Vientiane set to reveal New Year programme

Vientiane plans to announce the city’s official Lao New Year activities this week, while Champassak and Luang Prabang provinces have already revealed their programmes.

Vientiane Administration Office Head Dr Khamfong Bouddavong said last Friday the office is drafting an agenda of activities that will take place during the Lao New Year festival next month, and will announce the final programme this week.

“Our plan for this new year is to have a Miss Sangkhan procession featuring seven ladies chosen from Sikhottabong district. Next year it will be the turn of another district to host the procession,” he said.

This year’s procession will start at the King Fangum statue and parade to Vat Simeuang.

Dr Khamfong also revealed there will be processions of residents from the nine districts of Vientiane, the installation of a large phakhuan at That Luang stupa, water pouring ceremonies in nine temples, and the worship of Buddha images. The three-day festival will end with the building of sandcastles on Don Chan, and sports competitions.

Luang Prabang Tourism Department Deputy Director Khamtan Somphanvilay said “This year our province will celebrate the new year in the tradition of previous years, to be centred around the festival days of April 14 to 16.”

He said the province had already made a schedule of activities, starting on April 10 and ending on April 19.

April 10 will see the opening of a trade fair in the morning at the Thatluang esplanade. On the evening of April 11 there will be performances by Lao and international singers.

April 12 and 13 will see the Miss Sangkhan competition and traditional performances from 19:30 to 23:30. On April 14, a lolath (traditional market or street fair) along roads in the town will run from 6am to 12 noon. In the afternoon, people will gather by the river to build sandcastles, hold a baci ceremony and take part in sports competitions at Xiengman village in Chomphet district.

On April 15, there will be a visit by a group from a Lue cultural village, who will perform a show symbolic of the village as well as a baci ceremony. This will be attended by leaders and visitors throughout the morning. In the afternoon, there will be a vor parade which will highlight Buddhist and Lao traditions and will run from Vat Thatnoy to Vat Xiengthong.

On April 16, leaders and local and overseas visitors will attend an almsgiving ceremony at the Royal Palace Museum in the early morning. In the afternoon, the vor procession will parade back to Vat Thatnoy from Vat Xiengthong. In the evening, there will be a procession of nagas, lanterns and traditional performances.

On April 17, leaders, laypeople and the general public will gather to accompany the revered Prabang Buddha image as it is carried from the Royal Palace Museum to Vat Mai Souvannaphoum, where it will be on display for worship. Other traditional activities will also take place on this day.

On April 18, the public will be able to pour perfumed water over the Prabang Buddha and enjoy various traditional performances.

On the last day of the programme, local authorities, laypeople and visitors will line the street as the Prabang Buddha image leaves the temple and is returned to the museum in the morning.

According to a press release from Champassak province, new year activities will include a Miss Champassak competition, to be held at the shopping mall on the evening of April 13.

From April 14 to 17, there will be a Miss Sangkhan procession, the washing of Buddha statues, a food festival, sandcastle building and other activities.

Khong district will hold a street fair featuring local food items and products that are symbolic of 10 districts, as well as products from neighbouring countries, to run from April 9 to 16.

Champassak’s programme will also include cultural performances and sports competitions.

By Panyasith Thammavongsa
Vientianetimes

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VIENTIANE, March 25 (Bernama) — Lao and Thai business people opened this week a franchise outlet of the Pizza Company and Swensen’s with their joint-venture investment of over 6 billion kip (US$500,000), reports Lao News Agency (KPL) on Thursday.

The outlet becomes the first branch of the well-known international fast food chain in the Lao PDR.

“The company has decided to purchase franchise from the Minor Food Group Public Co. Ltd to operate a fast food business in Laos,” said Operations Manager of the Lao Express Food Group (Laos), Ms Phetsavanh Homvannasy.

“Lao business people hold 40 per cent of the share in the joint venture and the rest belongs to Thai partners,” KPL cited Phetsavanh, as saying.

The fast food outlet is located next to the National Culture Hall on Samsenthai Road. It is open daily from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.

The manager said that she had confidence that her fast food service would be attractive to many Lao people, especially the middle and high-income ones.

– BERNAMA

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Medical university struggling to make the grade

The University of Health Sciences requires more qualified teachers, teaching and learning materials, and better practical training to bring students up to the required level.

University Vice President, Associate Professor Dr Sing Menorath, told Vientiane Times yesterday the university needs at least 100 teachers for about 4,000 students in seven faculties.

“The shortage of teachers affects the standard of teaching and learning for both students and teachers,” he said.

To address the shortage of instructors, the university will train more than 20 high achieving final year students to become teachers in the near future.

The university has about 300 teachers, including part-time instructors who also work at Mahosot, Mittaphab, Setthathirath and Mother and Child Health hospitals in Vientiane.

In addition to a lack of teachers, many of the existing staff have not updated their skills and knowledge recently and need to take courses to improve their teaching standards.

The university also needs more laboratories and practical learning areas for final year students.

While the number of students at the university continues to rise, the number of areas in hospitals where they can undertake internships has remained unchanged in recent years.

As a result the university has sent about 80 final year students for work experience at hospitals in Vientiane, Savannakhet, Luang Prabang and Champassak provinces.

Gaining practical work experience is an essential aspect of preparing final year medical and nursing students for entering the workforce and ensuring high quality doctors and nurses.

The university also needs more classrooms, modern teaching equipment, laboratories and seminar rooms.

By Xayxana Leukai
Vientianetimes

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Setthathirath Hospital seeks public opinion on services

Setthathirath Hospital has called for members of the public to give their comments on services provided by its staff to address claims of inadequate service delivery.

Hospital Deputy Director Dr Vangyer Nengmongvang on Monday called for members of the public who had experienced poor service to provide details so the personnel involved can be instructed to improve.

“Please provide us with full details, including the names of the staff involved, their department and the date and details of the incident,” he said.

Dr Vangyer was speaking at a meeting of National Assembly members and government officials on Monday to address public complaints submitted during the assembly’s last sitting session.

Complaints included cases of medical staff ignoring patients, being rude, and declining to treat people from disadvantaged backgrounds. Such incidences have led the facility to be dubbed ‘the hospital of the rich’.

Dr Vangyer assured the public that the hospital is a government-run facility and offers services to people from all walks of life without discrimination.

He accepted that some staff at the hospital have acted inappropriately and failed to exercise their role ethically in the past, adding that the hospital administration has educated and replaced those employees and will continue to do so.

He said it is the hospital’s policy to treat poor patients and there are special rooms for patients who are unable to afford the normal ward fees.

The hospital also conducts emergency operations without contacting the patient’s family first, but only when it is absolutely vital to do so.

Patients who are unable to pay may be eligible for free treatment and care at the hospital, Dr Vangyer said. The hospital also covers transport costs for some patients, as well as funeral expenses in some cases.

Dr Vangyer cited the case of an orphaned Khmu girl from Kasy district in Vientiane province. The hospital paid 21 million kip for Ms Vone’s treatment. She was suffering from a womb-related disease and spent more than three months in the hospital. The case was one of four such examples raised by Dr Vangyer.

From 2001-09, the hospital spent more than 2.3 billion on free treatment for poor patients. In 2009 alone, almost 190 million kip was spent on such cases.

Members of the public wishing to report any incidences at the hospital can call 020 2226100, 020 2226101 or 020 2226107.

By Souksakhone Vaenkeo
Vientianetimes

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Although more Lao women are employed than ever before, they are more likely to be placed in low productivity and low paid positions with no social protection and basic working rights, according to a recent report from the Department of Skill Development and Employment.

Women have continued to enter the workforce in greater numbers over recent years. However, this progress must not obscure the glaring inequities that still exist in workplaces throughout the country, stated the report.

The department, under the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, sent more than 34,500 female workers to Thailand and Japan in the first six months of last year, which was still not enough to meet demand in those countries.

All the sectors involved should contribute to empowering society and advancing the cause of economic and social development for all by promoting decent work for women, stated the report.

However, improvements in the status of women in labour markets throughout the country have not substantially narrowed gender gaps in the workplace.

Of those in paid employment in Laos, 40 percent are women, according to data from the department.

Remaining outside of the labour force is often not a choice but an imposition. It is likely that most women would select remunerated work outside the home if it became acceptable to do so.

More females are gaining access to education, but equality in education is still far from a reality in some parts of the country, especially in rural areas.

Access to labour markets and decent, productive employment is crucial in the process of creating greater equality between men and women in Laos.

Luang Prabang provincial Labour and Social Welfare Department Director, Mr Somthong Daosongfa, said yesterday younger generations are now less content to work in rice fields and would rather seek more gainful employment in Thailand’s factories, construction sites and entertainment venues.

He said a report by the department released last year pointed out that for many women in the province, moving away from vulnerable employment into wage and salary work can be a major step towards economic freedom and self-determination.

The poorer the region, the greater the likelihood that women remain among the ranks of contributing family workers.

“Although the main factor is the lack of jobs at home, migration experts also note that growing materialism among the younger generation is also driving the trend,” Mr Somthong said.

The majority of Lao workers employed abroad crossed the border to Thailand, where there are better economic opportunities.

To reduce unemployment and the risk of human trafficking for women in the province, the department would send around 300 local women to work in Thailand this year, he added.

By Phaisythong Chandara
Vientianetimes

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Settha Palace hotel in Vientiane is also developed by Belmont Hotel Investments (Laos) Ltd

(KPL) Luang Prabang province and the Belmont Hotel Investments (Laos) Ltd signed last Friday in the province an agreement on a 50-year land concession for the company to develop a hotel on Mount Makba at Phanom village, Luang Prabang district.

The signatories to the document were Mr. Bounkhong Phothitay, Deputy Head of Luang Prabang Provincial Land Management Authority, and Mr. Billy Theodas, President of the Belmont Hotel Investments ( Laos). Relevant officials of both sides witnessed the signing.

The construction is expected to be over within three years on Mount Makba on over seven hectares of land to accommodate the expected flow of tourists into the province.

According to the agreement, the investor will develop and operate its hotel for 50 years as of 2010 and could extend the agreement for another 25-year term with the payment of an annual rent of US$17,655 to the province.

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New fashion show from Mahason magazine this month featured a Lao super model at the new train station in Vientiane. Click to enlarge the photos, and don’t forget to leave your comments or suggestion here.

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DRUNK Brits leer at passing female tourists.

A Western tourist gets in a public shouting match with her guide. Stoned backpackers lounge gape-mouthed in cafes, eyes glued to televisions playing looping re-runs of Friends and Family Guy.

Welcome to Vang Vieng, one of Laos’ premier tourist destinations. Just don’t call it “unspoiled”.

As this South-East Asian country opens its doors to tourism, it’s facing a classic conundrum. The poor, underdeveloped country desperately wants to earn tourist dollars. But it also wants to preserve its conservative, traditional ways. Doing both may be impossible.

“It’s hard to keep the balance between development and the preservation of tradition and local culture,” said Thavipheth Oula, an official at the Lao National Tourism Administration. “The issue is how we can keep Lao identity while the number of tourist arrivals increases.”

Laos must learn how to keep its identity while the number of tourist arrivals increases. Picture: Seymour

In the 1960s, America waged a “secret war” here against the Pathet Lao communists. Now, the country that once crawled with spooks has been invaded by tourists.

Annual tourist arrivals have tripled in 10 years, from half a million in 1998 to 1.7 million in 2008, according to numbers from Laos’ tourism authority. Tourism now brings in $US275 million ($A305.35 million) in annual revenue, up from $US80 million ($A88.83 million) in 1998, making it Laos’ second biggest money-maker after mining.

The key draws are the capital, Vientiane, and the temple-studded World Heritage Site, Luang Prabang. The latter’s development is regulated with, for example, strict building codes, and there is a smattering of French-Lao fusion restaurants and bars.

20-something hedonists
But Vang Vieng has no such restrictions. Instead, it’s carved out a niche as a mandatory stop on the backpacker trail through South-east Asia. And it caters to 20-something hedonists with scores of cafes, bars and riverside debauchery, making it something of a “lost city of sin” in the heart of Laos.

Vang Vieng’s natural beauty is breathtaking: It sits on the Nam Song River amid jagged karst mountains. The obligatory activity here is inner-tubing down the river. Tourists crowd onto trucks that drive them to a spot upriver from the city. By the launch site, hordes of shirtless and bikini-clad Western tourists gyrate to deafening techno music, as others hurtle into the river from rickety wooden platforms three stories high.

Enterprising locals have built riverside bars hawking the national pride, Beerlao, and jerry-rigged flywires over the river. Lao touts tempt passing inner-tubers by throwing lines at them; if you’re thirsty you just grab on and they pull you in. Such attractions are a big draw for younger tourists, in particular. But they have some wondering whether Vang Vieng has lost its soul.

“Each time a young Australian woman strolls down the street in a bikini, a bearded American smokes a joint on a guesthouse terrace, or a group of Koreans tumbles drunkenly out of a restaurant, it saps a little more of the essence of a town like Vang Vieng,” said Brett Dakin, the author of Another Quiet American, a chronicle of two years in Laos working for the tourist authority.

“Tourism has contributed a great deal to communities like these: rising incomes and higher standards of living,” Dakin wrote in an email. “But there is a sense that something has been lost in the process.”

Awareness programs trialled
There’s no easy solution to the problem. Oula, of the tourism authority, says restrictions on young foreign backpackers would backfire by taking away much-needed income from the local Lao who run guesthouses, restaurants and other tourist businesses. Instead, the authority is pinning its hopes on “awareness programs” for tourists and locals. Such programs will “ask tourists to respect and strictly follow the rules, regulations, tradition and cultures of the Lao people,” Oula said.

“At the same time, (we should) educate local people to maintain the Lao identity, way of life, tradition and culture and not imitate tourist behaviour.”

For Dakin, a little sensitivity could go a long way. There are some basics in Laos: dress conservatively (that means no bikinis and shirtless-ness in public, a suggestion posted clearly in English throughout Vang Vieng). Take off your shoes indoors. And try not to poke your camera in the monks’ faces at the traditional morning alms-giving in Luang Prabang.

“It’s not hard to travel responsibly in Laos, it just requires a little thought, and perhaps above all the ability to empathise,” said Dakin. “Would you want your visitors acting this way in your hometown?”

Source: http://www.news.com.au/travel/world/idyllic-laos-threatened-by-sex-drugs-and-debaucherous-behaviour/story-e6frfqai-1225841761972?from=public_rss

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Pattaya Music Festival 2010

To please all music lovers and also raise Thai travel awareness, Pattaya Music Festival 2010 is back again and begins on Friday until Sunday, March 21, from 6pm to midnight.

The festival will be divided into six stages around Pattaya Beach including the Balihai Pier (Pink Stage), Pattaya Soi 9 Central Fest (Purple Stage), Pattaya Klang (Blue Stage) and the Royal Garden Stage. This year’s music festival has gathered both Thai and international artists. About 100 artists will entertain audiences in various music styles: pop, hip hop, R&B and rock.

Also joining these artists are Micro, Sek Loso, Palapol, Da Endorphin, Body Slam, Big Ass, Paradox, Shin Shinawut plus many more, along with international artists on the Pink Stage such as After School, f(x), Wheesung from Korea, Zhang Li Yin from China, Thomas & Jack from Malaysia and Leprozy from Laos.

Leprozy

During the festival there will also be several booths set up offering fun activities, various goods and music products, workshops as well as meet-and-greet sessions with the artists. Admission is free.

You can listen to some songs from Leprozy at:
http://www.myspace.com/leprozylaos

To know more about Leprozy,
http://amp.channelv.com/amp/viewArtist.html?id=12159

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(KPL) The Nice Jump Company invested over US$500,000 in the construction of a new radio station (FM 98.8 MHz) for Vientiane Capital.

This will be the second Vientiane radio station, located at Phontong Chommany village, Chanthabouly district, Vientiane Capital.

The construction of new Vientiane radio station project is nearly complete.This station will then transfer to Vientiane Capital after ending 25 years of concession.

The agreement was signed by Head of Information and Culture Division of the Ministry of Information and Culture, Ms. Vanpheng Keonakhone and the on behalf of Nice Jump Company, Mr. Santi Sengdala.

ຫລາຍຄົນຄົງຈະສົງໄສກັນແລ້ວແມ່ນບໍ່? ວ່າຕົວເລກ 98,8 ນີ້ມີຄວາມກ່ຽວຂ້ອງກັບ ຫນຸ່ມ ສັກ ຄືແນວໃດ? ດັ່ງນັ້ນ ມາຮູ້ຈັກກັບ ຕົວເລກນີ້ກັນດີກວ່າ ນັ້ນແມ່ນຄື້ນວິທະຍຸນ້ອງໃຫມ່ຄືຄື້ນ FM 98,8 MHz ທີ່ຈະມາພ້ອມກັບນາໆສາລະ ແລະຄວາມບັນເທີງທີ່ຫລາກ ຫລາຍຢ່າງມາບອກເປັນປະຈຳທຸກໆວັນ ເຊິ່ງນຳທີມໂດຍຫນຸ່ມ “ສັກ” ວົງ “ເຊລ” ສາວງາມ “ນຸຖາ” ແລະ ໂຄສົກສຽງໃສອີກຫລາຍ ຄົນ.

ເປັນອີກຫນຶ່ງຄົນຄຸນນະພາບແທ້ໆ ສຳລັບ ນັກຮ້ອງນຳວົງ “ເຊລ” ນັ້ນກໍ່ຄືຫນຸ່ມ “ສັກ” ນັ້ນເອງ ເພາະນອກຈາກຈະເປັນນັກຮ້ອງ ທີ່ມີແຟນເພງທຸກເພດທຸກໄວ ທີ່ຄອຍຕິດຕາມຜົນງານຢ່າງຫນຽວແຫນ້ນແລ້ວ ສັກ ຍັງເປັນນັກປະພັນສີມືດີຂອງຄ້າຍອິນດີເຣັກຂອດສ໌ ນຳນອກຈາກຈະແຕ່ງເພງໃຫ້ຕົນເອງແລ້ວ ສັກ ຍັງເປັນຜູ້ທີ່ຢູ່ເບື້ອງຫລັງຄວາມສຳເລັດ ແຕ່ງເພງໃຫ້ເຫລົ່ານັກຮ້ອງນ້ອງໃຫມ່ຫລາຍໆ ວົງໃນຄ້າຍນຳອີກເຊັ່ນ ວົງ “ໄອດໍ”, ສາວ “ຫມອນ”, ສາວ “ຕິກ” ແລະ ອື່ນໆ ສາມາດເວົ້າໄດ້ວ່າ ຫນຸ່ມຄົນນີ້ເປັນຜູ້ຄວບຄຸມ ແລະ ດູແລທຸກໆເລື່ອງຂອງສິລະປິນຫລາຍໆຄົນວ່າໄດ້.

ຫລ້າສຸດ ສັກ ກໍ່ໄດ້ເປີດບໍລິສັດສັກໄອເລດີໂອ ເຊິ່ງເປັນບໍລິສັດທີ່ກ່ຽວກັບວິທະຍຸກະຈາຍສຽງທີ່ຈະອອກອາກາດໃນຄື້ນ FM 98,8 MHz ເຊິ່ງເປັນວິທະຍຸນະຄອນຫລວງແຫ່ງທີ2 ທີ່ຈະເປີດຕົວຢ່າງເປັນທາງການໃນໄວໆນີ້. ນອກຈາກສັກຈະເປັນເຈົ້າຂອງບໍລິສັດເອງ ແລ້ວ ແຕ່ລາວຍັງຮັບຫນ້າທີ່ເປັນໂຄສົກເອງນຳອີກ ແຕ່ງານນີ້ບໍ່ໄດ້ມີພຽງ ສັກ ຄົນດຽວແຕ່ຍັງມີໂຄສົກອີກຫລາຍຄົນທີ່ຈະມາຫມູນວຽນ ມາມອບຄວາມສຸກໃຫ້ກັບມິດລາຍການ ຖ້າບອກຊື່ໄປຮັບຮອງວ່າ ທຸກຄົນຕ້ອງຮູ້ຈັກແນ່ນອນ ເລີ່ມກັນທີ່ ສາວເກ່ງຄົນນີ້ “ນຸຖາ” ພິທີ ກອນລາຍການ “ມິວສິກບູມ” ທາງຊ່ອງລາວສຕາຣ໌ແຊນແນວ, ຫນຸ່ມ”ອ້າຍ”ຫນຶ່ງໃນສະມາຊິກເກົ່າວົງ “ໄອດໍ”, ໂຄສົກຫນ້າຕາດີຫນຸ່ມ “ຕີເລັກ”, ຫນຸ່ມອາລົມດີຫນຸ່ມ “ແກ້ວ” ແລະ ອີກຫລາຍໆຄົນ.

ໃຜທີ່ມັກຟັງວິທະຍຸເປັນປະຈຳຢູ່ແລ້ວສາມາດຫມູນຄື້ນມາຟັງໄດ້ທີ່ 98,8 ເພາະວ່າຄື້ນນີ້ອັດແຫນ້ນໄປດ້ວຍຄວາມບັນເທີງແບບຄົບ ລົດຊາດຮັບຮອງວ່າທ່ານຈະບໍ່ຮູ້ສຶກເບື່ອ.

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(KPL) The use of a common debit card standard would help Laos move into a cashless society and assist this country�s economy to grow and this was said by a banker of the Bank of Lao, Mr O. Vilaphan, when he spoke during a presentation event on Lao Central Payment Network, for bankers, private sector people and civil servants, in the premises of the Bank of Lao on 11 March.

He added that he would like banks in Laos to support this new debit card operator, to enable Laos to deepen its banking industry and to get cashless transaction to become a way of life here.

When banks join as members of LCPN they would be in a position to access cutting edge banking technology at low cost and this would allow them to remain focused on their core business, said Mr Arnold Khoo, Chairman of LCPN. The Chairman, a Singaporean, added that LCPN, a neutral and transparent party, would enable banks to roll out a slew of new banking products.

�Banks could expand their customer base through electronic services and save a vast amount of technology costs through the use of LCPN�s services, instead of developing their own,� Mr Khoo added.

Elaborating on this system, he said that it would also be a win-win situation for both the banks and customers, as consumers would benefit from widespread cashless commerce and the cash flows into the banks would strengthen the banking industry.

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Dj and Vj Pouk has turned himself into a new VJ on the new TV program called: “Thi Ni Mee Pheng” and a new DJ for radio program called “Good FM”. These programs is sponsored by Innovative Conceptions Ltd.

DJ Pouks is a senior DJ who used to work with a radio program since 2003. Dj Pouks mentioned that he will also be a producer and TV conductor for the program supported by Innovative Conceptions Ltd. The program Thi Ni Mee Pheng will be on air on 16th March 2010 on channel 3 from 10:55-11:55.

On top of that, DJ Pouks also invites all the listeners to follow his new work at GOOD FM radio, which will be on air on 98.8 MHz from 19:30 up to a midnight. He will be a DJ together with 5 old and new DJs. This radio program will include not only Lao music, but also Korean, Japanese and other international songs.

From: ECOM
Translated by Poupey

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Each year the government invests a huge amount of money to shore up the Mekong riverbank in Vientiane, which is slowly being eroded.

Now the government has entered into an agreement with the Khamphay Sana Group Construction Company under which the company will invest more than three billion kip to build an embankment along the Mekong River in Vatsop village, Sisattanak district.

According to the Vientiane Public Works and Transport Department (VPWTD) the government will repay the money to the company when the work is finished, but cannot specify a timeframe.

The company started the project in February and is building a section of embankment that is 110 metres long. The job is set for completion in April.

The objective of the project is to prevent erosion of the riverbank and widen the road that runs alongside it.

The government is also contributing to the construction of an embankment that runs from Dankham village in Sikhottabong district to the Australian Embassy Recreational Club in Sisattanak district.

The total cost of this project is 400 billion kip (US$49 million). Of this, 300 billion kip (US$37 million) comes from a low interest loan from the Republic of Korea’s Economic Development Cooperation Fund and the remainder is being funded by the Lao government. The project is set for completion in 2013.

The embankment will pass through 23 villages in Sikhottabong, Chanthabouly and Sisattanak districts.

The project includes construction of a flood control embankment and a road alongside the Mekong River, as well as the construction of a riverside park and landscaping.

The Mekong riverbank is eroding at a rate of about two to three metres per year, and many households have suffered as a result, according to the Vientiane Public Works and Transport Department.

By Meuangkham Noradeth
Vientianetimes

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Although human resources are on the rise in Laos, there are still insufficient numbers of qualified workers to meet the needs of international companies located in the country.

Mr Thepphalack Bouaphaivanh.
Due to the increasing number of international organisations investing in numerous sectors across the nation, the need for qualified workers is rising, especially those with a working knowledge of a second language.

Many co mpanies require employees who can communicate well in not only Lao but also in another language such as English, French, Chinese, Vietnamese or Korean.

Studying another language is one way that Lao students can improve their future employment prospects and earn a higher income.

However, learning the English language seems to pose challenges for many Lao students.

Fortunately there are an increasing number of schools and colleges that help students to learn English through a variety of innovative learning techniques.

Mr Thepphalack Bouaphaivanh, 21, is studying at the National University of Laos’ Faculty of Letters and Social Sciences.

“English is in an international and popular language that people speak around the world,” Mr Thepphalack told Vientiane Times in an interview this week.

“I selected English as a second language in secondary school because I knew it would help me with my university studies.”

He is also studying Lao-English translation at the English Promotion School in Vientiane.

Mr Thepphalack said he has been studying translation for more than two years, taking evening classes every weekday. He enjoys learning and is able to share his ideas and experiences with classmates.

He said learning English will also help him to be able to communicate with foreigners.

Mr Thepphalack said his extra studies help him in his university classes.

“I am very glad and proud of my decision to study translation by taking evening classes. I’ve studied hard and waited a long time for this opportunity,” he said happily.

Mr Thepphalack said that when he graduates from university he will seek employment as a teacher of English or as a translator.

He would also love to work with an NGO or international organisation one day in the future.

“I may also continue to study or apply for an international scholarship.”

Mr Thepphalack said he enjoys learning new words and phrases by reading English language newspapers.

“Learning only in university is not enough; extra classes, the library or an Internet cafe are all excellent places to discover new things. There is plenty of information available out there.”

“When Mr Thepphalack first came to study at our school, he was interested in learning and concentrated well during class. He has continued to do so,” said Director of the English Promotion School, Mr Somphone Bouaphanthong.

He said Mr Thepphalack is an outstanding student who is eager to improve his knowledge and skills.

“This is an excellent opportunity for him to improve himself and it’s a good chance to learn about translation techniques which will be of great help to him in the future.”

“To be successful, students must keep ‘walking their path’, be patient and overcome all the obstacles they face during their studies.”

Mr Somphone said more than 100 students had graduated from the school and many are now working with NGOs or running their own business.

The school was established more than 30 years ago.

“If you really want to do something, focus on that path and keep going. Don’t give up and eventually you will reach your goals,” Mr Thepphalack said.

By Phaisythong Chandara
Vientianetimes

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VIENTIANE : Even at a time when all eyes are fixed on booming China, the impressively growing economy of Laos is capturing the attention of investors, particularly from neighbouring Thailand.

The Lao economy last year expanded by 6.4%, the second highest in East Asia after China, according to a World Bank report. From 2003-08, the country’s real GDP growth averaged 7.2% per year.

Although Laos’s limited exposure to global trade helped shield it from the global financial crisis, the Communist country has increasingly become more open to the outside world, attracting everyone from curious tourists to yearning investors.

Wiboon Khusakul, the Thai ambassador to Laos, said Thailand’s trade value with Laos last year was worth 72 billion baht, an 8.8% drop from 2008 due to the recession.

Total foreign direct investment in Laos in the 2009 fiscal year was worth 142.3 billion baht from 208 projects. There were 37 projects from Thailand worth 30 billion baht, behind Vietnam at 47.6 billion baht and China at 31.3 billion.

However, Thailand remains the top trade partner and investor in Laos, with cumulative investment of 89 billion baht from 2000 to 2009, followed by China, at 75 billion, and Vietnam, at 71 billion. Thailand has invested mainly in dams and power plants.

Laos last year attracted 1.8 million foreign tourists, more than 60% of them from Thailand.

“Despite the past two years of political woes, Thailand has still managed to drive forward relations with Laos,” Mr Wiboon said. “Last year, the president of Laos made a state visit to Thailand for the first time in 14 years.”

Mr Wiboon said relations between the countries were based on the pursuit of common benefits. Laos is looking to maintain stability and build wealth, which Thailand considers a key to maintaining close relations.

This year will mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Laos and Thailand.

“There are good opportunities for investment in logistics services following the development of four main economic routes such as the East-West Economic Corridor,” Mr Wiboon said.

The North-South Economic Corridor or R3E route, which links Kunming in China with Bangkok through Laos and is due to be completed next year, also lacks service businesses. There are only one or two Thai projects in Bo Kaew in Laos, he said.

The Export-Import Bank of Thailand over the past three years has adjusted its role to become a leading financial institution for trade and investment in the Greater Mekong Sub-region.

Apichai Boontherawara, the Exim Bank president, said the bank aimed to focus on supporting projects abroad that are commercially viable and contribute to the target country’s economic development.

Of the bank’s 24.69 billion baht in loans to foreign projects, those in Laos received the most support, with 9 billion, followed by Burma’s 4.4 billion baht.

Projects being supported in Laos include hydropower dams, power plants and a raw sugar factory.

Among the projects is the Nam Ngum 2 hydropower dam and powerhouse worth 30.83 billion baht. The project, in which 25% is held by the Laotian Ministry of Finance and 75% by South East Asia Energy, is due to start operations around the end of this year. The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand will buy the power.

Electricity contributes about 11% of the export revenue earned by Laos. The country aims to be the “Battery of Asia” by 2020 generating 20,000 megawatts. Currently, it has production capacity of 700 MW.

Thailand has contracts to purchase 5,000 MW from Laos by 2015.

“In the next two years, our financial support to projects in Laos will surge with a number of future investment projects that are in the process of consideration. Each is worth about 100 billion baht,” Dr Apichai said.

The bank has a loan target of 24 billion baht this year. Of that, 8 billion baht will be for investments outside Thailand.

The World Bank says a growing dependence on the resource sector is seen as unsustainable in the long term because of depletion of natural resources. Therefore, Laos should shift its economic focus toward agricultural processing and services, the report says.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/economics/34470/laos-a-rising-star-among-investors

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Lao students win regional maths award

A pair of students from Kiettisack International School have won first prize at the Search for SEAMEO Young Scientists competition.

The 7th regional competition was held in Malaysia earlier this month with the theme of “sustainable solutions for the local community”.

Ms Sengdeuane Lachanthaboun presents gifts to the successful students.

It was organised by the South East Asian Ministers of Education Organisation (SEAMEO) and the Regional Centre for Education in Science and Mathematics.

Organisers said the competition was designed to encourage research and development in science and mathematics among young students in SEAMEO and associate member countries.

In addition to providing a venue for intellectual and social interaction among students, the awards give recognition to outstanding young scientific and mathematical minds.

This year nine countries participated in the competition: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, and Laos.

Laos sent two teams of students to participate in the science projects and one in mathematics.

Grade 10 students Mr Anou Souvannavong and Miss Fonnapha Taimany won first prize in the mathematics competition.

And if that wasn’t enough, they also took out the outstanding award for exhibit presentation and special award for the application of technology in relation to the theme of the contest.

“We are very proud to win these awards because it is so meaningful to us as well as our country,” the winners said.

They said the competition from other countries was extremely tough, and they were only given two weeks to prepare.

“We learned a lot from this competition,” they said. “We were able to discuss our ideas with other students from Southeast Asian countries, which was quite a special experience.”

The two teams competing in the science field from Eastern Star Bilingual School and Kiettisack International School received consolation awards after the team from Singapore took top honours.

“I was very proud of all the students and teachers whose efforts paved the way for this success,” Deputy Minister of Education Ms Sengdeuane Lachanthaboun said during a visit to the ministry by the teachers and students last Thursday.

“This is an important step to developing a stronger reputation for Laos, not only for the country but also for the students’ schools and families.”

She said Laos had sent students to participate in the competition in the past but had been unable to win.

Ms Sengdeuane urged the students to share their experiences with others so that the success can be replicated in the future.

By Phetsamone Chandala

Vientianetimes

More information:

SEAMEO-RESCAM-SSYS-2010 Winners’ Lists

Mathematics Category

List One: Most Promising Young Scientists Awards

“Power To The People – An Investigation Into The Use Of Jatropha For Rural
Electrification, Lao PDR”
By Fonnapha Taymany and Anou Souvannavong from Lao PDR

List Two: the Outstanding Awards for Significant Projects

“Microbial Chorale: Characterization Of Microorganisms In Agricultural,
Industrial And Food Storage Through Fast Fourier Transform (FFT)Analysis”
By Jeselle Baldomero, James Patrick and Balagtas from Philippines

List Three: the Outstanding Awards

1—the Outstanding Award for Research Report
“Reducing Greenhouse Gases Emission From Municipal Solid Wastes By “
Recovering The Wastes To Generate Electricity
By Touch Sopheak, and Seang Nam from Cambodia

2—the Outstanding Award for Presentation of Exhibit
“ Power To The People – An Investigation Into The Use Of Jatropha For Rural
Electrification, Lao PDR”
By Fonnapha Taymany, Anou and Souvannavong from Lao PDR

3—the Outstanding Award for Presentation in Congress
“ Mathematics In The Ethnic Arts Of Borneo”
By Sherlyn Lai Hui Ern and Audrey Alexander from Malaysia

List Four: the Special Awards

(1) Special Award for Immediate Benefit to the Local Community
“Establish And Manage “Environmental Fund” Project In Secondary
School”
By Le Phuong Anh, Nguyen Duy Khanh from Vietnam

(2) Special Award for Educational Contribution for Economy, Environment and Society
Mathematics In The Ethnic Arts Of Borneo
By Sherlyn Lai Hui Ern, Audrey Alexander from Malaysia

(3) Special Award for Commercial Potential Development of a Product for Society and Environment
“apping Of Tourist Attractions In Loei Province Of Thailand By Using Graph Theory”
By Thanisara Chan- Uan, Jakkra Sombatwong, Pimchanok Ngamsawad from and

(4) Special Award for the Application of Mathematics Principles and Processes
“Application Of Radical Centre To Determine The Optimal
Location For Police Stations”
By Khoo Yong Jie, Chan Yi Hao, Pey Chiun Yuan from Singapore

(5) Special Award for Creativity / Innovation
“Reducing Greenhouse Gases Emission From Municipal Solid Wastes By Recovering The Wastes To Generate Electricity
By Touch Sopheak, Seang Nam from Cambodia

(6) Special Award for Application of Technology in Relation to Congress
Theme
“Power to the people – An investigation into the use of Jatropha for
ruralelectrification, Lao PDR”
By Fonnapha Taymany, Anou Souvannavong from Lao PDR

List Five: Consolation Prizes

(1) “Achievement Financial Calculator”
By Khariul Arrif Bin Mohamad, Awangku Muhd. Izzan Zulfiquah Bin Pengiran Abu
Bakar Sani from Brunei
(2) “ Mathematical Modelling Of The Stomatal Response Of Hibiscus Rosa Sinensis L. To PM10 Pollution”
By Jason A. Villaluna, Nicole Dane L. Navea from Philippines
(3) “Profile Of Minimum Number Of Blocks In Different Shapes Used For Paving A Rectangular Path”
By Apichayaporn Ratkata fromThailand

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The Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs on March 12 issued a warning to Lao citizens advising them not to travel to Thailand , especially to the demonstration area in Bangkok , because the Thai government has activated its Internal Security Act from March 11-23.

Consequently, the ministry warns the general public, officials, business people and students not to go to Thailand while the Internal Security Act is in force.

The announcement also warned Lao citizens working in Thailand not to go to the area where the march is taking place.

Source: Vientianetimes

A day of anti-government protests around Thailand passed peacefully Friday, though concerns remained about possible violence when demonstrators converge in the country’s capital for a “million man march” Sunday.

There had been fears of gridlock on the roads in Bangkok, but the city instead saw lighter than usual traffic as many school and businesses closed in anticipation of possible trouble. Gatherings of the so-called Red Shirts at several points in the capital were also smaller than expected, ranging from several hundred to about 4,000 at most.

The Red Shirts, formally known as the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship, comprise followers of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, along with other people who oppose the 2006 military coup that toppled him.

They seek to have the current prime minister, Abhisit Vejjajiva, call a new election which they believe will allow their political allies to regain power. They believe that Mr. Abhisit came to power illegitimately with the connivance of the military and other parts of the traditional Thai ruling class, who were jealous and fearful of Mr. Thaksin’s popularity while in office in 2001-2006.

Thailand has been in a state of constant political turmoil since early 2006, when demonstrations accusing Mr. Thaksin of corruption and abuse of power were launched. In 2008, when Mr. Thaksin’s political allies came back to power for a year, his opponents occupied the prime minister’s office compound for three months and seized Bangkok’s two airports for a week.

Although Friday’s crowds seemed low even in comparison to past Red Shirt events, organizers claimed to be pleased.

“Today’s gatherings have exceeded our goals in terms of numbers. We expected only 2,000 people to show up at each point, but a lot more have come,” said Weng Tojirakarn, a protest leader. “Hundreds and hundreds of cars and motorcycles have come out to the streets. We decided not to waste too much of their energy and dispersed early.”

Thousands of red-shirted protesters on motorcycles and pickup trucks some clogged streets around Bangkok before gathering at scattered rally sites, including the national police headquarters. One group of several hundred rallied outside an army command center on the outskirts of Bangkok where Mr. Abhisit was monitoring the day’s events, and then dispersed peacefully.

“As long as there is no justice, Thailand cannot be united,” Jaran Ditthapichai, a Red Shirt leader, told the crowd outside the police headquarters. “We want the power to be returned to the people.”

The Red Shirts have vowed to keep their protest nonviolent — and some in Bangkok carried single stem roses that they handed to policemen. However, the group’s last major protest in Bangkok last April deteriorated into rioting that left two people killed, more than 120 people injured and buses burned on major thoroughfares. The army was called in to quash the unrest.

The government, while saying it will honor the right to gather for peaceful protest, has set up roadblocks at all main access points to the capital, and has been stopping and searching cars for weapons. A force of 50,000 soldiers, police and other security was mobilized for the Bangkok area.

To help cope with the problem of too many vehicles entering the capital, the government has even offered to bus demonstrators in from the city’s outskirts, where they can park their pickup trucks.

The Red Shirts will again rally in Bangkok on Saturday, though that will mostly be a travel day for demonstrators coming in from far-flung rural provinces. They say they hope to gather 400,000-600,000 people to all come together Sunday on Bangkok’s Rajdamnoen Avenue, a venue that has been the site of the country’s most important political protests of the past 50 years.

Red Shirt leaders have been vague about how long they hope to keep the protest running, preferring to say they believe the government will step down and call new polls within just a few days.

While violence was avoided at the rallies, a senior police officer nearing retirement after serving more than 30 years in Thailand’s violent deep south was killed Friday by suspected Muslim insurgents.

The political jockeying by Mr. Thaksin’s supporters and opponents has overshadowed a Muslim separatist insurgency in Thailand’s three southernmost provinces. Police said Col. Sompien Eksomya, a district superintendent, was killed after insurgents ambushed the pickup truck in which he was traveling.

Col. Sompien attracted national attention recently when he came to the capital Bangkok to plead with Mr. Vejjajiva to expedite a transfer to a more peaceful province until he retired.

Source: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/asia-pacific/day-of-anti-government-protests-passes-quietly-in-thailand/article1499073/

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(KPL) Lao basketball referees underwent an advanced training course on March 4-8, conducted by the Federation International of Basketball�s (FIBA) Asian Technical Director, Mr Lee Kak Kuan.

Completion of the course will qualify the referees to work at international level. This year, the Lao Basketball Federation will also hold several competitions, which are aimed to improve the overall competition skills of Lao players.

The Federation�s President, Mr. Kikeo Chanthaboury, said that the training course was aimed to assist the Lao basketball referees in developing Lao basketball in many provinces. The 16 referees attending the training will serve at the ninth National Games in Luang Prabang province next year.

He said this training course is the cooperation between the Basketball Federation and FIBA.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the course, Mr Lee said that the Lao referees will have an opportunity to attend international training courses overseas if they perform well in their homeland.

The National University of Laos will send a team to compete in the 15th Asean University Games in the end of this year in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

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LUANG PRABANG, Laos–More than 10 percent of the Buddha statues in Luang Prabang, an ancient city in Laos whose urban district is designated as a World Heritage Site, have gone missing in the past few years, according to Minobusan University in Minobucho, Yamanashi Prefecture.

According to the Buddhist university, whose students help restore statues in Luang Prabang, 120 Buddha statues are missing. As historical legacies related to the world’s heritage are being lost, the Laotian government has begun conservation efforts with support from the university.

The university in 2001 started a survey of the statues, the number of which was unknown, and in 2007 reported to the Laotian government that it had confirmed the presence of 1,174 statues. However, a survey conducted in 2009 revealed that 100 statues were missing from 35 temples. In 2010, another 20 statues were discovered to be missing.

Laotian authorities suspect theft rings stole the statues for resale.

Luang Prabang was the capital city of Lan Xang kingdom, which was established in the 14th century. Buddha statues in Luang Prabang are wooden Theravada Buddhism statues made in the 14th century or later, which are said to have high historical value.

While monks at the temples begin keeping guard over the statues by sleeping at the temples, Minobusan University students distributed brochures at the Luang Prabang National Museum to sound the alarm over the property loss and call for stepping up security in the city.

“I hope to take part in establishing a security system for these historical heritage pieces,” said Yoshitaka Suzuki, 26, a researcher and student at the university.

Source: http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/20100312TDY03103.htm

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Just came across a model from Target magazine, the business magazine in Vientiane.
All the magazine in Laos has now a fashion section.

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