Appropriate Dressing for Sao Lao
While there is no dress code for the general public, “public figures, such as singers, presenters and performers” are encouraged to dress appropriately according to the latest news from the Vientiane Times Newspaper. This news doesn’t come as a surprise to me. During my visit to Laos last year I noticed how teenagers tend to dress in western style clothing. In the rural area in Champassak Province, many older people would complain how some young people won’t even wear sinh or Lao traditional skirt to the temple anymore. I was told by my relatives that in some villages, the village council would set a rule where in order for girls to enter the temple ground, they have to wear a sinh or at least a long skirt. Jeans are not allowed to be worn on the temple ground, unless you are a tourist of course.
Women’s Union calls for appropriate dress
The Lao Women’s Union yesterday outlined its views on the setting of regulations for appropriate dress in order to conserve and encourage Lao culture.
Union Vice President Ms Khamchanh Phomsengsavanh said they hoped to raise awareness on this issue and conserve the beauty of Lao culture.
Representatives from the Ministry of Information and Culture, the Ministry of Education and the sectors concerned attended the meeting in Vientiane to discuss appropriate solutions on how to conserve and encourage traditional dress.
“Some people dress inappropriately, in ways that are not in keeping with Lao traditions. This can lead to social problems including rape, human trafficking, entertainment workers and family problems, and tarnish the country’s culture as well as the image of women,” Ms Khamchanh said.
The Lao government has encouraged a traditional culture that reflects national identity, especially in the way that women dress, as this plays an important role in giving a good example to others.
Ms Khamchanh said that social problems occurred for a variety of reasons, such as economic development and the opening of markets to the outside world.
She said that modern technology, the media and information sources were all growing rapidly, allowing a wide range of overseas products into the country that may be culturally unsuitable for Laos.
“There is a lack of cooperation between families, schools and social organisations on this issue. We hope that the sectors involved can work together and find an appropriate solution,” she said.
She said the inspection and management of inappropriate imported goods were not strict enough, allowing business operators to benefit from low moral standards.
The union hoped that those present at the meeting would set guidelines for appropriate attire at festivals, in temples, schools and on important occasions.
Deputy Minister of Information and Culture Bouangeun Saphouvong said there was no intention of forcing people to dress appropriately, but the directive would be aimed at public figures, such as singers, presenters and performers, in order to set a good example to others.
“To avoid the permeation of inappropriate cultural values, we have to produce inexpensive quality clothing for Lao consumers, to prevent them purchasing unsuitable products from neighbouring countries,” he said.
By Phonesavanh Sangsomboun
February 29, 2008
Vientiane Times - Vientianetimes.org.la
[...] is busy and crowded on weekends. I’ve not been there myself, but I’m sure they don’t dress in Lao classic style, but more modern, might be a place where future Laotian movie stars and models are waiting to be [...]
I think the LWU is fighting a battle they have already lost. Lao culture is changing, for good or ill, and the government no longer has control over it… except maybe if they ban all foreign media. Of course, no one, not even the government leaders kids, wants to miss their favorite Thai series.
If their intention is to uphold Lao traditions, then why should women bear all the burden? Men should be encouraged to dress in traditional clothing too! How ironic that important men prefer to dress in suits and ties, the paragon of the very Western business culture that has brought new styles of clothing to men and women.
LWU is a shill for the party. I remember a while ago they decided it was still impossible for a man to rape his wife, as in not a legal rape. What could be further from the goal of womens rights.
Strange. Something like this was in the news a couple of years ago. I think that was when a policy was made for women to dress in Lao traditional skirts at work and at school. But for the temple it was suggested that Lao girls and women should not wear pants or jeans.
It is a double standard indeed. Why is that Lao girls and women should be the one carrying the burden of preserving Lao cultures and values?
Maybe we’ll be like the Japanese or the Thai in 10 or 20 years and will only see traditional clothes a few times a year. Maybe it’s time to also adapt Lao skirts into a modern style and pushing for Lao silk and Lao cotton in the fashion industry. You can have a modern sinh that still is Lao but trendy just like the photos above.