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May 17, 2013

Rocket tragedy fuels debate over safety measures ## Germany awards scholarships to Lao students

Top stories
1. An Australian volunteer teaches at a rural school in Laos. -- Photo Karlee Taylor

1. Australia boosts development assistance to Laos
The Australian government will provide an estimated AU$62.4 million (474 billion kip) in Official Development Assistance to Laos in financial year 2013-2014, the Australian Embassy in Vientiane reported yesterday.
More >>>
2. PM to lead team to Thailand
Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong will lead a high-level delegation to attend a joint Lao-Thai cabinet meeting and the 2nd Asia Pacific Water Summit in Chiang Mai, Thailand, on May 19-20. More >>>
3.
Officials unable to repatriate illegal foreign workers
Officials say they need a clear mechanism if they are to repatriate illegal foreign workers and traders as instructed by the government. More >>>
4.
Workshop debates ways to boost crop yields
Despite plentiful natural resources like land, forests and water, farmers remain poor because of the widespread lack of agricultural inputs and poor soil fertility management. More >>>
5.
Regional countries expand east-west economic corridor
Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam have welcomed the expansion of the East-West Economic Corridor (EWEC) to boost mutual cooperation. More >>>
6.
Laos marks International Nurses Day
More than 100 nurses gathered this week at Mahosot Hospital in Vientiane to observe International Nurses Day, which recognises the contribution of nurses to public health. More >>>
7.
Germany sponsors new roof for Lao Textile Museum
Germany has helped to renovate the Lao Textile Museum in Vientiane by providing 80 million kip to buy construction materials and other necessary equipment. More >>>

News

May 17, 2013
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Rocket tragedy fuels debate over safety measures
Officials are advising the organisers of rocket festivals in Vientiane to keep detailed records of the people who make each rocket and the materials from which it is constructed. More >>>
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Germany awards scholarships to Lao students
Three Lao scholarship recipients will soon pursue their studies in German universities after they were awarded stipends by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). More >>>
- Donations needed for new monks' school
Construction of a three-storey school for the study of Buddhism and general subjects at Vat Sokpaluang temple in Sisattanak district, Vientiane, is set to begin later this month .More >>>
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KIS students lend a hand at Vientiane primary schools
Some 50 Kiettisack International School (KIS) Year 9 students and their teachers recently visited a primary school in Thakhek village in Hadxaifong district, Vientiane, on a charitable mission as part of their business studies course. More >>>

May 16, 2013
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Innovation key to keep keeping Lao tourism on top
Laos' top travel trade experts from the public and private sectors gathered to discuss innovative ways to maintain the country's position as a new and sustainable tourist destination during the 9th Lanith Symposium, held on May 10. More >>>
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Xayaboury-Luang Prabang bridge link delayed
Construction of a bridge across the Mekong River linking the northern provinces of Xayaboury and Luang Prabang has been delayed for several reasons, an official in charge said. More >>>
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Korea helps out with wastewater management planning
Officials from Laos and the Republic of Korea discussed water and wastewater management at a meeting held in Vientiane yesterday.
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Italy helps boost skills of neonatal nurses
ANT Italy (Friends of Trento Neonatology) with financial support from the ‘Regione Trentino Alto Aidge' in collaboration with East Meets West and the Mother and Child Health Hospital in Vientiane is organising the second national conference on the Improvement of Quality Neonatal Services in Laos. More >>>

May 15, 2013
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Almost 10,000 people killed in road accidents over 22 years
Almost 10,000 people have died in road accidents in Laos over the past 22 years, according to a government report this week. More >>>
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Discotheques again warned of closure
Vientiane authorities have given discotheque operators 15 days to strictly comply with the regulations or face closure, a senior official has said. More >>>
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Work begins on new That Luang Trade Centre
Construction of the US$58.6 million That Luang Trade Centre in That Luang Tay village, Xaysettha district, Vientiane, has finally begun after delays resulting from contract changes. More >>>
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JICA vice president visits Laos
The governments of Laos and Japan are strengthening cooperation to boost Laos' socio-economic development as well as making improvements in the health sector. More >>>

May 14, 2013
- Walk celebrates 150 years of Red Cross humanitarian action
Over 500 people turned out for a ‘health walk' at Chao Anouvong Park on Saturday, organised by the Lao Red Cross to celebrate150 years of humanitarian action by Red Cross organisations worldwide. More >>>
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Doctors hone skills to achieve MDG targets
Setthathirath Hospital, the University of Health Sciences and the Ministry of Health are working to improve paediatricians' skills, in a bid to achieve the Millennium Development Goals by 2015. More >>>
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Fair Trade sets out its stall at VIS
Vientiane International School celebrated Fair Trade Day on Saturday by holding a fair that featured stalls selling locally made handicrafts. More >>>
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Govt presents medals to Indian business operators
The Lao government has presented a labour medal to Mr Habib M. Chowdhury and a friendship medal to the HSMM Group for their development contributions to Laos. More >>>

May 13, 2013
- REDD workshop provides clearer picture of deforestation
A consultation workshop on the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) initiative was held in Vientiane recently to unveil the REDD+ country profile document, which was reviewed collectively. . More >>>
- Students win bronze medal in international design contest
Two students at the Eastern Star Bilingual School in Vientiane have won bronze medals in the 9th International Dreamline Design Olympiad, held recently in Turkey. . More >>>

May 10, 2013
- Handicap International, media discuss disability reporting
Handicap International yesterday invited the Lao media to discuss ways in which people with disabilities are reported and portrayed in the press. More >>>
- Xieng Khuang ethnic communities get local radio station
Nonghet district, Xieng Khuang province: The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) yesterday launched a radio station here which will enable the local Hmong, Khmu and Phong communities to listen to programmes in their own languages. More >>>
- Champassak campaigns against dengue fever
Champassak Health Department officials have urged people from all walks of life to destroy potential mosquito breeding sites in order to prevent the spread of dengue fever. More >>>
- US helps Laos to improve road management
The United States is cooperating with Singapore and Laos to host a Lower Mekong Initiative (LMI) Road Management Workshop in Vientiane from May 6 to 10. More >>>

May 09, 2013
- Honda YES award invites applications from engineering students
The Honda Young Engineer and Scientist's Award (YES Award) is now open for students at the Faculty of Engineering, National University of Laos, to submit their applications from May 13-28. More >>>
- Blood donation drive celebrates 150 years of humanitarian action
Lao Red Cross and the National Blood Transfusion Centre are hoping to receive over 300 bags of blood from a blood donation drive held yesterday at Sikhottabong Secondary School in Vientiane. More >>>
- Doctors warn of eye infections in wet season
Experts at the Ophthalmology Centre in Vientiane are advising people to keep themselves and their homes clean to prevent the spread of conjunctivitis. More >>>
- US supports disease prevention for army personnel
Many peer educator trainers from the Lao People's Army in Xayaboury province attended a five-day workshop on HIV/AIDS prevention from April 29 - May 3, aiming to prevent infection among service personnel. More >>>

May 08, 2013
- Laos Red Cross holds blood donation drive
Lao Red Cross (LRC) is inviting members of the public to give blood donations and take part in a walk for health to celebrate World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day on May 8. More >>>
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Understanding of origins assists correct language use
Knowing the origins of language will help people in society to identify and use their national language correctly while also protecting it from outside influence by similar languages. More >>>
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Provincial students receive top accolades
Many provincial secondary school pupils won first prize at the National Secondary School Gifted Students Contest held in Vientiane recently, according to a recent report from education officials. More >>>
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Tourism industry needs to improve travel services
The Travel Training Centre in Vientiane is aiming to boost both the numbers and quality of tour guides in Laos, in response to the surge in tourist arrivals and the growing demand for their services. More >>>

May 07, 2013
- Book fair to increase educational development in Laos
The National University of Laos (NUOL) and Thammasat University of Thailand organised their 3rd annual book fair to increase cooperation between the two universities and promote technical and human development in Laos. More >>>
- US gives international border interdiction training to Lao customs
Practical training for Lao Customs officers in stopping contraband and detaining those who have broken the law began yesterday and will end on Friday at the Rashmi Hotel in Vientiane. More >>>
- EDF-Lao seeks funding to further improve education
The Education for Development Fund (EDF-Lao) is looking for further support and donations for its “Book to School” project which helps to provide educational opportunities for under- privileged children in southern Laos. More >>>
- Japan promotes scholarship to Lao students
In response to the increasing number of Lao students who are interested in studying in Japan, a seminar on student exchange was held on May 4 at the Faculty of Economics and Business Management, National University of Laos (NUOL). More >>>
- Laos, Britain strengthen health cooperation
The British Ambassador to Laos, Mr Philip Malone visited Mahosot Hospital on Friday, to learn about cooperation between Laos and the United Kingdom, particularly in the field of medical research. More >>>

May 06, 2013
- More resources to be put into water engineering institute
The Water Resources Engineering Department based in Tadthong village, Sikhottabong district will soon be upgraded to the Faculty of Water Resources, reflecting the importance of irrigation to the country's future development. More >>>
- Oxfam Novib provides additional funds for women's project
Oxfam Novib of the Netherlands last Friday provided US$140,000 to support the government project on gender equality, especially the women's advancement programme in Laos. More >>>
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More rains and storms forecast this year
Heavy rains and storms are expected to hit Laos this year and the rain may fall heavier than normal, so members of the public should be wary of potential floods and landslides, according to the Meteorology and Hydrology Department. More >>>
- Health officials mark International Day of the Midwife
The Ministry of Health (MOH) and the United Nations Population Fund, (UNFPA) held a celebration last Friday marking International Day of the Midwife, with this year's theme being ‘community midwives: everyday heroes.' More >>>

 

Japanese firm inks deal to develop Lao special economic zone

 

Lao Stock Market Information is available here

- EDL-Gen stock rallies in first day's opening trade
- Tuesday trades a slender improvement

Business

Laos, Malaysia to promote trade, investment collaboration
Malaysian and Lao business associations plan to collaborate in promoting trade and investment and to further enhance and strengthen ties for the mutual benefit of the two countries. More >>>

Entertainment

Waikhou ceremony pays respect to teachers of performing arts
Over 300 people took part in a Waikhou ceremony yesterday at the National School of Music and Dance in Vientiane for artists to show their respect to their teachers. More >>>

Feature

Agricultural staff laughed out of town
The Governor of Meuangfeuang district in Vientiane province laughed aloud recently when he related the tale of agricultural staff who left town after their training programme failed. More >>>

World news

Cyclone Mahasen batters Bangladesh; 1 million flee
COX'S BAZAR (AP) -- Cyclone Mahasen struck the southern coast of Bangladesh on Thursday, lashing remote fishing villages with heavy rain and fierce winds that flattened mud and straw huts and forced the evacuation of more than 1 million people. More >>>

Opinion

How can we maintain safety at rocket festivals?
Throughout the country, people are enjoying the rocket festival season. It has been celebrated annually in May and June for many years but often we hear about serious accidents which can cause injuries and even fatalities.More >>>

Sport

Lao league champions to play in Singapore Cup
The Lao Police Football Club is in final training to play a team from Brunei in the 2013 Singapore Cup, taking place in Singapore from May 26 to June 1.
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Travel

Khoun Kong Leng Lake: a crystal clear lagoon in Khammuan
If you want to experience what the ocean looks like but you haven't actually got the chance to go there, well maybe Khoun Kong Leng Lake in Khammuan province will provide a glimpse of what it's like to see the sea.
. . . More >>>

Poverty Eradication

Farming a vital source of income for rural families
Hard, non-stop work has led to a better quality of life for Mrs Nep Phimmakone's family in Baeng village, Lamam district, Xekong province. . . More >>>

Arts & Culture

Baci ritual remains a centrepiece of Lao culture
The baci or Sou khuan is a well-known traditional ritual and has its origins in the ancient customs of past generations. . . More >>>

Education

Clues to Southeast Asian civilisation unearthed
An archaeological dig led by Dr Marc Oxenham from The Australian National University's School o f Archaeology and Anthropology and the Institute of Archaeology, Vietnam, has uncovered possibly the earliest cemetery site in Southeast Asia. . More >>>

Health

Dengue fever remains a serious threat
Ms Done, 31, a resident of Donkoy village in Sisattanak district, Vientiane, believes she will not be infected by dengue fever again as the virus already caused her serious illness five years ago. . More >>>

Lifestyle

Women make light of heavy load
It looked like very hard work for the women of Luang Prabang province when we saw them carrying 26kg baskets of tomatoes from the flatland area where they are grown up a hillside to the road where the dealers were waiting to buy them.
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Environment

VIS students measure Vientiane water quality
It is hot outside, almost 40 degrees. But the 16 geography students of Vientiane International School (VIS) and their two teachers won't let themselves be discouraged by. ..More >>>




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