Lao Voices

The new year is closing in and it was time for some changes. Laoplanet.net, the old flagship, was converted to a very convenient “reader” for the latest Lao Buzz and news on Laos and Lao people anywhere. There is no need to go to 60-70 sites and check out if there is any news. Laoplanet.net [...]

After 33 years of Pathet Lao ruling, what is the present size of Lao’s army?  For a good indication of a country’s military force it is best to compare its size to direct “competitors”. The Bangkok post made an interesting comparison of Laos’ military power compared to two of its Mekong neighbors, Cambodia and Thailand. [...]

Chow Ban (The villagers) by Jae Danupol Kaewkarn

When I visited my youngest sister last Saturday, I was surprised of the changes in her area. She lives in Fresh Meadows, Queens, New York, and there is a large population of Asian, such as Korean, Chinese, and some Vietnamese. Most of the houses are somewhat [...]

A Lao traditional dance performance in Vientiane on March 07, 2008 to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) 2008.

Documentary show from Lao Star Channel about the celebration of Lao New Year in Laos.

Summer is usually the best time to do some travelling, hiking, or just spend more time being outdoors. And along with outdoor fun, comes outdoor insects such as mosquitoes and ticks. But not to worry, as you can now wear insect repellant clothing that will make the mosquito want to stay [...]

There are many unique and interesting looking flowers out there in the world. But this one has to be one of my favorite. Not to be mistaken with the sala of a Wat or anything else. The Sala flower is related to the Brazilian nut family tree. I’m not sure if [...]

This legal battle of LAOTIAN CULTURE CENTER OF NC -VS- WAT LAO BUDDHARAM made me think of an article that I read in the fist issue, April-May 2007 of Lao Roots Magazine written by Meiling Arounnarath called the Buddhist Monk Who Led, Who Inspired. He was the Ajahn that started the temple, I often wondered [...]

“The War of Art”, Could Your Life Be More? by Steven Pressfield seems like an interesting book that Darly has mentioned. I believed that all of us are creative in someway but we (Lao people, including myself) don’t use our full potential because there is something that is holding most of us back that is [...]

The road to Phonsavan from Borikhan. I would hate to be stuck on this road during the rainy season.

Its that time of year again, when we are looking for Interns to be a part of our team during the summer.
We all know that Darly makes a mean “Tum” and that Ginger has a deft hand at “Rolls”, so I expect to see you both applying.
I think that Internships are good, it [...]

It’s very noisy these days in Vientiane and some residents are complaining about the noises according to the news article from Vientiane Times Newspaper a few weeks ago. With growing traffic it is quite difficult to find a sanctuary to hide from the all the hassles of life. Even at a temple, you can’t escape [...]

It is not everyday that I see Laos mentioned on the BBC.
This article makes interesting reading.
A fast-growing Chinese presence is one of the most striking features in Laos these days.

Beijing has been pouring billions of dollars in investment and development aid into the landlocked country, once consigned to the backyard of the Soviet bloc.
Yet it [...]

On March 22, 2008, the Lao community in Louisiana celebrated the annual Lao New Year Festival. Check out the video clips of the celebration with parade, food, music, water fight and more.
Part 1

Part 2

Getting a car fix at a backyard mechanic in Vientiane.