Culture

The Photographer Who Speaks for Laos’ Forests

In the forests of Laos, observation comes before words for Souksamlan “Toun” Laladeth. That idea inspired the title of his debut visual anthology, Where the Forests Have No Words, officially launched on 5 October in Vientiane*.* "People call me a conservation and nature photographer. But really, I'm just a simple person,...

Deported to Laos, US Returnees Find Their Way in an Unfamiliar Home

The men behind a barbecue grill in Vientiane speak English more easily than Lao. Some...

Khammouane Targets UNESCO Geopark Status to Boost Tourism

Khammouane is preparing a UNESCO bid for the Hinboun Geopark, hoping the international designation...

Vientiane Shuts Down KM38 Dharma Practice Center After Leader Defies Order Over Reborn Buddha Claim

On 24 September, Vientiane authorities shut down the KM38 Dharma Practice Center in Sangsai...

OP-ED: Cluster Bombs Still Threaten Lao Farmers Decades After War

By Eli Mechanic, Country Director for MAG Laos (Mines Advisory Group) In the early hours...

Vientiane Discusses Restoration Plan of Historic Black Stupa

The iconic That Dam, or Black Stupa, one of Vientiane’s most culturally significant landmarks, is set to undergo a major restoration as part of...

Thailand Ranks Among Top 10 Countries with Highest LGBTQ+ Population, Laos Data Unavailable

Thailand has been ranked among the top 10 countries with the largest percentage of individuals identifying as part of the LGBTQ+ community, according to...

Savannakhet’s That Nang Lao Stupa Recognized as Local Level National Heritage

That Nang Lao stupa and Thong Na Ngueak were officially recognized as Laos’ local national heritage sites in Savannakhet Province. On 2 May, Vilabouly District...

Former President Nouhak’s Residence in Khammouane to Be National Memorial

Khammuoane authorities are turning former president Nouhak Phoumsavanh’s old residence into a national memorial to honor his legacy as one of Laos’ most influential...

Plastic Rocket Kills Man During Festival in Xiengkhouang

A rocket made of plastic pipe struck and killed a 46-year-old man during Bun Bang Fai (Rocket Festival) celebrations in Perp village, Pek district,...

Lost to History: Myanmar Heritage Falls Victim to Quake

When a massive earthquake hit Myanmar last month, centuries of sacred history tumbled down -- towering Buddha idols, sky-scraping stupas and the pure-white pagoda...