British national Ms Samantha Orobator, 20, who pleaded guilty to possessing 680 grams of heroin, was yesterday sentenced to life imprisonment by the Vientiane Court.
The trial began at about 2 pm on Wednesday at the Vientiane Court . Proceedings lasted more than three hours while translations were made from Lao into English.
Members of foreign press agencies based in Bangkok from Reuters, AP and the BBC waited beneath the courtroom to learn the results of the trial.
Court Vice President Chanthaly Douangvilay, speaking to Lao and foreign reporters at a press conference following the trial, said Ms Orobator entered the Lao PDR on July 31, 2008, from Bangkok , Thailand , at Wattay International Airport on Thai Airways International flight number TG 691, holding a tourist visa...more>>
She stayed in a hotel in Vientiane until August 5, when she attempted to leave Laos and board a flight that would take her to Sydney , Australia . During departure proceedings at Wattay International Airport, Customs officials and airport authorities detected unusual objects on her body, whereupon the authorities informed drug officials, who determined she was carrying narcotic drugs.
Ms Orobator signed a letter admitting the items belonged to her and police detained her in accordance with the law.
During subsequent questioning, she also signed reports written by herself dated August 5, 18 and 27, 2008.
Ms Orobator said before she came to Laos she met a man named James in England who asked her to go to Thailand to meet John, his older brother. James gave her the telephone numbers of himself and his brother so she could make contact when she arrived in Thailand .
When she reached Thailand she called the given telephone number, but could not make contact. She called James in England who told her John was now in Laos , and so Ms Orobator herself went to Laos .
In Vientiane she met John and another man named JJ who took her to stay at the Orchid Hotel and later the Phoxay Hotel.
On August 5, 2008, at about 1am the two men gave her heroin, which was contained in 68 capsules and weighed 680 grams. John and JJ wanted her to swallow all the capsules so they could be carried in her stomach. But she was not able to do this and secreted them around her body instead.
While going through security checks at Wattay International Airport later that day, the capsules were detected.
They were sent to the Food and Drug Department of the Ministry of Health to identify the contents, which were confirmed to be heroin.
The Vientiane Court found that Ms Orobator intended to take the heroin to Australia and found her guilty of possessing more than 500 grams of heroin, which is in contravention of the Penal Law of the Lao PDR.
Article 146, paragraph 4, states clearly that any person who possesses, imports, exports, transports or causes the transit through Laos of more than 500 grams of heroin shall receive the death penalty.
Ms Orobator should have rec eived the death penalty. But Article 32 of the Penal Law states it is forbidden to uphold the death sentence on a woman who is pregnant, so the court reduced her sentence to life imprisonment.
Concerning her pregnancy, Ms Orobator told the Lao authorities she conspired with another prisoner, Mr John Watson, to secretly obtain his sperm, which she used to impregnate herself.
When officials took her for a pregnancy test on April 4 this year she was found to be 17 weeks pregnant.
Asked if she would be sent back to England , the court official said this was a matter to be discussed between the two governments. Ms Orobator was born in Nigeria but is now a British citizen.
In a recent development in t he case, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Thongloun Sisoulith and British Foreign Secretary David Miliband on May 7 signed a prisoner transfer agreement in London .
The agreement allows the Lao PDR and the United Kingdom to transfer prisoners to each other's government based on the requirements of the two nations.
A groundbreaking ceremony for the third Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge linking Laos 's central province of Khammuan and Thailand 's north-east Nakhon Phanom province took place on Friday at both ends of the bridge.
The ceremony was presided over by Lao Vice President Bounnhang Vorachit and Her Royal Highness Princess Mahachakri Sirindhorn of Thailand .
The event was also attended by Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Thongloun Sisoulith, and other high-ranking officials.
Thailand has invested more than 1.7 billion Thai baht to build the bridge, with construction work slated to begin in June. It is estimated the bridge will be finished within 36 months...more>>
The Lao side of the bridge is located in Thakhek district's Veuntai village, 13 km from the district centre. In Thailand , the bridge will begin in Nakhon Phanom district's Horm village.
The bridge will consist of prestressed concrete box girders 13 metres in width. There will be two traffic lanes each 3.5 metres wide and two footpaths each 1.25 metres wide.
The bridge itself will be 780 metres long and will link Thailand's national road No. 212 and Lao national road No. 13 south over a distance of 5,225 metres.
The bridge construction agreement was signed by the two governments on December12, 2007. The project will create a twin city between Laos and Thailand under the Ayeyawady-Chao Praya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy.
Dr Thongloun said the bridge would play an important role in government efforts to convert the geographically landlocked country into a land link, to integrate the Lao economy with that of the region and beyond.
“Since Laos was established, the government has considered transportation infrastructure development its top priority in converting our landlocked country into a land link and transit country,” he said.
Dr Thongloun said he appreciated the Thai government and people's financial assistance in investing in the project.
The bridge will link the north-east part of Thailand with central Laos and Vietnam .
Once the bridge is complete, it will boost trade and economic competitiveness by lowering fees currently charged by ferries to transport goods cross the Mekong River , said Khammuan provincial Industry and Commerce Department Director, Mr Singphet Keosopha.
He said the bridge would also save time. The ferry takes at least 30 minutes to cross the river but using the bridge will reduce the time to 10 minutes.
So far, there are two bridges linking Laos and Thailand across the Mekong . One between Vientiane and Nong Khai opened in 1994 and the second, linking Savannakhet province in Laos and Mukdahan province in Thailand , opened in 2006.
(KPL) Thailand tops the foreign investment in Laos with 1.5 billion US dollars invested in various projects in the last eight years, has said the Investment Promotion Department, Ministry of Planning and Investment.
The department said in its recently released report that the investment from Thailand made Vietnam and China the second and third largest foreign investment in Laos although they ranked first and third largest in the first nine months of 2008, in which Vietnam contributed 181 million US dollars and China did 111 million US dollars to the investment environment of Laos.
Thailand, also the first largest trade partner of Laos, ranked second in the list of foreign investment in the first nine months of 2008, which invested 173 US dollars in various projects across the country.
Top ten largest foreign investors in Laos in the last eight years include 1. Thailand, 2. China, 3. Vietnam, 4. France, 5. Japan, 6. The Republic of Korea, 7. India, 8. Australia, 9. Malaysia and 10. Singapore.
With little movement among the world's top teams in November's FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking, little Laos stole the show by soaring up 28 places to 162nd in the global pecking order.
In doing so, the tiny South-East Asian nation became the second-best movers after Jamaica, who made an incredible 33-place leap to 83rd courtesy of their solitary-goal victories over Mexico and Honduras in qualifying for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™. Laos, for their part, made the best climb in their history due to a streak of brilliant displays in qualifying for December's AFF Suzuki Cup, previously known as the Tiger Cup...more info>>
Although qualifying for a major international or continental competition remains merely a dream for Laos, they are by no means strangers on the regional stage, having figured in each of the past six editions of the Tiger Cup, starting in 1996. Under Russian boss Valeri Vdovin, they took October's qualifying campaign by storm to book their seventh consecutive appearance at the regional showpiece.
A narrow 3-2 loss to hosts Cambodia was not what Vdovin's young charges had hoped for in their opening qualifying game on 17 October, but they staged a major comeback four days later, pulling off a 2-1 win over the Philippines to set their campaign back on track. From there, they went on to dispatch Brunei 3-2 before rounding off with a 2-1 victory over Timor Leste, a result which earned them the first qualifying spot.
Laos' impressive run didn't go unnoticed by Cambodia coach Prak Sovannara, who was full of praise for Vdovin's dynamic outfit. "Laos are a very strong team, perhaps the best team in this tournament," said the hosts' manager.
One team, two tasks The qualifying success was a testament to the nation's recent development program, which has included the signing of Vdovin in July and the launching of a training camp based in Hong Anh Gia Lai, a hotbed of football in neighbouring Vietnam. And the Suzuki Cup qualifying achievement is even more impressive when one considers that Vdovin's troops in Cambodia were an U-23 side, who are currently preparing intensely for next year's South-East Asian (SEA) Games.
In a long run, the major task for Vdovin and his team is to break new ground at the 2009 SEA Games, of which they are hosts for the first time. But with their AFF Suzuki Cup campaign kicking off on 5 December in Thailand's Phuket, the Russian tactician is aware that they have some urgent expectations to live up to.
Laos have been drawn in Group B, which also features Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, strong teams who are all capable of mounting a serious challenge for the tournament. As if this were not daunting enough, Vdovin's major concern is that he will have to stick with the same U-23 side against opponents who will all field senior national teams.
"The boys have been working very hard, it's worth considering how much progress we have made," Vdovin said to the media prior to their first game against Malaysia this weekend.
Laos have rarely been considered more than whipping boys at this level, and they had a forgettable campaign in the last edition of the tournament two years ago, when they conceded 23 goals in three group games to crash out. Vdovin, however, has higher ambitions this time around.
"It is crucial that we tighten up the defense and sharpen the finishing," he explained. "We are a young team, so we need to concentrate on keeping our shape and minimizing mistakes, now that we are competing at a higher level."
Officials from Laos and Japan will conduct a feasibility study of direct flights between Nagoya Airport in Japan and Wattay International Airport in Vientiane.
The Director General of the Civil Aviation Department, Mr Yakua Lopangkao, told Vientiane Times yesterday that Lao officials will first collect basic information regarding potential passenger demand.
“We expect to collect the information within the next two months and then we will send it to Japan,” he said. “We will meet with Japanese officials a month later.”
Mr Yakua observed that more people are flying from America and Japan to Indochina, especially to Laos...more info>>
Mr Yakua said that last year Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh visited Japan and met with his Japanese counterpart to discuss various areas of cooperation. One of the issues discussed was the possibility of a direct flight from Nagoya to Vientiane.
Laos has direct flights to several countries, including Thailand, China, Cambodia and Vietnam. Air Asia started direct flights from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia , late last year.
A flight between Laos and Singapore is also under consideration, Mr Yakua said.
“Last month, we had meetings with representatives from airlines in Singapore who told us they needed a more detailed survey before any developments could take place,” he added.
A direct flight to Myanmar is also under discussion, as officials believe such a move could boost tourism in the region.
“Our government has an open policy concerning flight connections with any foreign country to encourage tourism in Laos ,” Mr Yakua said.
Earlier last year, the Lao government granted visa exemptions to Japanese tourists to strengthen relations between the two countries.
This has led to an increasing number of Japanese visitors to Laos.
According to the Lao National Tourism Administration, in 2005 around 23,000 Japanese visited Laos and in 2006 this figure increased by just two percent.
But in 2007 the figure jumped by 34 percent as a result of the visa exemption.
Tourism officials confirmed that the number of Japanese tourists was increasing, contributing to economic growth.
Arenowned pop group from the Republic of Korea, Paran, will perform for Lao fans on April 5 at the National Football Stadium in Vientiane to celebrate the first anniversary of Tigo, the brand name of the Millicom Lao Company.
The company was established in 2002 as a joint venture between the Ministry of Public Works and Transport and Millicom International Cellular S.A. It launched a mobile prepaid service on April in 2003.
The five member group, consisting of Cho Jong Hyuk (lead vocalist), Yang Seung Ho, Choi Sung Wook, Lee Soo In and Kim Jae Seob, will entertain the audience with songs from their latest album and Korean style dance moves...more info and photos>>
“We want to give our customers a special present to help us celebrate the first anniversary of our company; Paran is popular in the Republic of Korea and also in Laos ,” said Tigo's Assistant Marketing Manager, Mr Phouniphon Phanthavong
He said the concert will allow customers to meet and greet their favourite singers.
“People who want to attend the concert can purchase tickets through our phone service,” Mr Phouniphon said.
The concert will also feature local artists, including popular rock band The Cells, rappers L.O.G., pop groups Overdance and Modern Dance, and punk–rock bands Punky Doll, Aluna, Sam, Nalin, Jeiy. Newly formed rock group Uluvus will support the international headline act.
The name Paran is an acronym comprising the band members stage names, and means ‘big bang'. The group of five boys, aged between 15 and 23, trained in singing and dancing for two years before recording and releasing their debut album in 2005.
The song First Love , written by Von Tea Yong, was a hit on radio and TV in Korea .
In 2006, the group released their second album, under the guidance of Gary Hass, who has produced an album for the band Usher. Korean artists Kim Tea Woo, G.O.D. and PJ also featured on Paran's album.
All of the band members can speak English and Japanese fluently, so they are promoting themselves to overseas markets. Their latest album is popular in several Asian countries.
The Lao Brewery Company Limited chose Phouvong Jewelry to design the Jewelries for 2008 Beer Lao calendar girls.
"I feel very proud that the Lao Brewery Company Limited chose us to be a designer of Jewelries for 2008 Beer Lao calendar girls"
"Their style is different and was never made before because their cost is very high. Or it can be said that Beer Lao is the initiative of this production."
Mr Phouvong Phamisith, owner of Phouvong Jewelry in the Morning Market said: “This is the first work especially for Beer Lao and it is never made for others. Even though this work is hard, taking two months to finish and the cost is high, dressing and jewelries of every girl will be more distinctive than other years.”...more info
Based on the patterns book of Master Bounleung, patterns on the jewelries are modified to fit the girls and the era. In particular, the jewelries have big and thick shape in order to create excitement at their difference.
The most special aspect of the jewelries is that they are made of real gold bullion, comprising of four pairs of earrings, 11 bracelets, six big lockets, two buckles, a belt and a gold necklace. The total cost (both material and labour cost) reaches not less than USD 20,000. We make the special jewelries particularly for Beer Lao free of charge (sponsorship).
Mr Phouvong Phamisith added: “We will keep this set of jewelries as souvenirs in our museum and we do not sell them because they are the outstanding product with special uniqueness. They are shown off to the public as well as foreigners with the aim of helping them know the pattern art of Laos.
He concluded: “In the past 5-6 years we designed and made silver jewelries for many parties for the purpose of advertising and calendar producing. Therefore, if you are interested in it, please contact our shop at the shopping mall in the Morning Market.
Source: targetlao magazine More photos of Miss Beer Lao http://picasaweb.google.com/samakomlao/LaoIdols
The 2009 SEA Games in Vientiane was officially announced to thousands of athletes and officials from Asean nations on Saturday night during the closing ceremony of the 24th SEA Games in Nakhon Ratchasima province, Thailand .
The closing ceremony took place in front of 20,000 spectators in the main stadium in Nakhon Ratchasima.
All Lao athletes and officials who attended the closing ceremony of this year's SEA Games were delighted to be present, as the occasion marked not only the medals they had won but also the day when Laos took possession of the SEA Games flag ahead of the 25 th SEA Games in Vientiane in 2009....more info
The Lao delegation receiving the SEA Games flag was led by Standing Deputy Prime Minister and President of the Executive Board of the 2009 SEA Games, Mr Somsavat Lengsavad; the Minister to the Prime Minister's Office, President of the Lao National Sports Committee and Lao National Olympic Committee, Dr Phouthong Seng-akhom; the Vice President of the Lao National Sports Committee and National Olympic Committee, Mr Somphou Phongsa; and the Vice President and Secretary General of the Lao National Olympic Committee, Mr Souvannarath Sayavong.
After this year's SEA Games host Thailand presented the SEA Games flag to Laos , a performance by more than 400 Lao artists in five programmes followed.
The first item was a traditional dance and the song Sieng Khaen Lao , featuring the cultural traditions of Lao ethnic groups and the khaen – the country's traditional musical instrument.
The second item was the Sunrise Dance, a traditional dance modified from the Ramayana. This was first performed in Luang Prabang province and depicts the tradition of kindness, friendliness and hospitality of Lao women.
The third item portrayed the Hmong New Year, and by a dance to celebrate the harvest season.
The troupe then performed a song to welcome the 25 th SEA Games in 2009, which will take place in Vientiane .
The song told of the honour and pride the Lao people feel at hosting the SEA Games, and expressed a welcome to all Asean athletes, officials and distinguished guests.
The fifth item on the programme was a song expressing how the games will serve to strengthen relationships, friendship, solidarity and unity.
It is hoped the SEA Games will help to push Asean sports closer to world levels in the near future. In the meantime, Laos is delighted to be hosting the event and warmly welcomes all Asean members to the games in 2009.
Saturday night was an occasion not only for Lao athletes and people around the country to celebrate the passing of the SEA Games flag to Laos but also the fact that Laos had its first ever major victory at the SEA Games this year, winning 5 gold, 7 silver and 32 bronze medals.
NAKHON RATCHASIMA – Laos officially announced yesterday that only 25 sports will be played in the 2009 Southeast Asian Games which it will be hosting for the first time.
Laos had earlier announced that one sport it was scrapping was basketball.
Also axed were chess, softball, dance sport, gymnastics, bodybuilding, cycling, equestrian, fencing, softball and all water sports.
The sports to be played are aquatics, archery, athletics, badminton, bowling, boxing, football/futsal, golf, handball, judo, karate-do, muay, petanque, pencak silat, sepak takraw, shooting, shuttle cock, snooker and billiards, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, traditional boat race, volleyball/beach volleyball, wrestling and wushu...more info>>
25th SEA Games are tentatively set Dec. 13 to 21, 2009 in Vientiane, Dr. Phauthong Seng-Akhon, president of the Laos Olympic Committee, announced Friday.
Seng-Akhon announced that China will build a $ 46-million main stadium while Vietnam will construct a $ 6 million training facility for the athletes.
Laos will also build a hotel near the proposed main stadium to house some of the 2,500 athletes it expects.
This will mark the first time that Laos will host the biennial Games.
Vientiane will be the main hub with some events scattered in Luangprabang and Champasak.
Thailand has already appealed to Laos officials that if they can’t hold some of the events, it was willing to host them and play the sports near the Thai-Laotian border.
A peaceful country and a popular tourist destination with a population of about six million, famous for its beautiful water falls and ancient Buddhists Temples, Laos was the home for an Olympic Solidarity course from 7th to 10th June 2007.
Led by Pakistan Arif Khan, organised under the auspices of the ITTF Development Programme and with an ITTF Level One Coaches course being the curriculum; a successful itinerary was completed in the Sports Hall of Laos National University in Vientiane... more info
Popularity Table tennis is the third most popular sport in this country after football and badminton・ said Arif Khan. Olympic Solidarity and the International Table Tennis Federation have been doing a great deal to develop and popularise the sport in Laos; this was the fourth course that was arranged in the last four years.・br> Enthusiasm A total of sixteen coaches came from all parts of the country to attend this course. 鄭ll the coaches showed a lot of interest in learning everything about the game・ continued Arif Khan. 溺ost of the classes went on longer than scheduled owing to the enthusiasm shown by the coaches, as they tried to get more information; seven coaches out of sixteen passed the examination.・br> Good Organisation The enthusiasm motivated Arif Khan who clearly appreciated the efforts that had been made to run a successful programme.
The course was very well organised and all the facilities were excellent; this was all due to the efforts of Mr. Kasem Inthara the General Secretary of Laos National Olympic Committee and Mr. Phimmasone Vilaysouk General Secretary of the Laos Table Tennis Association・ continued Arif Khan. However, the person who really worked hard and made sure that everything ran smoothly was the untiring Miss Somchai Vongsa; she is not only the back bone of the national table tennis association but also the Deputy Secretary.
Positive Effect Good organisation is the key to success and is having a positive effect in Laos.
典he Laos Table Tennis Association seems to be doing well in raising the standard of the game amongst the juniors; they recently hired a Chinese coach to train their junior players to prepare for the South East Asia Junior Table Tennis Championships which they are organising in Vientiane from 15th to 19th June 2007・ explained Arif Khan. 典hey will be sending their team to train for two months in China this year to prepare for the South East Asia Junior Table Tennis Championships which is going to be held in December. However, the main focus at the moment is the South East Asia Games which Laos will organize in 2009 and are most certainly they will be hoping to end proceedings with a medal haul.
Thanks There is a very positive attitude in Laos at the moment and the officials are thankful for the support given.
泥r. Phouthong Sengakhom the President of Laos Olympic Association, Miss Sengduen Lachanthaboun President of Laos Table Tennnis Association, Mr. Kasem Inthara General Secretary Laos Olympic Committee and Mr. Phimmsone Vilaysouk General Secretary Laos Table Tennis Association have very kindly told me to thank Olympic Solidarity and the International Table Tennis Federation・ said Arid Khan. 摘specially they asked me to thank Mr. Adham Sharara ITTF President and Mr. Glenn Tepper ITTF Development Manager for providing them the opportunity to develop the game in Laos.・br> Seizing the Chance The opportunity has been provided but Laos is making the most of the opportunity.
的t is through the efforts of Mr Adham Sharara and Mr Glenn Tepper that further growth is possible, thus the standard of play not only in the Vientiane region will improve but they will progress internationally・ continued Arif Khan. 擢urthermore, they hope that Olympic Solidarity and the International Table Tennis Federation will further extend their co-operation and will help provide technical assistance in organising the 2009 South East Asia Games successfully.
No doubt they will receive whatever support is needed but it would seem they have a very good organisation in Laos, and whatever help is afforded, however great or small, the 2009 South East Asia Games will be a success.
The Australian government will provide an estimated A$27.2 million (over 200 billion kip) in aid to Laos in the 2007-08 period.
The 2007-08 Budget, announced Tuesday night in Canberra, is a watershed for the Australian government's aid programme, and Australia's largest ever investment in reducing poverty...more info
In total, Australia will provide an estimated A$3.155 billion in official development assistance (ODA) in 2007-08, an increase over the 2006-07 budget of A$209 million.
ODA, managed by Australia 's overseas aid agency, AusAID, will increase by over 21.7 percent in real terms as the agency begins implementing major new initiatives announced in the budget.
Australian ODA to Laos will be used to further expand Australian engagement in improving the quality of, and access to, basic education. It will also support Australia 's commitment to promoting the country's integration with regional and global economies.
To reinforce Australia 's efforts to promote growth and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, the package of initiatives will make substantial new investments in critical areas, including education, economic growth, health and emergency and humanitarian response capacity.
These investments are guided by the 2006 White Paper on Australian aid and demonstrate real progress towards achieving the Government's commitment of a A$4 billion aid programme by 2010.
THE final round of the I-mobile Star Challenge 2007 has many surprises in store with performances from the 12 contestants on May 20 at the Lao International Trade and Exhibition Convention Centre (Lao-ITECC).
The Samart I-mobile phone company in Vientiane launched the challenge in the last few months, calling for talented young people to participate in a contest to find dynamic young presenters. From the 12 finalists, two will be selected to represent the company in commercial pitches on Thai television...more
“The final will showcase all of the props, skills and experience brought by the Thai artists involved in organising the event, so I can say with certainty that it will be a great event,” the Managing Director of the company, Ms Suphitcha Ramasoot, said.
The company selected 12 finalists at the semi-final, held at the National Culture Hall last month, to promote Lao culture, traditions and tourism in Luang Prabang and Vientiane provinces.
“The finalists participated in many activities with the Thai artists. Recently we recorded a video of the 12 contestants in various important places in Vientiane. We’ll also screen many of the activities at the final,” Ms Suphicha said.
Tickets are for sale at the event and also at I-mobile outlets for 20,000 kip. This is a change from the semi-final where tickets were not on sale to the general public.
“Our staff agreed to sell tickets because a lot of people called wanting to buy tickets to the semi-final. Because this Sunday is the last chance for the public to see the contest we decided to sell tickets,” the director said.
The contest will feature local hard rock band The Cells, who are also booming in popularity in Thailand. They will share the stage with Thai singer Dom Pakonrum. The contest starts at 7pm on May 20, at Lao-ITECC.
(KPL) Last Saturday, the Tourism Office of Khammouane province in cooperation with Hinboun district celebrated the 5th anniversary of the Konglor-Natane Amazing Cave.
The celebration was attended by President of the Lao Front for National Construction Sisavath Keobounphanh, provincial governor, president of the National Tourism Administration and representatives of Vientiane, Borikhamsay, Savannakhet provincial administrations... more info and photos
Konglor-Natane Amazing Cave was officially opened to the public in January 2002. “Travellers can visit the cave round the year,” said the director of Khammouane tourism office “Since 2002, over 288 million kip has been generated for the province.”
The celebration featured art performance and trade fair of local products. A 7,500-m water way running through the cave, linking Natane and Konglor villages. The cave is 1,500m to the northeast of Konglor village. The cave blessed with a waterfall, sandy and gravel beaches, and rapids, was discovered 317 years ago.
Laos and France signed two grant agreements in Vientiane on Friday to develop the health sector, and to fund studies to build capacity and expertise in project identification.
The agreements between the Lao government, the French Embassy, and the French Development Agency (AFD), amounted to 7 million euros (about 825 billion kip, US$8.4 million), and 1 million euros (about 110 billion kip, US$1.2 million)...more
The signing ceremony took place in the presence of the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Phongsavath Boupha, Minister of
Health Dr Ponmek Dalaloy, and the French Ambassador to Laos Mr Maurice Portiche. The governors of Vientiane and Savannakhet provinces were also present.
The first grant agreement, for 7 million euros, will allow support for the health sector by
targeting two priority areas. The first is the extension of the community-based health insurance system in Vientiane and in Savannakhet province.
There will also be support for efforts to eradicate emerging diseases, such as HIV/AIDS and avian flu. This second component will comprise, in particular, the construction in Laos of the future Pasteur Institute of Laos.
The projects are expected to better the general health of the population, by providing more equal access to quality health services and by enhancing control over emerging and contagious diseases. This will be AFD's first support of the health sector in the Lao PDR.
The second grant agreement, for a total of 1 million euros, is committed to the financing of studies and expertise for the purpose of project identification and preparation, feasibility and project assessment and auditing, in preparation for commitments from AFD.
The first studies to be financed by this study fund could be oriented to the preparation of a new project for heritage preservation and urban development in Luang Prabang province.
The second part involves studies for a railway track between Dongphosy and Sokkham villages in Vientiane , and the design of a train station at Sokkham village. The railway between Dongphosy and Sokkham is 9 km long.
This last project is not directly related to AFD commitments but is implemented within the framework of triangular cooperation between Laos , France , and Thailand .
(KPL) The Embassy of Japan in Laos held a send-off reception at the Embassy on 30 March for 26 Lao students, who have won scholarships from the Government of Japan under the annual Monbukagakusho scholarship scheme. The students will leave for Japan between 2- 3 April... more
The 26 students will study in different subjects and levels, including two students tol do Philosophy Doctorate in finance, management geological and environment, five master degrees in studying Japanese language, finance, economy, trade, international commerce law, a bachelor scholarship and 15 higher education scholarships. All students have passed hard selection exam. The Japanese Government provides scholarships to good Lao students to study in Japan, which aims to help Laos in human resource development and boosts relation and co-operation between Laos and Japan.
The function was attended by Dr. Ponemek Dalaloy, Minister of Public Heath who is also President of the Laos-Japan Friendship Association, Mr. Litou Bouabao, Deputy Minister of Education, Mr. Kazuhiro FUJIMURA Charge d’Affaires a.i. of Japan and guests.
Lao Airlines will add extra round-trip flights from Vientiane to Luang Prabang and Pakxe from April 10-19 to meet the needs of passengers travelling to celebrate the Lao New Year.
According to the Commercial Director of Lao Airlines, Mr Rada Sunthorn, the airline will increase the number of return flights from Vientiane to Luang Prabang from three to seven daily.
Return flights from Vientiane to Pakxe will increase from three a week at present to five times weekly... more info
“If we find demand increases even further, we will add more flights. Every year, more and more people travel to Luang Prabang at this time of the year,” he said.
“Not only is it well known as a World Heritage Site, it is a very popular destination for local people and foreign residents of Laos , who like to go there to celebrate the traditional activities staged at New Year.”
Mr Rada said that over New Year, this group constituted 60 percent of visitors to the city whereas, normally, overseas tourists formed 70 percent of the total number of visitors.
The second most popular destination in Laos was Champassak province, which is home to the World Heritage Site of Vat Phou.
Overseas visitors usually go there by plane during the New Year, whereas most local people drive there.
He said that the prices of these flights would remain unchanged, with people of Lao nationality paying 470,000 kip and foreigners paying US$63 for a one-way ticket from Vientiane to Luang Prabang. From Vientiane to Champassak, the cost was 750,000kip for Lao people and US$95 for foreigners.
“We have cancelled flights from Vientiane to Houaxai airport in Bokeo province for a further two weeks because of poor visibility due to smoke from forest fires and slash and burn farming. We are waiting for the skies to clear before we resume flights on this sector,” he said.
British national Ms Samantha Orobator, 20, who pleaded guilty to possessing 680 grams of heroin, was yesterday sentenced to life imprisonment by the Vientiane Court.
