What Thais Need to Know and Learn about Laotians




Of the nine other members of Asean, Thailand is most culturally, linguistically and economically linked to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. The economic interdependence of the two nations is particularly important and Laos is clearly part of the ”Baht Zone”. The baht can be used easily anywhere in Laos.
Thailand critically needs energy imports from Laos and the Lao in turn need many consumer goods from Thailand. Also approximately one third of the Thai population has Lao cultural and linguistic roots.
Often Thais like to define their relationship with the Lao as “brothers and sisters”. but the Lao scholar and historian, Ajarn Mayoury Ngaosyvathn, instead calls simply for the nations to be close and friendly neighbours.
As we all know Thailand is amazing in many ways, but Laos is also amazing. What is most remarkable is that Laos has survived as a political and cultural identity despite being landlocked and surrounded by five powerful and much larger neighbours, namely, China, Vietnam, Myanmar, Thailand, and Cambodia.
Unfortunately there are many Thai misunderstandings about Laos and the Lao. First, many think that the Isaan (Northeast) language and Lao language arethe same. They are indeed similar but not the same. Once they were the same, but diverged over time because of 1) French colonialism, 2) communism, and 3) the Thaiification of the Isaan language.
Nearly all geographic and mathematics terminology in the Lao language, for example, is Frenchderived. If a person asks for “galaem” in Isaan, they will normally get a blank stare. “Galaem” is the Lao word for ice cream.
A second misunderstanding relates to the phrase “mai mi arai” (there is nothing there) referring to Laos. Many Thai travel to Vientiane, Laos for just one day, not even staying the night. They shop at the ”morning” market, have lunch at a nice restaurant on the Mekong, and visit a couple of prominent temples. They have “done Laos”.
I once took a group of Thai students on a study tour of Laos for two months. At the beginning they could not fathom why we were spending two months in a place where “mai mi arai”. At the end of the two months, they indicated a desire to stay longer. Obviously over time they came to realise how much there was to learn about Laos.
The Thai history, geography, and social science curricula on Laos need to be reviewed and revised. Students, for example, should be exposed to both Thai and Lao perspectives on the historical relations between the two nations. They should examine King Chao Anu both as a villain (Thai perspective) and hero (Lao perspective).
They need to analyse critically why Laos became communist and why the new government significantly reformed the Lao language.
They need to be exposed to how the Thai and Lao languages are the same and differ. The word “Thai/tai” is particularly interesting. In Thai, it means free, while in Lao it means people. Tai Luang Pabang, means Luang Pabang people, not Thai people living there.
As part of both cultural and moral education (and given the growing influence and power of social media), students need to know that ethnic jokes aboutthe Lao and Isaan people are inappropriate. Some of the gross ethnic jokes I have heard about the Lao are unprintable here. Also celebrities in their interviews need to be culturally sensitive in their remarks about the Lao. Some unfortunate incidents have occurred in the past.
Thais need to study and be more aware of more important Lao scholars and writers such as the prominent historian Maha Sila Viravong (originally from Roi Et) and his three children, who are all noted writers, and Ajarns Pheuiphanh and Mayoury Ngaosyvathn, prolific Lao scholars and historians.
One enjoyable technique for teaching about the subtle differences between the two cultures is to present ambiguous images of both cultures and have students themselves ascertain which image is Thai and which is Lao. Watching critically movies such as “Sabai Di Luang Prabang” can also be a fun and effective way for Thais to learn about their important neighbour.
Even though most Lao can understand Thai, they deeply appreciate it when Thais make the effort to speak their language, which is relatively easy, giventhe similarities between the two languages. Dr Sumontha Promboon, former president of Srinakharinwirot University, made a great effort to speak and write Lao well, when serving as an ADB consultant in Laos. Her effort was extremely well received. HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, former Prime Minister Anand Panyarachun, Prof Charnwit Kasetsiri, Dr Prawese Wasi, and Sulak Sivaraksa have all shown impressive and exemplary cultural sensitivity in writing about and interacting with the Lao people.
What is most important for the future of ThaiLao relations in the AEC (ASEAN Economic Community) era is for Thais to enhance their cultural empathy of the Lao and their rich cultures and history.
Article originally published in The Nation, June 25, 2012
by Gerald W Fry, Distinguished International Professor
Department of Organisational Leadership, Policy, and Development, University of Minnesota
gwf@umn.edu

ການທຳຄວາມເຂົ້າໃຈ ລະຫ່ວາງ ເພື່ອນບ້ານ : ຄົນໄທ ຕ້ອງຮຽນຮູ້ ແລະເຂົ້າໃຈຫຍັງແດ່ ກ່ຽວກັບລາວ.


ໃນຈຳນວນອີກເກົ້າປະເທດທີ່ເປັນສະມາຊິກຂອງກຸ່ມອາຊຽນ, ປະເທດໄທເປັນປະເທດ ທີ່ມີຂະນົບທຳນຽມ ທາງວັດ ທະນາທຳ, ການໃຊ້ພາສາແລະເສດຖະກິດ ທີ່ເຊື່ອມໂຍງກັບ ສາທາລະນະລັດປະຊາທິປະໄຕປະຊາຊົນລາວ ຫຼາຍທີ່ສຸດ.  ການເພິ່ງພາເຊິ່ງກັນແລະກັນຂອງສອງປະເທດນີ້ໂດຍສະເພາະທາງດ້ານເສດຖະກິດ ແມ່ນມີຄວາມສຳຄັນຫຼາຍ ແລະ ເຫັນໄດ້ຢ່າງຊັດເຈນວ່າ ລາວແມ່ນພາກສ່ວນໜຶ່ງຂອງ  “ເຂດທີ່ໃຊ້ເງີນບາດ”. ເງີນບາດສາມາດໃຊ້ໄດ້ໃນທຸກໆແຫ່ງຂອງປະເທດລາວ ຢ່າງສະດວກສະບາຍ.
ປະເທດໄທມີຄວາມຕ້ອງການອັນຈຳເປັນທີ່ຈະນຳເຂົ້າພະລັງງານຈາກລາວ ແລະໃນທາງກັບກັນ ຄົນລາວກໍ່ຕ້ອງການສິນຄ້າບໍລິໂພກຫຼາຍຢ່າງຈາກປະເທດໄທ. ເຊັ່ນດຽວກັນ, ປະມານໜຶ່ງສ່ວນສາມຂອງປະຊາກອນ ໃນປະເທດໄທ ມີຮາກເຫງົ້າພາສາແລະວັດທະນາທຳມາຈາກລາວ.
ຄົນໄທມັກຈະຖືສະເໝີວ່າ ຄວາມສໍາພັນຂອງເຂົາເຈົ້າຕໍ່ຄົນລາວ ປຽບສະເໝືອນ “ ອ້າຍແລະນ້ອງ ”. ແຕ່ ອາຈານ ມາຍຸຣີ ເງົາສີວັດ, ນັກວິຊາການແລະນັກປະຫວັດສາດລາວ, ແທນທີ່ດ້ວຍການຮ້ອງແບບທົ່ວໆໄປສຳຫຼັບຄວາມສໍາ ພັນຂອງສອງປະເທດນີ້ວ່າ ເພື່ອນບ້ານທີ່ໄກ້ຄຽງແລະເປັນມິດກັນ.
ດັ່ງທີ່ພວກເຮົາຮູ້ແລ້ວວ່າ ປະເທດໄທມີຄວາມມະຫັດສະຈັນໃນຫຼາຍດ້ານ, ແຕ່ ລາວ ກໍ່ເປັນປະເທດທີ່ມະຫັດສະຈັນເຊັ່ນດຽວກັນ. ສິ່ງທີ່ໜ້າພາກພູມໃຈທີ່ສຸດກໍ່ຄື ລາວສາມາດຮັກໄວ້ເຊິ່ງຄວາມເປັນເອກະລັກທາງການເມືອງແລະວັດ ທະນາທຳຂອງຕົນ ເຖີງແມ່ນວ່າ ຈະເປັນປະເທດທີ່ບໍ່ມີທາງອອກສູ່ທະເລ ແລະຖືກອ້ອມຮອບດ້ວຍ ຫ້າປະເທດເພື່ອນບ້ານທີ່ມີອຳນາດແລະຂະໜາດທີ່ໃຫຍ່ກ່ວາເຊັ່ນ ຈີນ, ຫວຽດນາມ, ມຽນມາ, ໄທ ແລະກຳປູເຈຍ.
ແຕ່ເປັນທີ່ໜ້າເສຍດາຍ, ມີການເຂົ້າໃຈຜິດຂອງຄົນໄທຫຼາຍຄົນ ກ່ຽວກັບປະເທດລາວແລະຄົນລາວ. ອັນທີໜຶ່ງ, ຫຼາຍຄົນເຂົ້າໃຈວ່າ ພາສາອີສານ (ພາກຕາເວັນອອກສ່ຽງເໜືອ) ແລະພາສາລາວແມ່ນອັນດຽວກັນ. ຄວາມຈິງ ສອງພາສານີ້ຄ້າຍຄືກັນແທ້ ແຕ່ບໍ່ແມ່ນອັນດຽວກັນ. ເມື່ອກ່ອນສອງພາສານີ້ເຄີຍເປັນພາສາດຽວກັນ ແຕ່ກໍ່ຖືກແຍກອອກໃນເວລາຕໍ່ມາ ເພາະວ່າ 1) ການລ່າອານານິຄົມຂອງຝຣັ່ງເສດ, 2) ລະບອບ ຄອມມູນິດ, ແລະ 3) ໄທດັດແປງພາສາພາສາອີສານໃຫ້ເປັນພາສາໄທ.
ການບັນຍັດສັບ ຫຼືຄຳສັບສະເພາະ ກ່ຽວກັບພູມສາດແລະຄະນິດສາດ ໃນພາສາລາວ ເກືອບທັງໝົດແມ່ນມາຈາກພາສາຝຣັ່ງເສດ, ຕົວຢ່າງ. ຖ້າວ່າ ມີຜູ້ໃດຜູ້ໜຶ່ງຖາມຫາ “ ກະແລ່ມ ” ໃນພາກອີສານ, ຄົນຜູ້ນັ້ນກໍຈະຖືກແນມເບິ່ງໜ້າເສີຍໆແລະຈະບໍ່ໄດ້ຫຍັງ. ຄຳວ່າ “ ກະແລ່ມ ” ໃນພາສາລາວໝາຍເຖີງ ໄອຊ໌ຄຣີມ.
ຄວາມເຂົ້າໃຈຜິດອັນທີສອງ ແມ່ນກ່ຽວຂ້ອງກັບປະໂຫຍກຄຳເວົ້າທີ່ວ່າ “ ໄມ່ ມີ ອະໄຣ ” (ບໍ່ມີຫຍັງຢູ່ທີ່ນັ້ນ) ໝາຍເຖີງປະເທດລາວ. ມີຄົນໄທຫຼາຍຄົນທີ່ເດີນທາງໄປວຽຈັນ, ປະເທດລາວ ພຽງມື້ດຽວ ແລະກໍບໍ່ໄດ້ນອນຄ້າງຄືນດ້ວຍຊ້ຳ. ພວກເຂົາ ພຽງແຕ່ໄປຊື້ເຄື່ອງຢູ່ຕະຫຼາດ “ເຊົ້າ”, ກິນເຂົ້າທ່ຽງຢູ່ຮ້ານອາຫານດີໆແຖວ ແຄມຂອງ ແລະ ກໍເຂົ້າຢ້ຽມຊົມວັດທີ່ມີຊື່ສຽງໂດດເດັ່ນຈັກສອງວັດ. ພຽງເທົ່ານັ້ນພວກເຂົາກໍ່ຖືວ່າ “ ສຳເລັດການມາລາວແລ້ວ ”.
ມີຄັ້ງໜຶ່ງ ຂ້າພະເຈົ້າເຄີຍນຳພາກຸ່ມນັກສຶກສາໄທ ໄປທັດສະນະສຶກສາກ່ຽວກັບປະເທດລາວ ເປັນເວລາສອງເດືອນ. ໃນໄລຍະທຳອິດ ພວກນັກສຶກສາບໍ່ສາມາດທຳຄວາມເຂົ້າໃຈໄດ້ຢ່າງລະອຽດວ່າ ເປັນຫຍັງພວກເຂົາຈຶ່ງຕ້ອງມາໃຊ້ເວລາຕັ້ງສອງເດືອນ ໃນພື້ນທີ່ ທີ່ “ ໄມ່ ມີ ອາໄຣ ” ຄືແນວນີ້. ໃນຊ່ວງໄລຍະສຸດທ້າຍຂອງການທັດທະນະສຶກສາ, ພວກເຂົາສະແດງໃຫ້ເຫັນເຈດຈຳນົງ ທີ່ຈະຢູ່ຕໍ່ອີກ. ເຫັນໄດ້ຢ່າງຊັດເຈນວ່າ ຕະຫຼອດເວລາຂອງການທັດສະນາະສຶກ ສາ ພວກເຂົາສຳນຶກໄດ້ເຖີງຄວາມຫຼາກຫຼາຍທີ່ພວກເຂົາໄດ້ຮຽນຮູ້ແລະເຂົ້າໃຈກ່ຽວກັບປະເທດລາວ.
ຫຼັກສູດທາງປະຫວັດສາດ, ພູມສາດ ແລະວິທະຍາສາດສັງຄົມ ຂອງໄທ ກ່ຽວກັບປະເທດລາວ ຄວນຈະມີການທົບທວນແລະປັບປຸງ. ຍົກຕົວຢ່າງ, ນັກສຶກສາ ຄວນຮັບຮູ້ແລະສຳພັດກັບ ທັງລາວແລະໄທ ກ່ຽວກັບຄວາມສຳພັນທາງ ປະຫວັດສາດລະຫ່ວາງສອງຊາດ. ພວກເຂົາຄວນສຶກສາຄົ້ນຄ້ວາກ່ຽວກັບປະຫວັດ ເຈົ້າອານຸວົງ ຜູ້ເຊິ່ງເປັນທັງ ຜູ້ຊົ່ວຮ້າຍ (ໃນມຸມມອງຂອງຄົນໄທ) ແລະ ວິລະຊົນ (ໃນມຸມມອງຂອງຄົນລາວ).
ພວກເຂົາຈຳເປັນຕ້ອງສຶກສາວິໃຈວ່າ ເປັນຫຍັງປະເທດລາວຈຶ່ງກາຍເປັນຄອມມູນິດ ແລະເປັນຫຍັງລັດຖະບານໃໝ່ ຈຶ່ງປະຕິຮູບພາສາລາວ.
ພວກເຂົາຄວນຈະຄົ້ນຫາວ່າ ພາສາໄທແລະພາສາລາວມີຄວາມຄ້າຍຄືແລະແຕກຕ່າງກັນແນວໃດ. ສະເພາະຄຳສັບທີ່ວ່າ “ ໄທ ” ແມ່ນມີຄວາມໜ້າສົນໃນຕົວຂອງມັນ. ໃນພາສາໄທ ຄຳວ່າ “ ໄທ ” ມີຄວາມໝາຍວ່າ ມີອິສະຫຼະ ພາບ ໃນຂະນະທີ່ ໃນພາສາລາວ ໝາຍຄວາມວ່າ ຄົນ. ຕົວຢ່າງ ໄທຫຼວງພຣະບາງ ໝາຍຄວາມວ່າ ຄົນຫຼວງພຣະ ບາງ, ບໍ່ໄດ້ໝາຍຄວາມວ່າ ຄົນໄທທີ່ດຳລົງຊີວິດຢູ່ທີ່ນັ້ນ.
ໃນຖານະທີ່ເປັນພາກສ່ວນຂອງການສຶກສາທັງສອງຢ່າງ ວັດທະນາທຳແລະສິນລະທຳ (ແລະການໄດ້ຮັບອິດທິພົນຈາກການຈະເລີນເຕີບໂຕ ແລະອຳນາດຂອງ ສື່ທາງສັງຄົມ), ນັກສຶກສາຈຳເປັນຕ້ອງຮູ້ວ່າ ນິທານຕາຫຼົກພື້ບ້ານ ກ່ຽວກັບຄົນລາວແລະຄົນອີສານ ແມ່ນບໍ່ເມາະສົມ. ນິທານຕາຫຼົກພື້ນບ້ານຈຳນວນໜຶ່ງ ທີ່ຂ້າພະເຈົ້າເຄີຍໄດ້ຍິນ ບໍ່ສາມາດຈະເອົາມາພິມລົງທີ່ນີ້ໄດ້. ເຊັ່ນດຽວກັນ ບັນດານັກສະແດງ ຫຼືດາລາ ໃນເວລາໃຫ້ສຳພາດ ກໍຈຳເປັນຕ້ອງ ມີຄວາມລະອຽດອ່ອນທາງວັດທະນາທຳ ໃນເວລາທີ່ສະແດງຂໍ້ຄິດເຫັນກ່ຽວກັບລາວ. ໃນອາດີດກໍ່ເຄີຍມີເຫດການທີ່ບໍ່ຄາດຄິດກ່ຽວກັບປະເດັນນີ້ເກີດຂື້ນແລ້ວ.
ຄົນໄທຈຳເປັນຕ້ອງຮຽນຮູ້ແລະເຂົ້າໃຈຕື່ມ ກ່ຽວກັບນັກວິຊາການແລະນັນຂຽນທີ່ສຳຄັນຂອງລາວ ເຊັ່ນ ມາຫາ ສີລາ ວິຣະວັງ, ນັກປະຫວັດສາດຜູ້ໂດ່ງດັ່ງ (ພື້ນຖານມາຈາກ ຈັງຫວັດ ຣ້ອຍເອັດ) ແລະລູກຂອງເພີ່ນທັງສາມຄົນ ກໍເປັນນັກຂຽນທີ່ມືຊື່ສຽງທັງໝົດ, ນອກນີ້ ກໍຍັງມີ ອາຈານ ຜິວພັນ ແລະ ອາຈານ ມະຍຸຣີ ເງົາສີວັດ ເຊິ່ງເປັນນັກວິຊາ ການແລະນັກປະຫວັດສາດລາວທີ່ມີຜົນງານຢ່າງຫຼວງຫຼາຍ.
ເຕັກໜຶ່ງທີ່ໜ້າສະໜຸກສະໜານໃນການສອນກ່ຽວກັບຄວາມແຕກຕ່າງທີ່ເລິກເຊິ່ງລະຫ່ວາງສອງວັດທະນາທຳ ກໍ່ຄື ນຳສະເໜີຮູບພາບທີ່ສາມາດສື່ຄວາມໝາຍໄດ້ໃນຫຼາຍແງ່ມູມຂອງທັງສອງວັດທະນາທຳ ແລະໃຫ້ນັກສຶກສາຄົ້ນຄ້ວາວ່າ ຮູບພາບໃດແມ່ນໄທ ແລະຮູບໃດແມ່ນລາວ. ການເບີ່ງຮູບເງົາໃນເຊິີງການວິຈານ ເຊັ່ນ ຮູບເງົາເລື່ອງ “ສະບາຍດີ ຫຼວງພຣະບາງ” ກໍ່ເປັນອີກວິທີໜຶ່ງທີ່ສະໜຸກສະໜານແລະມີປະສິດທິຜົນສໍາຫຼັບ ຄົນໄທ ທີ່ຈະຮຽຮຮູ້ແລະເຂົ້າໃຈກ່ຽວ ກັບເພື່ອນບ້ານທີ່ສຳຄັນຂອງພວກເຂົາ.
ເຖີງແມ່ນວ່າຄົນລາວເກືອບທັງໝົດ ສາມາດເຂົ້າໃຈພາສາໄທ, ແຕ່ເຂົາເຈົ້າກໍ່ຈະຊາບຊຶ້ງຢ່າງເລິກເຊິ່ງ ເມື່ອເຫັນຄົນໄທສະແດງຄວາມພະຍາຍາມທີ່ຈະປາກພາສາຂອງພວກເຂົາ ເຊິ່ງມັນກໍ່ເປັນເລື່ອງທີ່ຂ້ອນຂ້າງງ່າຍ ເນື່ອງຈາກຄວາມຄ້າຍຄືກັນລະຫ່ວາງສອງພາສາ. ດຣ. ສຸມົນທາ ພຣົມບູນ, ອະດີດອະທິການບໍດີ ຂອງມະຫາວິທະຍາໄລ ສຣີ ນະຄະຣິນວິໂຣດ ໄດ້ໃຊ້ຄວາມພະຍາຍາມຢ່າງໃຫຍ່ຫຼວງຈົນສາມາດປາກ ແລະຂຽນພາສາລາວໄດ້ເປັນຢ່າງດີ ໃນເວລາທີ່ເພີ່ນເປັນທີ່ປຶກສາໃຫ້ທະນາຄານພັດທະນາອາຊີ (ADB) ທີ່ປະເທດລາວ. ຄວາມພະຍາຍາມດັ່ງກ່າວຂອງເພີ່ນໄດ້ເປັນທີ່ຮັບຮູ້ຢ່າງຊາບຊຶ້ງ. ສົມເດັດເຈົ້າຟ້າ ພຣະມະຫາ ຈັກກຣີ ສິຣິນທອນ, ທ່ານ ອານັນ ປັນຍາຣະຊຸນ, ອະດີດນາຍົກລັດຖະມົນຕີ, ສາດສະດາຈານ ຊານວິດ ກະເສດສີຣິ, ດຣ. ປຣະເວສ໌ ວາສີ ແລະ ສຸລັກ ສີວະຣັກສາ  ໄດ້ສະແດງຄວາມປະທັບໃຈ ແລະຄວາມຮູ້ສຶກທາງວັດທະນາທຳທີ່ຄວນຖືເປັນແບບຢ່າງ ໃນບົດຂຽນ ແລະການມີສຳພັນທະໄມຕີ ຂອງພວກເພີ່ນກັບຄົນລາວ.
ສິ່ງທີ່ສຳຄັນທີ່ສຸດ ສຳຫຼັບຄວາມສຳພັນໄທ-ລາວໃນຍຸກສະໄໝໃໝ່ແຫ່ງປະຊາຄົມເສດຖະກິດອາຊຽນ (AEC), ສຳ ຫຼັບຄົນໄທ ຕ້ອງເພີ້ມທະວີຄວາມເອົາໃຈໃສ່ທາງດ້ານວັດທະນາທຳຂອງຄົນລາວ ພ້ອມທັງປະຫວັດສາດແລະວັດທະ ນາທຳອັນຫຼາກຫຼາຍແລະອຸດົມສົມບູນຂອງເຂົາເຈົ້າ.


10:56 PM | Posted in , , , , | Read More »

Third Lao-Thai friendship bridge qick off


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

2:16 PM | Posted in , , , , , , , , , , | Read More »

Feedbacks of Sabaidee Luang Prabang from Laos

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

10:11 PM | Posted in , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Read More »

Lao TV viewers criticised superstar Alexandra Bounxouei

Many of us here may have already watched Alexandra Bounxouei on Thai TV drama called: "Pheng Huk Rim Fang Khong" and the ongoing drama "Layrai Rouk Sao Pa" on Channel 7 Thailand. From the roles of Alexandra on these two drama, many Lao TV viewers show their like and dislike toward the role of Alexandra in the TV and criticized her that she made many mistakes in mixing Lao with thai words. The ecom newspaper interviewed some Lao students in Vientiane in the sense that they want Alexandra to improve herself in the next drama...more info>>

"I watched Alexandra in both Thai TV drama. Her performance is comparable to many professonal thai actresses. In other words, she made many mistakes, especially she mixed many Thai to Lao words, thus made her lack of identity. I would not criticised Alexandra much caused she might act following the scripts and to what the director of the drama told her" said Miss Oun, who is now studying at ITCT.

Miss Soumaly, 2nd year student from Rattana colleage, said : " I know that Alexandra is very good at singing and if you ask me about her role in thai TV drama, I would say that she performed pretty good in both drama, but I really don't like the way she speak Lao mix with Thai words. That may drive many laotian TV viewers not very pleased. I don't think we can criticised much about her, she got money from the Thai side and she has to follow what they told her to do.

"I think it is a great honor for Alexandra to be able to perform in Thai TV drama and this will make thai people understand Lao much better. I believe that nowaday the most criticised about Alexandra is about her language usages. It would be nice if she could improve this points" said Mr. Kittisak, 2nd year student from ITCT.

Miss Vankham, the staff from NTP company shared with us her opinion that "I don't like at all the way she speaks lao mixed with many Thai words. You can see clearly on Raylai Louk Sao Pa drama. Many thai people watch TV drama from this channel and they may disappointed to see Alexandra speak Lao incorrectly. I do not mean to make her down, but I just really want to see her improving her langauges.

In conclusions, many Lao TV viewers strongly criticised about her langauge usage and want her to improve more on this point.

Traslate by TT

Source: ecom

8:09 AM | Posted in , , , , , , , , | Read More »

Lao language “problems amid external influence”


(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

12:28 PM | Posted in , , , , , , , , , | Read More »

Laos wins 2 gold medals more from Judo !

(KPL) Lao Judo players won two gold medals more at the 24th SEA Games on 11 December.

Mayouly Phanouvong and Phonevane Si-amphone defeated Thai rivals, and Vietnamese’s in Ju-No Kata double’s women with the top 275.5 points, while Viengvilay Chansy and Chindavong Sivanvilay won the hearts of juries with their best performance in Nage-No Kata double’s men.

Lao athletes also won nine bronze medals including two from petanque, four from boxing, two from Mouay Lao and one from rugby on 11 December.
To 11 December Laos ranks the 8th in top-ten ASEAN Games chart wining four gold medals, one silver and 22 bronze medals.

KPL

11:12 AM | Posted in , , , , , , , , , | Read More »

Luang prabang guy crowned the title of Mr. Clean in Laos 2007

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

8:41 PM | Posted in , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Read More »

I-mobile contest to surprise audience in Laos


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

11:35 AM | Posted in , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Read More »

Opinion from Lao media toward the dramma "Mon Ruk Rim Fang Kong"


The thai TV dramma entitled "Mon Ruk Rim Fang Kong" was finally on air last month on Thai TV channel 7, after many editions to make the story not to affect the relationship between the people of the two countries: Laos and Thailand. Follow are feedback from Lao people via Kaosan Pathetlao...more in lao language, click here


ໃນທີ່ສຸດ ລະຄອນ “ເພງຣັກລີມຝັ່ງໂຂງ” ຫລື “ເພງຮັກແຄມຝັ່ງຂອງ” ກໍໄດ້ລົງຈໍທາງໂທລະພາບຊ່ອງ 7 ຂອງໄທ, ພາຍຫລັງມີການນຳກັບໄປດັດແກ້ ແລະ ປ່ຽນແປງຫລາຍເທື່ອ ເພື່ອໃຫ້ຜົນງານທີ່ອອກມາບໍ່ກະທົບກະເທືອນມິດຕະພາບ ຫລື ຄວາມຮູ້ສຶກຂອງຄົນລະຫວ່າງສອງປະເທດລາວ-ໄທ.

ລະຄອນດັ່ງກ່າວ ມີເນື້ອໃນກ່ຽວກັບຄວາມຮັກຂອງຄົນສອງຊາດ, ພ້ອມນັ້ນ ນັກສະແດງນຳຂອງເລື່ອງຍັງເປັນສິລະປິນ-ນັກສະແດງຊື່ດັງຂອງທັງສອງປະເທດເຊັ່ນ ນາງ ຈຳປາ ເປັນນາງເອກຮັບບົດໂດຍ ອາເລັກຊານດຣາ ບຸນຊ່ວຍ, ສ່ວນພະເອກ ຊື່ ພິນ ນະຄອນພະນົມ ຮັບບົດໂດຍ ເວຍ ສຸກົນລະວັດ, ຈຶ່ງເຮັດໃຫ້ລະຄອນດັ່ງກ່າວ ເປັນທີ່ຈັບຕາເບິ່ງທີ່ສຸດ ຕັ້ງແຕ່ຕອນຖ່າຍທຳຍັງບໍ່ທັນແລ້ວ ຈົນຮອດຂັ້ນຕອນດັດແກ້ຂອດສຸດທ້າຍ ແລະ ໄດ້ແຜ່ພາບອອກອາກາດໃນຂະນະນີ້.



ເຖິງວ່າ ລະຄອນໄດ້ສາຍໃຫ້ເບິ່ງພຽງ 2-3 ຄືນທຸກໆວັນຈັນ ແລະ ອັງຄານ, ແຕ່ບັນດາແມ່ຄ້າ ຊາວຂາຍຊາວລາວ ກໍ່ເວົ້າເຖິງເລື່ອງນີ້ບໍ່ຂາດປາກ, ພວກເຂົາບອກວ່າ: “ລໍຖ້າເບິ່ງ ເພາະ ຢາກຮູ້ວ່າຊິເປັນແນວໃດທີ່ ລາວ-ໄທສະແດງນຳກັນ, ແຕ່ເມື່ອໄດ້ເບິ່ງແລ້ວຮູ້ສຶກວ່າມ່ວນ ຍ້ອນການປາກເວົ້າ, ການແຕ່ງກາຍ ແລະ ກິລິຍາທ່າທາງຂອງຕົວລະຄອນ ເປັນພື້ນບ້ານດີ. ຕອນນີ້ ຍັງບໍ່ມີຈຸດໃດທີ່ຈະຕຳນິ ເພາະເນື້ອເລື່ອງພວມຕະຫລົກ, ເຖິງວ່າ ຈະເວົ້າພາສາລາວ-ອີສານແຂງໆ ແຕ່ນັກສະແດງກໍ່ມີຄວາມພະຍາຍາມດີ. ຫລື ອາດເປັນຍ້ອນມັນຫາກໍ່ສາຍ ຈຶ່ງສະຫລຸບຫຍັງຫລາຍບໍ່ທັນໄດ້, ກາງເລື່ອງມັນຊິອອກມາແນວໃດນັ້ນ ລໍຖ້າເບິ່ງກ່ອນ...”.

ພາກສ່ວນພະນັກງານຍິງ ອາຍຸ ລະຫວ່າງ 38-50 ປີ ກໍ່ມີທັດສະນະຄະຕິຕໍ່ກັບເລື່ອງນີ້ວ່າ: “ເບິ່ງລະຄອນເລື່ອງນີ້ ມີ 2 ທັດສະນະຄື ເບິ່ງໃຫ້ເປັນລະຄອນປະກອບເພງ ຫລື ເພງປະກອບລະຄອນ ມັນກໍ່ຈະມ່ວນ, ແຕ່ຖ້າໃຫ້ເບິ່ງຖືກຕາມຄວາມຈິງ ແມ່ນບໍ່ຖືກຕ້ອງ ບໍ່ຊັດເຈນເຊັ່ນ: ການແຕ່ງກາຍຢູ່ໃນຍຸກສະໄຫມໃດ, ຊາວບ້ານທຳມະດາ ແຕ່ແຕ່ງຫນ້າແກ່ ໂດຍສະເພາະນາງເອກ ເພາະ ຊານດຣາ ງາມຢູ່ແລ້ວ ບໍ່ຈຳເປັນຕ້ອງແຕ່ງຫນ້າຫນາ. ຂໍ້ທ​ີ່ສຳຄັນຄື ນິໃສໃຈຄໍ ແລະ ປະເພນີ ທີ່ຕົວລະຄອນຖ່າຍທອດອອກມາ ບໍ່ມີສ່ວນໃດທີ່ເປັນລາວເລີຍ, ພາສາປາກເວົ້າ ຈະອອກ ອີສານຫມົດ, ດັ່ງນັ້ນ ຖ້າສະເຫນີວ່າ ລະຄອນດັ່ງກ່າວ ເປັນເລື່ອງກ່ຽວກັບຄົນໄທທີ່ອາໃສຢູ່ແຄມຝັ່ງຂອງ ມັນຖືກຕ້ອງກວ່າ ໂດຍທີ່ບໍ່ມີຄຳວ່າ “ລາວ” ໄປກ່ຽວຂ້ອງ”.



“ເພງຮັກແຄມຝັ່ງຂອງ” ເປີດສາກຂຶ້ນດ້ວຍການພໍ້ຫນ້າກັນເທື່ອທຳອິດຂອງສາວລາວ-ບ່າວໄທ ໃນງານປະເພນີໄຫລເຮືອໄຟ. ນາງ ຈຳປາ ເປັນຄົນນຳທ່ຽວ ແລະ ຊອກຫາລູກທົວຕ່າງຊາດທີ່ຫລົງກັນ ຍ້ອນມົວແຕ່ຟັງສຽງດົນຕີອີສານຂອງວົງ “ສຽງສະຫວັນ” ເຊິ່ງມີທ້າວ ພິນ ເປັນນັກດົນຕີດາວເດັ່ນ. ໃນທີ່ສຸດ ຈຳປາ ກໍ່ພໍ້ລູກທົວ ແລະ ໄດ້ພົບກັບ ພິນ, ຈາກນັ້ນ ພະເອກກໍ່ຫລົງມັກ ຈຳປາ ຈຶ່ງມີສາກຈີບນາງເອກແບບຕະຫລົກໆ ເພາະພະເອກຄິດວ່າ ຈຳປາ ເປັນຄົນຕ່າງຊາດ ຈຶ່ງອາໄສ ຫມູ່ທີ່ເປັນຕ່າງປະເທດເວົ້າອີສານໄດ້ ຊ່ວຍເປັນລ່າມ. ຄວາມບັງເອີນ ເຫມືອນພົມລິຂິດ ເຮັດໃຫ້ທັງສອງໄດ້ຮັກກັນ ແຕ່ວ່າເນື້ອເລື່ອງຈະເປັນແນວໃດຕໍ່ນັ້ນ ຕ້ອງໄດ້ຕິດຕາມຕໍ່ໄປ ເພາະຜູ້ກຳກັບຊາວໄທ ທ່ານ ທົງໄຊ ປຣະສົສັນ ເປັນຄົນຂຽນບົດເອງ ໂດຍຕັ້ງໃຈໃຫ້ເລື່ອງດັ່ງກ່າວ ຊ່ວຍສົ່ງເສີມຄວາມເຂົ້າໃຈອັນດີລະຫວ່າງປະຊາຊົນສອງຝັ່ງ ໂດຍຖ່າຍທອດຄວາມຮູ້ສຶກ ແລະ ເຂົ້າໃຈງ່າຍໆ ຜ່ານຄວາມຮັກຂອງສອງບ່າວສາວ.

ຂໍ້ມູນຈາກ ຫນັງສືພິມຂ່າວສານປະເທດລາວ

ທ່ານສາມາດຮັບຊົມລະຄອນເລື້ອງນີ້ຍ້ອນຫຼັງໄດ້ທີ່
1. http://www.activeboard.com/forum.spark?forumID=98894&p=3&topicID=11426637

2. http://www.activeboard.com/forum.spark?forumID=98894&p=3&topicID=11525741

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Listen to the song: "Pheng Huk Song Fang Khong"



Enjoy

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