Life style

Lao, Thai Textile Traditions Meet in Dress at Bangkok Exhibition

A gown combining Thai silk and Lao fabric brought two neighbouring countries' textile traditions together at an international fashion exhibition in Bangkok in October. Titled Lao-Thai Solidarity, the dress featured traditional Lao weaving patterns alongside Thai silk, with each material making up half of the design. Lao designer Khamphao Bouaphanh, founder...

Lao Larb Gets Green Light for UNESCO Recognition

Larb is one step closer to becoming part of UNESCO’s Representative List of the...

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...

Lao Classics Take on New Sound at Orchestra Concert in Vientiane

The Lao National Culture Hall was packed on 19 September, with more than 1,000...

Miss Universe Dispute Leaves Six Southeast Asian Franchises in Limbo

The Miss Universe Organization is facing a major dispute just weeks before its 75th...

Thailand Set to Recognize ‘Wai’ Greeting as Official National Symbol

Thailand is set to officially recognize the iconic "wai" gesture—"nop" in Lao—as a fundamental part of its national identity, the Thai National Identity Committee...

Local Team to Host Cycling Criterium in Vientiane

Laos has never really seen cycling as a competitive sport, but that may soon change. A group of passionate cyclists is organizing the first...

Annual Celebration Marks 21 Years of King Fa Ngum’s Statue

The statue of King Fa Ngum not far from the Mekong River in Vientiane continues to cast its gaze over the land it once...

Thailand Readies for Same-Sex Marriage in Wake of Papal Decision, Sparking Hope in Lao LGBTQ+ Community

As the Roman Catholic Church navigates varied reactions to Pope Francis' recent approval of same-gender marriages, Thailand is on the verge of making history...

Lao-American Author Goes Beyond Borders With ‘Sticky Rice for Lunch’

Children's literature has a new gem on its bookshelves. Rooted in cultural identity and acceptance, "Sticky Rice for Lunch" by Jacob (Jake) Singhavong offers...

Diplomacy Meets Runway in US Embassy-Backed Fashion Show on Lao Traditional Clothing

Against the canvas of a vivid mural crafted by local Lao artists, Saturday evening unfolded as a testament to the power of Lao fashion...