The Head of the Resettlement Office of Xe-Pian Xe-Namnoy Power Company has announced that part of its dam is likely to break its banks, which could cause over five million tons of water to flow downstream.
A signed letter from Mr Lee Kang Yeol Head of the Resettlement Office of Xe-Pian Xe-Namnoy Power Company has been spread around social media in Laos.
The letter states that Saddle Dam D is in a “very dangerous condition” due to heavy rainfall in the Paksong River Project area. Water has already overflowed over the dam crest, according to the letter.
The letter goes on to inform authorities that nearby villages must be evacuated to high elevation areas, and that the company will do its best to assist with evacuation efforts.
Villagers are now being evacuated, while water levels continue to rise as heavy rainfall looks to continue over the next few days.
Visit Laos 2018 is picking up steam as the country, aided by several international donors and freelance Laos-loving videographers and marketers, advertises to the world what it has to offer.
One way that Laos is attracting visitors is through the use of video marketing. While it would be next to impossible to do justice to one of the top destinations in Asia with a few minutes of reel, these following videos do their jobs by teasing the viewer just enough so that tourists are scrambling to get on the next flight to Laos!
1. Visit Laos Year 2018 – Warmly Welcome
2. Alexandra’s Pathet Lao Suay Ngam Tair Tair (ປະເທດລາວສວຍງາມແທ້ໆ)
3. Alexandra’s Simply Beautiful
4. Cedric JB’s Together We Thrive Cinematic Travel Film
The Miss Universe Laos Organization has officially announced its selection and appointment of On-anong Homsombath to represent Laos in the Miss Universe 2018 competition.
Miss On-anong was suddenly announced as the Miss Universe Laos representative today in a move that surprised many of the competition’s closest followers, who expressed concern at the lack of any contest to decide the winner.
The organizer, TVLAO HD, announced the appointment on its Facebook page, saying, “On-anong Homsombath, first runner up Miss Universe Laos 2017, age 23, height 171cm, graduated from Kaposvar University, Hungary 2017, majoring in International relations. She worked at the Mekong River Commission.”
The 23-year-old was described as having a unique and outstanding beauty, language competency, elegance, and understanding of Lao culture, which made her deserving of representing Lao women in the Miss Universe 2018 competition.
The competition has been fraught with controversy this year, with the sudden selection of this candidate coming directly after the very public resignation of Alexandra Bounxouei, a popular musician, as director of the contest. Ms Alexandra she cited a lack of preparedness and transparency as the reason for her resignation.
The agreement for the project was signed today by the Vice Minister of Finance, Mme Thipphakone Chanthavongsa, and the World Bank Country Manager Nicola Pontara. The project will improve the condition, safety, and climate resilience of critical sections of National Road 13, Lao PDR’s most important corridor, which is integral to domestic and regional connectivity.
Many parts of the road have not been rehabilitated since the main sections were completed in 1997 and now require major improvements to keep up with the growth in use. Some sections, especially those around the capital of Vientiane, are expected to reach maximum capacity in the next five years as traffic rapidly increases.
“National Road 13 is vital to our economy, and its upgrade, rehabilitation and maintenance will broaden access to markets, jobs and public services, while also making travel safer. An improved National Road 13 brings Lao PDR closer to its goal of more inclusive growth,” said Dr. Bounchanh Sinthavong, Minister of Public Works and Transport of Lao PDR.
In addition to road expansion and improvement, the project will strengthen the road’s resilience to climate change and ensure it lasts longer. Road safety measures and improvedpedestrian facilities will make the road safer, particularly for women and children from local communities who use the road to walk to and from markets and schools. Measures to curtail the overloading of trucks will help increase the efficiency of funds allocated for road maintenance.
“National Road 13 is key to Lao PDR and its economy. Upgrading, rehabilitating and maintaining this corridor will make travel safer, quicker, and more reliable. This will encourage inclusive growth and a better business environment in the country,” said Nicola Pontara, World Bank Country Manager for Lao PDR.
The project will first focus on the high traffic corridor outside of Vientiane of Sikeut-Phonhong (km 12-70), which is currently the country’s busiest stretch of road, and also vulnerable to severe flooding.
To be implemented from 2018 to 2023, the project will receive US$40 million in financing from the International Development Association (World Bank), and co-financing of US$40 million, US$38.5 million, and US$9.5 million from, respectively, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the Government of Lao PDR, and the Nordic Development Fund.The Ministry of Public Works and Transport will implement the project, using an Output and Performance-Based Road contract to support more efficient use of funds.
In its bid to become the top regional cinema chain operator, Thailand’s Major Cineplex has reached an agreement with TK Group, the parent company of LSX-listed Lao World Public Company, to operate in the latter’s ITECC Shopping Mall.
Thatnakhone Thammavong, President of TK Group and Lao World Public Company has signed a deal with Major Cineplex Group President Vicha Poolvaraluck allowing the latter to move into the 8th floor of ITECC Shopping Mall to upgrade the existing cinema there under the Major brand.
President of TK Group Thatnakhone Thammavong (left) shakes hands with Major Cineplex Group President Vicha Poolvaraluck (right)
The existing ITECC 8th floor cinema that covers over 2500 square meters of space is now closed for renovation. When finished, the new cinemas will be fully furnished with four state-of-the-art digital screens and 900 seats. It is expected to open in October of this year.
Major Cineplex views the Lao market as optimistic since its two cinema branches opened within the last three years in Laos – the first in Vientiane Center and the other in Friendship Mall Pakse. http://tkgroup.la/
Major Cineplex currently has six international branches with 33 screens – four branches in Cambodia (24 screens) and two in Laos (9 screens).
After passing over Hainan, Tropical Storm Son-tinh has its sights set on China and northern parts of Vietnam and Laos in the coming days.
As this storm tracks westward, the greatest risk for flooding and local damaging winds will increase from northern Vietnam and Laos late Wednesday into Thursday.
Mudslides may further endanger lives and property in the mountains.
Flooding rainfall will be the most widespread threat as rainfall of 75-150 mm (3-6 inches) will be widespread from Hainan into northern Vietnam and Laos. This includes the Vietnam capital of Hanoi and the Lao capital of Vientiane. Hardest-hit areas can expect rainfall amounts up to 250 mm (10 inches).
According to the Lao Department of Meteorology and Hydrology, the most affected areas in Laos include Khammouane, Bolikhamxay, Xaysomboun, Vientiane, Xiengkhouang, Sayaboury and Luang Prabang.
The extent of the risk for damaging winds will hinge on how strong the storm becomes. Interaction with Hainan will likely hinder overall strengthening and limit damaging winds to areas near and along the path of the storm.
Areas at risk for damaging winds include areas in Vietnam between Vinh and Thanh Hoa late Wednesday into Thursday.
Son-tinh will weaken as it moves farther inland, ending the threat for any damaging winds before the storm reaches northern Laos.
Rough seas will also be stirred and create dangers for boaters as the storm churns across the South China Sea and Gulf of Tonkin.
The storm was named Henry in the Philippines where it produced heavy rainfall across parts of Luzon earlier this week.
All residents at risk for impacts from this budding storm are urged to closely monitor its progress. Be sure to follow the advice of local government and heed any evacuation orders in the coming days. Keep gas tanks filled and mobile phones fully charged.
The Meteorology and Hydrology Department has issued a warning to all citizens to prepare for the storm
13 July – RDK Group, a Vientiane-based translation and marketing consulting firm, together with Lao Airlines, has recently hosted a one-year anniversary event celebrating a successful year-long print run of the latest iteration of Champa Meuanglao, the latter’s official inflight magazine at Kualao Restaurant.
Present at the ceremony was Vice President of Lao Airlines Salerm Tayalath, RDK Group partners, as well as government officials, embassy representatives, and leaders from the local business community.
Vice President of Lao Airlines Salerm Tayalath presents congratulatory flowers to Champa Meuanglao Managing Editor Jason Rolan
“Among our other inflight services, Champa Meuanglao remains a favorite among not only tourists traveling through Laos, but also businesspeople traversing the country and the region,” said Cameron Darke, Managing Partner of RDK Group.
“While the global outlook for print media is changing, inflight magazines seem to be holding their own. Champa Meuanglao explores magnificent places in Laos and the region, sampling their distinct cuisines and uncovering their cultures and histories,” he continued.
RDK Group Managing Partner Cameron Darke speaks about the My Favorite Place Photo Competition
“With breathtaking photography and superb writing, we are delighted the magazine is an integral part of Lao Airlines’ mission of bringing both tourists and locals around the cities of Laos and those outside its borders,” said Managing Editor Jason Rolan.
Champa Meuanglao editorial team
On display at the event were the astounding winning photographs of the “My Favorite Place” Photo Competition in which amateur and professional photographers were given the chance to send in their favorite location in Laos. The winners received air tickets to Hanoi, Chiang Mai, and Luang Prabang.
Winners of the My Favorite Place Photo Competition received complimentary air tickets to Luang Prabang, Chiang Mai and Hanoi
“We would like to thank our wonderful sponsors for the tremendous support shown to us over the past year and we will strive to deliver the same winning combination of good writing and beautiful pictures that our readers have come to expect of our magazine,” added Jason.
Managing Editor of Champa Meuanglao Jason Rolan addresses the audience
The evening was a fun-filled night featuring music from a guest DJ, photo-ops, splendid cuisine from the Kualao culinary team, lovely wines from Phonesavanh Wines and fantastic beers from Beerlao‘s new product line and numerous coveted prizes from a lucky draw.
One year celebration atmosphere at Kualao Restaurant
Guests listen attentively at the ceremony marking the one-year anniversary of Champa Meuanglao
RDK Group Senior Partner Aditta Kittikhoun interviews celebrity film director Mattie Do as she wins a lucky draw prize
Beerlao, a major advertiser of the magazine, sponsored the night with its new craft line: Amber, White and Hoppy.
About Champa Meuanglao
Champa Meuanglao is a bimonthly publication designated as the exclusive inflight magazine of Lao Airlines, the country’s national carrier. It features a variety of articles on popular travel destinations, lifestyle, and culture, with the aim of promoting tourism within Laos and countries in the region.
Lao Airlines currently has domestic flights to Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse, Savannakhet, Xieng Khouang, Oudomxay, and Luang Namtha; and international flight routes to Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, China, and South Korea.
About RDK Group
RDK Group is a multifaceted consulting firm that specializes in statistical and analytical Research, technological cross-platform Development of information centers and dissemination of Knowledge pertaining to Lao economics, business, culture, language and history. RDK provides both public, private, local and foreign organizations with solutions to overcome their cultural and linguistic barriers whether it be through comprehensive training, investment and market research or standard document translation/interpretation.
The unmet need for modern contraceptives among married women aged 15-49 has declined from 19.2% to 14.3%, and 75% of unmarried women aged 15-19 still do not have access to family planning.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the 1968 International Conference on Human Rights held in Tehran, where family planning was, for the first time, globally affirmed to be a human right.
UNFPA has been supporting Family Planning in Laos since 1995 following the International Conference on Population and Development and good progress has been made in providing Family Planning information and services for many people, according to UNFPA Representative to Laos Frederika Meijer.
“Unfortunately, as we can see from the LSIS indicators, not EVERYONE is reached yet. In line with the Sustainable Development Goals, we should not leave anyone behind hence we need to strengthen our efforts,” said Meijer.
“Globally UNFPA has adopted a new Strategic Plan that aims to bring down unmet need and maternal death to zero, these transformative results steer our work everywhere including here in Lao PDR where we would like to see availability of Family Planning for everyone,” said Meijer.
“Together with United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), this year in the Lao PDR we celebrate World Population Day with the theme Family Planning for Everyone, because we want to simplify the understanding of family planning that it is not only for parents or couples, but for all people regardless of their sex, gender, backgrounds, social or economic status,” said Vice Minister of Planning and Investment Dr. Kikeo Chanthaboury at the World Population Day celebration in Vientiane.
“All couples and individuals have the basic right to decide freely and responsibly the number and spacing of their children and to have the information, education and means to do so,” said Dr Kikeo, echoing the tenets of the Tehran Proclamation.
