27 C
Vientiane
Monday, November 3, 2025
spot_img
Home Blog Page 4341

Private Airline Lao Skyway Adds Airbus Helicopter to Its Fleet

Lao Skyway Buys Airbus Helicopter
Lao Skyway Buys Airbus Helicopter

Shepherd Media has announced that Lao Skyway has recently purchased a brand new H125 Helicopter from Airbus Helicopters for civil and parapublic missions, including domestic charter flights and search-and-locate operations. The Lao private airline is expected to receive a second H125 in May later this year.

The Laos-based airline made the order in August 2016.

Airbus Helicopters Southeast Asia Managing Director Derek Sharples said: “We are honoured by Lao Skyway’s trust and confidence in us, as the H125 begins its maiden flight in Laos this year.”

Sharples believes that Laos is an important market for Airbus, and is delighted to see the company’s presence growing in the country, with helicopters serving the needs of the Laotian skies well.

“Airbus Helicopters remains committed to ensuring the fullest support to Lao Skyway, as it grows its fleet and operations in the coming years,” adds Sharples.

Previously known as Lao Air, Lao Skyway is a private airline with its headquarters at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, Laos. It operates scheduled and charter services to airports in the country not served by Lao Airlines.

The company’s logo comprises 3 boomerangs, which together form a bird. This reflects the company’s commitment and priority of safety: Lao Skyway’s aircrafts will fly to their destinations and will always safely return to home base.

Source: Shepherd Media

Analysis Indicates Fenpropathrin as Cause of Houayxay Fish Deaths

Fenpropathrin Fish Deaths Houayxai Laos

A toxic chemical known as “Fenpropathrin” has been identified as the cause of mysterious fish in the Nam Ngao Sanctuary in Houayxai District, the Department of Pollution Control, Ministry of Natural Resource and Environment has confirmed.

As previously reported by The Laotian Times, on February 12th, citizens of the Houayxai district in Bokeo province described lifeless fish floating down the Ngao River. Since then, seven people in the nearby community of Nam Deua village have fallen ill, observing symptoms like headaches, fatigue and nausea after consuming fish brought from the contaminated river.

“Based on data collected during our field inspection, about 800 to 1,000 kg of fish are believed to have been killed by Fenpropathrin,” states Mr Khamphanh Nanthavong, director general of the department.

Fenpropathrin is a pyrethroid insecticide commonly used in agriculture and everyday  households. It was originally produced in 1989 and banned by the World Health Organisation in 2016 as a result of  its high toxicity. The hazardous synthetic can enter the human body system just through skin contact and has a long term lingering effect. 

Though authorities have previously warned local citizens not to ingest or peddle any dead river life in their villages or nearby communities, fish were reportedly illegally sold and eaten.

“Samples of some contaminated water have been sent to Vientiane Capital for laboratory examination to decide if the water can be used for domestic purposes and we expect that the lab result will be revealed in couple days,” says Mr Khamphanh.

Most of the fish that were poisoned in the Nam Ngao sanctuary are protected native aquatic species which include the tilapia, Chinese carp, perch, and Poropuntius-deauratus. The  sanctuary spans over 1.5 km, with a major section located in Pongnanoun village. The Nam Ngao Sanctuary was established to preserve and protect precious wildlife in the river.

Bakery by Boris: A Parisian Retreat in Vientiane

Bakery by Boris Laotian Times

By Jasmina

Though Bakery By Boris has opened its doors to the public just this month, the good people of Vientiane have been satisfying their sweet tooths with Boris’s distinguished cakes since 2014.

Before the debut of the brick and mortar version of Bakery By Boris, the 27-year-old French pastry chef had been catering to Vientiane’s demand of delicate pastries and skillful cakes out of his professional home bakery. Over the past three years it hasn’t been uncommon for patrons to walk into various cafes within the city and recognize his perfectly portioned cakes glistening from inside their glass cases, just begging to be eaten. 

With so many skilled and talented chefs opening up their own patisseries and bakeries across Vientiane, the selection for hand-crafted baked goods has increased in the capital significantly. Nevertheless, I have anticipated the opening of this bakery since the first day I laid, er, teeth on Boris’s decadent three tiered chocolate cake.

The bakery is located in a residential neighborhood down a small alley in Simuang, so when you arrive, the first thing you will notice is how serene and calm it feels. Outdoor seating surrounds the front and side of the building, and tables are invitingly placed under leafy trees to provide shade (a reason to go early, we haven’t encountered any free outdoor seating as of yet).

Upon entering the patissere, you instantly notice how trendy the bakery feels with the partially- exposed high ceilings, the minimalist concrete floors contrasting the white walls, and natural light spilling in from the wall-to-wall windows, with a view of the outdoor garden. Though visually appealing, the acoustics of the establishment does have a downfall; because of the minimal materials used to reach its stylish, raw atmosphere, the echo of the coffee machine and voices of patrons idling by, bounces off the floors and walls making it feel unbearably noisy at times.

This bakery is an Instagrammer’s dream come true (c’mon, you know your food tastes better once social media has seen it), as the pastries look as beautiful stock piled behind the display case as they do sitting on the plate in front of you. In my professional experience ( for those of you who don’t know, I am a self proclaimed professional cake eater. Official title: Eater of Cakes.) what makes Bakery By Boris so appealing is that they provide so many choices when it comes to baked goods.

[ngg_images source=”galleries” container_ids=”17″ override_thumbnail_settings=”1″ thumbnail_width=”100″ thumbnail_height=”75″ thumbnail_crop=”1″ images_per_page=”20″ number_of_columns=”0″ ajax_pagination=”0″ show_all_in_lightbox=”0″ use_imagebrowser_effect=”0″ show_slideshow_link=”0″ slideshow_link_text=”[Show slideshow]” template=”/home4/laotiantimes/public_html/wp-content/plugins/nextgen-gallery/products/photocrati_nextgen/modules/ngglegacy/view/gallery.php” order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″ display_type=”photocrati-nextgen_basic_thumbnails”]From cakes to croissants, to cookies to puff pastries stuffed with savory filling, you can be sure everyone in your party will find something that will satisfy their current mood. For an indecisive person, like myself, I relish on not having to face the decision of what I feel like eating until it is in front of me. That being said, Bakery By Boris has been attracting a large number of patrons, and the few times I have shown up on a late Saturday afternoon, most of their inventory has been depleted. So if you decide to drop by on a weekend, this is another reason why you should go early.

On this particular Saturday afternoon, I had no trouble deciding on what I was going to devour, since my all time favorite strawberry cake was beckoning for me as soon as I stepped in the door.

My partner ordered a pain au chocolat (also known as ‘chocolate bread’, made from the same layered dough as a croissant with dark chocolate stuffed in the middle. Once, I called it a ‘chocolate croissant’ and my French roommate nearly had a meltdown) and hot chocolate while I ordered an iced Americano to enjoy with my cake. A staff member quickly cleared off an unoccupied table when he noticed we were scouting for a place to sit. My strawberry cake arrived almost instantly, while my partner’s pain au chocolat arrived a few minutes after being warmed.

My first blissful bite into the silky strawberry cake was sublime. The fresh strawberry slices were draped in a mousse that sweetened the tart fruit perfectly and was textured by a soft sponge cake at the bottom. The chocolate bread had a semi-sweet stick of chocolate planted in the center surrounded by a flaky, light outer texture, not much different from a croissant *ahem*.

We had almost finished eating before our beverages arrived, my iced americano was a bit watered down and the hot chocolate was decent, but nothing to write home about.

The price tag on our afternoon gourmet excursion was about 87,000 KIP, which is reasonable given the quality of ingredients and the skillset it takes to construct these intricate flavors. I will absolutely return to Bakery By Boris despite the coffee needing some improvement and the noise level being slightly bothersome. It still has an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere and view, delicious pastries, and excellent service.

Bakery By Boris opens daily Tuesday-Sunday from 7AM-6PM and is closed on Mondays. If you are going towards Simuang temple, count the second alley on the left after the Honda dealership. If you are coming from Simuang temple, turn left into the alley before Nuno balloons, there is minimal parking available for a few cars and motorbikes. If you are on foot, or bicycle, you can enter through the front of the bakery, the first alley on the left after Honda.

For more inquiries into Bakery By Boris please visit their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/bakerybyboris/ or call 020 77 792 228.

Queen Mathilde of Belgium Makes Official Visit to Laos

Queen Mathilde Visits Laos

In the first visit to Laos by a member of the Belgian royal family, Queen Mathilde met with Vice President Phankham Viphavanh at the Presidential Palace on Monday.

According to the Lao News Agency, Queen Mathilde, who is also the Honorary President of Unicef Belgium, and Her Royal Highness’s delegation, is visiting Laos from February 20-23, in line with the Unicef cooperation framework.

[ngg_images source=”galleries” container_ids=”16″ override_thumbnail_settings=”1″ thumbnail_width=”100″ thumbnail_height=”75″ thumbnail_crop=”1″ images_per_page=”20″ number_of_columns=”0″ ajax_pagination=”0″ show_all_in_lightbox=”0″ use_imagebrowser_effect=”0″ show_slideshow_link=”0″ slideshow_link_text=”[Show slideshow]” template=”/home4/laotiantimes/public_html/wp-content/plugins/nextgen-gallery/products/photocrati_nextgen/modules/ngglegacy/view/gallery.php” order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″ display_type=”photocrati-nextgen_basic_thumbnails”]During the meeting, Her Royal Highness also met with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms Khamphao Eunthavanh, and President of the Lao Women’s Union, Ms Inlavanh Keobounphanh.

Both sides examined numerous ways to further expand cooperation between Laos and Unicef, particularly the Lao government’s attempts to alleviate poverty and to graduate Laos from least developed country status.

The Queen expressed her sincere gratitude for the gracious reception the Lao government and people have offered to her and her delegation, saying She highly regards the partnership between Unicef and Laos.

From 2012 – 2016, Unicef has executed work programmes in Laos totaling to more than US$49 million. From 2017-2021, Unicef intends to complete programmes amounting to  US$70.5 million, which will fund programmes in seven main areas of social protection, climate change and disaster response, education , health, hygienic water, nutrition, educational institutions, policy and justice improvement.

The Queen is scheduled to visit programmes jointly run by Unicef and the Lao government in southern Salavanh and Champasack provinces during the remainder of her stay.

Photos: New My Royals

Sengdara Fitness Plans Major Makeover

All New Reception Area at Sengdara Fitness Center Makeover
All New Reception Area at Sengdara Fitness Center Makeover

One of Vientiane’s modern institutions is gearing up for a facelift, as the fitness craze takes hold of the developing capital.

Established in 2003 as one of the first full-service fitness and recreation centers in Laos, Sengdara Fitness swiftly gained a loyal following among Vientiane’s growing middle class, a group with growing spending power and increasing sensitivity to concerns over their health and wellbeing. Sengdara has since remained been at the helm of the domestic fitness market.

As the demand for more health-related services has risen, so too has the opening of new fitness-related establishments. A string of newer fitness centres has recently popped up, from small neighbourhood gyms to fancier, higher-grade hotel fitness clubs.

Responding to market pressures and evolving consumer preferences, Sengdara Fitness has made several high-cost improvements to its fitness facilities, ranging from the importing of an all-new line of international-grade Precor fitness machines, remodelling of locker rooms, restrooms, aerobics room and steam/sauna rooms and an upgrade of the pool and massage facilities over the past three years.

Sengdara has also opened a second branch, called Fitness Express, in Nongtha, with another branch in Paksé planned within the next six months.

Despite these positive changes, Viroun ‘Leng’ Sengdara, owner and founder of Sengdara Fitness, will not stop there.

“Sengdara Fitness is good, but there is still plenty of room for improvement,” he says.

“We are really appreciative of our clients who have supported us over the years. We have always tried to pursue high standards of excellence, in providing friendly and helpful service, top-notch gym equipment and and beneficial group exercise programs.

“Whether our customers visit our facilities to stay healthy, lose weight or simply to relax, we strive to give them an unforgettable experience. We want our clients to know that in the future, they will receive consistently great service and facilities in any province they go.”

He said the organisation would be announcing a major makeover of its flagship location in Ban Saphanthong.

“The designs have just been finalised. Currently, we’re among the finest in the country. After this remodelling, we’re going to go beyond that. We hope that this new makeover will make our customers even more proud to show off their Sengdara Fitness memberships. This will not be just a face-lift, this will be a full-scale rebirth.

“I’m proud to show everyone a little preview.”

[ngg_images source=”galleries” container_ids=”15″ override_thumbnail_settings=”1″ thumbnail_width=”100″ thumbnail_height=”75″ thumbnail_crop=”1″ images_per_page=”20″ number_of_columns=”0″ ajax_pagination=”0″ show_all_in_lightbox=”0″ use_imagebrowser_effect=”0″ show_slideshow_link=”0″ slideshow_link_text=”[Show slideshow]” template=”/home4/laotiantimes/public_html/wp-content/plugins/nextgen-gallery/products/photocrati_nextgen/modules/ngglegacy/view/gallery.php” order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″ display_type=”photocrati-nextgen_basic_thumbnails”]And, acknowledging the issue of limited parking on its premises, Sengdara Fitness also plans to construct a four-story, 150-car capacity garage right next to the flagship location.
“Never again will our customers say there is no parking at our fitness centre!” says Sengdara.

Blueprint for Sengdara multi-story carpark
Blueprint for Sengdara multi-story carpark

For more information, please visit the official Sengdara Fitness website or Facebook Page.

Laos to Build First Vehicle Inspection Center

Laos Vehicle Inspection Center

Laos aims to establish the nation’s first vehicle inspection center, focusing on the safety of road transport in the country.

The new inspection center will be established on a 5-hectare plot of land and has been scheduled to begin construction in 2018.  The center is estimated to cost more than $10 million USD to erect, with investment by UMG Lao. Testing facilities, offices, storage, and a training center for drivers have also been incorporated in the upcoming plans for the hub.

It has been confirmed by Chalongchai Chayutrapong, UMG Lao’s firm director and chief executive officer, that an agreement amongst UMG Lao and the Department of Standardisation and Metrology under the Ministry of Sciences and Technology has been signed for cooperation and construction of the center.

He stated, “We have discussed the need for this center with authorities since last year, as other ASEAN countries have high vehicle standards but Laos still lacks a vehicle inspection center for guaranteeing the quality of vehicles.”

It has been expressed by the chief executive officer, that the objective for the new center is for it to serve as a hub of resource and development, to facilitate inspection services and field standard research, and play a significant role in ensuring vehicle quality is standardized in the country.

The Ministry of Sciences and Technology and UMG Lao have been working together so construction of the facility can begin sometime next year, explains Viengthong Vongthavilay, the acting director-general of the Department of Standardisation and Metrology.

The ministry has been striving to develop its human resources in the field of standards so they can establish more vehicle-quality inspections and present standard certificates to businesses nationwide that meet the required benchmark.

Photo: SGCarmart

Everything You Need to Know about the Laos-China Railway

laos-china railway

The Laotian Times provides a concise, easy-to-read summary of the Laos-China Railway:

Total length: 414.332 kilometers (over 62 percent consists of bridges and tunnels: 258.5 km – due to mountainous terrain)

Number of total stations: 32 stations along the route

Train Track Specs: single 1.435-metre standard-gauge track electrified mixed-traffic line is to be built to China’s GB Grade 1 standards, suitable for 160-200 km/h passenger and 120 km/h freight trains

Construction Began in: in Luang Prabang on December 25, 2016

Project completion: scheduled for five years (by end of 2021)

Cost of Railway: approximately $5.8 billion; 70 percent of which comes from Chinese investment and 30 percent from the Lao side

ICT Cost of Railway: over $3.67 million; Laos-China Railway Company, Lao Telecom, Lao Asia-Pacific and Huawei are to provide internet and mobile phone services from the Mohan-Boten border gate in northern Laos to Vientiane Capital

Lao Government Guidelines: contractors have been asked to employ Lao technicians and companies and use materials available locally in construction; construction must be of a high standard and completed as scheduled; safety must be guaranteed, must comply with Lao laws, respect local customs and culture and not to impact adversely on villagers; environmental protection is a top priority as well

Benefits for Laos: reduce transport costs, increase people-to-people visits, enhance trade and promote cultural exchanges

Expected Number of Passengers: domestic rail passengers should initially reach 3.98 million per year, according to a study by Lao authorities, and could reach up to 8.62 million passengers per year in the future

Regional Significance: part of the Kunming-Singapore regional railway (covering a total distance of approx. 3,000km) and China’s “One Belt, One Road” initiative; will turn Laos from a landlocked country into one that is land-linked

Current State of Railroads in Laos: the only railway in Laos, at present, is a short metre-gauge branch of the Thai network which crosses the River Mekong from Nong Khai to reach a railhead at Thanaleng

Laos-China Railway

Lao Government Authorizes Draft Laws for Parliamentary Debate

Laos Draft Laws

Seven new and amended draft laws were approved by the government cabinet on Thursday,

which will be submitted for debate to the upcoming ordinary session of the National Assembly (NA) scheduled for April.

Cabinet members and invited guests attended the day-and-a-half meeting and entrusted the pertinent ministries to revise the drafts accordingly with recommendations made by cabinet members.

The cabinet’s extraordinary meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith, closed February with endorsed draft laws on international conventions and agreements, the civil code, criminal code, and the Lao Red Cross.

An amended law on public security, along with draft laws on radio frequencies and performing arts were also passed.

With cabinet members’ opinions conflicting over the drafted law on Lao Red Cross, the meeting informed the organisation to improve the draft and to return it to the next government monthly meeting before submitting it to the NA.

The extraordinary meeting took place with the government striving to pursue its focus on developing Laos as a state ruled by law, as adopted in the resolution of the 10th Party Congress, as well attempting the five-year (2016-2020) objective of the NA passing 105 new and amended laws in total.

Several lawmakers have expressed their concerns that the objective is overly ambitious due to the government and parliament’s excessively busy schedule.

Though a considerable amount of laws have been passed and declared in previous years, members of parliament have mentioned on multiple occasions during NA ordinary session debates that a multitude of laws coming into effect have been poorly enforced. This has resulted in  undermining the efforts in developing Laos as a society governed by the rule of law.

Currently more than 100 laws, along with additional regulations accompanying the laws, have been promulgated.

With the draft laws previously debated at the extraordinary meeting, the cabinet will have the opportunity to address more pressing topics during the government’s monthly ordinary meeting agenda for February expected to commence in a week’s time.

In preparation for next week’s meeting, Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith informed the cabinet to prepare the upcoming agenda accordingly, while also prioritizing the agenda for the nearing fourth plenary session of the Party Central Committee (10th tenure) scheduled to take place next month.