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Milk and More

It was an innocent question about buffalo curd that started four expats on a life-changing journey to rural Luang Prabang.

Australians Susie Martin and Steven McWhirter, and Americans Rachel and Matt O’Shea were living as expats in Singapore, half high-flying executives, half trailing spouses.

Yearning for a quieter life, Rachel and Susie came to Laos on a reconnaissance mission, taking in a cooking class in Luang Prabang with an eye to opening a hotel. Wandering through the morning markets with their instructing chef, Susie asked, casually, where they could buy buffalo curd. She was met with stares of horror.

It turned out that, incredibly for them, residents of Luang Prabang had no idea, in a land full of buffalo, that the beasts could be milked.

A more concrete idea began to take shape, even as the foursome moved their lives – including five children between them – to Luang Prabang in 2014, where they rented and ran a guesthouse.

After “some sleepless nights and much research”, the team decided that they could set up the country’s first buffalo dairy themselves, and that the local community could benefit in the process.

Their combined training was about as contemporary as you can get – lots of Googling and plenty of YouTube tutorials – before they negotiated to rent three buffalo from a local farmer. There followed six weeks of enthusiastic and much-talked-about daily milking – with a milling audience each day – before they finally had enough milk to bring back into town and start making some cheese.

  And not just mozzarella and ricotta, but also yoghurt, ice-cream and cheesecake, that

they shared with local food suppliers, grocery stores, restaurants and friends.

Upon tasting the product, all anyone wanted to know is when the dairy would begin in earnest.

Today, the Laos Buffalo Dairy is well and truly up and running, with 10 buffalo producing 60-80 litres of milk each week (and several more animals about to produce offspring). And while the animals don’t yield nearly as much milk as cows (less than 3 litres a day, while cows produce between 30-50 a day), the product is remarkably high in fat and proteins.

The farm rents each buffalo for around six months, longer if the milk is good, and quarantine and vaccinate pregnant animals against various diseases.

“We’re also working with the Lao government to implement a cross-breeding program to improve the genetic stock of local buffalo, which will mean healthier animals with higher meat and milk yield,” she says.

But, walking us through the milking shed, where we are required to wear protective clothing and rubber boots, Rachel tells us it wasn’t an easy journey.

“We realised what a massive undertaking it would be right from the beginning,” she says.

“Laos, being a developing country, is used to NGOs coming in for a specified period of time and spending a specific amount of money. We had a very hard time explaining that we were planning to be a sustainable business that would go on and on, as long as there was demand for the products we produced and farmers to work with.”

Even then, the team had to apply for nine different government licenses, interview staff and hire 25 “adventurous souls” prepared to help this team of crazy falangs realise their dream.

But they also knew from the outset the scale of the project’s potential.


Written by:  
Sally Pryor
Photos: Phoonsab Thevongsa
Originally Published in: Champa Meuanglao (Official Lao Airlines In-flight Magazine)

27 Cows Killed and Villages Affected By Lightning Strike in Northern Provinces

A lightning strike is reported to have killed 27 cows of local villagers in the District of Kenethao in Sayaboury on Thursday morning.

Earlier Wednesday evening, a hailstorm caused damaged to the roofs of 80 households, including 70 houses in Phawai Village and 10 houses in Khangphanien village in the District of Nonghed in Xieng Kuang.

So far, no human casualties have been reported.

Source: KPL

Vietnamese Citizen Behind Fraudulent Laokham Company

Laokham Director named as Vietnamese national

The director of Laokham Consultant Investment Sole Co Ltd, which defrauded the public into making investments, has been named as Vietnamese national Vu Manh Coung.

Mr Vu Manh Coung, 48 years, and his head accountant were arrested on January 16 after members of the public accused the company of defrauding them.

The Lao Ecomonic Police department commenced an investigation into the company six months ago after the company was reported to be running a pyramid scheme and failing to return funds to investors.

Since the news broke on Monday, the number of complaints filed against the company has risen to 80, with total public losses valued at over US$1 million.

Those making deposits were both Lao and Vietnamese nationals, according to a statement by the police.

Laokham was formed in 2013 under the guise of providing investment consultancy to its customers, however it abused the trust of customers and invested their money improperly and in violation of Lao laws.

The company took deposits from customers and used the funds to purchase land and other assets, according to an employee who asked to remain anonymous.

It maintained three branches in Vientiane, Savannakhet, and Pakse. Its website is still operational at www.laokham.la.

This is the second such scam run by a foreign investor in Laos, with a case still under investigation against Cambodian national, Huot Sovonn, who duped the public under his Asianface real estate company.

MRC Launches Writing Competition for Mekong Citizens ahead of Summit

The Mekong River Commission (MRC) has launched a regional writing competition in which citizens and residents of all ages from Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam can enter and stand a chance to win different prizes.

Entitled “What Does the Mekong Mean to You?”, the competition aims to celebrate the Mekong Day on 5 April and the 3rd MRC Summit of Mekong Prime Ministers, and seeks short entries that depict the connections between the Mekong River and its people, as well as how important these connections are to them.

“The competition is one of our many initiatives to promote Mekong cooperation and reflect the diversity of our river. It affords our contestants the opportunity to demonstrate the crucial role the Mekong River plays in their daily life, the challenges they face, and what we can do to address the issues,” said Mr. Anoulak Kittikhoun, Chief Strategy and Partnership Officer and Head of Communications at the MRC Secretariat.

To enter the contest, applicants must submit a completed application form that includes an entry of no more than 60 words long in English or respective native languages, to the contest’s email at writingcontest@mrcmekong.org. The contest will accept submissions up to 15 March 2018.

Entries will be evaluated by a panel of judges once the contest closes, and winners are expected to be announced before the end of March.

Winners of the competition will receive awards from $50 to $300 in cash plus certificates and may be invited to the upcoming MRC International Conference in Cambodia’s Siem Reap on April 2-3. Winning entries may be displayed at this Conference and during the Mekong Day, presented to leaders of the Mekong countries at the 3rd MRC Summit, and featured in other products of the MRC.

This is the first regional writing competition the MRC has organized, following the first photo contest that was organized late last year and saw 165 entries from 42 amateur photographers participate.

Interested applicants may find full contest details at: https://goo.gl/cp834r.

About the MRC

The MRC is an intergovernmental organization for regional dialogue and cooperation in the lower Mekong river basin, established in 1995 based on the Mekong Agreement between Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand and Viet Nam. The organization serves as a regional platform for water diplomacy as well as a knowledge hub of water resources management for the sustainable development of the region.

Elephant Festival 2018 Launches

On the 17th of February, the annual Elephant Festival was launched in Sayaboury with the presences of President Bounyang Vorachit, Governor Phongsavanh Sitthavong, ministers of relevant ministries, distinguished guests, and local and foreign visitors.

“The celebration of this annual Elephant Festival is one of the most celebrated events in Laos. This festival aims to promote the conservation and promotion of the fine traditions that represent the lifestyle of the multi-ethnic people who have built a strong bond with elephants,” said Sayaboury Deputy Governor Yanyong Sipaseuth.

This year, the festival has drawn 69 elephants and featured a parade marched by more than 1,600 people of various ethnic groups across 11 districts in the northwestern province.

The weeklong event features several interesting activities such as elephant talent shows, elephant baci ceremony, elephant riding, among others.

The Elephant Festival will last through Feb 22.

Source: KPL

Laokham Executive Detained for Defrauding Investors

Laokham Owner Detained Vientiane

Economic police in Vientiane Capital are holding the founder of Laokham Consultant International Investment Company in custody after members of the public accused the company of defrauding them.

The owner has been detained on suspicion of running a pyramid scheme, and all company assets have been seized. 

According to at least 60 official complaints, personal losses of over US$ 1 million have been directly attributed to the Laokham company, which offered high interest returns on investments made by the company on the customer’s behalf.

Depositors were never repaid and were unable to withdraw their funds.

According to a report by the Vientiane Times, the Economic Police Department under the Ministry of Public Security are still investigating.

A notice was issued on Tuesday calling upon members of the public to give information about their dealings with the company, and to provide evidence supporting their losses.

The Laokham Consultant International Investment Company was incorporated in 2013 and has been taking deposits from its customers since that time. It has branches in Vientiane, Savannakhet, and Pakse.

Several such schemes have openly operated in Laos in recent years, including the notorious PS Lao Enterprise, which took funds from over 30,000 people, and whose owner was arrested last year.

Similarly, Asianface Company Ltd featured a similar public outcry, leading to the arrest of Cambodian national, Huot Sovonn.

 

Source: Lao Post
Photo: Lao Post

The Most Followed Lao Instagram Celebrities

Apart from Facebook, Instagram is one of the most used social media websites in Laos.

Thousands of pictures flood the digital platform daily as both amateurs and professionals show off their photography skills, gaining many followers and admirers in the process. At the apex of accounts stand the celebrities of Laos, the majority of them hailing from the entertainment industry.

Models, singers and influencers don their best attire, put on their best smile and prep their camera filters as they put on a digital spectacle, gaining recognition and praise and at times not-so-flattering comments from the envious haters of the nakleng keyboard (cyber bullies) persuasion.

Nevertheless, being active on Instagram constitutes not only an ego boost for these net idols but often earns them advertising and sponsorship opportunities from large and small brands. Whether it’s an upcoming restaurant or the newest line of cosmetics and creams, these net idols are facilitators of brand awareness and inspire the envy and admiration of impressionable teens and young adults, evident in the sheer number of their followers which hover in the hundreds of thousands.

Here’s a look at the most followed individuals on Instagram in Laos:

May May Savan: 66.9k

May Savan has made her fame with pictures of her luxurious lifestyle, complete with designer handbags, diamonds and in the company of other wealthy socialites. She is often seen on lavish trips overseas.

Kai Overdance: 85.3k

The forever sexy Kai launched into stardom at a young age as a member one of modern Laos’ first pop bands, Overdance. The group has since disbanded and now Kai Overdance has made a career for herself as a singer, model, brand presenter and emcee. She has appeared on the cover of numerous local magazines such as Kuanjai, Mahason and Wow Magazine, and as the presenters of numerous local and foreign brands such as Ford, Aviva Jewelry, Ovaltine. The talented superstar is also happily married and a mother of two.

Barbie Piyamarth: 94.5k

The cute Barbie Piyamarth became famous as a singer several years ago with her hit single, Kha Jai. Since then, she’s been featured in magazines, and appeared on numerous talk shows. She then received acting gigs, appearing in Jear Pacific’s hit romantic comedy, Hong Ham Thao. Her beauty and acting skills have caught the attention of Thailand’s top producers who have recently engaged her to star in the upcoming Thai movie, opposite famous Thai actor Chakrit Yamnan, Memories of New Years.

Annita Thivaphone: 107k

The gorgeous Annita boasts a wide range of talents from singing, modeling to dancing and video jockeying. She’s also been featured on numerous covers of magazines and produced a number of hit singles like Sexy Boy and Bod Hien Laka Pheng. She’s also been the product ambassador for international brands, Coca Cola and Huawei.

Noony Koumphonphakdee: 164k

As a contestant on the hit show Take Me Out Thailand, Noony surprised everyone by bravely and comically speaking in Lao in a predominantly Thai-language TV show and impressed the game show’s star Aoff so much that the two are currently a couple. Since then, Noony has received numerous brand ambassador deals for a several brands.

Ling Ling Piyardar: 210k

Arguably the most popular transexual in Laos, Ling Ling has been the source of inspiration of many, as breaking barriers in the entertainment industry in Laos. She’s often seen in fashion shoots for magazines and fashion runway modeling.

Nang Chandaly: 234k

The irresistible Nang Chandaly started off her beauty career as Miss Lux (a beauty pageant sponsored by Unilever’s Lux shampoo brand), at the time a national beauty contest comparable to the Miss Laos competition. Not only is she beautiful but Nang is also a graduate of a famous medical school in Shanghai, China. Nang is also one of the fortunate few to have been selected to appear in the highly regarded Beerlao calendar.

Louknum Thidalath: 283k

Thrust into the spotlight at a very young age when she had won the Miss Laos competition, Louknam excelled at modeling and later acting. She appeared as the star of Hong Ham Thao. Her acting ability and adorableness have landed her brand ambassador deals with Samsung and multiple Thai TV show appearances.

Alexandra Bounxouei: 332k

Ultra talented half-Lao, half-Bulgarian singer, actress, model and entrepreneur Alexandra Bounxouei grew up in a family that had music in their veins and hearts. Addressing herself as “Xandra,” this talented singer was among the first singers in Laos to truly go international, becoming a hit sensation in Thailand, Japan, Australia, America and Europe. She was the first Lao actress to appear in a modern Thai production, Rim Fung Kong, alongside famous actor Weir Sukollawat. Since then, she’s appeared on stage singing both Lao, Thai, Japanese and English songs, representing Laos on the world stage at countless high profile national and international events.

Chi Chi: 445k

This alluring, young model was among the first to launch her stardom through Instagram and quickly rose to the top with amazing and candid posts of her luxurious lifestyle.

Apple Miniberry: 910k

Apple began her celebrity life in show business in Thailand and rapidly rose to be among the country’s top celebrities amassing a following of close to one million. She recently married Thai singer Fluke Jira of the band C-Quint.

 

Laos is the Youngest Nation in Asia

Laos youngest nation in Asia

As many parts of the world prepare to cope with large aging populations, sparsely populated Laos remains the youngest nation in Asia.

According to a report in the Jakarta Post, Asia will boast the oldest population in the world in coming decades, with Japan already topping the world’s elderly population at 33.1 percent.

South Korea takes second place, with an aging population growing faster than any other nation. The aging population in South Korea is expected to increase from 18.5 percent to 31.4 percent by 2030, and the country now has  more older people than younger people for the first time.

Laos youngest nation in Asia

Laos’ neighbor Thailand is the third most rapidly aging country in Asia. The Land of Smiles is set to see population growth of 26.9 percent, with one quarter of the population being a senior citizen by 2030.

China’s population will shrink as ripples of the nation’s one-child policy take effect, while Sri Lanka and Vietnam are set to see growth in their aging populations.

Meanwhile, India has a relatively young population, with only 8.9 percent of the population being older.

Laos, however, will remain the youngest nation in Asia, expected to have just 8.1 percent of the population aged 60 and over by 2030.

Source: Jakarta Post
Image: DataLEADS/ANN/Infographics