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Ministry of Finance Opens Hotline for Public

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The Prime Minister’s Office has established a hotline for the general public to utilize, if and when members of the community  wish to be heard about concerns they may have on financial matters.

Thanks to Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith, the Ministry of Finance has opened a hotline ‘1519’ so that members of the public now have a proper channel to direct their concerns towards. According to the ministry, ‘1519’ has been activated as of April 7th.

Concerns raised by the public will be discussed by relevant officials on  “Finance and Development”, a television programme broadcasted via Lao Public Security Television every Friday from 20:30-21:00 and every Saturday from 07:00-07:30.

Comments and complaints will also be addressed on Lao Public Security Radio 105.5 MHz every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 12:30 to 13:00.

In addition, the ministry’s response to the issues will be published in the weekly Finance Newspaper, Vientiane Mai daily, Pasaxon daily, Pathetlao daily and Lao Phatthana daily newspapers.

Towards the end of 2016, the government launched hotline 1516 to encourage the public to provide suggestions and feedback regarding government performance.

Observers commended the initiative, however stressed that it was equally important to ensure the issues raised by the people are taken seriously and addressed in a timely and efficient manner for it to be effective.

Several government bodies currently operate hotlines, encouraging citizens to raise issues or concerns and seek explanations from the relevant bodies. These include the National Assembly (NA), which operates its own hotline ‘156’ during its ordinary sessions.

Drug Lord Xaysana Pleads Not Guilty to Drug Charges

This Facebook link thumbnail image template was created by Christian Karasiewicz, owner of www.christiankonline.com

On Tuesday, notorious Lao drug lord Xaysana Keopimpha, aka Vanlob, appeared before the Criminal Court in Bangkok where he plead not guilty to charges filed against him, including smuggling and possession of narcotics.

As previously reported by The Laotian Times, Xaysana was apprehended by Thai police at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport in January after returning from Phuket. The alleged international kingpin has been linked to several of Thailand’s rich and high-profiled but has consistently denied being a major player in the regional narcotics trade.

Vanlob has a slew of charges filed against him, including smuggling 1.2 million methamphetamine pills— widely known in Laos as “yaba” or crazy medicine,  into Thailand, and possession with intent to sell.

His lawyer, Vorakon Phongtanakul, has stated that Xaysana has denied all charges being brought against him, even though his client had allegedly signed a confession while in police custody.

While being questioned by authorities, Vanlob had initially confessed to involvement in the illicit activity that occurred in Laos, the Nong Khai immigration checkpoint and various other locations. However, after the indictment he denied all charges made by the prosecution .  

“He didn’t understand Thai laws and officials told him he could change his plea at court,” Vorakon stated.

If Xaysana is found guilty under Thai law, the kingpin could be facing the death penalty, although the country has not seen an execution for any crime since 2009.

A pre-trial examination of evidence has been set by the Criminal Court for June 19th at 9am.

The Golden Triangle- where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar, Laos and Southern China all meet- has been deemed the world’s second largest drug-producing region. Latin America ranks as number one.

Vice President Tackles Corruption Within Organizations

Organization directors have been notified by Vice President Phankham Viphavanh that corruption uncovered within their organization, including subordinates serving under their supervision, will not be tolerated and will lead to dismissal.

The motion was put forth to handle and control corruption within the government and to prevent it from escalating any further. The Vice President explained that corruption needed to be extinguished in order to create public trust of leadership of the Party and Government.

“The secretariat of the Party Central Committee has strengthened corruption prevention and suppression measures by making a decision that those who serve as directors of government organisations shall be responsible for any corruption committed in their organisations,” said the vice president.

“Among the problems the Party has attached most importance to and that need urgent address is corruption, which is prevalent at all levels and in all groups of people in the Lao society today, especially corruption committed in the Party and government realms which continues to plague political stability and national security,” he continued.

“If this problem (corruption) remains unaddressed, it will have effects on the leading role of the Party and the national security. The Central Party Committee have discussed this issue so seriously that if corruption and power abuse occur in any organisations, their heads must play a leading role in tackling the problem. If they fail to address it, they would be considered for removal from the post. That is our decision. If a ghost project — a fake project — is invented, the director of the organisation that invents such a ghost project must be first to be punished. We will observe this rule from today onwards,”  the vice president stated.

 

I Scream, You Scream, We all Scream for Mango Ice-Cream!

Nothing screams ‘summer’ louder than ice-cream, and no one does ice-cream better than Swensen’s. With the hottest time of year steadily approaching, Swensen’s variety of scoops,  smoothies, and sundaes will be sure to cool down everyone in the family.

Though mangoes are delicious all on their own, the sweet, fleshy nectar of the tropical fruit goes well with anything and everything, and ice-cream is no exception. Mango season is highly anticipated nationwide, and for Swensen’s fans as well.

The Laotian Times was fortunate enough to be invited for a tasting of the newest edition to the menu, the OAK-RONG-THONG SUNDAE. What makes the OAK-RONG-THONG flavor unique from all the other sundaes is the garnishes that accompanies it; scoops of mango flavored ice-cream atop pandan sticky rice, sprinkled with young coconut shavings, coconut milk, mango puree, and to finish off the masterpiece, a mango-shaped ‘look-chub’ candy atop a mountain of whipped cream.

Since Swensen’s is all about selection, the sundae is offered in a variety of ways  including the Mango Trio, Mango Boat and, for those who can’t get enough of the mango madness, the Mango Hurricane; 5 big scoops of mango ice-cream, surrounded by pandan sticky rice and all of the trappings.

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For people who are looking to escape the sweltering heat, but want something just a tad more refreshing and healthy, that’s right, we said healthy,  the sugar-free Mango Sorbet Smoothie is the way to go. With just a hint of tartness, the perfectly blended mango sorbet is topped off with a touch of whipped cream (it balances out, the rest of your smoothie is already healthy!) and mango puree.

However, nothing good lasts forever, the OAK-RONG-THONG will only be available from April thru June, so get it while you can! All 3 Vientiane locations will be opened throughout Lao New Year from 10AM-10PM, so if you need a place to escape the heat and water fights, you know where to go!

Swensen’s is currently offering a 10% discount is for those who bring in fliers which have been distributed throughout schools and offices.

More Buses for Pi Mai, Fixed Prices

buses

The Northern Bus Station is ready and equipped to provide service to passengers and commuters who plan to return to their hometowns or visit other people’s hometowns, during the Lao Lunar New Year on April 14-16.

Director of Northern Bus Station, Mrs Chitpasong Luangdetmixay assured that all buses serving northern routes has had safety inspections and each driver has been trained in proper technical driving under the Department of Public Works and Transport, guaranteeing passengers have a good experience arriving to their destinations safely.

The director noted that bus fares will remain the same, and are adding an additional 20 vans to the fleet in anticipation of the influx of travellers.

The fares for different routes are as follows:

Vientiane-Luang Prabang per person: regular bus –110,000 kip; VIP bus – 130,000 kip, sleeper bus ­–150,000 kip, van –150,000 kip.

Vientiane-Oudomxay:  regular bus – 170,000 kip; VIP bus – 190,000 kip; sleeper bus – 190,000 kip.

Vientiane-Xayabury: regular bus – 170,000 kip; VIP bus –130,000 kip; van – 150,000 kip.

Vientiane-Xiengkhuang: regular bus – 110,000 kip; VIP bus – 130,000kip; sleeper bus – 150,000 kip; van – 120,000 kip.

Vientiane-Houaphanh: regular bus – 190,000 kip; sleeper bus – 210,000 kip.

Vientiane-Luang Namtha:  regular bus – 200,000 kip.

Vientiane-Bokeo: regular bus – 230,000 kip; sleeper bus – 250,000 kip.

Vientiane-Phongsaly: regular bus – 210,000 kip; sleeper bus – 230,000 kip.

Pi Mai Lao Anticipated to Draw Another Big Crowd This Year

Pi Mai

With officials announcing Pi Mai Lao (Lao New Year) extended to five days this year, people nationwide are eagerly anticipating the festival to begin next week.

In preparation for the widely celebrated holiday, Vientiane has assembled a variety of fun activities for locals and visitors to enjoy and partake in, including a Miss Vientiane contest on April 8, an arts show, a sandcastle building contest, and sports competitions on the sandy shores along the Mekong.

However, due to lack of preparation for the equipment needed by relevant authorities, Pi Mai Lao will be excluding the most iconic parade this year in Vientiane, Miss Lao New Year (Nang Sangkhan), as stated by  Chanthabouly district Governor, Ms Bualon Vongdalasaen.

Instead, the highlight will be a parade of Buddha statues that will give bystanders the chance to pour water over the sacred relics.

Traditionally, Lao households celebrate the new year by blessing their homes and family members with a Baci ceremony to bring good luck, prosperity and good health for the upcoming year.

A Baci ceremony is considered a bedrock for tradition to Lao people, and is an essential part of any housewarming party, New Year festivities, wedding day, baby shower and farewell gatherings, amongst a plethora of other celebrations.

With Luang Prabang being the favored town for visitors during Pi Mai Lao, the quaint little city will be going all out, with a festival on April 10, a Miss Lao New Year contest (Nang Sangkhan) on April 11-12, a Miss Lao New Year parade on April 15, and additional activities planned for April 19.

All other provinces across Laos are also busy preparing for the holiday by planning events that they anticipate will be entertaining to visitors, including the tourist hotspot of Vang Vieng where visitors will be met with a traditional dancing and singing contest on April 13.

Authorities nationwide have assigned a special task force to ensure the safety of visitors during the festival, while business owners in every province are preparing hotels, guesthouses, resorts and restaurants to welcome the influx of people who are anticipated to visit during the long holiday and generating a healthy income for locals.

Xaysana’s Associate, Drug Kingpin Sisouk Daoheuang Captured

Sisouk Daoheauang

Since the capture of notorious kingpin Xaysana “Vanlob” Keophimpha earlier this year, authorities have been on a manhunt for all of Xaysana’s known associates, including drug kingpin, Sisouk Daoheuang.

A senior official confirmed that the arrest of Sisouk was made by Lao authorities in Luang Prabang on Friday, and the suspect was transported to Vientiane Capital for questioning. However, the official maintains that details of the case still remain unclear and  the investigation is still ongoing.

Though captured in Luang Prabang province, Sisouk is said to have owned and operated a used luxury car shop and a horse-riding business in Vientiane, both of which have since been closed.

Thai police major general Pornchai Charoenwongse, deputy chief of the Narcotic Suppression Bureau, has stated that Thai officials are preparing to travel to Vientiane to investigate the alleged felon and that the NSB officers are set to join the Narcotics Control Board in the interrogation expected to take place next week.

Sisouk, who fled authorities after the arrest of Xaysana, is suspected to be part of a major methamphetamines distribution network in Southeast Asia, operated by the 42-year-old Lao national.

As previously reported by The Laotian Times, Xaysana was arrested on Jan. 19 at Thailand’s Suvarnabhumi Airport following a five-year investigation by Lao and Thai authorities.

Authorities assert that the drug baron was distributing caffeine-laced meth tablets known as “yaba” throughout the region.

On Jan 10, police captured a major drug trafficker said to be even bigger than Xaysana, 50-year-old Khonpasong Soukkaseum, also known as Xiengther, along with three of his associates

Film Review: Ghost in the Shell

Ghost in the Shell Film Review

A couple of nights ago, my wife and I watched the 1995 Ghost in the Shell original anime for the first time in something like 15 years. I wanted to refamiliarize myself with the source material before buying my ticket, moreso because of the two years of controversy that began back when the casting was announced and (gasp!) Scarlett Johansson was announced in the lead. Needless to say, I entered the cinema tonight with grave concerns. If you care about the original anime, then you probably share most if not all of those same concerns. The internet certainly had all of our collective concerns and countless more.

So let me happily report that the filmmakers seem to have anticipated nearly all of our concerns and have delivered something which frankly blew me away. A lot of care has been taken to balance the source material with the demands of financing and producing a hundred million dollar summer blockbuster, including the need to headline that film with a Hollywood star.

I can envision two scenarios where you might be disappointed with the film: First, you’ve convinced yourself that there’s no way that the live-action Ghost in the Shell will never live up to your purist expectations and nothing will change your mind. (In which case, your time is probably better spent sulking and typing out an angry, misinformed diatribe on Reddit). And second, after watching the original, you were only interested in this version because it would give you the chance to see Scarlett Johansson without her clothes on. (In which case, you’re probably better off watching something else at home, rather than taking your weird celebrity fetish out into public.)

But for the rest of us, the movie is pretty fantastic and we’ll likely end up heading back to the cinema to give them more money just to soak up the details that we missed the first time through. For those of you that are interested in the film, but aren’t familiar with the source material, here is another point of comparison: I think the movie was far better than The Matrix, and darn near close to the original Bladerunner. It’s an incredibly thoughtful and smart piece of science fiction.

Now before you go, you should know that Ghost in the Shell isn’t a straight-up remake of the original anime, but it draws heavily from the imagery and ideas of the original. If you’ve seen the trailer, then there are a lot of things that likely felt very familiar. However, once you’re in the film itself, you figure out quickly that all of these moments have been recontextualized inside a completely different narrative. It creates an odd feeling of simultaneously knowing what’s coming next (Here comes the spider tank fight!) and having the suspense and tension of not knowing how everything is going to play out (Major’s name is what?!). But Ghost in the Shell gets the big themes dead right, and that’s what’s most important.

It’s really a shame that the online discussion of the film has centered entirely on the supposed ‘whitewashing’ of Major’s character, because frankly, Ghost in the Shell is one of the most genuinely diverse Hollywood blockbusters that I think I’ve ever seen, but it never comes off feeling like a desk-jockey lawyer with a concern for liberal PC backlash was casting through an ethnicity checklist to make sure there was enough representation to make the film marketable in international markets. Rather, Ghost in the Shell presents a world where cybernetic implants have eliminated racial barriers.

The characters speak naturally with each other in their mother-tongue languages (Be prepared for subtitles), while dealing with the more important ideas of the nature of consciousness and the ‘human soul’ in a world where robots are quickly gaining sentience. Without giving too much away, some late reveals even give a satisfying answer for Ms. Johansson’s casting, and not in an offhand bit of dialogue shoehorned in to placate the internet trolls. It’s a substantial piece of the overall plot. The point is, I think if you’re open to giving the director and characters just a bit of trust, you’ll feel like they’ve earned it by the end.

Ghost in the Shell is screening in English twice daily at the Major Platinum Cineplex at Vientiane Center on Khouvieng Road.