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Vientiane Authorities Promote Road Safety

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The Traffic Police Department of the Ministry of Public Security, in partnership with Lao Brewery Co., Ltd, is continuing its road safety awareness project to reduce the rising number of accidents and traffic congestion.

Director General of the Traffic Police Department, Colonel Khamthavai Phetouthai noted at the road safety awareness project ceremony on Thursday in Vientiane that The number of vehicles is continuing to increase, which is leading to more accidents and traffic congestion in the country.

In 2014, there were 5,072 road accidents around the country, in which 9,264 people sustained injures while there were 1,054 fatalities.

In 2015, there were 4,349 road accidents nationwide, in which 6,686 people sustained injuries while there were 797 fatalities. The cost of damages was estimated at over 90 billion kip, he said.

According to the department, from January to August 2016, there were 3,746 accidents recorded nationwide during this time, including 714 fatalities. Some 5,935 people were injured and 6,883 vehicles were damaged.

Meanwhile, motorbikes were involved in 95 percent of the accidents, with 90 percent of those dying in accidents being male.

The majority of accidents occurring around the country still involved drunken driving and high speeds.

The project will be handing out information on the traffic regulations and the dangers of careless driving. The on-going activities have helped participants have a better understanding about traffic rules and the danger of accidents.

The project is focused on enforcing the traffic regulations along the national roads, setting up checkpoints to monitor motorists’ speeds and assessing their levels of sobriety along important roads.

In particular, the project has highlighted the meaning of road safety and traffic signs, the anti- drink-driving message, and also distributed stickers and brochures at schools, roadsides and to participants during activities.

Following the campaign, the authorities hope society will have a much better understanding of the traffic regulations, especially students at man y schools, as young people are over represented in road statistics.

The project will run from December 2016 to March 2017 and then they will summarise their results.

A ceremony for the road safety awareness project launch took place at the Traffic Police Department office on Thursday and was attended by Deputy Director General of the General Police Department, Brigadier General Dr Thongsavanh Vongsavath, Director General of the Traffic Police Department, Colonel Khamthavai Phetouthai, and President of Lao Brewery Co., Ltd., Mr Sounthone Phommachack. Lao Brewery Co., Ltd supported this year’s operations with funds totalling 260 million kip.

 

Source: Vientiane Times

Residents Await Laos-China Railway Compensation Payments

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Preliminary counts have been completed in the provinces through which the Laos-China railway will pass, to pave the way for compensation to be paid to the affected villagers and residents who will be relocated.

However affected residents in the provinces through which the railway will pass, and particularly the owners of parcels of land and buildings that will be used or demolished to make way for the railway, have yet to receive any compensation. Director of the Luang Prabang provincial Public Works and Transport Department, Mr Fasanan Thammavong, told the press in the prefecture that the preliminary surveys for the affected people and counts for compensation payments have already been completed.

The compensation to be paid for property owners in Luang Prabang has still not been approved by the Laos-China railway project’s committee, Mr Fasanan said.

The railway bridge will be part of the planned 427-km Laos-China railway running from the Chinese border to Vientiane through the four provinces of Luang Namtha, Oudomxay, Luang Prabang, and Vientiane to the capital and linking to the Thai border.

In Luang Prabang province, the railway will run through 29 villages over a length of 80 kilometres taking in the three districts of Chomphet, Luang Prabang and Xiengngeun.

Mr Fasanan added that officials in Luang Prabang will also be examining compensation payments in Oudomxay and Vientiane provinces in order to compare them to ensure that they are equivalent with the other provinces.

Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith will officially launch the construction of the Laos-China railway project at a ceremony on December 25.

The ceremony to kick off railway construction will take place in Luang Prabang district’s Phonxay village where a railway bridge spanning the Mekong River will be built.

On Sunday, Luang Prabang will be the site of the official launch of the project and provincial authorities intend to seek clarification from the Chinese construction company about where within Luang Prabang they intend to start initial works so that they can meet with affected villagers for mediation.

Luang Prabang has already prepared the parcels of land for relocation for the railway-impacted villages.

Meanwhile in Oudomxay, there are 40 villages in the three districts of Xay, Nga and Namor through which the railway will pass, over a distance of 126 kilometres.

In Luang Namtha, the three villages of Boten, Tinsan and Nateuy are located within the vicinity of the construction site, which runs through the province for only a distance of 16.9 kilometres.

The Laos-China Railway Project is estimated to cost about US$6 billion and will run from the border area of Boten in Luang Namtha province to Vientiane. It is scheduled for completion in 2021 and is 70 percent owned by China and 30 percent by Laos.

 

Source: Vientiane Times

Conference Boosts Big Data Use

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The use of core information technology, which provides results in terms of innovation, is being discussed by experts in these fields who are meeting in Vientiane this week.

The IT and technology experts are meeting for the 3rd International Conference on Big Data Applications and Services (BIGDAS-L) running from December 20 to 23.

The Department of Computer Engineering and Information Technology at the NUOL’s Faculty of Engineering, in cooperation with the Big Data Research Institute of Chungbuk National University, is organising the conference.

Power to change the world, Big Data is the main topic of discussion during the conference. Information technology experts from Cambodia, Vietnam, the Republic of Korea, Japan, and Laos are attending the conference to share their information technology experience and ideas.

In his opening remarks at the conference yesterday, President of the Korean Big Data Society, Mr Jooyeon Lee reminded participants about big data as a core technology, which he said provides innovative solutions in many fields such as healthcare, manufacturing, and social life.

The aim of big data is to present innovative results, encourage academic and industrial interaction, and promote collaborative research in big data and digital management worldwide, Mr Lee said.

Eight technical sessions and one workshop session have taken place at the conference at the venues of Landmark Mekong Riverside Hotel, and the NUOL. The topics of technical sessions include big data models and algorithms, big data architecture, big data applications, big data security, big data visualisation, big data for public sector, big data in business, and big data in industry.

The ability to connect, not just with data scientists and technologists, but also business people, is really going to make big data go mainstream for decision-making.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering under the NUOL, Prof. Dr Boualinh Soysouvanh said it was essential to bring together experts in the field of big data application services so that they can realise the potential of big data together.

In his address at the ceremony, the NUOL’s Vice President Assoc. Prof. Dr Oudom Phonekhampheng noted the conference as a good venue and opportunity.

According to the conference organising committee, many high quality papers were accepted at the BIGAS-L, which have been presented in oral and poster sessions.

The committee expected that the publication of the conference will be a cornerstone for further related research and technology improvements in the field of big data.

 

Source: Vientiane Times

New species Found in Greater Mekong Region: WWF Report

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A rainbow-headed snake resembling David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust character, a dragon-like lizard and a newt that looks like a Klingon from the movie Star Trek are three of the 163 new species discovered recently in the Greater Mekong region, according to a report released by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

The report, Species Oddity, documents the work of hundreds of scientists who discovered nine amphibians, 11 fish, 14 reptiles, 126 plants and three mammals in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.

The discoveries also include a rare banana species from Thailand, a tiny frog from Cambodia and a gecko with pale blue spotted skin and piercing dark eyes that was found hiding among the remote mountains of Laos.

This brings the total new species of plants, birds, mammals, reptiles, fish and amphibians discovered in the region to 2,409 since WWF began compiling new species reports in 1997.

The Greater Mekong region is a magnet for the world’s conservation scientists because of the incredible diversity of species that continue to be discovered here, Wildlife Programme Manager for WWF-Greater Mekong Jimmy Borah said.

These scientists, the unsung heroes of conservation, know they are racing against time to ensure that these newly discovered species are protected.

Highlights of the report include a rainbow-headed snake, Parafimbrioslao, that has been likened to David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust character.

It was found among steep karst cliffs in northern Laos and while originally thought to exist in only one location, it has since been seen in a second one, increasing its chances of survival.

 

Source: Vientiane Times

Lao News Agency to Stop Print Edition of English Paper

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The Lao News Agency has announced that the last issue of its English language newspaper will roll off the presses on December 31, ending more than 10 years of publication of the daily KPL News.

But the newspaper will not disappear as readers can go online for their daily news instead of reading the printed version.

The Editorial Board of the state-owned newspaper issued a notice informing readers, subscribers and advertisers that it will cease publication of the newspaper from January 1 onwards.

Director General of the Lao News Agency, Sounthone Khanthavong, said the newspaper was no longer profitable so they had decided to cut costs and dispense with the printed edition.

He said an online version would be more convenient for readers and pointed to the growing trend in online reading.

We decided to switch to an online service as it’s more modern, he told Vientiane Times .

The decision to end the print edition of KPL News means the Vientiane Times, another daily English language newspaper published by Lao Press in Foreign Languages, will be the only English language newspaper in the country.

A member of the KPL News’ Editorial Board, Sengthong Prasavath, said the online news service would be free of charge.

Established in 1968, the Lao News Agency published daily bulletins in Lao, English and French. Some years later it upgraded the bulletins into daily newspapers, also published in Lao and English, Mr Sounthone said.

In 2003, the English bulletin became a daily newspaper and was also published in French. Last year, the print version of the French newspaper ceased and the content was published online.

Mr Sounthone confirmed that the Lao News Agency would continue to publish its Lao language newspaper, the Pathetlao Daily.

The Lao News Agency delivers news via the Pathetlao Daily, news releases, a magazine, online news, and a short message service (SMS) on mobile phones.

Many printed newspapers and magazines both in Laos and abroad have suffered a decline in circulation as readers turn their attention to social and online media.

A few years ago, Laos’ weekly French language magazine Le Renovateur published by the Lao Press in Foreign Languages ceased to exist in its printed form and has since been published online after suffering a decline in readership and profits.

Earlier this year, the Brunei Darussalam broadsheet, the Brunei Times, announced its closure 10 years after its inception in 2006. The publishers cited reporting and journalistic standards as well as business issues as reasons for its termination, especially in the face of considerable challenges from alternative forms of media.

 

Source: Vientiane Times

Laos-Thailand Railway Link Set for Expansion Next Year

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Phase II of the Laos-Thailand railway, which will see the line extended from the suburbs to central Vientiane, is set to resume after the project was suspended in 2011.

The line will be built over a distance of 7.5km to link the track from the outlying Thanalaeng railway station in Hadxaifong district to the inner city, a senior government official in charge of the project said yesterday.

Deputy Director General of the Lao Railway Department, Mr Sonesack N. Nhansana, told Vientiane Times yesterday that the government has instructed authorities to resume construction of the railway in line with the original plan.

The extension will link Thanalaeng railway station on the outskirts of Hadxaifong district near the Mekong River to Khamsavat village in inner Xaysettha district.

Mr Sonesack said the project was previously suspended because Lao authorities wanted to study in detail how the 1-metre standard gauge Laos-Thailand track could be joined to the 1.435-metre standard-gauge track width of the planned Laos-China railway.

The authorities have now agreed that one of the stations planned for Vientiane as part of the 427-km Laos-China railway, which will link Vientiane to the Chinese border, will be built in Thanalaeng village so that the two lines are integrated.

Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith recently visited Thanalaeng railway station where he was briefed on the progress of the Laos-Thailand rail link.

The prime minister suggested we resume construction in 2017. We expect to do so at the earliest date possible, Mr Sonesack told Vientiane Times .

He said resumption of the project would be possible and financing was available as Thailand had provided more than 203 billion kip (more than 900 million baht), of which 30 percent was in the form of a grant and 70 percent was a low-interest loan.

Once construction resumes, it will take about two years to complete the project, Mr Sonesack said.

There is optimism that once the extension is operational, it will result in a significant increase in passenger numbers and tourist arrivals, said Deputy Head of the Railway Management Division, Mr Khamphet Sisamouth.

He justified the construction of a station in Khamsavat village by saying it was just 4km from the city centre (That Luang) and was 17km shorter than travelling from That Luang to Thanalaeng railway station using the existing road network.

Thanalaeng railway station  the only station on Laos’ 3.5km railway that runs to Thailand’s Nong Khai province – handles 2,500 to 3,000 passengers a month, Mr Khamphet said, adding that more people were using the service these days.

Passengers keep asking why we don’t extend the track into the city centre, he added.

The railway only transports passengers at present, but freight transport is set to be provided in the near future following completion of a container yard.

Work on Phase II of the railway began a few years ago, including construction of a container yard, dormitories for staff, and a rail operations office, as well as improvements to the signals.

More than 173 billion kip (650 million baht) provided by Thailand was spent on this work, of which 30 percent was given as a loan and the remainder was a low-interest loan.

 

Source: Vientiane Times

New Year’s Celebration Holiday

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The Prime Minister’s Office has announced that January 2, 2017 will be a public holiday and day off in recognition of the International New Year 2017.

The announcement was made based on the Prime Minister’s agreement on December 19 and article 55 of the labour law in 2013.

Therefore, the Prime Minister’s Office on December 21 issued the notice about the day off on January 2.

Source: KPL

Santiphab Sangkasi to Expand Steel Production for Growing Domestic Market

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Santiphab Sangkasi Lao Co., Ltd, a leading producer and distributor of galvanized iron sheeting, plans to build a new factory to ensure the future growth of its business.

President of Santiphab Sangkasi Lao Co., Ltd. Mr Sangkhom Chansouk gave an interview to KPL News on Wednesday saying that the new factory will sit on five hectares of land in the Vientiane Saysettha Development Zone in Vientiane.

“Early 2017, we will commence surveying and design of the factory as well as prepare for business restructuring,” he said.

Mr Sangkhom explained that the new factory will produce steel roof framing, steel ceiling framing, road guardrails, and street light poles to ensure the smooth growth of the steel market in the country.

Santiphab Sangkasi is in the process of getting listed on the Lao Securities Exchange.

“We will spend funds raised through the Lao Securities Exchange (LSX) through our initial public offering (IPO) of shares to build the new factory,” said Mr Sangkhom.

The company has already appointed a financial advisor to facilitate its preparation for registration on the LSX.

“The advisor will assist our company in upgrading our business structure, financial structure, accounting system, and business plan in order to enhance the competitiveness of our business and expand business operations,” said Mr Sangkhom.

The financial advisor is expected to submit the filing for Santiphab Sangkasi Lao Co., Ltd. to the Lao Securities Committee Office to begin raising funds at the end of 2017 or in early 2018.

“In the initial stage, we will install only five lines of machines to produce the steel roof framings and steel ceiling framing, and then we will install additional machines to produce road guardrails, and street light poles,” he said.

The company said that the factory is expected to create at least 200 jobs for local people.

 

Source: KPL

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