Feature

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...

Seven Lao Artists Are Taking Life Advice From Cats

Cats spend much of their day sleeping, stretching in the sun, at times hunting,...

Young Lao Footballers Win International Titles as World Cup Fever Grows

While the FIFA World Cup dominates football headlines, a Lao youth footballers has returned...

Teenage Gangs Spark Public Safety Concerns Across Vientiane

Recent police arrests have renewed public concern over rising youth violence and reckless motorcycle...

Lao-American Chef Saeng Douangdara to Release Debut Lao Cookbook in April

Saengthong Douangdara grew up eating food most American restaurants don't have on their menu. Padaek, beef bile, jaews, the bold, fermented flavours of a...

Beadwork Born in Laos’ Most Dangerous Fields, By the Women Who Clear Them

A jewelry collection made with women who clear bombs for a living is putting Laos' unexploded ordnance crisis back in the conversation. Beneath the soil...

Lao Woman Builds Northern Laos’ First Pediatric ICU, Wins Regional Award

Bounloth Sodaluck grew up watching rural families in Xayaboury Province struggle to find medical care for their children. Now, decades later, she leads the...

Midwife from Remote Laos Village Bridges Gap in Maternal Health

UNFPA Laos - The road often disappears during the rainy season in Nongmek village, Paksong district, Champasak.  The first four kilometres remain unpaved. Heavy rain...

Sibling Drama ‘Holding the Light’ Wins First Prize at Lan Xang Short Film Competition

A story about family sacrifice has taken centre stage at this year’s Lan Xang Short Film Competition. “Holding the Light” won this year’s Lan Xang...

Laos’ Economic Recovery Gains Momentum, but Labor Shortages Persist

Recent data show that Laos’ economy is beginning to recover. International institutions report GDP growth of 4.2 percent, driven largely by mining and electricity...