Home Blog Page 6138

Innovative UXO Drone Can Save Lao Lives

By
Laotian Times
-
UXO Drone

The Vietnam War was one of tragedy, terror, and tension, yet for the majority of the world it is in the past and is simply a period to be remembered. However, for the people of Laos, the Vietnam War, despite ending in 1973, is still being fought today. This anomaly is because of the war’s time period and location. With the newly developed bombers of the 1960’s, many bombs did not detonate upon collision with the ground. Additionally, Laos was the most bombed country in the Vietnam War, being assaulted on average once every eight minutes for nine desolate years. As a result, the country of Laos is still littered with bombs in every one of its corners. Thousands have died due to an unfortunate encounter with these unstable landmines dubbed unexploded ordnance (UXO). In fact, experts calculate that Laos may still contain up to eighty million unexploded, live bombs, buried in its soil. Introducing the UXO Drone.

Today, a new company by the name of Aerial Lab is using new bomb-detection technology to undo some of the damage that was inflicted onto Laos by outdated bombing technology. To achieve this goal, the company has begun developing a piece of nascent technology named the UXO Drone. By using a drone to levitate a UXO-detecting rig over problem areas, the UXO Drone can overcome the problems that current bomb-disarming techniques fall victim to. With the UXO Drone, neither human nor animal lives have to be risked to disarm a bomb; instead, an unmanned air vehicle (UAV) can take the risk.

Aside from the diminished risk of using the UXO Drone stand several other advantages. Foremost, the drone will be far more efficient than human teams who have to slowly walk across landmine-filled fields to detect bombs. The UXO Drone will simply glide across each field and detect bombs below it. As a side benefit, drones are able to work hours that humans simply cannot fill due to a need for sleep. In turn, Laos will be bomb-free in as little time as possible.

n3js7zmr4h9t4ukyqapc

tnsbjdlrvgiyu0e3pwwv (1)000

h4yaznfmdx4zh9lbilot
Unfortunately, there is one barrier that stands in the way of implementing this solution: cost. Constructing several six-propeller bomb-detecting drones is no small task. To remedy this issue, the UXO Drone team has launched a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo. Patrons will be rewarded with a variety of merch as well as the satisfaction of saving lives.

To learn more visit the Indiegogo campaign page.

About Aerial Lab
Founded in 2009, Aerial Lab is the non-profit brainchild of Dr. Prasatporn Wongkamchang. Through a partnership with the KCR Flying Camera Team, the most prestigious aerial photography team in Thailand, and the use of drones, Aerial Lab aims to help solve some of the major problems facing Laos today. While working with the KCR team in Laos for three years, the Aerial Lab crew had plenty of opportunities to the devastating damage that unexploded ordnance can cause. In turn, Aerial Lab hopes for the success of its crowdfunding campaign and subsequently the UXO Drone to eliminate the ticking time bombs that are buried in the land of Laos.

[ngg_images source=”galleries” container_ids=”10″ display_type=”photocrati-nextgen_basic_thumbnails” order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” override_thumbnail_settings=”1″ thumbnail_width=”100″ thumbnail_height=”75″ thumbnail_crop=”1″ images_per_page=”20″ number_of_columns=”0″ ajax_pagination=”0″ show_all_in_lightbox=”0″ use_imagebrowser_effect=”0″ show_slideshow_link=”0″ slideshow_link_text=”[Show slideshow]” template=”/home4/laotiantimes/public_html/wp-content/plugins/nextgen-gallery/products/photocrati_nextgen/modules/ngglegacy/view/gallery.php” maximum_entity_count=”500″] 

 

 

Laos Helps Thailand Suppress Anti-Regime Groups

By
Laotian Times
-
Lao and Thai Defense Ministers (from Bangkok Post)

Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Prawit Wongsuwon said Wednesday the Thai government is in talks with Laos regarding collaboration on suppressing Thai political groups exploiting Laos as their base to launch activities against the Thai government.

Speaking after talks with Lao Defense Minister Lt Gen Chansamone Chayalath, Gen Prawit said Laos always cooperates with Thailand on such matters.

The two countries are hosting the Thai-Lao General Border Committee (GBC) meeting in Bangkok which runs until Friday.

Also part of the current cooperation between Thailand and Laos on transnational crime suppression is an investigation into groups broadcasting against the Thai government on some Laos-based radio stations, said Gen Prawit.

They comprise criminal suspects who have escaped from Thailand into the neighbouring country, he said.

He said he had assigned National Security Council chief Thawip Netniyom to conduct further talks on the matter.

Gen Prawit met Lt Gen Chansamone, the new defense minister of Laos who is being treated as a guest of the Thai Defense Ministry and is on an official visit to Thailand to attend the GBC meetings.

Gen Prawit and Lt Gen Chansamone at Wednesday’s session discussed the possibility of strengthening security collaboration through more mechanisms aimed at better addressing problems deemed security threats for both nations including drug smuggling, transnational crime and illegal immigration.

In addition to these topics, the two sides also discussed cyber security problems and people who are threats to the national security of both Thailand and Laos.

The discussion is necessary to improve Thai-Lao border security and convenience, Gen Prawit said.

Defense Ministry spokesman Kongcheep Tantrawanich said the main meeting of the Thai-Lao GBC, the second of its kind, will be held today.

He said the meeting would follow up on progress in joint operations initiated previously and discuss more collaboration on Thai-Lao border security.

Source: Bangkok Post

Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge Collects 98 Million Kip from Value Added Tax

By
Laotian Times
-
Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge

The Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge in Vientiane, which began charging Value Added Tax on items purchased abroad last year, has secured over 98 million kip to date.

The Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge began collecting customs charges of 10 percent VAT since it tightened controls in late 2016.

According to recent statistics released by the government, some 45,026 vehicles passed the checkpoint since the new regulations were implemented in November 2016.

1,262 vehicle owners were required to pay the customs taxes of 10 percent of the value of imported goods, with customs officers at the bridge collecting tax and customs duties on imports of fuel, food products, and vehicles over a certain value.

Checks are also in place at the Thanalaeng Railway Station checkpoint.

 The tax is exempt for infrequent travelers that cross less than twice a month and bring items valued at less than US$ 50.

 According to one source, custom officers had been ordered to reach a collection target of 70 billion kip per month.

 This did not take into account consumer behavior, however, as while the number of passengers crossing the border has not changed, Lao people are now purchasing fewer items from Thailand.

The majority of trips made by Lao people crossing the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge into Thailand are now for tourism and recreational purposes.

Lao Fuel Prices Rise Again in 2017

By
Laotian Times
-
Lao Fuel Price Increases in 2017

Lao fuel prices increased for the first time this year on January 20, in line with increases on the world market.

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce announced the price increase this week, on the heels of two price increases last month.

Below are increased prices for fuel in each province around the country:

 

Province Regular / Litre Premium / Litre Diesel / Litre
Vientiane Capital 7,820 kip 8,820 kip 6,860 kip
Vientiane Province 7,820 kip 8,820 kip 6,860 kip
Khammouane 7,850 kip 8,850 kip 6,890 kip
Savannakhet 7,850 kip 8,850 kip 6,890 kip
Champasack 7,880 kip 8,880 kip 6,920 kip
Bokeo 7,920 kip 8,920 kip 6,960 kip
Borikhamxay 7,940 kip 8,820 kip 6,980 kip
Xieng Khouang 8,010 kip 9,280 kip 7,050 kip
Salavanh 8,030 kip 8,850 kip 7,070 kip
Attapeu 8,060 kip 8,880 kip 7,100 kip
Xaysomboune 8,060 kip 8,880 kip 7,100 kip
Xekong 8,060 kip 8,880 kip 7,100 kip
Xayaboury 8,220 kip 9,280 kip 7,260 kip
Houaphan 8,220 kip 9,280 kip 7,260 kip
Oudomxay 8,270 kip 8,820 kip 7,310 kip
Luang Prabang 8,280 kip 9,280 kip 7,320 kip
Phongsaly 8,550 kip 8,820 kip 7,590 kip
Luang Namtha 8,810 kip 8,280 kip 7,220 kip

 

Lao Fuel Imported From Shell Oil

Meanwhile, Petrovietnam (PV) Oil Lao Co., Ltd, a member of Petrovietnam Oil Corporation, continues to import fuel from the Shell Oil Company of Thailand, for supply to the Lao market.

The two companies signed a contract extension agreement in Vientiane Capital last week.

The signing ceremony was to help promote the supply of EURO4 fuel, which meets local and international standards, for service to the public, signifying a strong relationship between both companies for the supply of quality Lao fuel.

Petrovietnam Oil Corporation (PV OIL) completed the purchase of all shares of Societe Shell du Lao, taking full ownership in December 2010.

Huawei Hands Over Big Prize to Lucky Draw Winner

By
Laotian Times
-
Huawei Lucky Draw Winner

Huawei Smartphone has handed over big prizes in its largest lucky draw to date.

The Huawei Lucky Draw ran from August to December 2016, and included prizes such as an M-Phone sim card with 150 minutes of free calls and 2Gb of free data, free Honda Wave scooters, fifty solid gold necklaces, and a brand new Ford Fiesta vehicle as the grand prize.

The handover ceremony was held at the Huawei retail outlet in Khunta Village on 17 January. Huawei Technologies Laos organized the big prize handover presentation event to the lucky winners. Mr Li Liang Shang, President of MKE Electronic Co. Ltd had the honor of  handing over the prizes to the lucky draw winners. 

Ms. Chankham Phonthongsy from Luang Namtha Province, who purchased a Huawei GR5 on 25 December 2016 at the Hongda Mobile Shop (in Luang Namtha Province) won the Ford Fiesta grand prize. 

“I feel very happy and so lucky to have won this prize. I never though that I would win something like this!” said Ms Chankham.

Mr Zhujinyong, Huawei Country Director told the media that Huawai had made a large investment to develop the smartphone market in Laos, and develop human resources, sales skills, and after sales service so that customers could enjoy the best experience with Huawei. 

“As always, we will continue our efforts in technological innovation and open cooperation, to leverage our capabilities across the industry, contribute our knowledge and global experiences, thereby better connecting the world, constantly enabling social progress, and enriching people’s lives,” he went added.

[ngg_images source=”galleries” container_ids=”9″ override_thumbnail_settings=”1″ thumbnail_width=”100″ thumbnail_height=”75″ thumbnail_crop=”1″ images_per_page=”20″ number_of_columns=”0″ ajax_pagination=”0″ show_all_in_lightbox=”0″ use_imagebrowser_effect=”0″ show_slideshow_link=”0″ slideshow_link_text=”[Show slideshow]” template=”/home4/laotiantimes/public_html/wp-content/plugins/nextgen-gallery/products/photocrati_nextgen/modules/ngglegacy/view/gallery.php” order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″ display_type=”photocrati-nextgen_basic_thumbnails”]

An Interview with Thongloun Sisoulith, Prime Minister of Laos

By
Laotian Times
-
Prime Minister of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith

A senior news reporter from Thailand, Mr Suthichai Yoon, released a frank and interesting video interview with Dr Thongloun Sisoulith, Prime Minister of Laos. In this friendly exchange, the Lao prime minister opened up about managing a country, and the direction of the Lao government. In the most interesting part, the prime minister of Laos states that the goal of becoming the ‘battery of Asia’ is overly ambitious.

View the video below or click here to view in YouTube:

 

A First Look: The Largest Lao Food Festival in Laos

By
Laotian Times
-
Lao Food Festival 2017

The much anticipated 12th Annual Lao Food Festival officially opened at the Chao Anouvong Park in Vientiane Capital today, exhibiting a variety of foods from across the nation.

The aim of the festival is to bring attention to Lao cuisine, and to showcase some of the little-known dishes that are more common in the provinces.

Visitors are able to taste-test a variety of Lao foods, and hungry patrons can dine at the many restaurants that have opened their kitchens to the festival.

This year, the Lao Food Festival boasts 178 booths, the highest number on record. The festival runs for three full days, from 25-27 January 2017 at the Chao Anouvong Park (9am-8pm).

Here’s a first look at the festival:

[ngg_images source=”galleries” container_ids=”8″ override_thumbnail_settings=”1″ thumbnail_width=”100″ thumbnail_height=”75″ thumbnail_crop=”1″ images_per_page=”20″ number_of_columns=”0″ ajax_pagination=”0″ show_all_in_lightbox=”0″ use_imagebrowser_effect=”0″ show_slideshow_link=”0″ slideshow_link_text=”[Show slideshow]” template=”/home4/laotiantimes/public_html/wp-content/plugins/nextgen-gallery/products/photocrati_nextgen/modules/ngglegacy/view/gallery.php” order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″ display_type=”photocrati-nextgen_basic_thumbnails”] 

Lao Military Instructor Killed by Grenade; 26 Students Injured

By
Laotian Times
-
Lao Military Instructor

A Lao military instructor was killed and 26 students injured after a live grenade exploded during a military drill.

The instructor, First Lieutenant Somphone, had brought both live and disarmed grenades to his training course at the secondary school in Xay District, Oudomxay Province. The trainer mistakenly pulled the safety pin from a live grenade instead of a disarmed grenade when giving a demonstration to students.

According to a statement by police, First Lieutenant Somphone quickly realized his mistake, and selflessly used his own body to cover the grenade in the hopes of smothering the explosion, and saving the students.

Lieutenant Somphone was killed instantly, and 26 students suffered minor injuries. They were rushed to Oudomxay Hospital for treatment.

A statement by Dr Somphan Oudomphan of the provincial hospital confirmed that the students suffered shrapnel wounds, but none of them had been severely injured.

Military drills conducted at secondary schools around the nation include regulations prohibiting live grenades. It is unclear why in this case the instructor brought live explosives to the training course.

Short military training courses are compulsory for secondary school students in Laos.

1...6,1376,1386,139...6,329Page 6,138 of 6,329