Lao Music Awards to promote music industry

A total of 14 awards will be presented at the first ever Lao Music Awards to be held on July 26 in Vientiane

Last Friday, a press conference was organised by Sengdara Communications at the Lao Plaza Hotel to announce the categories in which awards will be presented. The event was attended by the Acting Director General of the Fine Arts Department, Mr Xaysavath Singnamvong, and Vice President of the Lao Journalists' Association, Mr Somsanouk Mixay.

The press conference featured performances of the event's theme song performed in both pop and country music style and closed with a lucky draw for two air tickets to Malaysia .

The awards ceremony will promote the local music industry and acknowledge the wealth of quality Lao performers and their work...more info>>

“This will be the first ever event in Laos to recognise successful songs and artists, as well as those working behind the scenes especially song composers and producers,” said Sengdara Communications Director Viroun Sengdara.

“The awards ceremony will become an annual event and will help to raise the standard of the music industry in Laos to equal that of neighbouring countries,” Mr Viroun said.

“The establishment of the Lao Music Awards is in accordance with the government's policy to promote art and culture.”

Awards will be presented in 14 categories, including prizes for the best album, song, group, new artist, male and female artist, most popular artist and country or folk artist of the year.

Trophies will also be given for the best traditional Lao, pop, rock and hip-hop artists of the year. The best producer and composer of the year will also be honoured.

Winners in each category will receive a uniquely designed vintage record player or gramophone incorporating the dok champa (frangipani), the Lao national flower.

“Applications for the awards are open to all Lao artists. Entries will be accepted until May 15. A judging panel and the general public will then spend 10 days selecting the winners,” said Head of Office of Sengdara Communications, Mr Somsack Khandavong.

“A judging panel together with public votes will select four finalists in each category to appear at the awards ceremony, as well as selecting the winners on the night.

Members of the public can vote by sending an SMS through the Tigo network and by completing competition details on specially marked products offered by event sponsors,” Mr Somsack said.

The 2008 Lao Music Awards will be held at the National Culture Hall and will be broadcast live on Lao TV channels. People can obtain tickets to the event by purchasing specially marked products offered by event sponsors and following instructions on the packaging to receive tickets.

By PHOONSAB THEVONGSA
Vientianetimes

The Lao Brewery Company (LBC) yesterday introduced their latest product, a new variety of beer named Lanexang, to provide beer drinkers with a wider selection.

“We have been making preparations and conducting market analysis for the release of this product since 2005, so today we're very pleased to announce another new product is ready for release,” LBC Senior Deputy Managing Director, Mr Sounthone Phommachack, said at a press conference to announce the product yesterday...more info>>

“The logo of our new beer pictures the head of an elephant. We're not concerned consumers won't recognise it as a Beerlao product just because it doesn't show our traditional tiger head logo. In fact we have plans to introduce other new products with logos featuring various national symbols,” Mr Sounthone said.

“We have ideas about introducing other products with names such as Mekong beer and That Luang beer, because these are very popular names in Laos .”

“We called the new beer Lanexang because historically Laos is referred to as ‘the land of a million elephants'. Our new product marks the company's achievement in operating for 35 years and also celebrates International Labour Day, which occurs on Thursday,” Mr Sounthone said.

The company also held a ceremony recently to mark the first sales of beer produced at its second factory, located in Nongveng village, Pathoumphon district, Champassak province. The first factory is situated at Km 12 on Thadeua Road in Hadxaifong district, Vientiane .

The company's two breweries are currently able to produce 200 million litres of beer annually.

Beerlao accounts for 99 percent of domestic beer sales and is exported to 12 countries.

The company contributes large amounts to the national budget, last year earning 500 billion kip for the government.

By Vientiane Times

Valentine Music promoted one of their top singers at a Lao Telecom mini-concert and press conference at Taladxao Shopping Mall last Sunday.

After a year out of the spotlight, pop star Ting Phailavanh returned to the stage last Sunday to perform her popular songs at the mini-concert and give a press conference.

“I hope every one can remember me, I'm very sorry I haven't had time to make any public appearances,” she told the press...more info>>

Ting said she really missed Lao music whilst absent from the scene but had spent her time studying and improving the quality of her songs and music video performances. The pop star, known for her talent and melodic voice, extended her contract with Valentine Music early last year for another three years. She has just released her second album with the label.

“My second album will show that I'm an adult much more than the first one I did,” said Ting.

She said her voice was a little different from when she was younger – she's now 20 – but she took good care of her voice and trained every morning and evening.

Popular music took a different turn in Laos in the 1990s when rock band Zapphire appeared on the scene. They were followed by Smile Black Dog, who released their first album in 1998. But rock music was still unpopular among local teenagers at the time.

The 2000s have seen many local record companies become established in Vientiane after the government provided greater opportunities for new local artists to produce modern music. Ting Phailavanh is one of the artists to have benefited from the resulting boom amongst local and foreign fans.

Her first album was in the pop-dance style, but her new release is a mixture of pop, Latin and R&B. Ting has always loved music, and started writing her own songs when she was 12 or 13. In 2003, aged 17, she released her debut album ‘Ting Virus'.

“Sometimes I can write two songs in a day if I have enough time,” Ting said.

President of Valentine Music, Mr Phoutthachanh Paphadsalang, said “Ting is one of many singers whose albums we produce. She performs very well on stage, and can also write songs, dance and play musical instruments.”

In 2006, her contract with Valentine Music expired. A rumour surfaced that she had signed up with Indee Records in order to gain experience with another recording studio, and she performed a song at a mini-concert with the label. The rumour turned out to be false – the performance was just to congratulate a friend on a new album.

“The second album will definitely be of better quality. I wrote most of the songs, and the lyrics have a lot of meaning for today's teenagers,” Ting said.

Ting has gained a lot of fans since her first album was released, and since 2003 she has been invited to perform at festivals not only in Laos , but also Vietnam , Thailand and Japan

By Souknilundon Southivongnorath
Vientianetimes

Local auto company to invest in race track

A local company plans to invest about US$2 million to build a race track aimed at promoting automotive sports in Laos.

Souksomlouay Auto Service Company Director Somlouay Padabvong announced the plan during a press conference in Vientiane on Monday.

“We will invest about 17.4 billion kip (US$2 million) in the track, which will be located on 11 hectares in Xaythany district in Vientiane ,” he said.

Mr Somlouay said the track would be designed for racing all kinds of vehicles including motorcycles and cars...more info>>

He said it was not yet decided whether the race track would be an individual investment or if it would be open to shareholders or other businesses partners.

At this stage the company has not asked for government permission to develop the land, but this request will be made later this year.

Mr Somlouay said construction of the race track would be completed within 12 months of securing the land agr eement.

Vientiane Administration's Deputy Head of Office, Somphone Sengsilavong, said Laos should have a race track because similar tracks in neighbouring countries were very popular.

“So we should learn from their experiences,” Mr Somphone added.

He said the race track would be good for young people, as they like driving fast and could race on a custom-built circuit without fear of violating traffic regulations.

Mr Somlouay made the announcement during Vientiane Drift 2008, an event being held at Lao ITECC this week to promote car racing.

The Vientiane Drift runs until April 13 and will feature a concert and beauty contest.

By Phonsavanh Vongsay
Vientianetimes

Well known Korean pop idols Paran melted spectators' hearts on Saturday at celebrations in Vientiane to mark the first anniversary of Tigo, a mobile phone operator.

The exciting concert took place at the Lao-ITECC in front of a crowd of more than 7,000 fervent spectators, with free games, activities and give-aways.

The concert kicked off with some of Vientiane 's top acts, such as Idols, Punky Dolls, LOG, Overdance, Moderndance, A Pact, Nalin, Aluna and Sam, and hard rock groups Uluvus and The Cells before the appearance of Korea 's grooviest band.

The audience raised their voices like a siren and the ground before the stage shook when Paran appeared for their provocative song and dance act, and greeted the audience with a burst of Lao...more info>>

The band played hit songs from their first two albums, such as Five Steps, First Love and others before the concert had to be stopped because of strong winds on stage.

Tigo staff gathered on stage to blow out candles on their birthday cake in between acts.

The name Paran (which means blue in Korean) is an acronym comprised of the members' stage names. The band has five singers: Joo Jong Hyuk also known as Ryan, Yang Seung Ho or Neo, Lee Soo In or P.O., Choi Sung Wook or Ace, and Kim Jae Sub or A.J., who also raps for the group. They are all aged between 15 and 23.

“We are so happy and exited, because this is our first time in Laos , and it is great to perform in concert to commemorate Tigo's first anniversary,” said Ryan at a media conference at Green Park Hotel on Friday.

The band's first album was entitled I Hold My Breath , and came out in September 2005. Their follow up release was called Beyond the Blue Sky , in September 2006.

“Since I've been here one night, I only have two impressions: one is that the weather here is better than in the Republic of Korea now, where it is still cold, but here it's neither very hot nor cold, which is more comfortable,” said Ace.

“Besides that, Laos still preserves a lot of its nature. I saw green mountains as our flight came across from Vietnam , and now I can also say that here it is peaceful and there is very little traffic.”

“Another thing is the warm welcome we're received from people here, especially the smiles of the Lao women which make me want to stay longer,” Ace said.

Before the band arrived in Laos they toured countries such as Thailand , Taiwan , Singapore , Vietnam and Indonesia .

This is the second time the Millicom Lao Company has brought a Korean band to Laos . In December they presented one of Korea 's most famous girl bands, Baby Vox Re.V, to perform in concert to welcome in the International New Year.

By PHOONSAB THEVONGSA
Vientianetimes
http://samakomlao.blogspot.com

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.

By Somsack Pongkhao
Vientiane Times

Paran, a five-member male vocal group which debuted in 2005, has made inroads all across Asia, including China, Indonesia, Laos, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam and Japan.

Members of Paran held a showcase concert at the amphitheater of Lao ITECC, an exhibition center in Vientiane, the capital of Laos, on April 5. It was the first concert by a male foreign group to attract 10,000 audience members. The event will be televised on Lao Star TV, the public broadcaster of Laos.

Laotian fans, who frequently enjoy Thai TV shows, raved over Paran's performance, although they did not understand the Korean lyrics...more info>>

Fans frantically took photos of the group, waved photographs of the members in the air, screamed and blew kisses to the stage.

Paran returned to Korea and April 7. Soon after their arrival, members of the group wrapped up recording their third studio album, which is slated for release on April 11. The album will be released simultaneously in six Asian countries.

The members recently said they plan to sweep their Korean fans off their feet with their new album.

Source: KBS

The total foreign investment in Laos has reached 6 billion USD, the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Laos reported.

Top 10 list of foreign investors in Laos is as follows:
1. Thailand, (1.355 billion USD in 169 projects)
2. China, (1.138 billion USD in 237 projects)
3. Viet Nam (535.7 million USD in 120 projects)
4. France (428.2 million USD in 58 projects)
5. Japan (420.3 million USD in 33 projects)
6. India (350.2 million USD in 3 projects)
7. Australia (330.8 million USD in 27 projects)
8. South Korea (294.4 million USD in 105 projects)
9. Malaysia (135.2 million USD in 33 projects)
10. Singapore (101.1 million USD in 22 projects)

Other countries that showed high foreign investment in Laos include Canada (ranking 11), Swizerland (ranking 12), England (ranking 13), Russia (ranking 14), Norway (ranking 15), Taiwan (ranking 16), United State (ranking 17), Germany (ranking 18), Poland (ranking 19), Italy (ranking 20)

Lao agencies attributed increases in foreign investment to the country’s open policy and political stability.

According to the Department of Foreign Investment Promotion and Management under the above ministry, investors from 37 countries and territories have invested in 1,031 projects in Laos.

Source: kpl and ecom

The Lao People's Revolutionary Youth Union will soon invite applications for the 35 th Ship for South East Asian Youth Programme from students and government and NGO officials, according to a top official.

The programme aims to give young people with knowledge and talent the chance to demonstrate their traditions and culture to their Asean peers on the Asian stage.

The union's General Secretary, Mr Khamphanh Sitthidampha, made the announcement on Thursday at a meeting to evaluate the 34 th programme. He said the Youth Union and its provincial branches would advertise through the media and posters...more >>

The major objective of this programme is to promote friendship and understanding among youths from the Asean countries and Japan , he said.

Mr Khamphanh said the annual event was sponsored by the Japanese government and supported by Asean countries. Candidates should possess a track record of active youth, community or public service and be outstanding youths capable of assuming an ambassadorial role for Laos . They should be between 18 and 30 years old.

“All participants are required to undergo a two-month orientation programme, which includes weekend and two weekday evening training sessions each week. The orientation programme is tentatively scheduled from the middle of July to mid-September,” he said.

Mr Khamphanh said Laos had sent 29 youths to participate in last year's programme, which took place from October 22 to December 12.

He said participants had visited Japan , Singapore , Indonesia , Malaysia , Thailand , Laos and Vietnam to share their cultures and promote friendship.

“Participants are encouraged to raise funds of around 5 million kip or approach their nominating organisations to subsidise their contributions to the contingent fund,” he added.

A student from the Lao-American College , Ms Siriphone Thongbonh, who was one of 29 young people participating in the programme last year, told Vientiane Times that she and her friends ran various activities such as discussion groups on the environment, information, international relations, education, volunteer activities and youth development.

These involved representatives from six other countries during the 52-day programme.

“We learned how to live together, work as a group and how to help each other. This was one of the best experiences I've ever had,” she said.

Ms Siriphone advised anyone considering taking part in the programme to prepare themselves well before applying.

Another participant, Ms Phaipany Choummaly, said she had learned a great deal from the experience. One of the aspects she enjoyed the most was the chance to teach others about Lao culture and traditions.

“This programme enables young people from Laos to play a greater role on the Asian stage,” she said.

Laos became a member of the Ship for South East Asian Youth Programme in 1997 and first sent participants a year later. Since then some 300 young people have benefited from the programme.

By PHAISYTHONG CHANDARA
Vientianetimes

New Lao singer from the world heritage town of Luang Prabang, Touly, officially released her full album in Vientiane entitled "Just say hi" under the Valentine Music record last February 7th. Before this album, Touly used to have her first album in Luang Prabang at Santipab school, the place where she graduated from.

You may have heard about Touly before from her popular song "Jep bor Jum", which
has been broadcasted in many Lao radio and TV programs. At present, her song is in the top 5 chart at Music Boom, Lao star TV channel. This song is composed by herself and is inspired by her friends and all people around her. There are totally 10 songs in this album, in which, she composed all the songs and mixed the sound by herself...more

It spends about a year and a half to complete this album and music videos. The location of her music videos are 50% spotted in Luang prabang and 50% in Vientiane. Before Touly entered the music industry, she met Mr. Kai, the partner of Valentine music company and later, become the singer of this company.



She revealed that there are some difficulties for her to be a singer. She is now working as a tourist guide in Luang prabang province and she has to travel to Vientiane and other provinces for her concert. Nevertheless, to become a singer is her utmost dream and she is now very proud to see this album gaining more and more popularity in Laos.

Last but not least, she wants to invite everyone to listen to her song and not to buy a pirate CD. She will try her best to improve herself and to produce more quality products to the society.

source: ecom
translated by volunteer.

More photos:

Several thousand local and overseas visitors travelled on long and winding roads from various parts of Laos to Paklai district in Xayaboury province over the weekend, to view the impressive sight of dozens of assembled pachyderms.

Xayaboury provincial authorities organised the festival in conjunction with the Lao National Tourism Administration (LNTA) and French organisation ElefantAsia in the home of most of the country's domestic elephants, with a programme of activities taking place from February 15 to 17...more info and photos>>

This was the second such festival, and built on the success of the first, staged last year in Hongsa district in the same province.

On Friday morning, the main streets of the small mountainous district were jammed and police had to stop vehicles entering the town, where the official ceremonies were taking place. About 10,000 people turned up to take part in the festival.

The opening ceremony was held in the district's Sports Stadium, where several processions gathered, including schoolchildren waving national flags and flags symbolising the LNTA and the festival.

There was also a procession of 59 elephants, a parade of young women dressed in ethnic costume, rocket-launching, and boat racing. Several people appeared in the guise of Pheekhol , a familiar ghost.

Standing Deputy Prime Minister Somsavat Lengsavad, Governor of Xayaboury province Dr Lien Thikeo, LNTA President Somphong Mongkhonvilay and a number of ministers and high ranking officials attended the event.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr Lien said the festival was part of efforts to incorporate elephants into the tourist industry, generating income for elephant owners and helping them to continue raising the giant animals.

He also said the festival served to create awareness among the younger generation about the virtues of these enormous beasts.

Dr Lien said Laos had a long connection with elephants and that Laos had once been named “The Land of a Million Elephants”, reflecting the fact that Laos had been home to large numbers of the animal; now, however, the population was in decline.

He said Xayaboury province had only 488 domestic elephants and few of them regularly produced young as they spent all their time working and had little opportunity for reproduction. The authorities were trying to reduce the workload of these elephants in hopes that their numbers would increase.

Mr Somphong said the LNTA would continue to cooperate with ElefantAsia and the Xayaboury authorities to organise another festival next year as part of efforts to promote tourism in the northern provinces of Laos .

He said these provinces had considerable tourism potential due to the area's untamed nature, cultural diversity and long history. He pointed out that Paklai district was a transit point on the road to the World Heritage town of Luang Prabang for tourists coming from Vientiane and Thailand .

After listening to the opening address, visitors stood and admired the slow procession of elephants, some of which were painted and decorated with the Lao flag.

The elephants performed for the visitors, charming onlookers with their size and grace, perhaps already in the initial stages of training for a greater role in tourism.

Dr Lien led leaders and visiting guests in a tour of the 87 exhibition booths, displaying both local and overseas products and services.

Tourists were offered the chance to ride the elephants and were also able to see them hauling logs and bathing in the river. At night, fireworks exploded skywards in celebration of the festival.

Visitors also enjoyed performances of traditional music and dance and circus acts from Vientiane .

By Ekaphone Phouthonesy
Vientianetimes

A new entertainment programme from Japanese television channel Nihon Shinbun Kyokai (NSK) has selected a Lao pop singer to be promoted worldwide, Indee Records announced yesterday.

“The programme is the newest from NSK, and has not yet been broadcast,” an official from the Media Department of the Ministry of Information and Culture, Mr Phaiboun Philathong, said yesterday.

He added that the show would promote various singers throughout Asia; Laos is the first country to be presented as a growing number of Japanese fans are interested in Lao music and the country...more info>>

The programme selected Nalin Daravong from Indee Records, and will film footage of her lifestyle and performances.

“They recorded me doing everyday things like studying and helping my parents, as well as singing on stage,” Nalin said.

Mr Phaiboun said the programme would be broadcast worldwide, and would therefore be a good opportunity to promote modern Lao music.

“This is a great chance for our singers and bands to be exposed to a wider audience,” said Indee Records President, Anoulack Pathammavong.

After three days of recording Nalin's life in Laos , the TV crew will go to Vietnam , Cambodia , Thailand , Indonesia and other countries throughout Asia .

“They will select singers from each country to feature on the show, and we've been lucky to be their first country selected,” Mr Anoulack said.

Nalin was the winner of the Close-Up 2005 singing contest, where she was discovered by Indee Records, which approached her about making an album.

“The debut album from Nalin was released at the end of last year, and now her songs are on high rotation on various radio programmes in Vientiane ,” Mr Anoulack explained.

Last week, she staged a free concert with Vorachith Intharaphithak, or Sam, at the Lao-ITECC, which attracted almost 1,000 fans.

“The crew was there to capture my performance on stage on their last day,” said Nalin.

Mr Phaiboun also reported that the programme would invite various singers from each country to perform in Japan in June this year, Laos included.

NSK was established in July 1946, to elevate the ethical standards in reporting and protect and promote the media's common interests. NSK is an entirely independent and voluntary organisation funded and operated by the private media of Japan .

By Souknilundon Southivongnorath
Vientianetimes

Photo: An artist's 3D depiction of the Lao Music Awards prize.

The first ever Lao Music Awards will be held this summer in the capital, to promote the work of the local music industry and to acknowledge the wealth of quality Lao songs, singers and songwriters.

Sengdara Communications will work closely with the Ministry of Information and Culture to organise the first ever Lao Music Awards.

“We will present awards for our best songs and artists, as well as those working behind the scenes, during this, the first annual music awards in Laos,” Sengdara Communications Creator, Mr Vannasy Phonchanheuang, said yesterday...read more

“Winners will each receive a unique prize combining traditional design with an international flair – a vintage record player or gramophone, combined with a dok champa (the Lao national flower),” Mr Vannasy explained.

The Lao music industry has grown significantly in recent years. While just a decade ago listeners could hear only traditional folk songs and country music, today the burgeoning industry has given birth to many other genres, including pop, rock, r&b, hip-hop and dance.

“The award will be a catalyst for further development of the Lao music scene, because it will encourage artists and record companies to produce quality music, both in traditional genres and more contemporary styles,” the Acting Director General of the Fine Art Department, Mr Xaysavath Singnamvong, said.

Through the continued support of the government and private sectors, the local music industry continues to grow in leaps and bounds, he noted.

“There are still, however, only a few people who consider music to be their main career. This is due to a lack of support and national acknowledgement. The announcement of the 2008 Lao Music Awards is therefore an historic event,” he said.

Mr Vannasy added that the event aims to target all Lao singers, artists and composers, to encourage the development of musical talent to its fullest degree and raise the stature of musicians as valuable assets, and very real stars.

It is hoped the awards will not only encourage those already in the business to strive to produce the highest quality music for the enjoyment of fans, but also inspire anyone with the talent and aspirations to aim for stardom.

Awards will be given in 13 categories, including best album of the year; best song of the year; best male and female artists; best group or band; best traditional Lao song; best country, folk, pop, rock and hip-hop songs; and best producer and composer.

“We will have a press conference soon to announce further details, and to request that all recording companies send nominations for the awards,” Mr Vannasy said.

By Souknilundon Southivongnorath
Vientianetimes

(KPL) Anybody could say that being a Lao-Thai translator is among the top-ten unnecessary jobs. Indeed, both languages are very similar, originate from the same root, and can be spoken and understood by people on both the banks of the Mekong River in their communication.

The use of Thai words in Lao language is spreading. At entertainment venues, Thai cultural products are widespread, and at home, everybody can watch Thai TV channels. Besides, Thai publications are a good source of scientific information for Lao students since it is easier than English and other languages.

Due to the above-mentioned causes, without studying in classrooms, Lao people can absorb Thai language easily, communicate and understand what Thai people say.

The increasing influence of Thai language in Lao society is not only due to outside influence, but also due to Laos’ weaknesses, ranging from poor education, especially correct use of Lao language, expensive publications and limited circulation, scarcity of Lao dictionaries, and lack of law on Lao language. That causes the non-uniform use of Lao language in the country, especially written language. To many, their spellings are influenced by their dialects... read more>>

Misprinted words on billboards, road sides, newspapers, or magazines, are commonly seen. At times, due to the influence of Thai media slamming every day, some people cannot use Lao words correctly. The influence is absorbed and replaced, that will lead to permanent replacement and absorption in the long run, if no measures and efforts are taken to handle the problem.

However, Lao and Thai experts view the problems differently. To some, the problem is viewed not critical yet, which could be corrected through the improvement of the education system and the uniform use of the language in the country. While others see it a main concern which needs to be resolved immediately.

According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bualy Paphaphanh, Head of Department of Lao Language and Mass Communication, Faculty of Letters, the National University of Laos, the problem is hard to make a clear-cut judgement. Any landlocked country like Laos can encounter that kind of issue. People living along the Vietnamese border will get the influence of that country, and people living near Thailand are also influenced by their neighbour.

Head of Thai and Oriental Languages Department, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Mahasarakham University, Thailand, Rachan Nilawanapha, said: “It is not worrying now, but in the future, less than 20 years, if the problem remains unchanged. Why I could say that! Lao people watch Thai TV programmes and movies everyday, and cross Mekong to buy Thai goods. As long as this last, the problem will get worse. To some extent, speaking Thai is to get you understood, which is advantageous.”

Thai words have infiltrated into Lao language at the word level, said a Lao language teacher at Khon Kaen University, Thailand.

“A lot of students do not use Lao dictionaries as they think they can write what they say. But in fact this mentality is definitely wrong,” said Director of the National Library, Mrs. Kongdeuane Nettavong. She quoted foreigners saying: “I have never seen Lao students using Lao dictionaries because they master their language very well.”

“But in fact dictionaries use is necessary, because it will help us know the origin of words. If we do not promote dictionary use, our language will be declining day by day. I would like teachers to use dictionaries,” added Mrs. Kongdeuane Nettavong.

Relevant authorities have planned to develop a new Lao dictionary as few existing ones are old consisting of no words coined since 1960. However, the lack of experts and researchers who will develop linguistics, is a key problem preventing the plan from being realised. Therefore, the suggestion is to “use what we have and promote the national spirit to reduce the wrong language use.”

Some say that cable television pays a very important role in teaching Thai language to children. Especially Cartoon Network – a channel in the cable TV programme, which provides round-the-clock cartoon programmes; it is cartoon language, which is judged fighting; some spend hours on watching it. This is one reason people claim that children know Thai language better than their native Lao, and then speak less Lao words with their parents.

Many graduates from universities who use Thai words daily on speaking, admit they were cartoon-addicted in their childhood, said a consultant to the Lao Palm Leaf Manuscript Project, Mrs Dara Kanlaya.

Two years ago, relevant parties interviewed students at Vientiane Secondary School about the meaning of the word “Phae” (to win). The interviewees could not give the correct answer. Some said the answer was to lose and not win. While other 60 per cent of them said it was win. Even worse among the latter, they were not sure of their answer.

Mr Rachan said “Through the Thai media, children do not only learn language but also culture. When they often watch television, they think that their culture is out-of-date. Thai people also prefer watching Western movies, spending time with friends and not with relatives, and they become impolite with their parents.”

In 1989, the National Library kicked off its reading promotion project despite limited financial support and books. Several parties make great efforts in promoting writing and reading of Lao language, while admitting that it is rather late. The society has to brace the influx of Thai language and culture through the Thai media.

“Nowadays, if we pay less attention to Lao pupils’ language learning and only pay more to those of secondary and university, we will lose our language”, said Mrs Dara. She added: “I want this problem to be solved, because I don’t want Lao people to lose our language and culture. I would like our people to study deeply our own language, because it is a beautiful, colourful and interesting language.”

Writers face difficulties in writing new books because there is no guidance on Lao culture and correct language use. They say it is necessary to found linguistics council equipped with experts from sectors in the society. The problem of Lao language not only troubles Lao people, but foreigners as well.

“Teaching and studying of Lao language in my university is difficult because documents on Lao language are very rare, even in the National Library. We can find materials only in Bangkok, copied from the libraries in the USA, France and UK”, said Mrs. Rattana Chantao, a Lao language teacher at Khon Kaen University.

A task force of Lao language problems was once formed by the Prime Minister’s Office, gathering experts from the Ministry of Information and Culture and relevant authorities. Unfortunately, only a few meetings had been held and what was discussed at the meeting was not furthered, because there were not enough experts, researchers and funds.

Therefore, the invitation of foreign researchers and experts to deal with the problem is seen as another choice.

“We have no problem with cooperation with Laos. For instance, last year we sent students to train in the Lao National Library and the National University of Laos. We also have students completing their master and doctoral degrees from our university and working in Laos. These people can participate in our possible cooperation in the future,” said Mr Rachan.

The story is produced under the “Imaging Our Mekong” media fellowship programme (www.newsmekong.org), run by IPS Asia-Pacific and Probe Media Foundation Inc with the support of the Rockefeller Foundation.

Source: kpl

Weza , a new band from Savannakhet province, have released two hot singles, and played their first shows for Vientiane fans at Lao-ITECC last weekend.


The concert was organised by the Vientiane Youth Centre for Health and Development and the Vientiane Women's Union .

They performed three songs to greet the Vientiane crowd - the singles Khor Khuam (Message), Thon Bor Vai (Can't Endure), and Sou Phueua Fan (Fight for a Dream)

“This is our first time on stage here and we are so happy to play at this concert; we never thought we'd appear here when we launched the band,” said 21-year-old vocalist Mr Xayxana Silylasak (Ai) of his three-piece, which also includes Mr Vongphasouk Khenthanavong (22) or Lulu, and guitarist, Mr Xaixana Sengsopha (20) or Thang...more

“We first met each other in 2003, when we attended a song contest while we were in secondary school in Savannakhet province,” said Lulu.

“We were interested in each other's music and we formed a band called Impression, which had seven members, but it was unfortunate that not everyone got along and the band soon dissolved, and then we were all busy with our final exams,” said Thang.

In 2004, after graduation, he called the members back in hopes of getting together again, but only three of the former band mates were available, and so Weza was born.

“Weza comes from two words - ‘We', or ‘us', and ‘Za', which is short for ‘Savannakhet'. Our band name tells people who we are and where we come from,” said Ai.

“Our dreams came true after the first disappointment, when we failed to pass the final round of the Close-Up Music Award in 2006. Luckily, there was a producer in the audience from Samlan Entertainment, who approached us and suggested we sign up with them,” Ai said.

“We were stunned, and there was one question in our minds: why, if we failed the contest, would they want us to join their company? But we weren't about to say no.”

A few weeks later, the company began talking about making an album for them, and the band signed the contract here in Vientiane , where the US recording company has its local studio and sub-branch.

The band spent over a year on the album, before they launched the first single that made them well known to radio listeners.

The lyrics of Khor Khuam were written by Ai's mother, a gift to him; the song is about the love of a teenage boy for a girl, but he doesn't dare tell her how he feels, and he only knows her mobile phone number so he sends a text greeting to her every day.

“My mother is not a songwriter, she just loves music and I was really surprised when she gave me the lyrics, and just said “sing it”. We adapted it a little bit, and we never expected the song would become a hit,” said Ai.

“The second single, now getting airplay, is titled Thon Bor Vai, written by DJ Hieng, which tells what happens when girlfriends break our hearts.”

The full album, entitled Kap Ma (Come Back), has nine tracks and has already been launched in the US ; the company is preparing its local release for March.

By PHOONSAB THEVONGSA
Vientianetimes

More than 500 concert-goers were treated to a stellar line-up of songsters performing on a red stage on Friday night, at a concert to launch the Lao branch of discount airline AirAsia.

Under its slogan “Now Everyone Can Fly”, the airline launched its inaugural flight into Vientiane on December 1 last year, and is now selling tickets to the public.

The concert, which included a competition for prizes and free tickets for all concert-goers, was entitled “Painting Vientiane's Skyline Red” and brought with it the hottest artists from Indee Records ...more info and photos >>>


More photos >>

The event opened with the record company's newest member, solo performer Souk, who performed three rock singles which he promised would be included on his upcoming album.

Pop star Nalin then sang some of her radio favourites, songs such as Vao Bar Bar (Why Do You Say That?).

Bringing the crowd to a standing ovation was girl band Princess, who didn't disappoint, despite a change in line-up since their last shows.

Another energetic songster, Sam, also greeted his fans with some of his well-known singles, including R&B hit Bok Hai Khoy Hou (Let Me Know), featuring a rapper from Lao Original Gangstarz (LOG) Alex.

The concert was held to mark the fact that AirAsia will now be running three direct flights per week to Vientiane from Kuala Lumpur .

The airline was the first low-cost carrier in Malaysia , and has rapidly established itself as the leading and largest budget airline in Asia .

AirAsia offers a simple “no frills” service at fares that are on average significantly lower than those offered by traditional full-service airlines.

The airline now flies to over 85 domestic and international destinations in Malaysia , Thailand , Indonesia , China , Vietnam , Cambodia , Laos , the Philippines , Brunei , Myanmar and Singapore .

It also has successful joint ventures in Thailand and Indonesia with the inception of Thai Airline and Indonesia AirAsia.

By PHOONSAB THEVONGSA
Vientianetimes