Vientiane Times
Countdown to joy for New Year 2013
- Title
- Countdown to joy for New Year 2013
- Runtime
- 2:27
- Date posted
- 14 years ago
- Description
- Throngs of smiling people were out on the streets of Vientiane on Monday night to bid farewell to the year 2012, greeting one another delightedly and offering best wishes for the coming year.
Perhaps the most popular place to be and be seen was the National Culture Hall, where stages were set up to entertain New Year's Eve revellers with some lively performances. The air was filled a sense of excitement, and a party atmosphere pervaded the area as locals and foreigners alike gathered in anticipation of a spectacular countdown.
Also present was the Deputy Prime Minister responsible for social and cultural affairs, Mr Asang Laoly, along with other government officials who were there to announce the end of Visit Laos Year 2012.
From 7pm until midnight, the site echoed with the sound of joyful music, including the lamvong and other traditional dances performed by students and musicians from the National School of Performing Arts, while well known rock and p...
- Title
- Spectacular games opening unites Asean family
- Runtime
- 3:37
- Date posted
- 14 years ago
- Description
- Spectators' faces lit up with excitement as the sounds of music and applause rang out around the National Stadium in Vientiane at the start of the opening ceremony of the 16th Asean University Games yesterday evening.
The stadium was packed with thousands of spectators who were curious to see just how special the opening ceremony would prove to be, with many still remembering the South East Asian (SEA) Games spectacular of 2009.
The ceremony began with a parade of all the competitors taking part, with athletes from 11 nations entering the stadium to march around the track, proudly representing their countries and taking in the scene around them.
Friends, relatives and fans from different nations waved their respective flags, to acknowledge, cheer on and inspire their athletes to strive for their best.
By far the loudest cheers, however, were reserved for the host nation Laos, whose contingent of athletes were the last to enter the stadium. ...
- Title
- Laos appreciates development success: NA
- Runtime
- 2:55
- Date posted
- 14 years ago
- Description
- Laos appreciates the achievements of 2012, particularly the country's accession to the WTO and its success in hosting the ASEM Summit, which have enhanced the country's profile in the international arena.
National Assembly (NA) President Ms Pany Yathortou made the comment yesterday while addressing the opening ceremony of the 4th Ordinary Session of the Seventh Legislature.
The opening of the session, which will run until December 19, was attended by President Choummaly Sayasone, Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong and other leaders as well as NA members representing all constituencies.
The session takes place as people around the country are implementing the Resolution of the 9th Party Congress and the seventh five-year National Socio-economic Development Plan.
"We have seen many great achievements over the past year, including political stability and continued economic growth," Ms Pany said.
She added that the poverty r...
- Title
- Laos takes stock of development success
- Runtime
- 3:56
- Date posted
- 14 years ago
- Description
- The numerous events of political and historic importance for Laos in 2012 were the result of the country's active engagement in international affairs by pursuing a consistent foreign policy of peace, independence, friendship and cooperation.
President Choummaly Sayasone made the observation while addressing members of the diplomatic corps and representatives of international organisations on Saturday. They called on the president to express their cordial friendship and goodwill towards him and other leaders as the country celebrated the 37th anniversary of the founding of the Lao People's Democratic Republic.
The event gave overseas representatives the chance to offer their best wishes to Lao leaders and to mark National Day.
Mr Choummaly said the year 2012 had been of special significance as economic growth had continued steadily and poverty reduction efforts had been stepped up.
"We are pleased with our achievements in maintaining firm pol...
- Title
- Miss Laos 2012 finalists tour Vientiane before grand finale
- Runtime
- 2:24
- Date posted
- 14 years ago
- Description
- www.vientianetimes.org.la
The final 20 contestants in the Miss Laos 2012 competition have been making their way around media outlets and sponsors throughout Vientiane this week in a bid to promote themselves and the event.
The girls are set to battle it out for the Miss Laos title on December 7 at the competition finale, which is being held at the Don Chan Palace hotel.
Audiences countrywide have been able to follow the young women's journey around the capital this week thanks to Lao Star Channel, who has teamed up with organisers to broadcast this year's national beauty pageant.
One of the finalists, Ms Vichith Khampasong, visited the Lao Press in Foreign Languages office yesterday to thank the media and public for their ongoing support of the competition since it began in 2005. She said: "The main objective of this event is to select the most attractive young woman to represent and promote Lao traditions and culture both domesticall...
- Title
- Record crowds attend That Luang almsgiving
- Runtime
- 3:18
- Date posted
- 14 years ago
- Description
- www.vientianetimes.org.la
People of every age and background got up early yesterday morning to prepare offerings for 5,000 monks at the That Luang stupa -- the largest almsgiving ceremony in Laos.
The ceremony is the highlight of the annual That Luang Festival and is always on the last day, which coincides with the full moon. Most of those taking part dressed in either traditional costume or formal clothes for the occasion.
President Choummaly Sayasone and Vice President Bounnhang Vorachit joined other Party and state leaders among the huge crowd of people from across the country who gathered to present their offerings to the assembled monks.
Monks from other countries made the journey to the ceremony in Laos to celebrate the 2,600th anniversary of Buddhism. They also took part in the almsgiving, bolstering the number of monks in attendance to a record 5,000.
Each monk has his own bowl which he sets out to recive offerin...
- Title
- That Luang Festival 2012
- Runtime
- 1:38
- Date posted
- 14 years ago
- Description
- Title
- Exhibition showcases best of Singaporean design, Lao craftsmanship
- Runtime
- 2:06
- Date posted
- 14 years ago
- Description
- www.vientianetimes.org.la
A renowned Singaporean designer whose previous clientele list includes Princess Diana has collaborated with Lao silk artisans to produce his latest collection.
Benny Ong's three-day exhibition, which opened at the Mercure hotel in Vientiane on Thursday and ends this evening, was organised to promote craft weaving in Laos and all profits from sales will go towards this cause.
After vis iting Laos and falling in love with its weaving culture, Benny began working with a group of weavers at the Phaeng Mai Gallery. He held his first exhibition of this kind in 2005 and in 2007 he took an exhibition to his native Singapore. This is now his third Lao silk exhibition.
Each piece in the exhibition has been created by Benny in collaboration with talented Lao weavers and artisans, and features a series of graphic designs and motifs based on Singapore's Paranakan culture, which blends Chinese and Malay cultures.
- Title
- Visit Laos Year creates trade fair history
- Runtime
- 1:44
- Date posted
- 14 years ago
- Description
- www.vientianetimes.org.la
The National Trade Fair kicked off in Vientiane yesterday, boasting the largest number of product booths in its history as traders from every province in the country came in droves to celebrate Visit Laos Year 2012.
Some 879 private and state organisations from across the country, overseas business executives, international organisations and foreign embassies to Laos have set up hundreds of booths to showcase a wide range of domestic and imported products for the week-long trade fair, taking place at the That Luang Esplanade and Lao-ITECC.
Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong was on hand to cut a ribbon to open the fair, simultaneously kickstarting the Tourism Festival of the four central provinces of Vientiane, Borikhamxay, Khammuan, Savannakhet, and the capital Vientiane.
"This is the first time that all the provinces have participated in the fair," said Vientiane Vice Mayor Saithong Keoduangdy.
- Title
- Asia, Europe unite for musical medley in Vientiane
- Runtime
- 1:27
- Date posted
- 14 years ago
- Description
- www.vientianetimes.org.la
With copious amounts of baguette vendors, colonial buildings and monuments such as Patuxay, it is clear to see how the French have influenced Southeast Asian culture. When it comes to the music, however, it seems this part of the world could have a thing or two to teach the Europeans.
French three-piece Gablé will perform at Vientiane's French Institute this Friday as part of their Southeast Asia tour and will be supported by Lao rock outfit The Oilinezz, who band member Mathieu Hubert says he will be looking to for inspiration.
"We are happy to be here in Laos to perform at the French Institute. The main objective of this Southeast Asia tour is to share exper iences with local bands in each country to develop our own music. We want our songs to feature as many types of music as possible, so we're taking this opportunity to make our music even more special."
Mathieu and fellow band mates Thomas Boullay and ...
- Title
- Laos-Singapore charity run to support maternal health
- Runtime
- 2:16
- Date posted
- 14 years ago
- Description
- www.vientianetimes.org.la
The Embassy of Singapore to Laos will join forces with the Laos-Singapore Friendship Club to organise the 4th Laos-Singapore Charity Run, which is scheduled to take place on Saturday, December 8.
The run will start at 6:30am, starting from the Alliance International Medical Centre near the airport, proceeding up Souphanouvong Avenue to the Mercure hotel and back to the fini sh line at the medical centre.
This year's charity run looks set to be even bigger than before, building on the success of the event on previous occasions. About 500 people took part in last year's race.
The charity run was inaugurated three years ago and this is the fourth year it will be held, Singapore Ambassador Mr Dileep Nair said at a press c onference on Monday.
In the first charity run in 2009, over 96 million kip was raised, going towards a school for children with cerebral palsy and the reconstruction of schools in ...
- Title
- Almsgiving brings city pillar shrine consecration to close
- Runtime
- 3:44
- Date posted
- 14 years ago
- Description
- Long queues formed on Saturday morning as people waited to give alms to 99 monks who gathered in the capital for the consecration ceremony of the Vientiane City Pillar Shrine.
Vice President Bounnhang Vorachit and Vientiane Mayor Soukanh Mahalath were among those present at the almgiving, which was the final event of the three-day ceremony.
Also in attendance was the Honorable President of the Vientiane City Pillar Shrine Construction Project and Former Prime Minister, Mr Bouasone Bouphavanh, and President of the Vientiane City Pillar Shrine Construction Committee and Former Minister of Information and Culture, Mr Mounkeo Oraboun.
The almsgiving ceremony began at about 6am, with crowds of devotees holding silver bowls full of offerings for the monks in an act of homage to the Vientiane City Pillar Shrine.
The bowls contained kip notes, sweets, fruit, flowers, candles, sticky rice and other food items.
Devotees had to wait quite...
- Title
- MMG, UNICEF partner with Lao government against malnutrition
- Runtime
- 0:35
- Date posted
- 14 years ago
- Description
- www.vientianetimes.org.la
UNICEF and the Minerals and Metals Group (MMG) announced a partnership yesterday to support the Ministry of Health in its drive to improve the nutrition of Lao children in three provinces.
MMG Limited, which operates the Sepon Mine in Savannakhet province, has pledged US$1.38 million over a three-year period to an initiative that will distribute approximately four million micronutrient sachets which contain important vitamins, iron, zinc and other nutrients.
The project will be implemented in Saravan, Phongsaly and Savannakhet provinces, including communities around the Sepon Mine, and will aim to reach an estimated 180,000 children aged from 6 to 59 months, through an innovative, two-pronged approach involving health services and the private sector.
"This is a highly important project that will target some of the provinces with the highest rates of anemia and other nutrition problems," said Deputy Minister ...
- Title
- Australian PM announces poverty reduction, education initiatives
- Runtime
- 0:42
- Date posted
- 14 years ago
- Description
- www.vientianetimes.org.la
Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard yesterday reaffirmed Australia's commitment to maintaining a strong relationship with Laos and supporting the country's development.
The prime minister confirmed Australia's enduring support to Laos during a visit to Homneua Primary School in Pafang village, Hadxaifong district, Vientiane.
Ms Gillard and her delegation came to Laos for the 9th Asia-Europe Meeting Summit this week and visited the school after the two-day summit ended.
Prior to the summit, Ms Gillard met with Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong on Sunday. The meeting was particularly significant because this year marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Laos and Australia.
During her visit, Ms Gillard announced two new Australian government assistance programmes for Laos.
The first is a rural livelihoods development programme worth 332 billion kip (AU$41.5 million) an...
- Title
- President calls for stronger Asia-Europe cooperation
- Runtime
- 2:47
- Date posted
- 14 years ago
- Description
- Lao President Choummaly Sayasone has called on Asia and Europe to further enhance their cooperation to explore and maximise the potential each continent has to offer, so they can reinforce their mutual strength and share their vast benefits.
Mr Choummaly made the comments when speaking at the opening ceremony of the 9th ASEM Summit in Vientiane on Monday, which was attended by leaders from the two regions.
A total of 51 delegations from 49 countries in Asia and Europe as well as from the European Union and Asean Secretariat are attending the summit, which is a historic event for Laos.
Mr Choummaly said Asia and Europe are two large continents with geographical bonds, and each possesses huge untapped potential. At present, Asia - a region endowed with a civilisation dating back thousands of years - is experiencing robust growth in terms of economic development.
At the same time, Europe has advanced in terms of scientific and technological ev...
- Title
- Govt opens ASEM Villas
- Runtime
- 2:09
- Date posted
- 14 years ago
- Description
- The ASEM Villas, which will accommodate heads of state and government and other delegates attending the 9th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit in Vientiane next week, are now fully functional and ready for use.
Construction of the 50 villas on Don Chan Road began in August last year.
CAMCE Investment (Lao) Company, a joint venture between the Chinese state-owned enterprise CAMC Engineering (CAMCE) and Lao Krittaphong Group, yesterday held a ceremony to hand over the villas to the government.
Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Thongloun Sisoulith, Chinese Ambassador to Laos Ms Bu Jianguo, CAMCE Chairperson Ms Luo Yan, Lao Krittaphong Group representative Ms Orlathay Santikhongkha and senior government officials cut a ribbon to declare the villas open.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Thongsing expressed his appreciation to CAMCE Investment (Lao) Company and the sectors concerned for compl...
- Title
- Noy-Itthilit recaptures Vientiane boat race crown
- Runtime
- 2:38
- Date posted
- 14 years ago
- Description
- The Noy-Itthilit boat from That Luang village narrowly beat a crew from Choum village to become kings of the Mekong yesterday, their third victory after previously raising the trophy in 2008 and 2009.
The final race was a close call, though Noy-Itthilit maintained the lead from the start, crossing the finishing line just one length ahead of their disappointed rivals.
Yet another highly successful Vientiane Boat Racing Festival saw longboat crews powering down the Mekong in front of thousands of cheering spectators, including President Choummaly Sayasone, former Politburo Member and former Prime Minister Sisavath Keobounphanh, Vientiane Mayor Soukanh Mahalath, Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Prof. Dr Bosengkham Vongdara, and other high ranking government officials.
Noy-Itthilit's trophy was well deserved, and the triumphant crew was rewarded with a prize of 15 million kip. The Choum village boat in second place went home with 10 millio...
- Title
- Boun Ork Phansa, the time for Buddhist festivities
- Runtime
- 3:13
- Date posted
- 14 years ago
- Description
- www.vientianetimes.org.la
Boun Ork Phansa is the last day of Buddhist Lent. Taking place three lunar months after Khao Phansa, the day is one steeped in tradition and brought alive by celebrations which begin at dawn and continue on way past dusk.
As morning breaks, people across the country flock to temples to present offerings of money and food to resident monks. The morning offering ceremony is quiet and reflective -- the calm before the storm of festivities to come.
On the evening of Boun Ork Phansa, candlelight processions are held around temples in celebration of Lay Heua Fai. The river becomes illuminated as people send small boats made of banana leaves, decorated with flowers and carrying candles down the Mekong.
The boats serve as a mark of respect to Buddha and to thank the mother of rivers for providing precious water which sustains life. Some simply believe that the boats symbolise the departure of the previous year's bad luck t...
- Title
- Vientianale to reprise as bigger event
- Runtime
- 2:13
- Date posted
- 14 years ago
- Description
- www.vientianetimes.org.la
The organising committee of the third Vientianale International Film Festival is calling for entries for the short film competition, aiming to select the three best films for screening at the festival in March next year.
The last Vientianale Short Film Competition was based on the theme Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow. Organisers received a high number of quality short films, and they're hoping for the same result next year by requesting short films based on the new theme, Dream.
The film festival is supported by the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism's Department of Cinema. It's a free event which aims not only to entertain, but also educate, audiences about the potential riches and diversity of Lao film by presenting feature films, documentaries, children's films, music videos and short films.
"We've seen the potential and progress of this event evolve since the inaugural festival held in 2009 at the German Embassy...
- Title
- Relocated villagers no longer at the mercy of nature
- Runtime
- 2:16
- Date posted
- 14 years ago
- Description
- When Vientiane Times reporters visited the home of 94-year-old Mrs Bounma Duangmala last week, she picked up her phone and said "Alo! Alo!", showing us she was familiar with telephone technique -- all part of the new facilities available in the village to which she moved several months ago.
Mrs Bounma is one of a community of 350 people who have recently moved 30km from their homes on the banks of the Mekong River in Xayaboury province to a purpose built village close to the provincial capital.
She and her friends and neighbours have relocated to make way for the construction of a US$3.8 billion hydropower plant, the first run-of-river dam to be built in the lower Mekong.
The old woman is obviously pleased with the telephone she now has, and enjoys talking to her relatives far away. She smiles as she chats and makes her pleasure clear to the group of visitors.
"It's now easier to communicate with my relatives in other p...
- Title
- Xayaboury dam will have no transboundary impact: Project developers
- Runtime
- 3:46
- Date posted
- 14 years ago
- Description
- Developers of the Xayaboury hydropower plant in northern Laos expect to complete the redesign of the first run-of-river dam planned for the lower Mekong within the next few months, aiming to mitigate any negative impacts on neighbouring countries.
"We are redesigning the power plant and its hydraulic model is now being tested at the Asian Institute of Technology in Bangkok," Xayaboury Power Company Deputy Managing Director, Mr Rewat Suwanakitti, said last week, adding that the new design should be completed within three months.
The developers of the 1,285MW hydropower plant took the decision to redesign the dam after Cambodia and Vietnam expressed concerns that in its present form the migration of fish would be affected. They also said the dam would prevent the natural flow of sediment to downst ream areas of the Mekong.
Fish is the main food source for Mekong riparian communities while sediment is both a fertiliser and a food source of aquatic species....
- Title
- Asian, European parliamentarians meet in Vientiane
- Runtime
- 2:21
- Date posted
- 14 years ago
- Description
- Parliamentarians from Asia and Europe met yesterday in Vientiane to discuss ways to ensure food security, public debt management and sustainable development.
Hundreds of delegates from 27 countries, the European Parliament and three international organisations gathered in the Lao capital for the two-day 7th Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership Meeting (ASEP7).
The theme of this year's ASEP meeting is 'The Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership for Sustainable Development'.
In her opening remarks, ASEP7 Chairperson and President of the Lao National Assembly, Ms Pany Yathortou, announced that participants will focus on finding common solutions to these three urgent issues.
Solutions are being sought to ensure food security in the context of climate change, enhance Asian-European cooperation in public debt management for sustainable development, and bolster the Asia-Europe partnership to improve the response to natural disasters.
...
- Title
- Brewery pours funding into Savannakhet, Khammuan schools
- Runtime
- 1:00
- Date posted
- 14 years ago
- Description
- The Lao Brewery Company (LBC) on Saturday donated 300 million kip worth of educational materials to schools in Savannakhet and Khammuan provinces.
The materials will be distributed to underprivileged students at schools in eight districts of Savannakhet province and two districts in Khammuan province, aiming to improve the standard of education in these areas.
Speaking at Phonesavan Sc hool in Kaysone Phomvihane district, Savannakhet province, LBC deputy managing director Mr Oudone Singsouvong said the donation is in line with the company's policy to fund sports, education, health and other areas of social development in disadvantaged areas.
Each year, LBC gives 480 million kip to hard-working university students who could not otherwise afford the tuition fees.
"From the funds coming from the company's steady growth, we will continue to contribute billions of kip to government-supported causes," Mr Oudone said.
LBC is fun...
- Title
- EU injects 1.3m euros to clear UXO
- Runtime
- 2:15
- Date posted
- 14 years ago
- Description
- The European Union (EU) renewed its commitment to assist the unexploded ordnance (UXO) sector in Laos on Friday, as they pledged a multi-year contribution of 1.3 million euros effective from now until August 2015
- Title
- French jazz/rap duo set to hit Vientiane stage
- Runtime
- 1:44
- Date posted
- 14 years ago
- Description
- French duo 12Mé & Raph will bring their unique blend of rap and jazz to Vientiane music lovers at the French Institute this Friday.
The artists have struck a chord with homeland fans in France, performing over 180 concerts there since forming in 2006. They've travelled around the world and their concert this week is part of their third tour of Southeast Asia, having performed in Phnom Penh last week.
"We are so pleased to have the opportunity to play here. We're staying here for 10 days, so we've been working with student groups, teaching them the basics of singing and playing musical instruments," Raph said at a press conference in Vientiane on Tuesday.
"Even though 10 days is a relatively short period, it seems that Laos is one of the most peaceful countries that we've visited. We've been met with a warm and friendly welcome, as well as some impressive exchanges of musical knowledge with Lao students and young local musicians.
"Apa...
- Title
- Senior officials approve ASEM Summit agenda
- Runtime
- 2:14
- Date posted
- 14 years ago
- Description
- Senior officials from Asia-Europe Meeting member countries yesterday approved in principle the agenda to be discussed at the 9th ASEM Summit to be hosted in Vientiane in November.
More than 100 participants from the two regions met yesterday in Vientiane where they reached consensus on the agenda.
The agenda includes economic and financial issues focusing on global economic challenges, global issues including nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament, developments in Asia and Europe, social and cultural cooperation, and the future direction of ASEM.
"The participants approved the agenda in principle," Director General of the Economic Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Thongphan Savanphet, told Vientiane Times yesterd ay.
He added that there were a few revisions made to the agenda presented at the meeting, in accordance with recommendations made by the participants.
The director stated that there should be...
- Title
- Education sectors must work together to achieve goals
- Runtime
- 2:28
- Date posted
- 14 years ago
- Description
- Education officials and concerned sectors from both public and private schools and institutes around the country need to pay close attention to improving education standards in order to achieve the target of wiping out illiteracy by 2015.
Minister of Education and Sports Dr Phankham Viphavanh outlined the ambitious plan on Friday to mark the new school year 2012-2013, which begins today.
In a speech delivered to media, Dr Phankham said that the most important thing was to advise all education departments, districts, teachers and village leaders around the country to work with local authorities to encourage illiterate people to return to school, especially in rural areas.
"By learning to read and write," he said, "they will improve and develop their lives and their communities."
"We should strengthen and expand our education system in order to make our 'Education for All' plan a reality," Dr Phankham added.
"To reach the g...
- Title
- Lao dancers display talent in regional spotlight
- Runtime
- 4:13
- Date posted
- 14 years ago
- Description
- Young Lao dancer C-Lil recently made a big splash in the regional break dance scene when he won the Airtrack competition in the Challenge Cup Final 2012 in Taiwan.
Phayviboune Silimoung-khoun, known as C-Lil, along with Paseuth Lousengsy, or Joker O'Tee, and Tommy Ditthavong, known as Tomizuka, who are both from the Lao Bangfai dance troupe represented Laos at the regional dance event.
The competition took place from August 18-19, and the Bangfai duo were competing with 200 other dancers from Taiwan, Thailand, China, Hong Kong, Korea, Japan, the United States and Malaysia.
"Since break dancing is my passion I was very happy to win this event as it is our dream to show off our ability on stage," C-Lil said.
"Even though we haven't had many opportunities to compete at the regional level before, I think we have a good background and try to enjoy the challenge instead of worrying about our performance or the other competitors. We weren't...
- Title
- Lao animator hopes to inspire
- Runtime
- 5:14
- Date posted
- 14 years ago
- Description
- The local film scene in Laos has grown over the past few years, which has inspired many young filmmakers to experiment with their ideas by employing different film techniques.
Some of you may have recently watched a stop-motion animation video called "My Best Friend" on YouTube made by young Lao animator Souliya Phoumivong, explaining why a balanced diet is essential for your health.
This animated video was one of 11 short films recently created during the 'Making Messages" video workshop sponsored by the US Embassy and the Luang Prabang Film Festival.
Souliya is a fine arts teacher at the National Fine Arts School and he also works as a freelance artist for some galleries and NGO's in Vientiane.
"It's been more than a year since I became interested in this form of art when I took part in a workshop in Japan. I've produced my first claymation movie called "Big World" which describes the excitement of travelling in the big world," Mr S...
- Title
- New discovery of old Vientiane artifact
- Runtime
- 3:42
- Date posted
- 14 years ago
- Description
- Title
- Bigger police bikes brought in to boost security.
- Runtime
- 2:05
- Date posted
- 14 years ago
- Description
- Traffic police and other officials from the Ministry of Public Security are set to receive much more powerful motorcycles, in a bid to beef up security ahead of the ASEM Summit in November.
More than 170 Honda ST 1300cc road bikes and lightweight CBR250cc motorcycles have been brought in through the Honda New Chip Xeng Group company, for traffic and headquarters police to use during the meeting.
Over 70 police gathered in Vientiane recently for a practical training course on the new motorcycles they will be riding in order to provide security during the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) in Vientiane this November.
Honda New Chip Xeng's Vice President Saneu Chounramany said these are the most modern and fastest motorcycles ever used for security in Laos.
Police from the Traffic Department and the Central Security Police Headquarters were given training on how to ride the larger and more powerful motorbikes, which will be employed in the secur...
- Title
- Japanese Summer festival wows Vientiane
- Runtime
- 1:35
- Date posted
- 14 years ago
- Description
- The people of Vientiane savoured the Japan Summer Festival at the Vientiane Night Market on the Mekong riverbank on Saturday night.
This year's festival featured a new location at the night market where hundreds of visitors attended the event and its traditional dances, a drumming performance, donning of traditional costumes and Japanese food.
This was the sixth time that the festival was held. It was organised in cooperation with sev eral private companies with the aim of to strengthen relationships and promote mutual understanding between Laos and Japan as well as introduc ing Japanese culture to the Lao people.
The event was attended by Japanese Ambassador to Laos, Mrs Junko Yokota, President of the Lao-Japan Friendship Association, Dr Ponmek Daraloy, other honoured guests, graduates of Japanese universities and young people keen on Japanese culture.
This year the event transformed the night market into a Japanese-style festival wi...
- Title
- New handicraft shop showcases Lao artisans work
- Runtime
- 1:17
- Date posted
- 14 years ago
- Description
- Song Meu Nang Handicraft Shop was officially opened to offer creative and high quality handicrafts and promote Lao artisans last Saturday.
It comes after the Song Meu Nang Art and Music School opened two weeks ago, and will offer unique and creative works from craftsmen who have inherited ancient traditional production methods.
The opening ceremony was attended by the Deputy Prime Minister Mr Somsavat Lengsavad, Vientiane Mayor Mr Soukanh Mahalath, as well as other honoured guests.
The President of Song Meu Nang Handicraft Promotion project, Ms Saysouda Sayasone, who is also the owner of the shop said shop's main aim is to promote local artisans who have created products made from local materials, including cotton, silk, silver, clay and bamboo.
This shop is a centre of unique works from all over Laos; products not normally seen in the markets. All the handicrafts maintain a high standard of quality and preserve local knowledge and he...
- Title
- PM urges Savannakhet authorities to help farmers
- Runtime
- 1:47
- Date posted
- 14 years ago
- Description
- Prime Minister Mr Thongsing Thammavong has called for Savannakhet provincial authorities to send more agricultural experts to help farmers boost commercial production and satisfy market demand.
Mr Thongsing advised the authorities during his visit to the province on August 14-15 aiming to encourage the authorities to focus more on potential areas of the province to boost its economic growth and poverty reduction of the people.
"We want more agriculture officials to work closely in rural areas to help farmers to produce crops with new techniques that will increase their yield," he said.
He added that Savannakhet has a high potential for commercial production as it has large flat land areas which are suitable for the production of rice, sugarcane and other crops, and animal breeding.
The government wanted Savannakhet to be a key source of rice production in Laos to feed local people and for export so the authorities should do more to meet the...
- Title
- Media Day marked, growth and expansion still required
- Runtime
- 2:54
- Date posted
- 14 years ago
- Description
- Despite growing in both quality and quantity, more work needs to be done to improve media and printing works to deliver healthier information to feed society, the minister in charge of information affairs stated yesterday.
Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Prof. Dr Bosengkham Vongdara made the remarks at a meeting at National Culture Hall in Vientiane attended by the various media and printing organisations in Laos, to mark National Media and Printing Day, which falls on August 13.
In his speech which set the direction to improve and develop media and printing work, Prof. Dr Bosengkham called for greater efforts to improve the quality of the information delivered by media organisations in Laos.
"Media publications have been insufficiently informative and educated," he told more than a hundred media and printing personnel and editors who participated at the meeting. The minister added that many media reports do not have effective teeth,...
- Title
- Japanese experts take innovative approach to environmental issues
- Runtime
- 0:58
- Date posted
- 14 years ago
- Description
- Japanese experts from the Nagoya University Global COE programme are working with Lao graduate students to study agricultural management and environmentally friendly rice cultivation strategies.
The Japanese team, led by Dr Tetsuzo Yasunari, the Designated Professor of the Hydrospheric Research Centre at Nagoya University, Nagoya University Geography Department Professor Dr Kohei, and Bio-agriculture graduate school head Dr Chisato Takenaka, will oversee both the Lao and foreign student's field research at Dong Khuai, Xaythany district in Vientiane.
The objective of the programme led by Dr Tetsuzo Yasunari and other experts is to combine the knowledge and experience from various academic areas to develop new fields for environmental studies.
Another aim is to develop th e environmental studies educational programmes available to graduate students, and to show students that the work that goes into researching environmental issues can ad dress real ...
- Title
- Skateboarders vie to be crowned the fallen king
- Runtime
- 1:20
- Date posted
- 14 years ago
- Description
- Lao skateboard enthusiasts were thrilled at the nation's first-ever skateboarding event titled "Fallen King of the Street" last Saturday at Liewto School in Vientiane.
Liewto School was transformed into a battleground for skateboarders both Lao and foreign last week, who were eager to be crowned "king of the street."
There are a growing number of skateboarders in Laos and they can often be seen practising along the Mekong riverbank. Saturday's event aimed not only at promoting the sport in Laos, but also finding talented local skateboarders to take part in a major competition in Thailand next year.
A young Lao skateboarder, Oudeth Xayalob, known as Tao said "Today is a very important day for us as a group of Lao skateboarders, to show off our skills and compete with other talented skateboarders from around Vientiane and Thailand as well. While there have previously been other small competitions organised alongside dance events or other activities,...
- Title
- Young people meet to kickoff celebrations for youth day 2012
- Runtime
- 1:29
- Date posted
- 14 years ago
- Description
- The Lao People's Revolutionary Youth Union with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and other development partners is celebrating International Youth Day with a series of events to highlight the contribution that young people are making to society and to advance their full and effective participation in development.
- Title
- Photo contest promotes the beauty of Laos
- Runtime
- 1:26
- Date posted
- 14 years ago
- Description
- The Lao Photographers' Association last week announced the opening of a photo contest entitled 'The Charm of Laos' to support Visit Laos Year and Lao Media Day.
The competition, open from now until October 15, 2012 to both Lao and foreign photographers who can capture the beauty of Laos through different aspects such as attractive landscapes, portraits of ethnic Lao people, cultural customs and lifestyle.
The President of the Lao Photographers' Association, Mr Khamla Soulilath said, "The main objective of the contest is to show support for this special Visit Laos Year and to mark the annual Media Day on August 13. With the main sponsor being the CAMCE Investment Lao Company Limited, the contest is also getting support from Yunnan Provincial Photographers' Association, China Radio International FM 93 and the Lao Tourism Promotional Department of the Ministry of Info rmation, Culture and Tourism.
Mr Khamla said 'The Charm of Laos' participants will...
- Title
- Flood cuts off road between Luang Prabang and Vientiane
- Runtime
- 1:32
- Date posted
- 14 years ago
- Description
- http://www.vientianetimes.org.la/VTT_Video.htm
Many families living along the Nam Khan River in Luang Prabang province have been affecting by flooding after the area was hit by heavy rains on Tuesday night.
Most of people worst affected live in Xieng Ngeun district, while hundreds of hectares of rice and other crops in Phonxay district also have been flooded.
Flooding has affected three river valleys, with water levels in the Nam Khan, Nam Ming and Nam Bak rivers beginning to rise at 2am yesterday, according to local media reports.
Road No 13 North was cut in the Xieng Ngeun area around 15 kilometres from Luang Prabang town itself, and it is currently not possible to travel from Luang Prabang to Vientiane by road.
The provincial authorities have yet to receive any reports of injuries or deaths, but they cannot be ruled out at this stage. They will have to wait until the waters subside before they can assess how many hecta...
- Title
- Aquatic fascinations captivate Dr Fish
- Runtime
- 3:11
- Date posted
- 14 years ago
- Description
- http://www.vientianetimes.org.la/VTT_Video.htm
Different people have different preferences when it comes to pets; some people like to keep cats, dogs or even rabbits, but Chan Mingboupa prefers fish for friends.
Watching his water bound companions swim in the aquarium provides him with an endless amount of fascination, and a sense of peace and relaxation.
Staring at his fish before or after work brings Chan much closer to nature and also allows him to relax and explore the depths of his mind.
36 year old Chan is known to his friends as Dr Fish, the man who can communicate with and take care of all species of fish and aquatic creatures.
When Chan was a child he was inspired to raise large local fish that he caught in Phonephanao village himself, or those he was given by friends. The more he became involved in the biology and life cycles of fish the more he became obsessed with them.
For more than 10 years ...
- Title
- Lao membership of ASEAN bears fruit, Prime Minister says
- Runtime
- 3:30
- Date posted
- 14 years ago
- Description
- Title
- Thakhek to attract tourists by 2015
- Runtime
- 2:42
- Date posted
- 14 years ago
- Description
- Khammuan province is increasing the speed of upgrades to its basic infrastructure with the aim of turning Khakhek district into a green tourism destination by 2015.
Deputy Director of the Information, Culture and Tourism Department, Mr Bounthavy Sysombath, told Vientiane Times last week that the province is in the process of converting roads leading to tourist sites from dirt to asphalt or concrete surfaces.
"We are doing this as a way for the provincial government to support Visit Laos Year 2012," he said. The tourist sites in Thakhek district include Sikhottabong stupa, one of the most sacred Buddhist religious sites in Laos, which was constructed during the Sikhottabong Kingdom era in the 6th-8th century AD. The government has approved two billion kip for stupa renovations.
Tourists will also be encouraged to visit Kamphaeng Yark (giant wall). Legend says that the 15km wall was built in the 9 th century by the ancient Sikhottabong Kingdom. Oth...
- Title
- Buddhists make merit by presenting offerings
- Runtime
- 1:45
- Date posted
- 14 years ago
- Description
- http://www.vientianetimes.org.la/VTT_Video.htm
Hundreds of Buddhists at every temple around the country stood in line patiently yesterday morning to present their offerings to monks and novices to make merit on the day of Buddhist Lent ( Boun Khao Phansa).
On Boun Khao Phansa ea ch year, believers get up early to take their buckets with offerings and a couple of large candles, turning temples into a sea of yellow at night.
These offerings will sustain the monks and novices during their three dedicated months of studying the Buddha's teaching, keeping the five precepts and meditating.
At 8am, a senior monk at a local temple gave five commitments to laypeople and encouraged them to receive merit and a blessing.
Later, the chanting sounds of the Saiyanto from monks and novices became louder in each temple, encouraging believers to smile widely and receive merit from monks, who believe their offerings go to relatives who hav...
- Title
- Abstinence sharpens the mind during Buddhist lent
- Runtime
- 1:17
- Date posted
- 14 years ago
- Description
- http://www.vientianetimes.org.la/VTT_Video.htm
Each year, monks in Laos stop travelling to stay over night at other temples during Buddhist lent (Boun Khao Phansa) and give serious devotion to the ways of the Buddha, but Tui follows his belief that during this period he should stop drinking alcohol as a part of making merit.
Four years ago Tui was encouraged by his mother to try and give up drinking alcohol for the three months of Buddhist lent as it would do his health good and sharpen his mind.
"This is my fourth year to pray for the strength to avoid drinking, and this year my wife will join me in being abstinent," Tui says with satisfaction.
He said he and his wife like to drink with friends sometimes, but during Boun Khao Phansa, they will stop drinking alcohol, which their friends have come to understand.
The first year was hard as his friends didn't understand when he refused to drink at parties. He was able to co...
- Title
- ST Bank Give Away
- Runtime
- 1:52
- Date posted
- 14 years ago
- Description
- ST Bank host a ceremony to anounce the winnner of the banks' lucky draw at Talatsao Mall on Monday.
- Title
- US Embassy supports filmmakers in Laos
- Runtime
- 2:07
- Date posted
- 14 years ago
- Description
- http://www.vientianetimes.org.la/VTT_Video.htm
Creative and stunning videos by Lao filmmakers wowed guests at the closing ceremony of a workshop on public service announcements called Making Messages at Mercure Hotel in Vientiane last Sunday.
The week long workshop was organised and sponsored by the US Embassy, in collaboration with Luang Prabang Film Festival.
Led by American filmmaker Bill Megalos, the workshop was devoted to teaching the skills necessary in making issue-based media campaigns. The course focused on making clear and effective messages on the theme of nutrition.
It entailed studying past campaigns in Laos and similar campaigns from the rest of the world. Participants were taught to develop a media plan that incorporates the overall messages of the government agencies and participating NGOs, while being very specific to the issues at hand and taking the intended audience into account.
The workshop taught ...
- Title
- FIFA helps further football talent in Laos
- Runtime
- 3:21
- Date posted
- 14 years ago
- Description
- http://www.vientianetimes.org.la/VTT_Video.htm
The Lao Football Federation (LFF) and FIFA committee officers have arranged a series of meetings on football management and performance in the country.
The meetings are being held over the course of this week in Vientiane. FIFA and the federation members hope to indentify which areas of football management and development in Laos need further improvement.
The FIFA committee plans to help the LFF in terms of capacity building for its staff. The football federation needs to improve its management structure, which is a key factor in developing the game of football in Laos, according to FIFA Development Officer Domeka Garamendi.
They aim to achieve this goal through planning appropriate strategies and targets in conjunction with LFF staff. FIFA will train members of the federation in various aspects of coaching, management and promotion of football in Laos, in the hope of further strengthenin...
- Title
- Students fundraise to support poor schools
- Runtime
- 1:04
- Date posted
- 14 years ago
- Description
- Vientiane College students held a "Fair Share" fundraiser to support poor schools in Vientiane at the college on Saturday.
The fair included food and clothing booths, as well as games and entertainment including puzzles, sack races, and face painting games.
There was also a concert by students and popular singer, Aluna, a young dance group performance, and a car wash service to collect money to buy educational materials for students at Dongnasok primary school.
The fair is part of the Change for Schools Challenge, an international project implemented in over 35 countries to provide the simple four-step process for students to "Feel, Imagine, Do and Share" and spread the " I can" message to encourage social contributions. Ms Chantthisa Phondouangdy, a Fair Share organiser and teacher at Vientiane College, said it was the first time Vientiane College has held a fair under the programme, and she hopes it encouraged positive thinking from the students...
- Title
- Vietnamese artists show solidarity with Laos
- Runtime
- 3:18
- Date posted
- 15 years ago
- Description
- AVietnamese troupe performed traditional national dances and sang revolutionary songs on Tuesday night, as an act of encouragement to further strengthen relations between the Vietnamese and Lao peoples.
The event was part of Vietnam Culture Week in Laos (July 16-20), and was attended by the President of National Assembly and Politburo members, Ms Pany Yathortou, a Politburo member of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Le Hong Anh, as well as soldiers, police, youth union members and the general public.
The ceremony opened with a performance by a group of musicians, which delighted the hundreds of people in attendance with songs depicting the friendship relations, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations.
Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Prof. Dr Bosengkham Vongdara, said just as the Vietnamese troupe will perform in Laos; the Lao troupe will perform in kind in Vietnam to strengthen relations and cooperation betw...
