ການທຳຄວາມເຂົ້າໃຈ ລະຫ່ວາງ ເພື່ອນບ້ານ : ຄົນໄທ ຕ້ອງຮຽນຮູ້ ແລະເຂົ້າໃຈຫຍັງແດ່ ກ່ຽວກັບລາວ.

(KPL) Thai supermarket chain Big C Supercenter will open its branch at Talat Shao in Vientiane by the end of this year, according to Assistant Vice President of Big C Supercenter Public Dry Food Wichai Benyadilok.

Yesterday, Big C Supercenter bought over 40 high-level executive officials and purchasing planners to meet over 100 local entrepreneurs at Talat Shao in Vientiane.

"The meeting is aimed at ensuring the understanding and partnership between senior executive officials of Big C and entrepreneurs in Laos so that Big C has data for customising its marketing strategy for market in Laos," added Mr. Wichai.

Construction of the fourth bridge linking Laos and Thailand across the Mekong River was scheduled to start in early March, state media reports said Wednesday.

The 480-metre-long bridge is to link the Huayxai district in Laos' Bokeo province to Chinag Khong in northern Thailand's Chiang Rai province.



Watch simulation model of the bridge across Thailand to Laos.

'Now we are clearing land and compensating people who will lose their land, houses and farms,' Thavone Vorlaboud, deputy head of the bridge construction project, told the Vientiane Times.

'It is expected the bridge will be finished within 30 months after building starts,' he said.

The Lao and Thai governments are each due to contribute 50 per cent of the cost of the bridge's construction.

Laos received a grant of 20 million dollars from the Chinese government in 2008 to finance its half of the project.

The bridge is part of the Greater Mekong subregion north-south economic corridor project, linking Chiang Rai province to Kunming, capital of south-west China's Yunnan province via Highway Number 3 in Laos.

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.

By Souksakhone Vaenkeo
Vientianetimes

(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.

Photo:The movie theatre at Lao-ITECC was packed to capacity when people came to see Sabaidee Luang Prabang from June 5 to 7.

Audiences packed the theatre at Lao-ITECC on June 5 to 7 to watch the film Sabaidee Luang Prabang, a Lao-Thai co-production which premiered in Laos on May 23.

The film pans the major provinces of Laos , taking in Pakxe, Vientiane and the allure of the country's biggest drawcard, the World Heritage-listed town of Luang Prabang . It describes the growing love between the two main characters, and features comic episodes that introduce a lighter touch.

The film stars Bangkok-based Lao-Australian actor Ananda Everingham as Sorn, a first-time visitor to Laos , and Ms Khamly Pallawong as Noi, his tour guide from Vientiane.

The Lao co-director, Lao Art Media president Anousone Sirisackda, said the producers were pleased with the feedback they had received from audiences and critics...more

He said Ministry of Information and Culture officials who had attended the premier at the National Culture Hall had expressed their satisfaction with the film's content and message.

“We are pleased with our achievements; this could be the new face of the Lao film industry after more than 30 years without a full-length feature production,” Mr Anousone said.

“Even though the film depicted the most significant aspects of Lao culture and lifestyle, we were sorry that time and budget constraints prevented us from making a more in-depth portrayal of Laos .” “We're not expecting to earn much from the film,” Mr Anousone said. “The main benefit of the production is the publicity that Laos will get. We'll definitely make another film, but we have to consider many factors. The good feedback we've received is a strong inspiration to do more.”

The production team is planning to screen the film to audiences in Luang Prabang, Champassak and other major provinces.

Another large crowd is expected when the film is shown at the National Culture Hall in Vientiane on June14.

Source: Vientianetimes

Lao pop star Nalin Daravong, who sings Vao Ba Ba (Why Do You Say That?), will feature at the first Asia Pop Concert in Japan on May 25.

Nalin's performance in Japan has been made possible by the concert's organisers, who have invited one artist from each of seven Asian countries: Laos , Thailand , Myanmar , Japan , Republic of Korea , Cambodia and Vietnam .

Each year, the concert will be hosted by one of the countries on the list and next year it will be the turn of Thailand . Only the hottest pop star from each country will be invited to appear on stage.

Ms Nalin said she was very proud and excited to have been chosen to perform at this event...more info>>

“The concert's organisers chose me because when they came to research the music market in Laos in February, my song Vao Ba Ba was top of the charts and was often being played on radio and television,” she said.

“I'm going to perform three Lao songs, Vao Ba Ba , Lom Pak Pao (Lip Service) and Hak Kheu... (Love is…), and one Japanese song,” she said.

The event consist of two performances – the first in Yokohama and the second in Kibuya.

In February Nalin gave an interview to an entertainment programme on Tokyo TV channel NHK, about both her work and entertainment in Laos in general.

The programme, which is unrelated to the Asia Pop Concert, interviews artists in Asian countries on entertainment issues and focuses on the popular artists in each country, and will broadcast live.

Director of Indee Records Anouluck Pathammavong said “During Nalin's visit to Japan we plan for her to make some music videos in cooperation with a video production team here. They are my partners and distribute Lao songs in Japan .”

Nalin's breakthrough came in 2006, when she won the Close Up Music Award; her winnings included a contract with Indee Records.

She first appeared as a backing vocalist on the song Khon Meu Song (Second-Hand Person) by local hard-rock favourites, The Cells.

Indee was impressed enough with her work to hold on to her the following year. This led to her debut album being produced by a line-up including Alouna, Tou, Silvia and Cells' vocalist Sak.

By PHOONSAB THEVONGSA
Vientianetimes

'Sabaidee'…First of all, I would like to ask all Thais out there for their love and support. My name is Lang-Sitthiprasert Kaewjaras. I am a 20-year-old from Laos, currently in my final year at the National University of Laos's Faculty of Economics. I am the only child in my family.

My dad is 66 years of age and his name is Dang Kaewjaras. He used to work at the Laos Ministry of Foreign Affairs before he resigned to work for Laos Airline. He has since retired. My mum, Sawatsri Kaewprasert, is now 59 years old and runs her own beauty salon. She hardly has any rest because she has so many customers!).

I never thought I would enter the entertainment business even though I had the opportunity several times in the past. I had a pretty straightforward childhood. My mum tells me I wasn't any trouble when she took me to the temple on Buddhist holy days. A lot of people came and talked to me when my mum took me out as I looked different, as if I were half-foreign...more news and photos>>


I think I am tall because I liked drinking milk. My mum says I hardly drank water, only milk and milk. She says that I drank several liters of milk a day. I was lucky to enjoy drinking milk, otherwise I would have been much shorter than this!



I never thought I would enter the entertainment business even though I had the opportunity several times in the past. I had a pretty straightforward childhood. My mum tells me I wasn't any trouble when she took me to the temple on Buddhist holy days. A lot of people came and talked to me when my mum took me out as I looked different, as if I were half-foreign.





I think I am tall because I liked drinking milk. My mum says I hardly drank water, only milk and milk. She says that I drank several liters of milk a day. I was lucky to enjoy drinking milk, otherwise I would have been much shorter than this!

Source: http://whoweeklymagazine.com

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

Sithpraseuth Keojarat or "Lang" is a new artist from Laos and is now preparing his full album in Thailand under the new music industry called: "Sea-Art" or Southeast Asia-Art Ltd.

Lang is a forth year student from the National University of Laos. He is very new and doesn't have any works related to the music and entertainment. His first appearance was the time when he won the title of the "Noum Dee Sao Den" contest organized by the National University of Laos... more >>

Lang had a chance to meet the president of Sea-Art, Mr. Ritthirong Kotaphan in Vientiane. For the first time they met, the president saw many talents hidden behind Lang and He finally invited Lang to join his company and to have trained in Bangkok for the quality of his album.

Sea-Art company Ltd is a new music company, doing a business mainly in Indochina by importing artists from the neighboring countries in order to do a music marketing and to conduct both the television program and international business in Thailand.

With more than 10-year experience, the Sea Art company has maintained a good relationship and sincerity from the neighboring countries. The president of Sea Art always wants to support and promote the youth from these countries who have a lot of abilities, but lack of oppotunities. The album "Lang motion I" is the first high grade piece of work from this company.





To watch the album preview of Lang, visit
video >> http://www.you2play.com/lang/vdo/
Photo >> http://www.you2play.com/lang/pix/

More of his video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWmPW69tOZc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hl-3rb_tWB0

A new feature film, entitled Sabaidee Luang Prabang , a collaboration between Lao Art Media and Thailand 's Spata, will soon be enthralling audiences with colourful images of Laos .

Work on the film began in December, with three of the 70 scenes filmed in Vientiane and the rest in Champassak and Luang Prabang provinces. It will be released ahead of Pi Mai Lao (Lao New Year) in April.

After approval by the various sectors, the producers expect to feature their film at the National Culture Hall and Lao-ITECC; at the same time it will be screened in theatres in Thailand .

The film tells the real-life story of a young man of mixed Lao-Australian parentage, who grew up in Australia immersed in a culture very different to that of his parents. But he falls in love with Lao charm and hospitality - and a beautiful girl - during a visit to his mother's home in Luang Prabang province...more info and photos>>

Thai actor Ananda Everingham, who was happy to contribute his time, play's the lead role, falling in love with a local Lao beauty, the daughter of a Luang Prabang souvenir shop owner.



“We didn't encounter many difficulties during shooting and our team was determined to produce a good film,” said the President of Lao Art Media, Mr Anousone Sirisackda, on Monday.

He was unable to calculate the overall cost of the production, but explained that everyone involved had tried to make the best film they could within budget, to capture the beauty of Laos for local and foreign audiences alike.

“The film won't just showcase the beauty of our nature and culture, but will also help to promote and develop the entertainment industry in Laos , particularly if it is successful in foreign cinemas,” Mr Anousone said. “After this release, I hope that Lao films and filmmakers will become more well-known and have the chance to work on further productions.”



The producers will be adding subtitles in English so that overseas visitors can follow the story and gain an insight into Laos .

By Phonesavanh Sangsomboun
Vientianetimes

More photos at:
http://www.activeboard.com/forum.spark?forumID=98894&p=3&topicID=15155300

The Ministry of Public Works and Transport plans to build four more bridges across the Mekong by 2010, according to a senior ministry official.

The Deputy Director General of the Bridge and Road Department, Mr Phan Phouthavong, said on Friday that the ministry's party committee, which held its congress in November, had agreed to the plan.

Two are set to span the border between Laos and Thailand and the others will cross the Mekong in Xayaboury province, he said....more info

He said the first bridge would link Thakhek district in Khammuan province and Nakhon Phanom in Thailand . The funding would come from the Thai government and a feasibility study was almost complete, with construction set to begin by the end of the year.

The second bridge would link Thadeua district in Xayaboury province and Pakkhone district in Luang Prabang province. A Korean bank has agreed to provide a low interest loan to the Lao government to build the bridge, according to Mr Phan.

Officials were still analysing the cost of the bridge, but he confirmed that the government wanted to start construction at the end of this year. The bridge will be two lanes wide and of similar design to those in Champassak province.

Mr Phan said the government was also negotiating funding to link Huayxai district in Bokeo province with Chiang Khong in Thailand . This project will be part of the superhighway connecting Bangkok , Thailand , with Kunming , China .

Negotiations between Lao, Thai and Chinese officials would take a while so he could not say when the project would begin. However, he said the ministry would do its best to have it finished by 2010.

The fourth bridge will connect Sanakham district in Vientiane province with Paklai district in Xayaboury province. Mr Phan said the government was currently seeking funds from international sources.

He said the ministry's party committee had agreed to try to bridge all major river crossings in Laos by 2010 to ensure easier transportation within the country. But he said this plan could be fulfilled only with the cooperation of all sectors and funding sources.

“This is our plan, but its success depends mainly on getting the necessary funding.”

The construction of the new bridges is part of government efforts to turn Laos from a landlocked to a land-linked country. Mr Phan said that people in Xayaboury province in particular would benefit from a bridge because it would give them greater access to markets for the sale of their produce.

The bridges will also be a great benefit to tourism development as tourists will have more options when travelling to and through Laos.

By Ekaphone Phouthonesy
Vientianetimes

Asian visitor arrivals to Laos surge

The steady increase in the number of visitor arrivals to Laos has continued, with a 29 percent rise during the first seven months of this year.

Visitor arrivals from January to July reached 887,842, up 29 percent from the same period last year, according to statistics from the Lao National Tourism Administration.

The figures indicate that Asean and regional visitors alone reached 765,255, up 35 percent compared to the same period last year, while there were 82,183 visitors from Europe , a 4 percent increase...more info

This period saw an increasing number of visitors not only from Southeast Asian countries but also non-Asean regional countries, especially Brunei , the Philippines , Singapore , India , Japan , and China .

People from European countries such as Greece , Germany , the Netherlands and Finland are also arriving in increasing numbers.

The only tourist group that did not increase in this time was visitors from central and South America , with only 36,250 during the period, according to statistics.

Thai visitors to Laos lead the way, with 519,288 (a 35 percent increase), followed by Vietnam with 155,754 (49 percent more than last year), and the US with 27,324 (a 1 percent increase).

“The increase in the number of tourists is due to our government's open-door policy to tourism, and the general stability of the country,” said the director of the administration's Department of Planning and Cooperation, Mr Sounh Manivong, yesterday.

“It's also the result of Lao tourism promotion efforts throughout the region and the world, from both state and private sectors.”

Mr Sounh said that Laos has become a well-known destination for visitors to Asia , and it is now easier to travel to and within the country, with upgraded transportation systems and more flights coming into the country from foreign airlines.

There have also been improvements in general facilities and services as well as tourism infrastructure, along with more visa exemption agreements with countries in the region that have allowed visitors to gain easier access to Laos , he said.

Most tourists arrive in Laos via the new Lao-Thai Mekong Friendship Bridge in Savannakhet province, and the border checkpoints from Thailand in Champassak and Luang Prabang provinces and Vientiane , Mr Sounh said.

By M.Vongsam-ang
Vientianetimes

Mr Vilasith Savath or Sith, 22, was announced as the first winner of the Mr Clear 2007 contest at Romeo nightclub in Vientiane on Sunday.

The event was held by the Unilever Thai Trading Ltd, a distributor of Clinic Clear Shampoo which held this event to select presenters and advertising models.

“I did not think I would win as there were so many smart-looking guys on the stage with me, but I just did my best,” Mr Sith said....more info >>

Vilasith, originally from Luang Prabang province, received a prize of 2.5 million kip, the Clinic Clear trophy 2007, a Clinic Clear gift set, and will become a promoter for the company for one year.



The runner up, Mr Santi Luangkhot or Dono, 17, was voted the Sexiest Man and received prizes worth 1.5million kip plus a Clinic Clear gift set.

The third place prize for the Most Active Man went to Mr Inthanousin Sivilaisak or Ai, 18, who received 1 million kip and a Clinic Clear gift set.



The Most Charming Guy was Mr Phongsathon Vongthavon or Billy, 20, while the Healthiest Man was Mr Vixayaphone Phoneseua or Gig, 22, and the Best Sportsman was Mr Phouttakon Bouttaveht or Ae, 25, each of whom received 600,000 kip and a Clinic Clear gift set.

The Manager of Clinic Clear Thailand, Ms Alounny Atsavalerthsak said, “The contest, entitled Mr Clear 2007 , represents the first time that we have held such a competition in Laos . The idea was to choose well-presented young men to appear in newspapers, magazines and on billboards advertising our products here.”




The organiser opened applications last month, over 50 people participated and six contestants were chosen to compete on Sunday.

The event opened with a showcase of breakdancing skills by dancers from the Lao Bangfai Breakdancing Club and was followed by a fashion show where six young men modeled sportswear and casual clothes.

During the evening there were many games, with the winners receiving company products as prizes.

The event also featured a mini-concert by artists from Indee Records including Modern Dance, Princess and LOG, who entertained the audience before the announcement of the winner.

The votes that decided the winner were 50 percent from the judging panel and 50 percent from the audience.

MORE PHOTOS*

By PHOONSAB THEVONGSA
September 04, 2007
Vientianetimes

28 Laotian youth leaders and young professionals are chosen across Laos as delegates to the 2007 Ship for SouthEast Asian Youth Program (SSEAYP).

The 28 Lao participating youth are part of a 300-member delegation from within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Japan...more info >>

The SSEAYP, an annual youth diplomatic cultural exchange program sponsored by the Cabinet Office of Japan, administered in the country by the National Youth Commission (NYC), and is participated in by delegations from Japan and the ASEAN countries, aims to “cultivate the spirit of Asian cooperation” through fostering and strengthening camaraderie and mutual understanding between and among the young people of Southeast Asia and Japan by providing 300 of them annually the opportunity to live together for around two months on board luxury sea vessel M/S Nippon Maru and visit the participating countries.

While on board the ship, the participants will have interactions through solid group activities, discussions, exhibits, cultural presentations and other activities. While on country visits, they will undertake various activities such as courtesy call, interaction with local youth, educational visits to relevant institutions, and home stay with local families.

The Lao delegation will join its counterparts from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Japan in Singapore on October 22 for the inauguration ceremony.

SSEAYP 2007 is scheduled to be held from 22 October to 12 December 2007. During this period, the ship will visit five of the ten ASEAN countries namely Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Laos (by air) and Japan

Members of the Lao Participating Youths (LPY) to this year’s SSEAYP include Tomm, member of Princess, famous group girl band.

SSEAYP started in January 1974 based on Joint Statements issued between Japan and the five ASEAN countries, namely, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Brunei Darussalam joined in 1985. Vietnam participated in the programme in 1996 while Laos and Myanmar participated in 1998. Cambodia joined the programme in 2000.

MORE PHOTOS OF LAO Participating youth this year at: http://www.activeboard.com/forum.spark?forumID=98894&p=3&topicID=13413226

http://samakomlao.blogspot.com

The Lao National Tourism Administration will host an Asean tourism forum next month, with the aim of promoting eco-tourism in Laos and in other Asean member countries.

The 2007 Lao Ecotourism Forum will bring together and display the highest quality and most innovative ecotourism products and services on offer in the Mekong Region.

Lao Ecotourism Forum, which comes alive from 26 to 29 July in Laos will be one of the biggest Ecotourism based travel Mart in Asia. ‘Laos is one of the leading Asian countries that practises Eco Tourism in to its true colours... more info>>

2007 Lao Ecotourism Forum will come alive under the theme 'Bridging the Mekong Region'. The main stake holders of the Forum would be tour operators, travel agents, accommodation providers, development agencies, government authorities and indigenous communities from throughout the Asia Region. They will gather under the same roof to network and expand ecotourism opportunities in their respective countries. This event is a must for anyone interested in shaping the course of ecotourism development.

Objectives of the Forum

*To promote high quality ecotourism-related products and services that showcase the natural and cultural heritage of Laos and the Mekong Region

*Increase business opportunities and networking between ecotourism providers and consumers, with an aim to increase knowledge of the Mekong Region around the world

*To facilitate discussions and an exchange of ideas about the successes and potential for developing ecotourism programs that support poverty alleviation and the protection of natural and cultural heritage in the Mekong Region

*To build the links with the Asian Eco Tourism operators and buyers.

Contest winners to promote mobile phone company

The Samart I-mobile Phone Company selected six teenagers to represent the company, during the final round of its I-mobile Star Challenge 2007 contest held in Vientiane on Sunday.

Twelve teenagers, from Luang Prabang province and Vientiane , took part in the contest.

The company 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, six were selected to represent the company in commercial pitches on Thai television...more info and photos !!

Mr Vithaya Pholthisane came first, Ms Mayla-ong was the runner-up, Mr Inthanouxay Akhalath came third, and Ms Phetdavanh Duangvilay came fourth.







More photos >>

Two others, Ms Yadmany Sivixay and Mr Inthanongsak, also received congratulatory prizes.

Most of the contestants will visit the company's headquarters, I-mobile by Samart Company (Sayam), in Bangkok, Thailand, to promote Lao traditions, culture and tourist attractions.

“The first thing they will do is visit the headquarters of the I-mobile phone company in Thailand . They will talk to the media as well as join in concerts with popular Thai singers Thaithanium and Amita Marie Young (Tata Young) in Bangkok from May 25-26,” Sayam International company chairman, Mr Sayam Ramasoot, said yesterday.

“We will promote Lao culture, traditions and tourist sites by airing footage taped of the many activities the contestants took part in before they reached the final round,” Mr Sayam said.

The company will encourage the winners to be good role models for Lao teenagers during their year long tenure.

“We will help them to reach their goals during the year. If any of them wants to become a singer or an actor, we will support them and promote them in Laos and Thailand ,” he explained.

The contest started at 7pm on May 20 at the International Trade and Exhibition and Convention Centre with a video of the activities the 12 contestants had attended in the run-up to the contest.

During the final round, the 12 finalists sang in musical dramas, performed song and dance routines and answered questions from the Master of Ceremonies.

“We spent a lot of money on the stage setting for each contestant. Various techniques for lighting and sound were brought in from Thailand so that the atmosphere suited the character of each performer,” Samart I-mobile Managing Director, Ms Suphitcha Ramasoot, said.

After the performance, local rock band The Cells were invited on stage to play their hit numbers, also popular in Thailand, such as Wan (Sweet), Khon Mue Song (Second Hand), Dee Kua Bor Mee Phai (Better than Nothing) and Leuk Leuk (Deep into My Heart).

The company also invited Thai singer Dom Pakonrum to perform, and he was warmly welcomed by local fans.

By Souknilundon Southivongnorath

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.

By SOUKNILUNDON SOUTHIVONGNORATH
vientianetimes

Foreign investment on the rise in Laos
(KPL) 440 million USD of foreign investment was pumped into Laos over the first six months of the 2006-2007 fiscal year which began from October 2006. The Lao government granted licences to 122 foreign investment projects over the period, accounting for 70 percent of the government’s target of 171 for the whole year. The majority of investments were made in the areas of agriculture, garment and textiles, industry, handicraft, mining, energy, trade, hotels, restaurants and services.

For the period, the biggest investors into the country are as follow:
1. China
2. France
3. Japan
4. The Republic of Korea
5. Myanmar
6. Poland
7. Sweden
8. Thailand
9. The US
10.Viet Nam

Source: kpl.net.la

The saying goes that if the hard-working Vietnamese sew the rice, Cambodia's creative types would plant it in pretty rows, while their relaxed Laotian neighbours watch it grow. And nowhere is this south-east Asian stereotype truer than in Laos.

From lazy trips down the Mekong to sipping green tea against the backdrop of crumbling post-French grandeur in Luang Prabang, this rural gem of a country offers you the chance to step back and unwind on an active holiday with a supremely laid-back twist... more

Cross the Mekong from Chiang Khong in northern Thailand to Huay Xai and you can get a two-week visa on arrival, or you can arrange a month's stay before you leave Thailand. It will be two days on the slow boat with an overnight stop before you reach Luang Prabang, but well worth the effort. What this journey lacks in comfort - more than you can imagine - it certainly makes up for in scenery. Moody grey-brown waters carry you relentlessly forward through Laos' green hills.

However, if you would rather reach Laos in more comfort, a flight from Bangkok is the easiest way. Thai Airways and Lao Airlines will get you to the capital Vientiane in little over an hour.

It is hard to imagine a town more perfect than Luang Prabang. The elegant simplicity of the Buddhist temples stand in stark contrast to their golden counterparts in Thailand or India, and the crumbling opulence of the French era leaves a stylish atmosphere you will struggle to find elsewhere in Asia. Foodies should head down to the river where there is a great BBQ joint. Be bold, for this is the place to try buffalo, chicken's feet and all manner of insect-related delicacies.

The breathtaking Kuang Si waterfalls are about 40 minutes drive south of town and you can get a lift with a tour guide. Threeland Travel are most helpful, or alternatively you can take a local tuk-tuk at break-neck speed down a dirt track road to this postcard from paradise.

After a surreal walk through a mini zoo, you will find perfect blue-green lagoons for swimming and several tiers of waterfalls to play with. If you fancy yourself as a Herbal Essences lady, then test your endurance under one of the falls - you will not last long.

From Luang Prabang let the adventure take you to Phonsavanh and the plain of jars. The clue is in the name here and you can expect hundreds and hundreds of huge stone jars of disputed origin. Some believe they were used as burial sites, others that they were used to store rice wine - something of a national obsession.

Having tried this potent spirit, you may not want to imagine a container this size full of it, particularly since your guide is likely to have offered up a swig at breakfast time. You should note that a tour guide is needed for this trip and you should not stray from marked paths as Uncle Sam bombed the area heavily during the Vietnam War leaving a disastrous amount of unexploded ordnance as his legacy. Stone Henge this is not, but it is well worth a look.

From Phonsavanh, whether your active holiday takes you south to the 4,000 islands of Si Phan Don or west to the limestone peaks of Vang Vieng, count on two things: the omnipresent Mekong and natural treasures untold.

For more information on visiting Laos see the official Laos tourism website and the travelbite country guide.

Amy Morris
Source: www.travelbite.co.uk