Nakhon Phanom Ivory Haul & Bokeo SEZ Seizures Evidence of Disturbing Extent of Illegal Wildlife Trade

By

-

December 17, 2018

Ivory seized in Nakhon Phanom smuggled from Laos' Khammuan province.

Thai Police in Nakhon Phanom province have seized 930 items of ivory weighing some 22 kg from a Vietnamese national attempting to bring them across the international frontier from Laos’ Khammouane province, Thai news media reported Monday.

The case follows another major seizure in Laos Bokeo province on December 13 confirmed by World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

In the Khammuan-Nakhon Phanom smuggling seizure case, the alleged suspect, a Ms Than Nguen Kee Thanh, 43, was taken into custody at the Thai border checkpoint on Sunday after she arrived by bus from Thakhek in the Lao province of Khammuan, the provincial customs chief Naratchapol Lertratchatapasorn confirmed, Bangkok Post reported Monday.

Ivory seized in Nakhon Phanom smuggled from Laos Khammouane. — Ivory seized in Nakhon Phanom smuggled from Laos’ Khammouane.

The Nation reported that “officials were conducting a routine check of the bus and the travel documents of passengers at the Third Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge’s border checkpoint in Nakhon Phanom’s Muang district when the discovery was made.”

“The woman claimed she was given Bt2,000 just before she boarded the bus from Laos to take the bag to an unknown recipient at the Nakhon Phanom bus terminal.”

The move comes after raids and recent seizures of five outlets at a Special Economic Zone in Bokeo province on December 13 in the country’s North-West, near the frontier with Myanmar, undertaken by Lao authorities and documented by World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

The enforcement is follows a Prime Ministerial order issued 8 May 2018 on the strengthening of the management and control of wildlife and wildlife in Laos.

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF-Laos) welcomed the law enforcement measures, particularly the implementation of Order No. 05, which it said provided for the conservation of wildlife and stop illegal and endangered wildlife trade in Laos.

The seizures while significant is unlikely to be the last while demand persists for the material and ringleaders remain out of reach.

Say no to Ivory says China’s basketball hero Yao Ming via billboard in Vientiane, Laos.Campaigns to change behavior like that led by China’s basketballer Yao Ming are being welcomed as a way to stem demand by helping to make ivory “uncool”. It is hoped that these can find results in time to save key and iconic species of the natural world.

Economic Atlas: Decade of Population Trends Revealed in Laos

By

-

December 17, 2018

Data and analysis illustrating decade-long trends in population as illuminated by Laos’ censuses have been released in the form of the Socio-Economic Atlas of the Lao PDR – Patterns and Trends from 2005 to 2015.

Undertaken in 2015, the census provides a snapshot on changing demographics between 2005 and 2010 in multiethnic Laos.

“Socio-Economic Atlas of the Lao PDR provides readers with a highly detailed, multidimensional set of insights into geographic and temporal patterns of the demographic, social, and economic characteristics of the population of the Lao PDR.”

“It combines statistical data from the last two Population and Housing Censuses of 2005 and 2015 with detailed geographic information to present a wealth of new information on a large set of highly detailed thematic maps that are accompanied with descriptive texts. ”

Available online without charge, its chapters deal with subjects such as Demography, Migration, Literacy and Education, Health, Ethnicity, Economic Activities, Living Conditions and Poverty.

On-anong Captures National Costume Gong for Laos at Miss Universe 2018

By

Laotian Times

-

December 17, 2018

Miss Laos On-anong Homsombath has captured the best national costume gong at Miss Universe 2018.

The striking entry was inspired by the mythical Kinnaree, a half-bird/half-woman that features in the country’s diverse Buddhist and ancient Hindu-influenced culture and mythology alongside various tribal and animist spiritual beliefs.

An elaborate design as much puppetry as couture bedecked in shimmering gold, Laos’ remarkable entry beat out a list full of incredible and extravagant outfits from around the globe.

The victory wasn’t enough to win overall, with the 2018 Miss Universe title going to the Philippines’ Catriona Gray.

Ms On-anong, after an admirable attempt to decipher the gist of a comedic setup attempt by host Steve Harvey, went on to thank fellow competitors, organizers and supporters.

“Thank you for your support. I’m so proud to have won the best National Costume and to represent my country,” On-anong said.

“This is the first year we have participated in the Miss Universe pageant and I’m so glad that we can make it this far.”

Images of her costume and On-naong’s thoughts on Miss Universe Laos were among content shared in a video via her Facebook page.

The back story behind the outfit was previously reported in Laos’ state-run daily, the Vientiane Times, in which designers positively referenced the public response to July 23’s Attapeu Dam Disaster among the inspirations for the 40kg-plus outfit.

Earlier on that same July day, The Laotian Times reported on Ms On-anong’s surprise announcement as Miss Universe Laos 2018.

The selection came after organisers announced the cancellation of the scheduled contest for the title.

Contributions Celebrated on International Day at UN House, Plus Laos’ PM hosts Volunteers

By

-

December 12, 2018

International Volunteers Day in Vientiane, Laos

Happy International Volunteer Day!

Countless and myriad. Such are the contributions of volunteers to making our communities better places to live, no matter where on the globe we call home.

Both Lao and international volunteers efforts in Laos were recognized for World Volunteers Day in the capital Vientiane Wednesday evening, with a celebration set to recognize efforts in building resilient communities.

Personal actions matter for community resilience.

At the event at Vientiane’s UN House, volunteers from multiple organizations were preparing to gather to share how they help build resilient communities.

Among these were official assistance volunteers in the form of United Nations Volunteers (UNV).

Joining them was Cuso International, is a non-profit development organization, whose goal is to work alongside local people in other countries, to improve the lives of people living with poverty and inequality.

Official assistance volunteers from France Volontaires and those of cooperation agencies from Japan (JICA) and the Republic of Korea (KOICA) were also in attendance as were members of Global Shapers Vientiane Hub, a World Economic Forum youth initiative.

Insights and inspiration from volunteers on the ground were set to be shared, along with dance performances and networking opportunities.

UN Representative’s Message

Addressing the gathering was UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative Ms. Kaarina Immonen.

“The International Volunteer Day (IVD), which was established by the United Nations in 1985, is an initiative to recognise contributions to development agenda made by volunteers, organisations and communities, joining by hundreds of thousands of people worldwide,” Ms Immonen said.

“Since 1983, more than 1,100 UN volunteers have served in Lao PDR from over 60 countries, and around 30 UN volunteers serve annually in various UN agencies, project offices and Lao government ministries.

“They devote themselves in constructing better future for the Lao population in different fields.

“This year, our campaign set a closer look on how local community volunteers contribute to building resilient communities.

“In the 2018 State of the World’s Volunteerism Report released lately, it stated volunteerism provides a mechanism for channeling individual actions into collective strategies for coping with risk.

“These strategies help build social relationships, forging bonds of solidarity, enhance trust, expand people’s support base and lessen their vulnerability to shocks and stresses.

“When Laos was hit by the worst flood in its history last July, UN volunteer was one of the members of our emergency response team to supply food donations and clothes to the affected communities.

“Our volunteers sustain their support to the communities by coordinating disaster relief tasks, educating rural communities and ethnic groups on disaster preparedness through community radio, assisting Unexploded Ordnance clearance in flooded areas, raising Lao population’s awareness on climate change issues, encouraging them to take climate actions and promoting environmental sustainability.

“We would like have our locals to learn how different sectors work on community resilience.

“Therefore, UN Volunteers Programme in Lao PDR decided to commemorate the International Volunteer day by inviting different partners to share their volunteer experience, encouraging the public to get involved in volunteerism in their own ways.”

PM Thongloun asks for insights from Japan’s volunteers

Earlier in the week, insights and impressions from experiences at the grassroots was the Prime Ministerial request.

Members of Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCVs) and Japan’s Senior Volunteers (SV) were hosted by Mr Thongloun Sisoulith and senior officials on for an annual courtesy call and informal exchange on Monday, December 10.

According to the Embassy of Japan, Mr. Thongloun expressed heartwarming appreciation for volunteers’ daily efforts. The volunteers also reported on their activities and challenges that they directly are facing on the ground. In response, the Prime Minister made comments on the initiatives being made by the Government of Laos.

Japan has been dispatched Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCVs) since 1965 and Lao PDR is the first country in the world which received the volunteers from Japan.

Since then, 992 Volunteers have been making efforts to solve development issues in various sectors together with the people of the Lao PDR. The 1000th Japanese volunteer to Laos is set to arrive in early 2019.

Prime Minister Thongloun welcomes visit from Volunteers from Japan via JICA

PM Thongloun meets Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) via JICA

PM Thongloun meets Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) via JICA

Costs of Cable: Laos Ranks Low, Has High-Price Broadband Connections

By

-

December 10, 2018

Depending on where you live or work, Laos can rank among the most expensive places to get connected.

The Internet. We all need it; the faster and cheaper the better.

Mobile connections keep us moving, but the fastest speeds are still to be found via fiber optic cable.

Now, a study looking at the cost of broadband by UK-based cable.co.uk asserts that the cost of getting connected in Laos is among the world highest.

Five most expensive packages in the world

“The five most expensive consumer broadband packages on the planet are found in Burkina Faso ($651.72), Laos ($818.13), Namibia ($1117.87), Mauritania ($1368.72) and Papua New Guinea ($1849.09),” the report stated.

“The expense comes from a combination of extremely low take-up (no economy of scale) and the fact that in most cases the price you pay will go in large part to actually building a physical line to your property since few already exist.”

“These ‘works costs’ rise exponentially the further your abode sits from each country’s main urban centres.”

So while residents of Vientiane capital and other urban conurbations can (and do) expect to enjoy much cheaper deals, Laos’ overall countrywide ranking was hindered (as per usual) by persistent geographic and economic factors.

These include its relatively sparse yet still significantly rural-dwelling population alongside persistent infrastructure, financial and skilled human resource deficits that are being addressed to varying levels of success.

The study did not look at the take up of mobile internet services, which have proved cheaper and more suitable to the conditions as found in much of rural and remote Laos.

Cheapest Connections in Surprising Places (With Caveats)

According to the report, the five cheapest packages can be found from Syria ($2.42), Ukraine ($2.16), Iran ($1.87), Venezuela ($1.68), and Kyrgystan ($1.27).

Before packing your bags to these varied destinations in search of savings, a few words of warning:

“When it comes to cheapest, though, don’t expect a fast (or even in some cases, reliable) connection.”

“For the most part, with Syria, Iran, Venezuela and Kyrgystan all offering relatively slow speeds and somewhat limited availability.”

“Ukraine is the exception here, with broadband that is not only cheap, but also fast – its cheapest package offers a very serviceable 20Mbps.”

The Need for Speed

It’s not all hard news for those of us with connections to and in Laos.

The nation went up 28 places to 98th spot on the average worldwide broadband speed league published by the same group earlier this year.

Laos, Cambodia PMs Agree To Continue Joint Patrols in Disputed Area

By

-

December 6, 2018

Border Discussion as Cambodia PM Hun Sen Visits Laos

The governments of Laos and Cambodia have agreed in Vientiane to continue efforts to de-escalate tensions in a disputed border area.

The agreement was made during Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen’s visit to Vientiane yesterday at the invitation of Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith.

Thongloun said Laos highly valued the visit of Hun Sen and his delegation as a significant contribution to enhancing relationship and cooperation between the two countries in all areas.

The two prime ministers also presided over the signing ceremony of documents on education, cultural and art cooperation, among others.

During their meeting, both sides agreed to an ongoing prohibition on various activities in the disputed border areas with a view to future resolution.

At a press conference shortly after the bilateral talks, Thongloun said both sides reaffirmed their intention to enhance the long-standing friendly relations, cooperation and solidarity between the two countries in the spirit of mutual respect and interests.

The Lao and Cambodian leaders reiterated that Kengtomokhoy-Huaytangao area is an unresolved area where no military forces are expected to be present, no people are expected to live or do business.

The area must be patrolled together by both sides using land, water and arial (drone) means.

The latest visit follows ongoing discussions that have been held to reduce tensions in the long-running dispute that flared up in August 2017 after which Mr Hu. The pair have also met regularly at ASEAN meets including in this year’s host, Singapore.

Official demarcation of the boundary between the two nations has not yet been fully completed since their liberation from colonial rule, and tiffs over border locations have been common in the past, the Laotian Times reported in 2017.

Photo: Lao Post

Going Live: Round Table Meeting Reviews Laos’ Development Streamed On Youtube

By

-

December 6, 2018

Round Table Implementation Meeting in Laos (Images UN in Lao PDR)

The long, winding road to widespread and deep-rooted socio-economic development for the benefit of all people in Laos passed a milestone yesterday with the 2018 holding of the annual Round Table Implementation Meeting of Lao policymakers, stakeholders and partners including the United Nations streamed live on YouTube.

The calamitous collapse of the Xe Pian Xe Namnoy Saddle Dam D that claimed the lives of many folks downstream in flash flooding loomed large in discussions involving hundreds of participants at the two-day meet.

The disaster was among the factors that have seen Laos’ growth rate revised downward from 7 to 6.5 percent with impacts upon the targets in the nation’s 8th National Socio-Economic Development Plan, the country’s key policy document on development strategy and implementation.

Live-streamed, Plastic-free, Partnerships

The multi-stakeholder meeting was notable as the first such gathering in the country to be streamed live via popular video streaming site Youtube.

This year’s Round Table Meeting was also notable for being a paper and single-use plastic-less event.

Delegates received reusable cups and bottles instead of the usual single-use plastic bottles, and paper printouts were minimized.

The move to streaming of the discussions online comes amid a bid for increased transparency and accountability, permitting the public airing of the many frank, open and inclusive discussions and constructive comments for the benefit of the country and its people.

The importance of partnerships for development was underlined by speaker after speaker.

These included Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Somdy Douangdy, Director and Head of UNDP’s Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific in Bangkok and UNDP’s Deputy Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, Mrs. Valerie Cliff, and Dr. Souphanh Keomixay, Minister of Planning and Investment.

Heavy Rains Nationwide, Dam Disaster Reveal Risks

“In 2018, the Lao PDR faced great challenges from heavy rainfalls and the resulting flood in addition to the Xepien-Xenamnoy Dam break Incident,” Mr. Somdy said.

“According to the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment, the total damage is estimated at 371 million US Dollars.

“The Government of the Lao PDR has mobilized all of its available resources into the rehabilitation of the affected areas.”

The United Nation’s Mrs. Cliff highlighted the importance of focusing on the most vulnerable.

“The cruel consequences of major natural disasters repeatedly show that it is the poorest and the most vulnerable members of the communities that suffer the most.

“If we are to be sincere to the objective of ‘leaving no-one behind’ and ‘reaching the farthest first’, our approaches to risk assessment and mitigation must be strengthened in those provinces and districts where vulnerabilities are greatest.”

Fiscal impacts of disasters

The fiscal impacts of were aired by H.E. Dr. Souphanh Keomixay, Minister of Planning and Investment.

“As a result of internal and external factors, in addition to the Xepian-Xe Namnoy dam break incident as well as the heavy rainfalls throughout the country, the Lao PDR could achieve a GDP growth rate of 6.5% for the year 2018, which lower than the expected rate of 7%.

“Despite the ongoing challenges from the natural disaster mentioned above, we are still able to maintain a relatively high economic growth rate compared to other countries in the region.

“In particular, the Government of the Lao PDR is able to maintain political stability, solidarity among its people and stable improvement of their livelihoods.”

Vulnerabilities in trajectory from Least Developed Country

Highlighting the need to address persistent inequalities, Ms. Kaarina Immonen mentioned the results from Lao PDR’s first Voluntary National Review on Sustainable Development, presented at the United Nations in July

“Across all outcome areas of the 8th National Socio-Economic Development Plan, Lao PDR is still exposed to vulnerabilities at many different levels.

“Strengthening its resilience in the economic, social, institutional and environmental domains and addressing disparities and inequalities even more proactively are two core areas that resonate most closely to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”

The Ministry of Planning and Investment is set to accompany heads of development partner delegations to pay a courtesy call to the Prime Minister of Lao PDR to report on the outcomes of the Round Table Implementation Meeting 2018.

Volunteers Celebrated

The contribution of volunteers was also celebrated in line with International Volunteers Day with the contributions of volunteers have been crucial to development nationwide including helping communities get through this year’s devastating floods around Laos.

A Development Exhibition held alongside the meeting provided an opportunity to showcase such efforts.

The role of volunteers is seen as one crucial contributor in building up the country’s resilience to climate-related disasters as a prerequisite for Lao PDR’s graduation from LDC status.

Landmark’s Diplomatic Residential Compound Opens Offering Amenity, Convenience, Security in Capital

By

-

December 4, 2018

Landmark Diplomatic Residential Compound Grand Opening in Vientiane, Laos

The rise of Landmark Mekong Riverside Hotel in recent years has attracted some high profile guests, including a US president in the form of Barack Obama in the Lao capital for the ASEAN-centric East Asia Summit in 2016.

Now, short and long-term residents of Vientiane can enjoy the stellar location and some of the very same facilities enjoyed by high profile guests with the opening of landmark Riverside Hotel Diplomatic Residential Compound.

Offering a unique combination of convenience, amenity and location in the Lao capital, Landmark Riverside DRC sees a variety of accommodation and views increasingly attracting an international-focused clientele.

Security is also one of the main attractions expected to draw in increasingly safety conscious residents.

The Laotian Times joined hosts, guests, residents and members of the news media in attendance for the launch on Friday, November 30 just ahead of the Lao National Day long weekend.

With a range of residential apartments at various price points being snapped up by savvy consumers and their employers, those keen on living at this unique location are recommended to make the move and enquire at Landmark DRC swiftly while opportunities remain.