Despite winning a silver trophy at the World Petanque Championships in Cambodia, athletes from Laos have come home hurt by the actions of the President of the International Petanque Federation.
Ms. Bolivak Thepphakan took her team to second place in the Women’s World Championships, earning a medal for herself in the women’s shooting event, and a trophy for the Lao team.
The Lao Women’s Team compete in the World Petanque Championships
Celebrations were stifled, however, by a bizarre incident in which the trophy for the Lao team was not presented directly to Ms. Bolivak, but instead left on the floor at her feet, mystifying and upsetting both the athletes and the audience.
Her teammates each had medals presented to them personally.
Petanque Trophy Placed on the Floor instead of Being Handed to Athlete
The actions of Claude Azema, President of the International Federation of Petanque, have drawn the ire of the Lao team, and also the Lao population, who felt cheated of their victory.
The Lao population has taken to social media, outraged by the incident.
According to a report in the Lao Post, the Present of the Lao Petanque Federation, Mr. Khamla Vinlaythong, has stated that the matter would be handled by the Lao Ministry of Education and Sports, and it is expected that a complaint will be filed to the Federation Internationale de Petanque (International Petanque Federation, in English) regarding the actions of Mr. Azema.
An average 21st-century person spends most of their waking hours in the office instead of with their families or at their homes. That’s why revitalizing the office as a space for creativity rather than a sterile, cubicle environment is extremely necessary.
As the first premium co-working space in Vientiane, Toong is a new generation serviced office developer dedicated to the city’s forward-thinking residents, where one can find a harmonious combination of unmatched productivity and extraordinary inspiration.
Your dream office is coming true
Have you ever imagined working in such a gorgeous office that you can check-in at every corner and proudly post on Instagram? Have you ever thought that operating your own office makes a nuisance of yourself and you want to spend more time and budget on profitable projects rather than office maintenance?
If yes, Toong might be the workspace you have always dreamed of. Renting an office at Toong, you will immediately gain access to an ecosystem of services: from high-speed wifi, reception, mail and handling service, business lounge, fully-equipped meeting rooms, coffee counter, library. Everything is ready-to-use. You just need to bring your laptop and start working.
It is calculated that by sharing facilities with other businesses, one business can save up to 60% of the monthly expenses compared to renting, investing in interior and operating a traditional office.
Aeksalack Oudomsouk, a native Laotian who is working for an IT company specialized in mobile apps and a long-term tenant at Toong, said: “Toong’s interior design is simple and minimalist. Everything satisfies me, from the friendly staff, modern facilities, high security to its affordable price and its quietness. Even the candy is good at Toong.”
Meeting Room at Toong Co-Working Space
Meanwhile, Benjamin Wichtham – an expat working in Laos told that he chose Toong “because of its modern look, the internet, free coffee, and it offers office for one person, with excellent price. “I traveled many countries in Asia and Toong in Vientiane is one of the coworking spaces with the most reasonable price”, said Wichtham.
Toong also offers Hot Desk services for freelancers and independent workers who are looking for some nice and quiet work corner, well-equipped Meeting Rooms which is suitable for board meeting, pitching, interviews, brainstorming sessions, training, meetups, and versatile Event Space with a capacity up to 30 people.
From an intriguing trend to the favorite-to-be workplace
Located within an A-level office complex directly connected to Crowne Plaza hotel and only 15 minutes drive from the airport, Toong awes you with its elegant interior design and its stunning views onto a lovely garden and the tranquil city.
And by blending very well a workspace with lifestyle services such as gym, swimming pool, spa, restaurants, Toong redefines a new standard for workspaces in Laos’ capital.
Many Vientiane residents, just because of curiosity, has come to Toong to try a day pass. However, after that, they are totally convinced by the superb experience at Toong. Petureau Maue, a foreign independent worker even praised Toong as the best workspace in Laos he has ever known.
After a few months in operation, Toong in Vientiane now has welcomed businesses and freelancers working in diverse fields such as real estate, finance, IT, tourism, chemicals, laws, fintech, NGO. Impressed by Toong services, some customers even introduced their partners to settle down here.
Without a doubt, a progressive community is emerging at Toong.
The leaders of South Korea and the five Mekong nations agreed Wednesday to prioritize cooperation in seven fields, stepping up efforts for synergy between Seoul’s development experience and the Mekong region’s huge growth potential.
The seven sectors are culture and tourism, human resources development, agriculture and rural development, infrastructure, information and communication technology (ICT), environment, and non-traditional security challenges, according to a joint statement issued after the inaugural Mekong-Republic of Korea Summit in Busan.
The document is titled “Mekong-Han River Declaration for Establishing Partnership for People, Prosperity and Peace.” President Moon Jae-in and the leaders of the Mekong five — Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam — laid out a vision for closer partnerships in the pursuit of a Mekong River miracle.
They agreed to “work together to bring about economic development and prosperity in the Mekong region, akin to the Miracle of the Han River, the rapid economic development that the ROK has experienced,” the Busan declaration read. It used the acronym of South Korea’s official name, the Republic of Korea.
They also agreed to “develop ICT-driven projects including e-Government and Smart Cities that will promote digital economy toward the 4th Industrial Revolution and technological advancement in the region based on the shared vision that ICT is a driving force for innovation, sustainable economic development and prosperity in the region,” it added.
For sustainable development, the two sides plan to establish a joint “biodiversity center” to contribute to biodiversity conservation in the Mekong subregion and a “water resources joint research center in South Korea.
PM Thongloun speaks at the Mekong – Republic of Korea Summit in Busan
Kicking off the session at the seaside Nurimaru APEC House conference hall earlier in the day, Moon said that if South Korea’s experience is combined with the “dynamics” of the Mekong region, the Miracle on the Han River will lead to the Miracle of the Mekong River. “South Korea will be with Mekong, with a belief that the development of Mekong is that of South Korea,” he stressed.
Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha co-chaired the meeting joined by Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith, Myanmar’s State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen canceled his trip to Busan this week, citing his mother-in-law’s poor health. Although Hun Sen was absent, Moon thanked him for proposing that the South Korea-Mekong summit replace an annual ministerial meeting that began in 2011.
“Mekong has become a land of opportunity,” Moon said, adding that South Korea has become a “special friend” of Mekong, as it has forged relations of co-prosperity with ASEAN in preparation for the Asia-Pacific era.
South Korea-Mekong trade volume totaled US$84.5 billion in 2018, a 2.4 times increase over eight years. “Mekong has become a core development partner” to account for 20 per cent of South Korea’s official development assistance (ODA), the president noted.
Laos is to begin teaching Korean language at secondary schools from next year.
The decision came after Laos and South Korea signed a memorandum of understanding on November 26.
Under the agreement, three schools will offer Korean language courses on a trial basis.
In addition, South Korea’s Ministry of Education will send Korean language teachers to Laos and promote cooperation between universities in the two countries to nurture Korean language teachers at Lao universities.
The ministry will also support research projects on Korean studies to be carried out at Souphanouvong University in northern Laos, and the development of teaching materials in the Lao language.
Apart from Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar have also decided to introduce the Korean language course at selected secondary schools.
Currently, a total of five Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand, are officially teaching the Korean language at secondary schools.
In Thailand, for instance, more than 40,500 students from 133 schools are learning Korean, and it has also been included in the college entrance exam since 2016.
Some 4,900 students from 43 schools in Indonesia, 1,300 from 18 schools in the Philippines, 1,600 from 12 schools in Vietnam and 1,000 students from 10 schools in Malaysia are currently learning Korean, according to statistics by the South’s education ministry.
Laos has teamed up with the World Bank, revealing new laws on taxation that would boost the productivity of businesses and ensure accurate and full tax collection.
These laws determine the principles, regulations, procedures, and measures related to the management and inspection of taxation activities.
Under the new laws, the profit tax, in particular, has been revised from 24 percent to 20 percent, and it will be presented twice a year. In addition, tax for business operators who earn LAK 12 million (USD1,350) to LAK 50 million will be exempted.
The changes will take effect at the beginning of next year.
“New laws aim to balance the interests of business operators, the public and all citizens impartially, while boosting productivity and ensuring accurate and full collection of taxes to the state budget, thereby contributing to national socio-economic development,” the paper explained.
Vientiane Times quoted Tax Department Director-General, Mr Phouthanouphet Xaysombath as saying that the improvements in the laws would help facilitate the use of new technology in issuing personal tax file numbers, along with informing and payment of taxes through electronic systems.
These measures come amid challenges facing the Lao government in collecting taxes and mitigating financial leakage during collection.
Chinese firms have signed contracts worth CNY 1.3 billion (around USD 184 million) for the purchase of goods from Laos, mainly agricultural products.
The agreements were signed as the 2019 Sino-Laos Investment Fair concluded Friday in Kunming, the capital of the southwestern province of Yunnan, China.
On the same day, a seminar was held at the Kunming International Convention and Exhibition Center to introduce the advantages of the investment environment in Laos. Investment intent agreements were also signed at the event, focusing on tourism, infrastructure development, and agricultural technology, according to a report in Xinhua News.
The event was held by the Investment Promotion Department of the Ministry of Planning and Investment of Laos, in hopes of attracting investment from enterprises in Yunnan and throughout China, and was aimed at enhancing their understanding of Laos’ investment policies and strategies.
The event attracted more than 200 officials and entrepreneurs from both countries, seeking cooperation in trade and investment.
The Laotian Times brings our readers a round-up of some of the most shared topics this past week, based on reach and engagement on Facebook. From tornadoes and earthquakes to fintech advances and vocal parliament members, this list summarizes the types of content that are wildly consumed on Lao social media.
Affected Victims of Hongsa Earthquake Camp Outside
After an earthquake rocked Hongsa (Sayaboury Province) on Nov 21 compromising the structural integrity of their homes, many affected residents camped outside for the night for fear that the houses would collapse. Pictures show Hongsa residents sleeping inside small camp tents, mosquito nets wrapped around small trees and even in the back of pickup trucks. Other houses have been completely devastated.
This rare footage of a whirlwind in Oudomxay made it into the social media feeds of over a hundred thousand users. The whirlwind ripped through a provincial traditional textiles trade expo in Bang District, Oudomxay Province, on Nov 21 causing minor damage. The second part of the clip showed a tent structure being forcefully sent into the air, as shocked screams of nearby bystanders could be heard in the background. Comments were filled with laments of Laos’ recent natural disaster plights: the floods in the south, the earthquake, and now a whirlwind.
A mesmerizing 360-degree aerial shot of the confluence of two rivers (the Mekong and Xun Rivers) was taken and shared by thousands. The picture was taken by a drone in Paksan, Bolikhamxay Province. Lao people love their scenic nature photos!
On Nov 21 (13:10), Champasak Rescue 1623 reported that a family of three had been killed in their home in Khonelay Village (Paksé). The 60-year-old village chief, his wife, and daughter instantly died from injuries resulting from strong blows to the head. A suspect has been apprehended by the local authorities and an investigation as to the motive of the murder is underway.
Dried pool of blood on the ground as ambulance arrives at the scene of the crime
Customers Demand Smaller Bank Notes From ATMs
Many Lao netizens seem to agree with this public demand for smaller notes when they withdraw cash from automatic teller machines. The post says: “There are only 50000 and 100000 kip notes during withdrawal. The people request that there be smaller bills available – such as 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000 kip notes.”
These days, we hold on to our mobile phones more intimately than we do our wallets and purses. That’s why BCEL has given customers a new way to withdraw cash at ATMs. Forgot your ATM card? No matter. Simply use the BCEL One app and use it to scan the barcode presented on the ATM display and enter your 6-digit PIN code. This is a good solution to preventing RFID hacking of bank cards.
Nostalgia over the Old Revolutionary Days with a Lamvong Song
Lao people truly love watching videos, and even more so those from the distant past. The first part of this music video includes a rare clip of President Kaysone Phomvihane and the other leaders of the revolution dancing the lamvong with female members of the Lao military. The footage was released by the Cinema Department (Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism).
Earlier last week, a video clip circulated on social media of people being stuck at the top of a spinning ride structure in a recently opened amusement park in Vientiane Capital. Many blamed the malfunction on a mechanical defect but the park owners claim that it was due to an insufficiency of power. The district authorities were there to inspect the scene.
Chansy Sengsomphou, a representative of Phongsaly (2nd region), spoke freely during a Parliament session. Apart from the issues of low rice production, rising debt, and other economic woes, the Phongsaly rep reminded listeners how the Chinese state dealt with national development.
“By 2019, in China, if a governor of a certain province is unable to eradicate poverty within his area of jurisdiction, he must resign. If a district chief cannot meet poverty eradication goals, he has to resign. This applies to the village chief as well.”
He then facetiously remarked that in Laos, the village chiefs would rejoice if they were made to resign from their posts – highlighting the commonly held perception that the village chief’s job was highly unrewarding.
In order to enhance state revenue targets and prevent leakage, Representative Sengsomphou proposed that state revenue planning and collection be performed by different bodies, making it more difficult for any one body to engage in foul play.
“We can take the example of how the electricity company does it. One division determines the amount that needs to be collected by checking the usage of every household, while another division collects the money. But revenue planning and collection are performed by the same entities in our state finance organ. This could potentially cause bad actors to take advantage of the situation.”
foodpanda, the on-demand international food delivery service, has officially launched in Laos with over 300 restaurants on board.
Heading to the capital first to open a world of exciting flavors to the residents of Vientiane, foodpanda’s fleet of pink riders will bring meals from over 300 restaurants straight to the homes of customers.
The foodpanda launch ceremony event was opened by foodpanda CEO Jakob Sebastian Angele, in the presence of Bounsaleumxay Kennavong, Deputy Minister of Post and Telecommunications.
foodpanda provides a user-friendly platform that makes it easy for customers to enjoy good food anywhere they are,” says Jakob Sebastian Angele, foodpanda Regional CEO, APAC.
“We are really excited to bring the foodpanda experience to Laos and we look forward to going the extra mile to find the most dazzling dishes to share with our customers,” adds Angele.
Vientiane residents will now be able to order a variety of food directly to their homes, offices or even outdoor hotspots, to share with friends and family or enjoy alone, increasing convenience for customers to access tasty food anytime, anywhere. With the vision to deliver good food across the APAC region, Laos is the ninth country to be a part of the foodpanda family and the aim will be to serve both restaurants and customers in the region of Vientiane to have new avenues to provide and enjoy good food, no matter where they are.
Food Panda Bikes in Vientiane, Laos
“foodpanda wants to change the way people see and experience food delivery by efficiently taking care of our customers’ desire to receive food fresh and warm,” said Thanyalat Chaleunsouk, foodpanda Managing Director, Laos. “Whatever our customers crave, we want to help and we will continue to evolve to serve our customers’ needs.”
foodpanda is a simple food order and delivery service offered through a mobile app available for both iOS and Android providing app and web services to allow customers to browse from a large variety of big chains, and well-loved local restaurants to find the perfect meal with optimum convenience. With the ability to track meals, explore new restaurant options, and toggle simply for any deals or specialties required – foodpanda is simplifying food delivery at every step; as they know it is not merely about eating a meal but savoring the experience from start to finish. Customers will also be able to find out the best-selling dishes at each eatery, and read user reviews to aid in their decision-making process.
foodpanda currently has over 300+ curated restaurants available now in Vientiane, between 07:00 – 23:00 Hours daily. To experience the joy of your first foodpanda order, download the app now or visit https://www.foodpanda.la
