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Lao J-Pop Girl Group LaoNavy Performs in Japan

Lao J-Pop Girl Group LaoNavy Performs in Japan

Remember LaoNavy, the J-pop group from Laos who performed on Japanese Culture Day in Vientiane in September?

LaoNavy has now made its very first Japanese debut. The group performed in Japan for the first time in the western city of Kumamoto, the same city that will soon see flights from Lao Airlines connecting it with Laos.

LaoNavy, which consists of seven Lao girls aged between 14 and 21, is produced and managed by a Japanese businessman based in Vientiane who hopes to lay out the foundation of a platform that nurtures more girl groups in the country.

LaoNavy performing at Vientiane Center
LaoNavy performing at Vientiane Center

By their look and the style of performance, the group hopes to follow the footstep of the mega-hit girl band in Japan, AKB48.

At their performance in Kumamoto, LaoNavy wore their signature navy-blue costumes, singing two songs in Lao and Japanese.

LaoNavy are to visit the Kumamoto prefectural government office this week, according to a report by NHK.

T’way Air to Launch New Route between Korean city Daegu and Vientiane

T’way Air to Launch New Route between Korean city Daegu and Vientiane

South Korean low-cost airline T’way Air is to launch a new route to connect the South Korean city of Daegu and the Lao capital Vientiane.

The new route will be launched on December 26 and operate twice a week. As a trial, the airline will operate the new route until February 27 next year.

Daegu is a city in North Gyeongsang Province with about 2.465 million people.

T’way Air is currently operating two routes connecting South Korea and Laos.

One route between Incheon and Vientiane runs seven days a week while another route between Busan and Vientiane operates twice a week, namely on Wednesday and Saturday.

Korean tourism to Laos has grown in recent years, and in 2018, a total of 174,405 South Korean citizens visited Laos, a two percent increase from the previous year.

In his latest visit to South Korea, Lao Thongloun Sisoulith said he hoped more South Koreans would visit Laos and try different locations while experiencing the country’s unique historical and cultural heritage.

Cold Weather Set to Continue in Laos

Cold Weather Set to Continue in Laos

The much anticipated cool season has begun in earnest, with temperatures in some regions set to drop as low as 3 degrees Celcius by the end of the week.

The Lao Meteorology and Hydrology Department has warned that a cold front moving across the country will see temperatures dropping to as low as 5-7 C in northern Laos. Heavy fog and some strong winds are expected to accompany the cooler temperatures.

The public has been urged to prepare for cooler weather, and ensure warm clothes and blankets are at the ready.


Temperatures in Vientiane Capital may decrease by a further few degrees during the evenings, dropping as low as 9 degrees by Saturday night.

Southern Laos will see colder nights and early morning fog, with minimum temperatures as low as 14C forecast, accompanied by strong winds.

Laos and Russia to Hold Laros 2019 Joint Military Exercises

Laos and Russia to Hold Laros 2019 Joint Military Exercises
Laros 2019 Russian Lao Military Exercises

The first Russian-Lao military exercises, Laros 2019, will take place in Laos from 10-19 December.
A total of 500 troops from Russia and Laos will join the exercises.

Russia is to delegate tank crews from a mechanized infantry group based in the Transbaikal region’s Eastern Military District.

A spokesman for the Russian Eastern Military District, Alexander Gordeyev, was quoted by the Russian News Agency as saying the militaries of the two countries held a conference on organizing and holding the military exercises, agreeing upon the title “Laros-2019” for the event.

During the exercises, the contingents will share experiences in the use of battle equipment in forest, swamp and mountainous terrain, and practice the techniques of joint operations in the jungle.

The Lao military will provide the Russian troops with T-72MS tanks, armored reconnaissance vehicles, machine guns and automatic rifles for the duration of the exercises.

One of the joint drills’ main objectives is to expand bilateral military cooperation, including in the fight against international terrorism.

Some 30 Soviet WWII-era T-34 battle tanks were sent from Laos to Russia in January this year, with the fully combat-ready tanks to be used in Russian military parades, after Laos retired them from active service.

Miss Universe Laos 2019 Unveils National Costume

Miss Universe Laos 2019 Unveils National Costume
Miss Universe Laos

The Miss Universe Laos 2019 public relations team has just released teaser images of the national costume design to be worn by May Vichitta as she competes in the international Miss Universe Pageant in the United States on December 9.

The full national dress costume presentation consists of two parts: Miss Universe Laos in a stunning traditional pink silk sinh and pa bieng (scarf/shawl) emerging from a marvelous large pink elephant structure.

The design incorporates many elements of quintessentially Lao symbols like the elephant, the Champa flower, the sticky rice basket, the national flag, and the That Luang Grand Stupa.

“The elephant is the national symbol of Laos. A strong, kind and magnificent creature, similar to traits found within our country and people. In our lifetimes, some of us may never encounter some of the wonders of the world such as the marvelous rainforests or the majestic Lao elephant. Future generations may never have the opportunity to see these marvels. Like the rainforest, our elephants are sadly disappearing at a rapid rate due to the ravages of mankind,” says Tot Lina, head of the Miss Universe Laos public relations team.

“Even if we have never been to the Amazon, or met an elephant up close, we can still feel the pain of losing nature to the devastation of wildfire and climate change. We must unite together, no matter what country we are from, to help our Earth. Our animals and forests have no voices, so we must campaign together and speak out to protect and preserve them,” adds Tot Lina.

This year’s costume is markedly different from that of last year’s Miss Universe representative, which was inspired by the Kinnaree creature of Southeast Asian mythology.

The activities of Miss Universe Laos competing in America is being closely followed by Lao fans from all over the world.

Just a few days ago, dozens of Atlanta-based Lao fans surprised Miss Universe at the airport and showered her with support and commendation.

Survey Shows Favorable View of China’s Belt and Road Initiative

Survey Shows Favorable View of China’s Belt and Road Initiative

A new survey has revealed that people generally view China’s Belt and Road Initiative favorably, categorizing the BRI as a net “opportunity” for their home countries.

The S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) in Singapore conducted an online survey from June 20 to July 19, in which more than 1,200 Asian “opinion leaders” were invited to respond. Asian opinion leaders were defined as policymakers, academics, businesses, and media practitioners from 26 Asian countries that have signed a Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) agreement with China.

From Laos, a total of 12 respondents participated, including nine government officials and three academia.

The Belt and Road Initiative, officially unveiled in 2013, is China’s landmark foreign and economic policy initiative to achieve improved connectivity, regional cooperation, and economic development on a trans-continental scale. China has promoted the BRI as a cooperative initiative that will lead to a win-win situation for both China and BRI partner countries.

Findings

Among the BRI’s five objectives, respondents generally felt that achieving infrastructure connectivity and unimpeded trade are more relevant to their countries than financial integration, policy coordination, and people-to-people relations, according to RSIS.

On infrastructure types, respondents said energy, transport, and industrial infrastructure should receive the most focus in Asia, according to the school.

In addition, the majority of the respondents felt that the BRI provides a platform for BRI countries to attract trade, investment, and tourists from China and elsewhere. They also expected the BRI to stimulate economic growth and technological advancement while closing infrastructure gaps, RSIS added.

Meanwhile, better political relations with China due to the initiative was also highlighted by close to three-fifths of the respondents as a key benefit although respondents expressed concerns over potential downsides like China’s influence expansion, influx of Chinese migrant workers, the projects’ environmental implications, lack of technology transfer opportunities, and risks related to debt overhang, said the school.

Overall, the respondents viewed the Belt and Road Initiative favorably, RSIS said, adding that the opinion leaders who categorized the BRI as a net “opportunity” significantly outnumbered those who saw the BRI as a “net risk”.

To ensure the success of the project, respondents said enhancing transparency, offering more capacity building and local employment, adapting the BRI to specific needs of foreign partners, and allowing non-Chinese contractors to bid for projects top the list of recommendations for Beijing, according to the school.

As for their home governments, the respondents felt that they should focus on good governance, negotiate with China for best possible terms, make sure the BRI fits in a national infrastructure development strategy, perform due diligence, and be level with the general public about the pros and cons of the BRI if they were to make the most of the BRI, RSIS added.

From Landlocked to Land-linked

The Vientiane Times reported in April that the Lao President Bounnhang Vorachit “voiced the Lao government’s support for the China-led Belt and Road Initiative, saying the global project will help to transform Laos from being landlocked into a land link.”

His remarks were reportedly made at a conference where a total of 37 heads of state and government, the UN Secretary-General and representatives from international organizations attended to review the implementation of the initiative.

At that time, the paper quoted President Bounnhang as saying that the initiative was in line with the Lao government’s policy to transform itself from being a landlocked country into a land link within the region.

President Bounnhang also said the Belt and Road Initiative was compatible with the Lao government’s policy because the country was plowing ahead with its renovation policy after opening its doors to the outside world in 1986.

He added the Lao government viewed the initiative as being based on mutual benefit and cooperation, adding that in light of this development concept Laos believes the initiative will bring peace, stability, and prosperity to the region.

Vientiane Times also noted that one of the notable ways in which Laos is benefiting from the initiative is China’s support for the Lao-China railway.

The planned 417-km railway, which connects Lao capital Vientiane with the Chinese border, traverses the provinces of Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Oudomxay and Luang Namtha, passing through 75 tunnels with a combined length of 197.83km.

The opening of the railway is expected to be in 2021.

Thai E-Sports Firm Raises Funds to Expand in Southeast Asia, Laos

Thai E-Sports Firm Raises Funds to Expand in Southeast Asia, Laos

Bangkok-based startup Infofed has received JPY 5 million ($45,700) from Japanese gaming media company GameWith, with a plan to expand in several Southeast Asian countries, including Laos.

Founded in 2015, Infofed provides a one-stop solution for game providers, consumer brands, and esports communities through its online and offline platforms.

The company operates eArena, an online platform for professional gamers to generate and manage content and organize competitive gaming matches. It also hosts events and tournaments through its offline platform in Thailand.

Infofed plans to use the new funds to expand its presence in Southeast Asia. It is set to enter Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos in 2020.

Meanwhile, GameWith said it is the first time for the firm to invest in the e-sports industry in Southeast Asia. Still, it fully intends to explore more opportunities while supporting Infofed if the Thai company decides to enter the Japanese market in the future.

Thieves, Trophies, Weed and Mountains – This Week In Social Media

Thieves, Trophies, Weed and Mountains – This Week In Social Media

The Laotian Times brings our readers a round-up of some of the most shared topics this past week, based on reach and engagement on Facebook. From Khaen-playing Californians and public servants smoking weed to flower thieves and emotionally charged national pride, this list summarizes the types of content that are wildly consumed on Lao social media.

 

Economy Good, Corrupt Officials Bad

Parliament representative of Vientiane Capital, Saythong Keoduangdy vehemently spoke out against corruption within the state’s revenue collection organs. The former Vice Mayor of Vientiane Capital lashed out at colluding public officials responsible for stealing hard-earned tax money that is supposed to contribute to government coffers. Keoduangdy warned that if unscrupulous civil servants were to go unchecked, the government would get poorer and poorer.

“It’s not correct to think that the economy is in decline. Have a look at the vibrant international border checkpoints that are bustling with trade. Even in Vientiane Capital, commerce and productivity are high. Transport vehicles carrying goods and night are clear evidence that the economy is not in decline. We need to impose the full force of the law against these corrupt officials at any level and sector of the government.”

ທ່ານສາຍທອງ ແກ້ວດວງດີ ສສຊ 1 ນະຄອນຫຼວງວຽງຈັນປະກອບຄຳຄິດຄຳເຫັນກ່ຽວກັບການເກັບລາຍຮັບບໍ່ໄດ້ຂອງ #ຂະແໜງສ່ວຍສາອາກອນ. ພະນັກງານ ໃນຂະແໜງການດັ່ງກ່າວ #ລຳ້ລວຍຜິດປົກກະຕິ ໂດຍເງີນເດືອນສໍ່າກັນກັບພະນັກງານລັດຖະກອນທົ່ວໄປ.

Posted by ໂທລະໂຄ່ງ THOLAKHONG on ວັນເສົາ ທີ 23 ພະຈິກ 2019

Jingle Bells via Khaen

To help celebrate the Christmas holiday, American musician Jonny Olsen took to Facebook and played Jingle Bells on his favorite Lao instrument, the Khaen. In the video, Olsen stands in front of a beautifully decorated Christmas tree and before playing the beloved tune, speaks to the audience in what sounds like a very proficient southern accented Lao.

Jonny Olsen ເປົ່າແຄນລາວ ໂອກາດເທດສະການ ຄຣິສມາດ, ມ່ວນແທ້ໆ

Posted by ໂທລະໂຄ່ງ THOLAKHONG on ວັນເສົາ ທີ 23 ພະຈິກ 2019

The Lao Greta Thunberg

To mark 30 years of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, a Global Summit was held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. In this video, Nickar Panyphorn, fifteen-year-old Lao student, addressed global leaders and told them of her desire to see action taken on the issue of children’s’ right to education.

ຢາກໃຫ້ເດັກນ້ອຍລາວທຸກຄົນ ມີໂອກາດໄດ້ ຮຽນຈົບຊັ້ນປະຖົມ-ມັດທະຍົມ ພາຍໃນປີ 2030ໃນວັນທີ 20 ພະຈິກ 2019 ທີ່ນິວຢອກ, ປະເທດ ສະຫະລັດອາເມລິກາ, ນາງ ປານີພອນ ວົງມາລາ ອາຍຸ 15 ປີ ຈາກໂຮງຮຽນ ມັດທະຍົມສົມບູນວຽງຈັນ ໄດ້ຖືກຄັດເລືອກເປັນຕົວແທນ ເດັກ ນ້ອຍລາວ ຂຶ້ນກ່າວຄຳຄິດເຫັນ ກ່ຽວກັບການສຶກສາ ຢູ່ທີ່ກອງປະຊຸມລະດັບສູງຂອງສະມັດຊາໃຫຍ່ ອົງ ການສະຫະປະຊາຊາດ ເນື່ອງໃນໂອກາດ ວັນສະເຫລີມສະຫລອງ ວັນເດັກນ້ອຍໂລກ ແລະ ວັນຄົບຮອບ 30 ປີ ຂອງການຮັບຮອງເອົາ ສົນທິສັນຍາວ່າດ້ວຍສິດທິເດັກ.ນາງ ປານີພອນ ວົງມາລາ ໄດ້ໃຫ້ທັດສະນະວ່າ: ຢາກໃຫ້ເດັກນ້ອຍລາວທຸກຄົນມີໂອກາດ ໄດ້ຮຽນຈົບຊັ້ນປະຖົມ ແລະ ມັດທະຍົມ ພາຍໃນປີ 2030, ຂະນະທີ່ຢູ່ເຂດຊົນນະບົດ ຫ່າງໄກສອກຫລີກ ຂອງສປປ ລາວ ຍັງມີເດັກນ້ອຍຈຳນວນຫລາຍ ທີ່ອອກໂຮງໂຮຽນກ່ອນຈົບຊັ້ນມັດທະຍົມ ໂດຍສະເພາະໃນກຸ່ມເດັກຍິງ. ສະນັ້ນ, ພວກເຮົາຈະຊ່ວຍກັນດຳເນີນການແນວໃດ ເພື່ອຮັບປະກັນໃຫ້ຊາວໜຸ່ມ ແລະ ເດັກນ້ອຍລາວທຸກຄົນກາຍເປັນກຳລັງແຮງຂອງປະເທດຊາດ, “ຂ້າພະເຈົ້າ ຂໍຮຽກຮ້ອງໃຫ້ທຸກໆທ່ານໃນມື້ນີ້ ຊ່ວຍຄິດຄົ້ນຫາວິທີຊ່ວຍພວກເຮົາ ເພື່ອໃຫ້ເດັກນ້ອຍໄດ້ຮັບການສຶກສາທີ່ມີຄຸນນະພາບ.ຄລິບ: UNICEFຂ່າວ: ຂປລ

Posted by ໂທລະໂຄ່ງ THOLAKHONG on ວັນອາທິດ ທີ 24 ພະຈິກ 2019

Phou Phieng Fa

As far as mountain top views go, there are few places that could match the beauty of the vistas seen from this location in Poukhoun Village in Vientiane Province. The stunning shots show breathtaking views of high mountains soaring high above the clouds. The caption and check-in location perfectly describe what the audience sees in the pictures, “where the mountains meet the skies.”

ພູພຽງຟ້າ

Posted by ໂທລະໂຄ່ງ THOLAKHONG on ວັນອາທິດ ທີ 24 ພະຈິກ 2019

Photogenic Bridges

As far as bridges in Laos go, very few are quite as photogenic as the Phathang bridge. This 360-degree aerial shot gives us a rare look at the blend of lush green scenery, temple spires, and rivers that surround this often overlooked bridge in Vang Vieng.

ຂົວຜາຕັ້ງ, ເມືອງວັງວຽງ, ແຂວງວຽງຈັນສວຍງາມ ອີຫຼີເນາະ! #ທ່ຽວເມືອງລາວງາມແທ້ໆຂອບໃຈພາບ 360 ງາມໆ ຈາກ © TF Travel

Posted by ໂທລະໂຄ່ງ THOLAKHONG on ວັນຈັນ ທີ 25 ພະຈິກ 2019

Smoking Weed…or rather…Weed Goes up in Smoke

On the evening of 25 Nov, a special government task force destroyed 386 marijuana trees that villagers had been illegally growing in Thonghab Village, Pakkading District (Bolikhamxay Province).

ຕອນແລງວັນທີ 25 ພະຈິກ 2019 ຜ່ານມານີ້ ຢູ່ເມືອງປາກກະດິງ ແຂວງບໍລິຄຳໄຊ ໄດ້ມີຄະນະກຳມະການສະເພາະກິດລົງທຳລາຍສວນປູກກັນຊາ ຈຳນວນ 386…

Posted by ໂທລະໂຄ່ງ THOLAKHONG on ວັນຈັນ ທີ 25 ພະຈິກ 2019

Trophy Trouble

What event could be more popular on social media than a Lao sports team placing second in an international competition?

ຊົມເຊີຍອີກຄັ້ງ

Posted by ໂທລະໂຄ່ງ THOLAKHONG on ວັນອັງຄານ ທີ 26 ພະຈິກ 2019

Lao nationalist pride online quickly turned emotionally violent when it came to pass that the awarding of medals and trophies did not go as planned. Petanque Federation President Claude Azema unknowingly upset thousands of Lao sports fans by his careless gesture of placing the trophy at the feet of one of the players. Azema has since come out and explained the situation as well as offering a sincere apology for any offense that he has caused.

https://www.facebook.com/WorldSportOrganizer/videos/528118328036224/

Shared Kindness

This story with a happy ending deserves to be told. A Thai musician by the name of Pongsapon Upani found lost items that belonged to a foreign traveler in Laos and posted a message to the owner of the items on Facebook. The owner is said to have seen the heavily shared post and got in touch with the man and managed to recover her passport, tablet, and other valuables. The photos show a teary-eyed woman, relieved to have regained her belongings, and grateful for the kindness shown to her.

ອັບເດດລ່າສຸດ ເຈົ້າຂອງເຄື່ອງມາຮັບເອົາເຄື່ອງແລ້ວເດີ້…ຂໍຂອບໃຈອາຈານ ອົ້ນແຄນຂຽວ Pongsapon Upani ຜູ້ເກັບໄວ້ໃຫ້ | ຄວາມດີເຖິງຈະເປັນເລື່ອງເລັກໆນ້ອຍໆແຕ່ມີຄວາມໝາຍຍິ່ງໃຫຍ່ສະເໝີ

Posted by Una Studio – ຢູ່ນາສະຕູດິໂອ on ວັນຈັນ ທີ 25 ພະຈິກ 2019

Dancing Our Way to UNESCO Status?

In this dated video clip, a young man and woman gracefully demonstrate the proper way to dance the traditional Lamvong. It has been rumored that Laos is preparing to register the age-old dance as a UNESCO World Intangible Cultural Heritage status.

ບ່າວສາວທີ່ກຽມແຕ່ງງານຄວນຊ້ອມໄວ້ດີໆເພື່ອຄວາມສວຍງາມເວລາເປີດຮອບລຳວົງ

Posted by Bounthieng Soulinh on ວັນເສົາ ທີ 23 ກຸມພາ 2019

Flower Thief

CCTV footage of a man unabashedly stealing flowers early in the morning has shocked people. In this viral video, an unidentified man is seen driving to the shop and stealing several pots of plants and flowers.

ເອົາໄປສົ່ງຄືນເພີ່ນສາເດີຂີ່ລົດໃຫຍ່ມາລັກຄົນລັກຕົ້ນດອກໄມ້ຢູ່ແຖວດົງປາລານ ຕັ້ງຈອດແລ້ວກໍເອົາໄປເລີຍແບບຫນ້າຕາເສີຍ

Posted by ໂທລະໂຄ່ງ THOLAKHONG on ວັນອາທິດ ທີ 1 ທັນວາ 2019

Death by Darkness

On November 28, it was reported by Vientiane Rescue 1623 that a 19-year-old male was instantly killed as his motorcycle crashed into a lamp post near Dongmakhai market on the outskirts of the capital. It is surmised that the accident was caused by an insufficiency of light on the road.

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Happy National Day!

Finally, when people were reminded that they had a long weekend (National Day Weekend) to look forward to, they quickly spilled the beans on where to take their families. From local tourist destinations near and far to roadside restaurants and fictitious places, people had lots of fun by sharing pictures of everything under the sun. Happy Lao National Day!

https://www.facebook.com/tholakhong/photos/a.636550893043253/2902439066454413/?type=3&theater