A new UK-Laos Society is bringing together people interested in business, education, culture, tourism, and development to build connections between the two countries.
Founders Adrian Keeling and Hugh Evans, a former British ambassador to Laos, said they established the group because the UK lacked an organization focused on developing UK-Laos ties.
“There wasn’t really an association in the UK whose primary aim was developing links between the two countries. We thought that was a shame, and together we decided to set one up,” Keeling said.
The society held its inaugural reception in London on 1 October, with around 50 guests attending. Lao Ambassador to the UK Mayboua Xayavong attended the society’s inaugural reception as its patron.
The group plans to develop a program of activities in the UK while working with organizations in Laos. Its priorities include raising awareness of Laos among the British public and encouraging engagement in areas such as business, education, food, music, tourism, and travel.
“The profile of Laos isn’t as high in the UK as we’d like it to be. Everyone who has been to the country loves it, and they speak nothing but well of the place. It’s such a shame that more people don’t know about it,” Keeling said.
The society is developing its first events and inviting new members to help shape its activities. Plans include an in-person gathering at a Lao restaurant in London and an online discussion in the new year about unexploded ordnance in Laos.
Keeling encouraged organizations in Laos to contact the society about potential cooperation, particularly in trade and culture.
“If there’s any organisation in Laos that wants to contact us and build links, we’re very keen on that,” he said.
Keeling and Evans are interim co-chairs, leading an informal group that runs the society. They plan to establish an executive committee and a more formal structure as membership grows. The Anglo-Thai Society has provided advice and administrative assistance.
Keeling, who has visited Laos for around 25 years, said his long-standing connection with the country helped inspire the initiative.
“I love the country. I really do. I’ve just fallen in love with it,” he said.
