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BREAKING: 11 Inmates Break Free From Dongsavath Prison

By
Laotian Times
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prison escapees

Sisattanak district police authorities have announced that 11 inmates had broken out of Dongsavath Prison yesterday evening at 7:00 (May 11) and are currently at large. All 37 villages in the Sisattanak District have been put on high alert and the village public security forces dispatched on patrol. A district-wide manhunt for the convicts is currently ongoing.

https://www.facebook.com/100013365999503/videos/473008043154725/

According to a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Inphone Bounphachanh, the prisoners managed to escape by digging through the bathroom wall with the aid of several rudimentary sharp metal objects and then climbing over the back wall.

One eyewitness account from another inmate stated that three of the escaped convicts had dug for three days until they had been able to bore a hole big enough to crawl through. The metal objects used were a metal chisel, hacksaw and crowbar, which were passed to the convicts through the ventilation shaft from an outside accomplice. A makeshift sling made from rubber bands and nylon thread was used to pull the objects into the prison.

The identities of the 11 prisoners are as follows:

  1. Mr Khamla, Thongpanthong Village, Sisattanak District, arrested May 30th, 2017, serving a 5-year sentence for drug trafficking
  2. Mr Somxai (Dong), Thongmang Village, Xaythany District, arrested May 11th, 2017, charged with drug trafficking
  3. Mr Viengkham (Khamnoy), Phonkheng Village, Saysettha District, arrested February 19th, 2018, charged with weapons trafficking
  4. Mr Samly (Tok), Donpamai Village, 
  5. Mr Phonepaseuth, Dondu Village, Hatsayfong District, arrested February 27th, 2018, charged with theft
  6. Mr Thopsaphone, Somsanouk Village, Hatsayfong District, arrested July 26th, 2017, charged with drug trafficking
  7. Mr Noi, Thongpong Village, Sikhothabong District, arrested September 19th, 2017, charged with drug trafficking
  8. Mr Thavone (Ai), Thongpong Village, Sikhotthabong District, arrested May 8th, 2017, charged with drug trafficking (same gang as Somxai) 
  9. Mr Kot, Thasavang Village, Xaythany District, arrested May 30th, 2017, charged with drug trafficking (same gang as Somxai)
  10. Mr Phengpachanh, Nonkilek, Sikhothabong, arrested August 30th, 2017, charged with theft
  11.  Mr Inpone (Num), Kaang Village, Hatsayfong District, arrested January 10th, 2017, charged with drug trafficking

Only 6 photographs of the 11 convicts have been collected so far.

Mr Somsai (Dong)

 

One prisoner, Mr Inpone (Num) has been re-captured but the other 10 convicts are still at large.

The public is urged to exercise extreme caution and be wary of strangers in their neighborhoods.

Sisattanak District Police Notice 1
Sisattanak District Police Notice 2 Issued by Lieutenant Colonel Inpone Bounphachanh
Source: Mahason Magazine, Vikeo VPS Keth

Wonderful Indonesia Center to Open in Vientiane, Promote Business and Tourism

By
Laotian Times
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wonderful Indonesia center

Indonesia will begin promoting its potential as a business and travel destination to the people of Laos through the establishment of its Wonderful Indonesia Center in Vientiane.

The necessary licenses to build the culture center have been approved, and the center is expected to open soon.

“We want to spread the word that there is more to Indonesia than simply Jakarta, Borobudur, or Bali,” said A. Firman Arif W. Soepalal from the Indonesian Embassy in Laos.

The Wonderful Indonesia Center will display the local products of Indonesia, and promote tourism to the country.

“We also hope to institute some other programs, such as Indonesian language classes at the center,” said Mr Firman.

Meanwhile, Indonesia hosted a Small and Medium Enterprises Exhibition and Planetarium Walk in Laos from May 5-6 at Vientiane Center shopping complex.

Representatives from the Indonesian Embassy to Laos said that Indonesian investors should capitalize on business opportunities in Laos, and that the fair held at Vientiane Center was one way to show Indonesian investors what Laos had to offer.

So far, only a handful of Indonesian companies have been willing to invest in or develop production in Laos, citing the lack of a coastline as one major hindrance.

“We must be willing to change the mindset that Laos is a lagging country, while actually it has much potential,” said Mr Firman, stating that the Lao Foreign Minister had provided details on several forms of cooperation possible between both countries.

A number of other countries have been successful in investing in the Lao economy, such as Singapore and Malaysia.

According to Wishnu Krisnamurthi, the chief Economy Function of the Indonesian Embassy in Laos, a number of Indonesian products find their way to Laos by way of Thailand, rather than through direct exports.

The largest Indonesian investment in Laos to date is a cinema network, with majority shares being held by an Indonesian businessman, in partnership with a Thai company.

Indonesia and Laos established formal diplomatic relations in 1957. The two nations have often expressed a desire to reach further agreements in security, sports, air transport an education.

There are currently no direct flights between Indonesia and Laos.

Source: Jakarta Post

Arrival-Departure Card Discontinued At Major Airports in Laos

By
Laotian Times
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The General Security Police Department (Kom Yai Santhiban) issued a public notice stating that Lao nationals and expatriates who have permanent residency will no longer be required to fill in the widely unpopular immigration form (arrival-departure card) when exiting or entering Laos through four international airports – Wattay International Airport (Vientiane Capital), Luang Prabang International Airport, Savannakhet International Airport and Paksé International Airport.

Lao arrival-departure card

However, the notice specifically states that the change does not apply to tourists, foreigners without permanent residency, and stateless individuals who will still be required to complete the above-mentioned form upon entry or departure from these airports.

Laos has approximately 20 international border checkpoints, where routine immigration procedures will continue to be in effect until they are equipped with the capability to record the exit and entry of travelers digitally. The move is a new step to render travel more convenient, while the government is also setting up an online system of visa applications for people traveling to countries that require a visa.

The public has applauded the government’s efforts in gradually upgrading the normal passport system to an electronic one. Lao nationals are now encouraged to visit the Consular Affairs Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to obtain their e-passports. There, their biodata will be collected and stored in central servers.

Wattay International Airport is the only airport where the new electronic passports may be used to automatically allow a Lao national to enter and leave the country without being conventionally stamped in and out by an immigration officer. While this is a major step toward digitalizing essential government services, the e-passport machine is still in its trial phase, evidenced by the many complaints to its inefficiency and slowness. In its current state, it is not a viable substitute for an immigration officer.

According to a source in the Immigration Department, the e-passport system cost several million dollars to implement.

The notice was signed by the Department’s Director General Brigadier General Bounmy Sengkhamyong.

The Most Followed Lao Person on Facebook

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Laotian Times
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It’s official. The most followed Lao person on Facebook is Boualai (ບົວ ໄລ). This avid eater has got more followers than Kaem Boom, Noony, Larnoy Phorjai and Somchan, to name a few of the most followed celebrity idols in Laos.

Continue

Chinese Space Debris to Rain on Laos

By
Laotian Times
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space debris to rain on laos

In an unusual notice from the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation, the four southernmost provinces of Laos (Champasak, Sekong, Salavan, and Attapeu) are being warned of potential space debris that will fall to Earth over these provinces. The debris seems to be from the launch of the Gaofen-5 satellite China in the early morning of 9 May and the debris are likely parts from the Long March 4C rocket carrying the satellite into orbit.

The Gaofen-5 hyperspectral imaging satellite is a part of China’s high-resolution Earth observation project and is planned for use in monitoring the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

The space debris is expected to fall into Laos between 01:31-01:47 today. Citizens are urged to be careful outdoors during this 16 minute span in these areas.

Laos space debris notice

Village Devastated by Fire in Xieng Khouang Province

By
Laotian Times
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Fire destroys homes in xieng khouang

32 homes have been destroyed in Xieng Khouang Province after a fire broke out, believed to be caused by an electrical problem.

The fire, the biggest recorded this year, began at around four o’clock on Monday evening in Sanfaen Village, and quickly spread from house to house due to strong winds.

The structures that burnt down were all wooden, with 32 families losing their homes and much needed livestock and equipment. Fortunately, none were injured or killed by the fire.

Much of the population in the affected area belong to the Lao Phong ethnic group, and the village is 100 kilometers from the provincial capital, with difficult road access.

The fire occurred as villagers were returning from their work in nearby fields, and had unfortunately spread too quickly for them to suppress.

While local authorities continue to assess the damage caused by the fire, victims now require food, clothing, and temporary accomodation.

A temporary camp is being set up by local authorities and the military, and district authorities are providing food and medicines, however stocks are low and authorities are calling upon the public to make donations.

Donations for Fire Victims

Donations can be made with the following authorized organizations:

1. World Renew in Xiengkhouang Province, 020 98853357
2. Vientiane Rescue in Vientiane Capital, 1623
3. The Lao Red Cross, 1625
4. Houamchai Foundation, 020 59444400
5. Chinese Ambulance Service, 1628

Lao Government Warns Public About Dangers of Financial.org

By
Laotian Times
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financial.org ponzi scheme laos scam

The Lao government has issued a notice warning members of the public against investing in bogus investment broker, financial.org, and calling on those who have invested to declare their losses.

The company, already on several international watch-lists, is the latest in a number of Ponzi scheme style businesses to set up shop in Laos, aimed at duping members of the public into making investments for supposedly quick and profitable returns.

A British news report by Reuters drew the attention of the Lao government, in which it came to light that the company, describing itself as an education company, would be struck from the UK registrar of companies for failing to file accounts.

Financial.org operates in several Asian countries, including China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos. According to the Reuters report, individuals were handing over anything from US$ 3,000 to US$ 400,000 to the bogus company for investments.

The company is already on an investor alert list created by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, and similarly Malyasia’s Securities Commission placed Financial.org on a list of unauthorized companies and websites last year.

gala dinner in Vientiane hosted by Financial.org
A Gala dinner in Vientiane hosted by Financial.org

Under a Ponzi scheme, those who invest first are provided returns stemming from funds invested by newer members, rather than through actual stock market investments as promised. Earlier members are encouraged to bring new members into the scheme to provide a continual source of income for the scheme. While the earliest members can make money quickly, newer members face huge losses, and eventually the scheme falls apart.

To make itself more believable, Financial.org has attempted to register in the UK, and has even sponsored a Formula One team.

The Lao government is now calling on the public to declare their losses with the hope of exposing the scheme and halting further investment.

According to a Vientiane Times report, the central bank told the National Assembly in 2016 that there were 24 entities illegally soliciting deposits from the general public.

The central bank has warned that tough measures will be taken against companies offering such services.

Executives of some companies in question have already been prosecuted, including those at PS Lao Enterprise and Asianface Company. The case against Laokham is ongoing, and the government is now investigating Financial.org.

Who’s Who in the Lao Government?

By
Laotian Times
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Who’s who in the current government (the 8th administration) led by Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith?

Thongloun Sisoulith has arguably made more headlines locally and internationally in both official and unofficial media than any other Prime Minister of Laos. But have you heard of the other leaders of government? The other cabinet ministers? The ones who enforce and implement policies set by prime ministerial power? Let’s take a look at their names and pictures:

Thongloun Sisoulith is the Prime Minister (PM), which is the head of the executive branch of government.

Thongloun Sisoulith, Prime Minister

The Prime Minister currently has 3 Deputy Prime Ministers (DPM).

(Left to right) Bounthong Chitmany, Sonexay Siphandone, Somdy Duangdy

They are Bounthong Chitmany, who also occupies the position of Head of the State Inspection Committee, Sonexay Siphandone and Somdy Duangdy who is also Minister of Finance.

Each Deputy Prime Minister oversees the affairs of several ministries and ministry-equivalent bodies. The following are key ministerial level figures who make up the Government of Laos.

(Left to right) Lt. Gen. Chansamone Chanyalath, Major General Somkeo Silavong, Khammanh Sounvileuth, Chaleun Yiapaoher

Lieutenant General Chansamone Chanyalath, Minister of National Defense (military)

Major General Somkeo Silavong, Minister of Public Security (police force)

Khammanh Sounvileuth, Minister of the Interior

Chaleun Yiapaoher, Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office

(Left to right) Sommath Pholsena, Bosengkham Vongdara, Lien Thikeo, Saysi Santhivong

Sommath Pholsena, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment

Bosengkham Vongdara, Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism

Lien Thikeo, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry

Saysi Santhivong, Minister of Justice

(Left to right) Khampheng Saysompheng,
Khammeung Phongthady, Khammany Inthilath, Khemmani Pholsena

Khampheng Saysompheng, Minister of Labor and Social Welfare

Khammeung Phongthady, Minister to the President’s Office

Khammany Inthilath, Minister of Energy and Mines

Khemmani Pholsena, Minister of Industry and Commerce

(Left to right) Boviengkham Vongdara,
Saleumxay Kommasith,
Sengdeuan Lachanthaboun,
Somphao Faisith

Boviengkham Vongdara, Minister of Science and Technology

Saleumxay Kommasith, Minister of Foreign Affairs

Sengdeuan Lachanthaboun, Minister of Education and Sports

Somphao Faisith, Governor of the Bank of Laos (central bank)

(Left to right) Thansamay Kommasith,
Bounchan Sinthavong,
Phet Phomphipak,
Souphanh Keomixay

Thansamay Kommasith, Minister of Post, Telecom and Communications

Bounchan Sinthavong, Minister of Public Works and Transport

Phet Phomphipak, Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office

Souphanh Keomixay, Minister of Planning and Investment

(Left to right) Bounkong Sihavong,
Bounkeut Sangsomsack,
Alounkeo Kittikhoun,
Souvanpheng Bouphanouvong

Bounkong Sihavong, Minister of Public Health

Bounkeut Sangsomsack, Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office

Alounkeo Kittikhoun, Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office

Souvanpheng Bouphanouvong, Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office

The 8th Government Administration
Photo credit: Lao Economic Daily
Source: Lao Government
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