
... Myanmar, Lao top leaders exchange felicitations on diplomatic ties




July 5-11, 2010



US urges Laos to release 158 Hmong refugees (AFP/Yahoo, MP)
The United States has urged Laos to allow 158 minority Hmong people, who are internationally recognised as refugees, to leave the country, a US senator said Wednesday after talks in the communist nation. Senator Al Franken said he spoke "at some length" during his visit to the country this week with

Laos plans first US visit since war: diplomats (AFP/Yahoo, VOA)Pic: Courtesy of Yahoo The foreign minister of Laos will visit Washington next week in the first such trip since the Vietnam War era as the United States seeks to renew influence in Southeast Asia, diplomats said Friday. Thongloun Sisoulith, who also doubles as deputy prime minister, will spend several days in Washington and is likely to meet Tuesday with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton

US president lauds Laos for integration efforts (VT)
US President Barack Obama has congratulated Laos for its efforts to integrate with the Asean community and to address regional issues through negotiation. He reaffirmed US support for Laos to integrate into the global economy through sending US experts to work closely with Lao officials in
Lao Govt targets 1.22m tourists next year (VT or LV)
Lao National Tourism Authority Chairman Somphong Mongkhonvilay is optimistic tourist arrivals will hit 1.22 million in 2010-11, a figure endorsed by the National Assembly last week. But achieving this target will depend on several factors, including the political situation in Thailand and how well
Bringing education to minority children in Laos mountains (MDN)
It's the rainy season in Laos. About an hour out of the capital city of Vientiane, the road is no longer paved. After four more hours of traveling on the rough roads, we arrive in the Mune district. Full of smiling people and nature, it seems somehow nostalgic. "You there, are you a Hmong?" an old
Other stories about Laos around the world
... Laos landmine legacy under attack (Yahoo)
... Lao FM to visit United States on July 12-14 (VT)
... Community Water Solutions in Action in Laos (AlertNet)
... Lao-American Obituary: Khamphay Malathong (DI)
... Lao-American Obituary: Boua Luangpraseut (NEG)
... Movie about Laos: Emmy Nominations for Patti Smith & The Betrayal!
... An interview with Lao American Actor Ova Saopeng (AAP)
... Laos facing quality issues with solar PV components (RN)
... Thai Defence Minister visits Laos to foster cooperation (MCOT)
... Preparation for Vientiane’s 450th anniversary celebration in full swing
... Laos grants 156 ha to Japanese co. for medicinal plant cultivation (LV)
... Lao-Hmong in US: The language bridge (Charlotte Observer)
... Lao PM receives ADB Country Director (LV/KPL)
... World Bank, EU give boost to rural food security (VT)
... This Bracelet [from Laos] is the Bomb! (Tonic)
... Cambodia, Viet Nam, Laos boost triangle dev't (ANN)
... Laos' Telecoms, Mobile & Broadband Markets: Forecasts to 2018
... Lao Minister calls for measures against pig disease outbreak (VT)
... Basketball: RP Youth beats Laos by 103, nears SEABA crown (GMA)
... SEZ to attract US$460 million more of investment (KPL)
... Franken unhappy with access in visit to refugee village in Laos(ST)
... Franken speaks with repatriated Lao-Hmong; access was restricted
... Lao-Thai exhibition to boost trade value (Vientiane Times)
... EU further supports victims of Ketsana & drought in Attapeu (KPL)
... Road, bridge linking Luang Prabang to Sayaboury take shape (KPL)
... Laos announces plans to host cluster bomb conference (VT)
... Laos: Role of defence lawyers misunderstood: justice official (VT)
... Vientiane: Sikhay-Tardthong road built by 60 percent (LV/KPL)
... Tigo’s world cup awards five Yamaha Fino to Lao customers (KPL)
... Franken visits Laos to see repatriated Hmong refugees (MPR)
... Low rainfall stalls rice production in Laos (VT)
... Philips eyes larger slice of pie in Laos (LV/VT)
... Laos Burns Drugs - Criminal Syndicates Survive (IDN)
... Northern Laos: CK shows progress on Xayaburi project (Nation)
... Electricity production drops by 3.31 percent in Laos (LV/VT)
... Champassak forests under threat despite logging ban (LV/VT)
... Lao coffee strengthens position in Japanese market (VT)
... Lao-Hmong: French cuisine reinterpreted (JS Online)
... Lao dams don't impact Mekong River: Lao energy minister (MCOT)
... China to provide loan for Vientiane-China rail link (VT or LV)
... Laos prepares to host cluster bomb conference (VT)
... BBC World News broadcasts of Gambling on Laos (LV)
... Cambodia launches optical cable with Laos (Trading Market)
... Vietnam, Laos co-operate in child health care (ND)





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