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Investors Receive Clearance For Feasibility Study on Vang Vieng Tourism Complex

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admin
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Vang Vieng may already be a tourist hotspot, but the small town might become an even bigger tourist attraction in the future. Yijin Construction Engineering Lao Co., Ltd. has expressed interest in developing a tourism complex on an outdated airfield in the frequently traveled city, anticipating even more annual tourist traffic.

On Tuesday, the provincial authorities agreed that the Chinese-owned company could start a feasibility study for the project, which will take about a year to conclude.

According to the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the authorities and the company on February 28, the project site covers 15 hectares.

The airfield occasionally serves as a landing site for helicopters carrying senior government officials visiting local communities and various business people, but for the most part has been neglected.

If the company does decide to invest in the project, the complex will include: a concert hall, exhibition hall, an ‘ice playground’, fountain park, shopping center, children’s recreation area, water park, hotels, apartments, restaurants, bars, and will cost an estimated $200 million USD to build.

According to the province’s Department of Planning and Investment Director, the airport was managed by the Ministry of Defense, and project authorization would ultimately depend on what the government deems appropriate.

It was also added that  the investors would need to build a symbolic landmark for the town aside from the development of the project, possibly a ‘city pillar’.

Since the airfield has been vacant and seldom used in past years,  the five villages running parallel to the airfield have intruded on the state land with homes and businesses being built on the property.

The director confirmed that if the project were to proceed residents would be required to demolish encroaching properties.

Known for its beautiful landscapes and relaxed surroundings, Vang Vieng is a popular tourist destination in Laos. Based on the district’s Office of Information, Culture and Tourism more than 180,000 people visited Vang Vieng in 2016, generating around 73 billion kip in income for local communities.

Of the arrivals in Vang Vieng 140,000 were foreign nationals with about 45 percent coming from Europe.

The provincial authorities recently gave permission to another company to conduct a feasibility study on the development of a tourism complex in the same district, where the Nam Xong and Nam Lik rivers meet.

The aim is to have tourism facilities available to accommodate and attract more tourists to the towns.

First Auction of Lao Leaders Cars Rakes in 11.6 Billion Kip

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Laotian Times
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Auction of Lao Leaders Cars

The auctioning off of the first 14 luxury cars returned by Lao leaders concluded at the National Convention Center on Tuesday. Though this is the first of many auctions that will occur, the first batch of cars withdrawn from government officials has raked in an unprecedented 11.6 billion kip.

The Laotian Times reported earlier last month that leaders of all state organisations would forgo their expensive luxury cars as part of austerity measures, including Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith himself.

The Prime Minister received the highest bid on his previously owned BMW Series 7/730 LI at an astonishing 1.33 billion kip (estimated US$162,000) and was won by a local businessman, Mr Thonglith Kingkeo-oudom. An authorized Lao dealership informs that a brand new BMW 730 LI, is valued at an estimated US$170,000.

Auction Winner Thonglith Kingkeo-oudom
Auction Winner Thonglith Kingkeo-oudom

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Somdy Duangdy supervised the auction, which was attended by hundreds of officials and entrepreneurs.

More than 50 participants attended the event, including representatives of companies and banks, registered to bid for the 14 cars. The fleet of luxury cars were comprised of seven BMW 730 LI and seven Mercedes Benz S350, which have all been in use since 2012.

The BMWs, all driven by the country’s top leaders, were the coveted stars of the auction floor with cars previously owned by President Bounnhang Vorachit, Vice President Phankham Viphavanh, Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith and President of the National Assembly Ms Pany Yathotou.

A starting price was set at 830 million kip for each of the BMWs and 500 million kip for each of the Mercedes Benz regardless of the mileage displayed on the odometer.

The BMWs driven by Mr Phankham Viphavanh and Ms Pany Yathotou attracted the second and third highest bids of 1.3 billion kip and 970 million kip, while the lowest offer was 850 million kip.

The highest bid for a Mercedes Benz was 780 million kip (more than US$96,000) and the lowest was 520 million kip (almost US$64,000). 

A member of the committee in charge of the car withdrawal and auction, Mr Khamlavanh Chanthalavanh, announced that the auction was a historic occasion and the first of its kind by giving members of the public the chance to bid for a vehicle previously driven by a top government official.

The BMWs had accumulated distances ranging from over 2,000km to almost 21,000km, while the Mercedes recorded just over 1,000km to slightly over 19,000km.

The withdrawal of the luxury vehicles from government leaders, followed by the auction is a momentous and significant step by the current leadership.

The government has announced that Tuesday’s auction was the first, with many more to follow. Remaining luxury vehicles that were purchased for use in state affairs will be reclaimed along with extra cars that were provided to leading officials and will also be up for bidding.

Infamous Lao Drug Lord Xaysana Will Not Be Extradited to Laos

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Laotian Times
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Lao Drug Lord Xaysana Keopimpha Arrested

Notorious Lao drug lord Xaysana Keophimpha will remain subject to Thai law and the Lao government is unlikely to ask for his extradition, a government official has confirmed.

As The Laotian Times has previously reported, Xaysana, also known as Vanlob, 41, was arrested at Thailand’s Suvarnabhumi Airport on January 19, along with three other accomplices.

As reported by the media, Thai police officers had raided and arrested a number of alleged drug dealers in the kingdom, rumored to have connections to Xaysana. Several million US dollars worth of assets linked to the drug trade have since been seized.

“Xaysana was arrested in Thailand and that has to be handled in line with Thai laws,” Government spokesman, Prof. Dr Chaleun Yiapaoher, disclosed at a press conference on Friday. “The government has not raised the issue of requesting extradition.”.

A  senior official from the Department of Treaty and Law of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained to Thai media that Laos and Thailand have signed an extradition treaty, but the Lao government is unlikely to request Xaysana’s extradition.

The Lao government can request his extradition, but it would be contingent upon Thai authorities and whether they agree with extraditing the drug lord. However, Laos requesting extradition is highly doubtful, a source has said.

It was clarified by the source that in a hypothetical case in which a Lao criminal fled to Thailand but committed no offence while there, Thai authorities would be obliged to return the suspect following a request made by Laos authorities in accordance with the treaty.

Since Xaysana was alleged to have based his drug trafficking network in Thailand, which means the supposed crimes were in violation of Thai laws, the Thai authorities have a legal right to detain, investigate, prosecute and sentence him, if found guilty.

Following Xaysana’s capture, Lao officers hunted down gang members affiliated with the drug lord in Vientiane and Khammuan province, including the arrest of another major drug lord, Khonpasong Soukkaseum, also known as Xiengther, 47, who is rumored to be a more prominent drug dealer than Xaysana himself.

33 additional suspected drug traffickers and dealers from five gangs have been arrested following the nationwide crackdown.

Officers are in an ongoing pursuit for the remaining gang members, and are actively building cases against the offenders who are currently in custody, in preparation for the prosecution.

Officials Give Green Light to Vientiane Expressway Project

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Laotian Times
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Vientiane Expressway Project

In an attempt to ease city congestion, the government has given their blessing to move forward  on a proposed 14km Vientiane expressway project, linking the city center to the outskirts in Xaythany District.

Government spokesman Prof. Dr Chaleun Yiapaoher confirmed that the project was discussed last week at the government’s monthly meeting for February. The notion of the multi-million dollar project was presented and examined during the two-day meeting.

“In principle, the government agrees to build the expressway,” Prof. Dr Chaleun said.

The six-lane Vientiane expressway, with a planned width of 70 metres, will be built parallel to Kaysone Phomvihane Road and will run from the Lao International Trade Exhibition and Convention Centre (Lao-ITECC) in Xaysettha district to Dongmakkhai village in Xaythany district.

Amidst the 14 kilometre stretch of road, the interstate will also link with several key roads including Road No. 13, the 450 Year Road and the much anticipated Laos-China railway once it has reached completion.

However, before the construction of such a large project can begin, the relevant departments  have been required by officials to complete a thorough study and analysis to guarantee its effectiveness as the project would require a substantial investment and involve particular technical standards.

Once the study and analysis are complete, details of the Vientiane expressway project will be studied, deliberated and approved before it can be implemented, the spokesman announced.

vientiane expressway diagram
A model of the proposed Vientiane expressway

An estimated 87 houses will be affected by the expressway, while the rest of it will pass through farmland. Families who have to relocate to make way for the expressway will be compensated.

The estimated cost for this immense project is expected to be between US$150 million and US$200 million, relevant authorities were urged to look into methods of investment for funding before the conclusion of the meeting.  

Dr Bouavone Souklasaeng said that the road corridor is designed to avoid densely populated communities to minimize impact.

She explained that although the expressway will be built parallel to Kaysone Phomvihane Road, the two roads will have quite a bit of distance in between, so buildings, shops and businesses running along the Kaysone Phomvihane Road will remain unaffected.

It has been suggested in regard to funding for the project, to take the form of a Public Private Partnership, which in this case involves two likely scenarios.

According to Dr Bouavone, the first scenario would see the state provide 70 percent of the funding and the private sector 30 percent.

The second is for the state to contribute 60 percent of the cost and the private sector 30 percent, while local people whose properties are affected would contribute 10 percent by giving up their land.

If the second scenario were to happen, citizens affected by the expressway would receive a dividend from the project annually.

The Vientiane expressway is expected to be a toll road in which one car is  expected to pay about 5,000 kip per trip.

Four More Reasons to Visit The Pizza Company

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Laotian Times
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Four-More-Reasons-to-Try-The-Pizza-Company

When people think of ‘pizza’  it’s undeniable that The Pizza Company will be one of the places that will pop into their heads. Known for their assortment of high quality toppings and efficient service, The Pizza Company does so much more than just pizza. From a fully stocked salad bar, to a plethora of pasta dishes, to juicy BBQ chicken wings, to an assortment of starters, it’s hard not to indulge when faced with the decision of what to order.

So when The Pizza Company invited The Laotian Times to sample the newest addition to their menu, we jumped at the chance. Beginning February 25th, four new menu items have been added to the already extensive menu including; Multigrain chicken salad, Multigrain chicken, BBQ pork ribs, and Chicago style pizza.

[ngg_images source=”galleries” container_ids=”20″ override_thumbnail_settings=”1″ thumbnail_width=”100″ thumbnail_height=”75″ thumbnail_crop=”1″ images_per_page=”20″ number_of_columns=”0″ ajax_pagination=”0″ show_all_in_lightbox=”0″ use_imagebrowser_effect=”0″ show_slideshow_link=”0″ slideshow_link_text=”[Show slideshow]” template=”/home4/laotiantimes/public_html/wp-content/plugins/nextgen-gallery/products/photocrati_nextgen/modules/ngglegacy/view/gallery.php” order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″ display_type=”photocrati-nextgen_basic_thumbnails”]The multigrain chicken and the multigrain chicken salad were the two dishes I was the most apprehensive about. Something about ‘eating healthy’ correlates with ‘tasteless’ for me, however this was not the case for these little golden bites rolled in a array of grains. The chicken was juicy on the inside while being crispy on the outside. I enjoyed them both ways; with the tangy dipping sauce it was served with and added atop the salad with Caesar dressing. I would definitely order these again, without guilt.

The BBQ pork ribs and Chicago style pizza  are two of many dishes I would get out of bed and dressed for (or at the very least dial 1112 for). The BBQ  melt-in-your-mouth-fall-off-the-bone ribs are drenched in a savory, tangy sauce and are served with a side of fries that keep you coming back for more. The Chicago style pizza was loaded with toppings including chicken,herbs, veggies, and a massive amount of cheese. The crust was baked to golden perfection and had a crunch when I bit into it, it was like a tiny party in my mouth.

I am already a frequenter of The Pizza Company, and these delicious additions to the menu have only made me a bigger fan of the company and their food. Their fun atmosphere, along with fast and friendly service is always appreciated, but it’s the variety, and consistent flavor that always keeps me returning for more.

Drop by one of their 5 Vientiane locations today or call 1112 for delivery.

Liberia Seeks Assistance from Laos in Rice Production and Sustainability

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Laotian Times
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Liberia Seeks Laos Assistance

Liberia’s recently accredited ambassador to Lao PDR, Dudley McKinley Thomas, has presented his Letters of Credence to President Bounnhang Vorachith, during an official ceremony at the presidential palace.

Ambassador Thomas is the first Liberian Envoy accredited to Laos since the two countries established diplomatic relations on August 12, 2016.

During the meeting, Amb. Thomas expressed the good wishes of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for the health and longevity of President Vorachith, along with the prosperity and continued well being for the people of Laos.

It was  communicated to President Vorachith by the ambassador that President Sirleaf hopes to  develop, promote and expand a relationship with Laos, for the mutual benefit of the two countries and their people.

As developing countries, Laos and Liberia both face similar challenges in providing for the health, education and the general well-being of their people and future growth.  

“I believe that Liberia and Lao PDR can share experiences; we can learn from each other as both of our countries pursue the goal of sustainable development,” Ambassador Thomas stressed, identifying food security as an essential area.

“We understand that Lao PDR is self-sufficient in rice production, and is now exporting to China and other countries,” he said, adding, “Liberia’s staple diet is also rice, which the government would welcome a rapid acceleration of efforts to establish a bilateral cooperation mechanism between the two countries, which would help Liberia move from being an importer to that of becoming self-sufficient and an exporter of rice in the West Africa region in partnership with Lao PDR,” Ambassador Thomas urged.

It was highlighted that under the leadership of President Sirleaf, development of Liberia’s agriculture sector is a  primary focus for the Liberian Government.

President Vorachith assured Ambassador Thomas of Laos’ support to Liberia . He also affirmed the government’s consideration of requests for aid in the areas of rice production and electricity.

President Vorachith used the meeting to extend an official invitation to President Sirleaf to visit Laos.

Photo: Liberian Observer

Temple View Cafe: More Than Just The View

By
Laotian Times
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Temple View Food

By Jasmina


You may have heard the saying, “out with the old, in with new”. As we collect new things in life, we tend to shove the old towards the back of the closet, or in this case, our minds. The same can be said for some of our favorite eateries. As trendy new cafes and restaurants are popping up aplenty across our city, it’s easy to get lost with the newer, shinier shops.

I’m guilty of this, when my significant other asks the dreaded question, “so, what do you want to eat?’, I’ll rack my brain for what’s the newest or latest that has been hyped up on social media. But I’d like to take a step back to appreciate a quaint underrated eatery that has never disappointed me. Nestled behind the new EU building right in the middle of town, next to Haysok temple (did someone say temple parking?) sits a charming little cafe that has been with us since July of 2015.

The ambiance at Temple View cafe is cozy and peaceful, making it a great place to read or catch up with a friend while you wait for your food. The interior is decorated with soft cushions and throw pillows and feels as though you are lounging in a comfortable space at home or at a friend’s house (if your friend were serving you delicious food and you were paying them to do so). The tables are covered with pages from old literary books (sorry, bibliophiles), and you can appreciate how much love and thought has been put into building the place.

The owner, also the chef, has crafted a menu using his love for food and diverse palette. My partner and I are the ‘stick to what you know’ kind of folk, but this is the one place where we have been adventurous, since everything we’ve ever been served has been packed with so much flavor that we’ve never been left with the taste of regret in our mouths (not like too-much-tequila-the-night-before kind of regret, that’s a whole other type of regret). Their menu hosts an array of fusion dishes from Crispy Wonton Pad Thai to Steaks to Kapao Pizza Sandwiches. They have a short menu, but what they do do ( that’s right, I said do do), they do well.

[ngg_images source=”galleries” container_ids=”19″ override_thumbnail_settings=”1″ thumbnail_width=”100″ thumbnail_height=”75″ thumbnail_crop=”1″ images_per_page=”20″ number_of_columns=”0″ ajax_pagination=”0″ show_all_in_lightbox=”0″ use_imagebrowser_effect=”0″ show_slideshow_link=”0″ slideshow_link_text=”[Show slideshow]” template=”/home4/laotiantimes/public_html/wp-content/plugins/nextgen-gallery/products/photocrati_nextgen/modules/ngglegacy/view/gallery.php” order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″ display_type=”photocrati-nextgen_basic_thumbnails”]On this sleepy Saturday afternoon however, we did order our usual. We started with the handmade shrimp and crab dumplings, (as suggested by the chef) and potato wedges with truffle sauce (as suggested by the fact that my partner does not share food, you can call him Joey). The dumplings were stuffed with a generous portion of filling, paired along with a sweet and tangy dipping sauce. The first bite was an explosion of flavor in my mouth, if the chef makes a suggestion for you to try while you are there, my advice is for you to try it. The potato wedges with truffle sauce came next, and I have to tell you, I would eat cardboard if it was drenched in that creamy truffle sauce.

Our main courses followed, my partner had ordered his favorite chicken breast steak and I had the pork chop. As soon as he cut into the tender piece of meat, I could tell how juicy it was just by the clear juices running from it. This too, came with the truffle sauce (to be honest, I don’t know if all of his steaks come with the truffle sauce, or their own sauce because we only ever request it with this sauce) a side of potato wedges (I told you, Joey doesn’t share food) and a small side salad. My pork chop had the same juicy cook on it, along with the same sauce, wedges and side salad. There’s not a lot of fuss to his style of cooking, just simple and delicious, to-the-point flavors.

I finished with a  hot green tea latte, it was good I suppose. I’ve never been a coffee (or any type of hot beverage) connoisseur, so I can’t accurately rate the coffee at this establishment, coffee is coffee to me. I am a HUGE fan of his iced pumpkin latte, though. It’s not flavored with a pumpkin syrup, like most places, so it’s not like drinking a candle. He adds actual pumpkin puree to the coffee which thickens it and gives it a rich, creamy texture without leaving a heavy taste in your mouth.

The entire meal cost us just 173,000 LAK, which is reasonable for two starters, two main courses (both steaks) and a beverage. The portions are fair, it was too much for me to finish my pork chop for lunch but my partner had finished his chicken steak and my leftovers with ease. The downside to this cafe is that it does take awhile to get your food, so if you are on a lunch break or on a time crunch you may want to call ahead and place your order, otherwise the wait is well worth it.

Temple View Cafe is open daily Monday- Saturday from 9AM-4:30PM.

Please visit their Facebook page for more information https://www.facebook.com/Temple-VIEW-CAFE-111609369181227/ or call 020 222 13122

Officials Take Action Against Illegal Fuel Imports

By
Laotian Times
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Fuel Imports

It is estimated that 45 to 50 percent of the fuel Laos imports are used in Vientiane Capital and Vientiane Province.

At the January 24-25 Vientiane Government monthly meeting, an announcement revealed new requirements are to be imposed on companies anticipating to import petroleum.

During the two-day conference chaired by Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith, the government set forth guidelines for the reduction of fuel companies from twenty-two to five.

The Lao Petroleum and Gas Association warns that those who fail to meet the new requirements will be directed to cease their venture in petroleum and urged to explore other business opportunities.

Deputy Director of Lao State Fuel Enterprise and senior official from the association, Mr Phayboun Phomphaphi explained, that it is necessary to reduce the number of fuel companies to make it easier to manage and that there are currently several fuel companies that are too small and do not meet standard requirements.

“Over the past years, illegal imports of oil have been reported in Laos and I believe that the adjustment and improvements will contribute to address the problem,” he stated.

Further research and analysis must be made before determining the probability of the adjustment. If made, four state petrol companies could possibly be reduced down to just one or two.

However, it was not specified when the adjustment of the fuel companies be executed.

Last month, the government announced that three companies would no longer be able to transport imported fuel through Laos to neighboring countries.

According to Deputy Minister of Finance, Mr Bounchom Ubonpaseuthm, the maneuver aims to eliminate loopholes that could result in illegally imported fuel and only companies that comply with the country’s laws and government’s obligations will be permitted to continue to operate.

Based on a government report, petrol must only be imported across officially recognised international border crossings. Fuel brought into the country at local border crossings will not be permitted.

Statistics taken from Lao Petroleum and Gas Association shows an increase of eight percent in petrol imports to Laos annually. The oil import figures for 2016 have yet to be concluded, though the association estimates the figure to be around 1,400 million liters of oil.

The demand for fuel in the country is at an all-time high due to the persistent expansion of the Lao economy, particularly in the industrial sector.

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