As we enter the final day of the 2008 Boun That Luang festival, we take a look at some of the images during the past few days.

Hundreds of the world's best Boun That Luang photos will be posted on http://www.laophotos.com soon.

http://www.laopride.com/pictures/laopride12.jpg


http://www.laopride.com/pictures/laopride13.jpg


http://www.laopride.com/pictures/laopride14.jpg


http://www.laopride.com/pictures/laopride15.jpg


http://www.laopride.com/pictures/laopride16.jpg


http://www.laopride.com/pictures/laopride17.jpg


http://www.laopride.com/pictures/laopride18.jpg

Vientiane put on a spectacular show. The Boun That Luang festival has officially ended on the 12th of November, but the Trade Fair and Exhibition continues at Lao ITECC for the next few days.

Below are pictures from the final day of Boun That Luang.

http://www.laopride.com/pictures/laopride19.jpg


http://www.laopride.com/pictures/laopride20.jpg


http://www.laopride.com/pictures/laopride21.jpg


http://www.laopride.com/pictures/laopride22.jpg


http://www.laopride.com/pictures/laopride23.jpg


http://www.laopride.com/pictures/laopride24.jpg


http://www.laopride.com/pictures/laopride25.jpg


http://www.laopride.com/pictures/laopride26.jpg


http://www.laopride.com/pictures/laopride27.jpg


http://www.laopride.com/pictures/laopride28.jpg


http://www.laopride.com/pictures/laopride29.jpg

The first page of the Boun That Luang Festival is now online.

http://www.laophotos.com/bounthatluang1/bounthatluang1.html

The second page of our exclusive photos has been posted. More to come.

http://www.laophotos.com/bounthatluang2/bounthatluang2.html

The third page of the Boun That Luang Festival is online.
We hope you enjoy our photos.

http://www.laophotos.com/bounthatluang3/bounthatluang3.html

The fourth page of the Boun That Luang Festival is online. The best photos not found anywhere else, only at http://www.laophotos.com

http://www.laophotos.com/bounthatluang4/bounthatluang4.html

The fifth page of the Boun That Luang Festival is up.

http://www.laophotos.com/bounthatluang5/bounthatluang5.html

The sixth page photos features "Duck Baht", the offering of food and money to Buddhist monks on the final day of the 2008 Boun That Luang Festival.

This concludes our Boun That Luang Festival photo series. We hope that you've enjoying viewing one of the biggest festivals in Vientiane.

http://www.laophotos.com/bounthatluang6/bounthatluang6.html

Hey Lao Pride Admin,

         I just registered to become a member. Wondering if u can give me your number or email so we can hook up when I come to Laos and visit. Hope u can so that u can show me what I have been missing since I left Laos such a young age. Currently livin' in the US.  I sure like to come back and help the people of Laos, especially the unfortunated childrens living in poverty. Please drop me a email at tumor_s@yahoo.com
Later.

Thank You for the great photos of Laos. The Lao people are the gentlest people in South East Asia.  I'd forgotten how beautiful Laos is.  8-)

Is the event on the month of November every year?

I missed Boun That Luang. I used to live by there and walk there all the time.  :o :)

Yes, the festival is in November every year. The days may be different, but it's always in the same month.

Sam wrote on 29^th Dec, 2008 at 3:38am:

Hey Lao Pride Admin,          I just registered to become a member. Wondering if u can give me your number or email so we can hook up when I come to Laos and visit. Hope u can so that u can show me what I have been missing since I left Laos such a young age. Currently livin' in the US.  I sure like to come back and help the people of Laos, especially the unfortunated childrens living in poverty. Please drop me a email at tumor_s@yahoo.com Later.

Hey admin'?

Do you get hit on this frequently in person as you do on line?

Sometimes, not frequently because I don't usually go out anywhere.

I'm a very busy woman, and I don't have time for guys.

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 19^th Apr, 2011 at 9:57am:

Sometimes, not frequently because I don't usually go out anywhere. I'm a very busy woman, and I don't have time for guys.

Why not?

Are you a lemon? You can tell me ANYTHING seaw? I've never known one before, so you might be the first. VERY exciting. :D

What's up the AK-47 at festival?

---

They might be Viet.

Larb Dip, Lemon? Sorry, but I don't understand your language.


MrLao4ever, They're there to make sure that festival goers behave responsibly, and to protect officials and VIPs.

There's nothing to be concerned about really, there's never any drama at Boun That Luang due to their presence.

PEACE wrote on 19^th Apr, 2011 at 5:17pm:

What's up the AK-47 at festival?

I don't remember seeing the AK47 and the military at boun That Luang in the 90's when I was living in Laos. Don't they have private security or police. Military is to protect the country from foreign power invasion.
:o :)

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 19^th Apr, 2011 at 9:28pm:

Larb Dip, Lemon? Sorry, but I don't understand your language.

Don't worry about it, seaw. You're probably too busy too have a man, right?
I'll take your word for it. ;)

Agree.  Can they be less obvious? Soldiers in disguise would be better.  Yes it does worry if I was at the festival and see all these soldiers with their AK 47s.  I would be panicking and probably ducking most of the time there ::).


llX wrote on 19^th Apr, 2011 at 10:09pm:

PEACE wrote on 19th Apr, 2011 at 5:17pm: What's up the AK-47 at festival? I don't remember seeing the AK47 and the military at boun That Luang in the 90's when I was living in Laos. Don't they have private security or police. Military is to protect the country from foreign power invasion. :o :)

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 19^th Apr, 2011 at 9:57am:

Sometimes, not frequently because I don't usually go out anywhere. I'm a very busy woman, and I don't have time for guys.

None? How will you find Mr. (as close as it will come to) Right?

Maybe years down the track, when I'm older.

Don't you want somebody to cuddle up to at night? :)

Saving all your love up for someone is also a good thing, I'm sure. You are still intact, right?

War in Laos been over since 1975 no need for the military walking around. Look like a war zone or states of emergency.
:D


PEACE wrote on 20^th Apr, 2011 at 12:02pm:

Agree.  Can they be less obvious? Soldiers in disguise would be better.  Yes it does worry if I was at the festival and see all these soldiers with their AK 47s.  I would be panicking and probably ducking most of the time there ::). llX wrote on 19th Apr, 2011 at 10:09pm: PEACE wrote on 19th Apr, 2011 at 5:17pm: What's up the AK-47 at festival? I don't remember seeing the AK47 and the military at boun That Luang in the 90's when I was living in Laos. Don't they have private security or police. Military is to protect the country from foreign power invasion. :o :)

You should be marry by now Admins. Some or most Lao people marry young. Don't be too picky there's no such thing as a perfect guy.
 :D ;D :o


Admin Saovaluck wrote on 21^st Apr, 2011 at 10:17am:

Maybe years down the track, when I'm older.

I guess guns are illegal for regular citizens to have?


llX wrote on 22^nd Apr, 2011 at 7:37am:

War in Laos been over since 1975 no need for the military walking around. Look like a war zone or states of emergency. :D PEACE wrote on 20th Apr, 2011 at 12:02pm: Agree.  Can they be less obvious? Soldiers in disguise would be better.  Yes it does worry if I was at the festival and see all these soldiers with their AK 47s.  I would be panicking and probably ducking most of the time there ::). llX wrote on 19th Apr, 2011 at 10:09pm: PEACE wrote on 19th Apr, 2011 at 5:17pm: What's up the AK-47 at festival? I don't remember seeing the AK47 and the military at boun That Luang in the 90's when I was living in Laos. Don't they have private security or police. Military is to protect the country from foreign power invasion. :o :)

Regular citizens need a license to own guns in Laos.

Speaking of guns, last year a beautiful 19-year-old girl who lives in my area got shot in the head by a group of gangs. It's a sad story, they said that her face was unrecognisable from the impact of the bullet.

The investigation is still ongoing. No one has claimed responsibility for her murder but we know it's a gang-related incident.

Don't worry folks, Laos is a very safe country. But please don't mix with gangs if you don't know their game.

Yes, Laos is safe!
http://s02.flagcounter.com/count/XOH/bg=FFFFFF/txt=FFFFFF/border=CCCCCC/columns=1/maxflags=1/viewers=1/labels=0/

Agreed. Laos is peaceful. Here is a vdo of Vietnamese gang in California.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRh6sBXt8EM
:o :)


Admin Saovaluck wrote on 23^rd Apr, 2011 at 5:07am:

Regular citizens need a license to own guns in Laos. Speaking of guns, last year a beautiful 19-year-old girl who lives in my area got shot in the head by a group of gangs. It's a sad story, they said that her face was unrecognisable from the impact of the bullet. The investigation is still ongoing. No one has claimed responsibility for her murder but we know it's a gang-related incident. Don't worry folks, Laos is a very safe country. But please don't mix with gangs if you don't know their game.

Talk about gang. Hell Angle biker gang.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8oSHV9BwPZg&feature=related


Admin Saovaluck wrote on 23^rd Apr, 2011 at 5:07am:

Regular citizens need a license to own guns in Laos. Speaking of guns, last year a beautiful 19-year-old girl who lives in my area got shot in the head by a group of gangs. It's a sad story, they said that her face was unrecognisable from the impact of the bullet. The investigation is still ongoing. No one has claimed responsibility for her murder but we know it's a gang-related incident. Don't worry folks, Laos is a very safe country. But please don't mix with gangs if you don't know their game.

I've heard that gang activities from Laotian kids in California (Fresno I think) are well organized.

llX wrote on 24^th Apr, 2011 at 7:17am:

Talk about gang. Hell Angle biker gang. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8oSHV9BwPZg&feature=related Admin Saovaluck wrote on 23rd Apr, 2011 at 5:07am: Regular citizens need a license to own guns in Laos. Speaking of guns, last year a beautiful 19-year-old girl who lives in my area got shot in the head by a group of gangs. It's a sad story, they said that her face was unrecognisable from the impact of the bullet. The investigation is still ongoing. No one has claimed responsibility for her murder but we know it's a gang-related incident. Don't worry folks, Laos is a very safe country. But please don't mix with gangs if you don't know their game.

The video is just a poker-run. It can not be Hell's Angels, I saw too many non-Harley Davidson motorcycles. That is the only motorcycle that they will ride. I used to have a nice cruiser once and went on a few poker-runs for good charitable causes. It's a good way to have fun and help a family or cause (like Make a Wish) who needs some financial support.  

Laotian gang are pretty crazy too. There's 140 different Asian gang in California. California is gang capitals of the U.S.
:o ::)


PEACE wrote on 24^th Apr, 2011 at 12:30pm:

I've heard that gang activities from Laotian kids in California (Fresno I think) are well organized.

The vdo say its Hell Angle the biggest biker gang in the U.S. I got the vdo from you tube.
8-) ::)


wrote on 24^th Apr, 2011 at 5:11pm:

llX wrote on 24th Apr, 2011 at 7:17am: Talk about gang. Hell Angle biker gang. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8oSHV9BwPZg&feature=related Admin Saovaluck wrote on 23rd Apr, 2011 at 5:07am: Regular citizens need a license to own guns in Laos. Speaking of guns, last year a beautiful 19-year-old girl who lives in my area got shot in the head by a group of gangs. It's a sad story, they said that her face was unrecognisable from the impact of the bullet. The investigation is still ongoing. No one has claimed responsibility for her murder but we know it's a gang-related incident. Don't worry folks, Laos is a very safe country. But please don't mix with gangs if you don't know their game. The video is just a poker-run. It can not be Hell's Angels, I saw too many non-Harley Davidson motorcycles. That is the only motorcycle that they will ride. I used to have a nice cruiser once and went on a few poker-runs for good charitable causes. It's a good way to have fun and help a family or cause (like Make a Wish) who needs some financial support.

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 23^rd Apr, 2011 at 5:07am:

Regular citizens need a license to own guns in Laos. Speaking of guns, last year a beautiful 19-year-old girl who lives in my area got shot in the head by a group of gangs. It's a sad story, they said that her face was unrecognisable from the impact of the bullet. The investigation is still ongoing. No one has claimed responsibility for her murder but we know it's a gang-related incident. Don't worry folks, Laos is a very safe country. But please don't mix with gangs if you don't know their game.

How IS the gang situation in Laos? What names do they go by? Are they conspicuous?

llX wrote on 25^th Apr, 2011 at 1:36am:

Laotian gang are pretty crazy too. There's 140 different Asian gang in California. California is gang capitals of the U.S. :o ::) PEACE wrote on 24th Apr, 2011 at 12:30pm: I've heard that gang activities from Laotian kids in California (Fresno I think) are well organized.

I saw a few lao boys rapping on youtube. They look like gangsters. Any Lao gangs where you stay?

Larb Dip wrote on 25^th Apr, 2011 at 6:52am:

How IS the gang situation in Laos? What names do they go by? Are they conspicuous?

Why do you assume such things exist here?  Do you see gang culture as a naturally-occurring phenomenon in society?  

Teenage gang culture is not a feature of Lao society thankfully.

However, I have met several Lao returnees who have teenage sons in the U.S. who are members of violent gangs - something those parents regret tremendously and wonder if it might have been better for them to have stayed in Laos and brought up their kids here.

I also see many young people of Lao descent, but brought up in the US, who visit here and display manners, attitude and unjustified overconfidence, aggression and self-promotion which is totally alien to the Lao way of behaving.

Hopefully, you are not one of those.


Old Man

wrote on 25^th Apr, 2011 at 8:13am:

Larb Dip wrote on 25th Apr, 2011 at 6:52am: How IS the gang situation in Laos? What names do they go by? Are they conspicuous? Why do you assume such things exist here?  Do you see gang culture as a naturally-occurring phenomenon in society?   Teenage gang culture is not a feature of Lao society thankfully. However, I have met several Lao returnees who have teenage sons in the U.S. who are members of violent gangs - something those parents regret tremendously and wonder if it might have been better for them to have stayed in Laos and brought up their kids here. I also see many young people of Lao descent, but brought up in the US, who visit here and display manners, attitude and unjustified overconfidence, aggression and self-promotion which is totally alien to the Lao way of behaving. Hopefully, you are not one of those. Old Man

I didn't assume anything, mate. In the quote it actually says:

"Speaking of guns, last year a beautiful 19-year-old girl who lives in my area got shot in the head by a group of gangs. It's a sad story, they said that her face was unrecognisable from the impact of the bullet".

Didn't you read that?

I have also heard of alot of Lao children in Ausrtalia, who are also in gangs. I just had a relative come over for a holiday, and he says some Lao gangs even fight it out against each other. There was a slaying recently between the two sets. You're right, all this sggression is very uncharacteristic of the relaxed Lao modus operandi. That's definitely not how I was raised.

I'm not a 'gangster'. But I won't lie, there were times in my youth when I did puff my chest out and contort my countenance into an intimidating manner. Something I'm not proud of. If anything, I think it's just part of growing up. I have now matured into a man and it always brings a smile to my face when I reminisce about such foolery! I think it's best to just let the young ones be. It's all those hormones cracking off that brings out that persona, right?

:)

Some of those rapper are gangster. There's gang in Minnesota, but where I live there're none. I live in a small suburban city. There used to be gang fighting and shooting, but now it seem quite and getting better. People grow up and police also crackdown on gang activity.
:o :)


Larb Dip wrote on 25^th Apr, 2011 at 6:55am:

llX wrote on 25th Apr, 2011 at 1:36am: Laotian gang are pretty crazy too. There's 140 different Asian gang in California. California is gang capitals of the U.S. :o ::) PEACE wrote on 24th Apr, 2011 at 12:30pm: I've heard that gang activities from Laotian kids in California (Fresno I think) are well organized. I saw a few lao boys rapping on youtube. They look like gangsters. Any Lao gangs where you stay?

The problem in the US is that we have too much freedom and highly hollywood sensationalization with violence from entertainment industry (movies/music/games) and kids tend to act as what they see and hear and not understanding realiity vs. fantasy.  
 

Larb Dip wrote on 25^th Apr, 2011 at 8:56am:

wrote on 25th Apr, 2011 at 8:13am: Larb Dip wrote on 25th Apr, 2011 at 6:52am: How IS the gang situation in Laos? What names do they go by? Are they conspicuous? Why do you assume such things exist here?  Do you see gang culture as a naturally-occurring phenomenon in society?   Teenage gang culture is not a feature of Lao society thankfully. However, I have met several Lao returnees who have teenage sons in the U.S. who are members of violent gangs - something those parents regret tremendously and wonder if it might have been better for them to have stayed in Laos and brought up their kids here. I also see many young people of Lao descent, but brought up in the US, who visit here and display manners, attitude and unjustified overconfidence, aggression and self-promotion which is totally alien to the Lao way of behaving. Hopefully, you are not one of those. Old Man I didn't assume anything, mate. In the quote it actually says: "Speaking of guns, last year a beautiful 19-year-old girl who lives in my area got shot in the head by a group of gangs. It's a sad story, they said that her face was unrecognisable from the impact of the bullet". Didn't you read that? I have also heard of alot of Lao children in Ausrtalia, who are also in gangs. I just had a relative come over for a holiday, and he says some Lao gangs even fight it out against each other. There was a slaying recently between the two sets. You're right, all this sggression is very uncharacteristic of the relaxed Lao modus operandi. That's definitely not how I was raised. I'm not a 'gangster'. But I won't lie, there were times in my youth when I did puff my chest out and contort my countenance into an intimidating manner. Something I'm not proud of. If anything, I think it's just part of growing up. I have now matured into a man and it always brings a smile to my face when I reminisce about such foolery! I think it's best to just let the young ones be. It's all those hormones cracking off that brings out that persona, right? :)

That's true. Some people take thing for granted and don't appreciated. Some don't take advantage of an opportunity.  You are pretty much screw when you got criminals record.
:)


PEACE wrote on 26^th Apr, 2011 at 3:13am:

The problem in the US is that we have too much freedom and highly hollywood sensationalization with violence from entertainment industry (movies/music/games) and kids tend to act as what they see and hear and not understanding realiity vs. fantasy.     Larb Dip wrote on 25th Apr, 2011 at 8:56am: wrote on 25th Apr, 2011 at 8:13am: Larb Dip wrote on 25th Apr, 2011 at 6:52am: How IS the gang situation in Laos? What names do they go by? Are they conspicuous? Why do you assume such things exist here?  Do you see gang culture as a naturally-occurring phenomenon in society?   Teenage gang culture is not a feature of Lao society thankfully. However, I have met several Lao returnees who have teenage sons in the U.S. who are members of violent gangs - something those parents regret tremendously and wonder if it might have been better for them to have stayed in Laos and brought up their kids here. I also see many young people of Lao descent, but brought up in the US, who visit here and display manners, attitude and unjustified overconfidence, aggression and self-promotion which is totally alien to the Lao way of behaving. Hopefully, you are not one of those. Old Man I didn't assume anything, mate. In the quote it actually says: "Speaking of guns, last year a beautiful 19-year-old girl who lives in my area got shot in the head by a group of gangs. It's a sad story, they said that her face was unrecognisable from the impact of the bullet". Didn't you read that? I have also heard of alot of Lao children in Ausrtalia, who are also in gangs. I just had a relative come over for a holiday, and he says some Lao gangs even fight it out against each other. There was a slaying recently between the two sets. You're right, all this sggression is very uncharacteristic of the relaxed Lao modus operandi. That's definitely not how I was raised. I'm not a 'gangster'. But I won't lie, there were times in my youth when I did puff my chest out and contort my countenance into an intimidating manner. Something I'm not proud of. If anything, I think it's just part of growing up. I have now matured into a man and it always brings a smile to my face when I reminisce about such foolery! I think it's best to just let the young ones be. It's all those hormones cracking off that brings out that persona, right? :)

Alot has to do with not enough parenting (or lack their of).  Also nowaday, spanking in school is a not allowed because of left wing idealogy/sensistivity concerns.  20 something years ago, I got spanked once in school and that was enough for me.  


llX wrote on 26^th Apr, 2011 at 4:45am:

That's true. Some people take thing for granted and don't appreciated. Some don't take advantage of an opportunity.  You are pretty much screw when you got criminals record. :) PEACE wrote on 26th Apr, 2011 at 3:13am: The problem in the US is that we have too much freedom and highly hollywood sensationalization with violence from entertainment industry (movies/music/games) and kids tend to act as what they see and hear and not understanding realiity vs. fantasy.     Larb Dip wrote on 25th Apr, 2011 at 8:56am: wrote on 25th Apr, 2011 at 8:13am: Larb Dip wrote on 25th Apr, 2011 at 6:52am: How IS the gang situation in Laos? What names do they go by? Are they conspicuous? Why do you assume such things exist here?  Do you see gang culture as a naturally-occurring phenomenon in society?   Teenage gang culture is not a feature of Lao society thankfully. However, I have met several Lao returnees who have teenage sons in the U.S. who are members of violent gangs - something those parents regret tremendously and wonder if it might have been better for them to have stayed in Laos and brought up their kids here. I also see many young people of Lao descent, but brought up in the US, who visit here and display manners, attitude and unjustified overconfidence, aggression and self-promotion which is totally alien to the Lao way of behaving. Hopefully, you are not one of those. Old Man I didn't assume anything, mate. In the quote it actually says: "Speaking of guns, last year a beautiful 19-year-old girl who lives in my area got shot in the head by a group of gangs. It's a sad story, they said that her face was unrecognisable from the impact of the bullet". Didn't you read that? I have also heard of alot of Lao children in Ausrtalia, who are also in gangs. I just had a relative come over for a holiday, and he says some Lao gangs even fight it out against each other. There was a slaying recently between the two sets. You're right, all this sggression is very uncharacteristic of the relaxed Lao modus operandi. That's definitely not how I was raised. I'm not a 'gangster'. But I won't lie, there were times in my youth when I did puff my chest out and contort my countenance into an intimidating manner. Something I'm not proud of. If anything, I think it's just part of growing up. I have now matured into a man and it always brings a smile to my face when I reminisce about such foolery! I think it's best to just let the young ones be. It's all those hormones cracking off that brings out that persona, right? :)

llX wrote on 26^th Apr, 2011 at 12:17am:

Some of those rapper are gangster. There's gang in Minnesota, but where I live there're none. I live in a small suburban city. There used to be gang fighting and shooting, but now it seem quite and getting better. People grow up and police also crackdown on gang activity. :o :) Larb Dip wrote on 25th Apr, 2011 at 6:55am: llX wrote on 25th Apr, 2011 at 1:36am: Laotian gang are pretty crazy too. There's 140 different Asian gang in California. California is gang capitals of the U.S. :o ::) PEACE wrote on 24th Apr, 2011 at 12:30pm: I've heard that gang activities from Laotian kids in California (Fresno I think) are well organized. I saw a few lao boys rapping on youtube. They look like gangsters. Any Lao gangs where you stay?

As soon as people mature, then that type of snobbery isn't 'cool' anymore. Trust me, I know.

llX wrote on 26^th Apr, 2011 at 4:45am:

You are pretty much screw when you got criminals record. :) PEACE wrote on 26th Apr, 2011 at 3:13am: The problem in the US is that we have too much freedom and highly hollywood sensationalization with violence from entertainment industry (movies/music/games) and kids tend to act as what they see and hear and not understanding realiity vs. fantasy.     Larb Dip wrote on 25th Apr, 2011 at 8:56am: wrote on 25th Apr, 2011 at 8:13am: Larb Dip wrote on 25th Apr, 2011 at 6:52am: How IS the gang situation in Laos? What names do they go by? Are they conspicuous? Why do you assume such things exist here?  Do you see gang culture as a naturally-occurring phenomenon in society?   Teenage gang culture is not a feature of Lao society thankfully. However, I have met several Lao returnees who have teenage sons in the U.S. who are members of violent gangs - something those parents regret tremendously and wonder if it might have been better for them to have stayed in Laos and brought up their kids here. I also see many young people of Lao descent, but brought up in the US, who visit here and display manners, attitude and unjustified overconfidence, aggression and self-promotion which is totally alien to the Lao way of behaving. Hopefully, you are not one of those. Old Man I didn't assume anything, mate. In the quote it actually says: "Speaking of guns, last year a beautiful 19-year-old girl who lives in my area got shot in the head by a group of gangs. It's a sad story, they said that her face was unrecognisable from the impact of the bullet". Didn't you read that? I have also heard of alot of Lao children in Ausrtalia, who are also in gangs. I just had a relative come over for a holiday, and he says some Lao gangs even fight it out against each other. There was a slaying recently between the two sets. You're right, all this sggression is very uncharacteristic of the relaxed Lao modus operandi. That's definitely not how I was raised. I'm not a 'gangster'. But I won't lie, there were times in my youth when I did puff my chest out and contort my countenance into an intimidating manner. Something I'm not proud of. If anything, I think it's just part of growing up. I have now matured into a man and it always brings a smile to my face when I reminisce about such foolery! I think it's best to just let the young ones be. It's all those hormones cracking off that brings out that persona, right? :)

If you do have a criminal record, then your life is pretty much over. You won't get any REAL jobs unless you know the employer.

llX wrote on 26^th Apr, 2011 at 12:17am:

Some of those rapper are gangster. There's gang in Minnesota, but where I live there're none. I live in a small suburban city. There used to be gang fighting and shooting, but now it seem quite and getting better. People grow up and police also crackdown on gang activity. :o :) Larb Dip wrote on 25th Apr, 2011 at 6:55am: llX wrote on 25th Apr, 2011 at 1:36am: Laotian gang are pretty crazy too. There's 140 different Asian gang in California. California is gang capitals of the U.S. :o ::) PEACE wrote on 24th Apr, 2011 at 12:30pm: I've heard that gang activities from Laotian kids in California (Fresno I think) are well organized. I saw a few lao boys rapping on youtube. They look like gangsters. Any Lao gangs where you stay?

The first time I EVER saw anything pertaining to Lao people on the t.v., was some guy who shot a McDonalds employee in the States. It was on America's Most Wanted. I have since seen numerous Lao "gangsters's" mugshots with bounties on their heads WANTED on that program. I actually thought it was 'cool'. No bs. Now that I'm older, it's not really as cool as I thought.

That's how the sysytem work. With felony criminals record you can't get a good jobs, rent or votes. So to make a living they has to deal drugs or do whatever to survive. They has to eat and feed their family. "Stupid law."
>:( :-/


Larb Dip wrote on 26^th Apr, 2011 at 10:57pm:

llX wrote on 26th Apr, 2011 at 4:45am: You are pretty much screw when you got criminals record. :) PEACE wrote on 26th Apr, 2011 at 3:13am: The problem in the US is that we have too much freedom and highly hollywood sensationalization with violence from entertainment industry (movies/music/games) and kids tend to act as what they see and hear and not understanding realiity vs. fantasy.     Larb Dip wrote on 25th Apr, 2011 at 8:56am: wrote on 25th Apr, 2011 at 8:13am: Larb Dip wrote on 25th Apr, 2011 at 6:52am: How IS the gang situation in Laos? What names do they go by? Are they conspicuous? Why do you assume such things exist here?  Do you see gang culture as a naturally-occurring phenomenon in society?   Teenage gang culture is not a feature of Lao society thankfully. However, I have met several Lao returnees who have teenage sons in the U.S. who are members of violent gangs - something those parents regret tremendously and wonder if it might have been better for them to have stayed in Laos and brought up their kids here. I also see many young people of Lao descent, but brought up in the US, who visit here and display manners, attitude and unjustified overconfidence, aggression and self-promotion which is totally alien to the Lao way of behaving. Hopefully, you are not one of those. Old Man I didn't assume anything, mate. In the quote it actually says: "Speaking of guns, last year a beautiful 19-year-old girl who lives in my area got shot in the head by a group of gangs. It's a sad story, they said that her face was unrecognisable from the impact of the bullet". Didn't you read that? I have also heard of alot of Lao children in Ausrtalia, who are also in gangs. I just had a relative come over for a holiday, and he says some Lao gangs even fight it out against each other. There was a slaying recently between the two sets. You're right, all this sggression is very uncharacteristic of the relaxed Lao modus operandi. That's definitely not how I was raised. I'm not a 'gangster'. But I won't lie, there were times in my youth when I did puff my chest out and contort my countenance into an intimidating manner. Something I'm not proud of. If anything, I think it's just part of growing up. I have now matured into a man and it always brings a smile to my face when I reminisce about such foolery! I think it's best to just let the young ones be. It's all those hormones cracking off that brings out that persona, right? :) If you do have a criminal record, then your life is pretty much over. You won't get any REAL jobs unless you know the employer.

llX wrote on 26^th Apr, 2011 at 11:43pm:

That's how the sysytem work. With felony criminals record you can't get a good jobs, rent or votes. So to make a living they has to deal drugs or do whatever to survive. They has to eat and feed their family. "Stupid law." >:( :-/ Larb Dip wrote on 26th Apr, 2011 at 10:57pm: llX wrote on 26th Apr, 2011 at 4:45am: You are pretty much screw when you got criminals record. :) PEACE wrote on 26th Apr, 2011 at 3:13am: The problem in the US is that we have too much freedom and highly hollywood sensationalization with violence from entertainment industry (movies/music/games) and kids tend to act as what they see and hear and not understanding realiity vs. fantasy.     Larb Dip wrote on 25th Apr, 2011 at 8:56am: wrote on 25th Apr, 2011 at 8:13am: Larb Dip wrote on 25th Apr, 2011 at 6:52am: How IS the gang situation in Laos? What names do they go by? Are they conspicuous? Why do you assume such things exist here?  Do you see gang culture as a naturally-occurring phenomenon in society?   Teenage gang culture is not a feature of Lao society thankfully. However, I have met several Lao returnees who have teenage sons in the U.S. who are members of violent gangs - something those parents regret tremendously and wonder if it might have been better for them to have stayed in Laos and brought up their kids here. I also see many young people of Lao descent, but brought up in the US, who visit here and display manners, attitude and unjustified overconfidence, aggression and self-promotion which is totally alien to the Lao way of behaving. Hopefully, you are not one of those. Old Man I didn't assume anything, mate. In the quote it actually says: "Speaking of guns, last year a beautiful 19-year-old girl who lives in my area got shot in the head by a group of gangs. It's a sad story, they said that her face was unrecognisable from the impact of the bullet". Didn't you read that? I have also heard of alot of Lao children in Ausrtalia, who are also in gangs. I just had a relative come over for a holiday, and he says some Lao gangs even fight it out against each other. There was a slaying recently between the two sets. You're right, all this sggression is very uncharacteristic of the relaxed Lao modus operandi. That's definitely not how I was raised. I'm not a 'gangster'. But I won't lie, there were times in my youth when I did puff my chest out and contort my countenance into an intimidating manner. Something I'm not proud of. If anything, I think it's just part of growing up. I have now matured into a man and it always brings a smile to my face when I reminisce about such foolery! I think it's best to just let the young ones be. It's all those hormones cracking off that brings out that persona, right? :) If you do have a criminal record, then your life is pretty much over. You won't get any REAL jobs unless you know the employer.

That IS a stupid law. They can't even rent under their own name? Where most of the criminals live?

Maybe they live with friend and family if they're lucky. I think they also has social program to help ex felons looking for jobs or place to live. I don't really remember, but they say on the news there's around 12 million American with criminals record.  
8-)

llX wrote on 27^th Apr, 2011 at 1:02am:

Maybe they live with friend and family if they're lucky. I think they also has social program to help ex felons looking for jobs or place to live. I don't really remember, but they say on the news there's around 12 million American with criminals record.   8-)

That kind of law has the opposite effect, in that it only encourages crime.

I think crimes in the U.S is pretty high. Its also depend on where you go. Mostly in a poor city neighborhood crimes are higher. Some people just don't care about anything. With 300 million people there'll be bad element." There's bad apple in every tree."
8-)


Larb Dip wrote on 27^th Apr, 2011 at 1:07am:

llX wrote on 27th Apr, 2011 at 1:02am: Maybe they live with friend and family if they're lucky. I think they also has social program to help ex felons looking for jobs or place to live. I don't really remember, but they say on the news there's around 12 million American with criminals record.   8-) That kind of law has the opposite effect, in that it only encourages crime.

Are criminals still eligable for welfare?

How much do you recieve on welfare in the States? Do they give you free housing like they do in NZ?

In the US, the more offsprings you'd produce, the more money you'd get from the regular taxpayer ;).  Must be nice to get free housing in NZ.  I should move to NZ then so I do not have to motivate myself to get a job.


Larb Dip wrote on 27^th Apr, 2011 at 1:33am:

Are criminals still eligable for welfare? How much do you recieve on welfare in the States? Do they give you free housing like they do in NZ?

Low income can get welfare and subsidy for education, housing. But it's not easy to quality as you think. Government has deficits so there's a lot of cutback. But welfare is probably not as generous at NZ or Aussie.
;)


Larb Dip wrote on 27^th Apr, 2011 at 1:33am:

Are criminals still eligable for welfare? How much do you recieve on welfare in the States? Do they give you free housing like they do in NZ?

PEACE wrote on 27^th Apr, 2011 at 3:11am:

In the US, the more offsprings you'd produce, the more money you'd get from the regular taxpayer ;).  Must be nice to get free housing in NZ.  I should move to NZ then so I do not have to motivate myself to get a job. Larb Dip wrote on 27th Apr, 2011 at 1:33am: Are criminals still eligable for welfare? How much do you recieve on welfare in the States? Do they give you free housing like they do in NZ?

Don't read too much into 'free housing'. NOTHING is for free. Those 'free' houses are subsidised state homes. Maybe benefactors only pay about....25% (approximately) of the market value. Then again, these ARE state houses, and are just decent habitable homes. Nothing flash about them. They pay through their welfare. So it's pretty much 'free', right? Benefactors only receieve enough money to survive and make it through until the following week, until their next 'pay day'. I also know of a few women who have made a LIVING off getting pregnant. Their doles (welfare, as we call it here in NZ) increases with every child. Their benefits also increase along with their expanding brood. The NZ government is VERY good. One of the least corrupt in the world. However, there are some (benefactors) that manipulate the system. Believe it or not: Australias welfare system is TWICE as generous, in regards to their payouts.

Same as the U.S welfare system some people abuse it. That's why many Hmong-American has lot of kids about 5-6 some has more. They get foodstamp, housing and free medical.

Maybe we should move to Australia if they are so generous with welfare system. There's no need to work then. Nobody want to work if they has a choices. Sometime you can't just be too nice to people some will take advantage of you.
:D

llX wrote on 28^th Apr, 2011 at 12:03am:

Same as the U.S welfare system some people abuse it. That's why many Hmong-American has lot of kids about 5-6 some has more. They get foodstamp, housing and free medical. Maybe we should move to Australia if they are so generous with welfare system. There's no need to work then. Nobody want to work if they has a choices. Sometime you can't just be too nice to people some will take advantage of you. :D

I was thinking of doing the same, and moving over to Australia. The money is GOOD. The weather is HOT! HOT! HOT! Even hotter than Laos! Sauna atmosphere (so I've heard. I've never been, but I have alot of pinong in Sydney who keep urging me to go over). I'll have to go over REAL soon. ;)

I read statistics somewhere stating that Lao-American is one of the least producing ethnic asian group (as percentage within the population) in the US comparing to Viet, Chinese for examples.  Maybe the welfare system should motivate us to 'bang a gong' more often so our Lao-American population rate can keep up with other asian group population while getting free ffood, housing and medical care and not have to work at the same time :D ;D ;).


llX wrote on 28^th Apr, 2011 at 12:03am:

Same as the U.S welfare system some people abuse it. That's why many Hmong-American has lot of kids about 5-6 some has more. They get foodstamp, housing and free medical. Maybe we should move to Australia if they are so generous with welfare system. There's no need to work then. Nobody want to work if they has a choices. Sometime you can't just be too nice to people some will take advantage of you. :D

That's true I read the same articles. Compare to other Asian group Lao, Khmer are at the bottom of the food chain. When it come to education and wealth. Chinese-American, Japanese, Korean, Indian, Viet are doing well. I think it's a culture and how they raise their kids. In Korean and Chinsese culture for example college education is a must. Most of them are business owner so they pass that knowledge to their kids on how to run a business.
:)      



PEACE wrote on 28^th Apr, 2011 at 2:50am:

I read statistics somewhere stating that Lao-American is one of the least producing ethnic asian group (as percentage within the population) in the US comparing to Viet, Chinese for examples.  Maybe the welfare system should motivate us to 'bang a gong' more often so our Lao-American population rate can keep up with other asian group population while getting free ffood, housing and medical care and not have to work at the same time :D ;D ;). llX wrote on 28th Apr, 2011 at 12:03am: Same as the U.S welfare system some people abuse it. That's why many Hmong-American has lot of kids about 5-6 some has more. They get foodstamp, housing and free medical. Maybe we should move to Australia if they are so generous with welfare system. There's no need to work then. Nobody want to work if they has a choices. Sometime you can't just be too nice to people some will take advantage of you. :D

PEACE wrote on 28^th Apr, 2011 at 2:50am:

I read statistics somewhere stating that Lao-American is one of the least producing ethnic asian group (as percentage within the population) in the US comparing to Viet, Chinese for examples.  Maybe the welfare system should motivate us to 'bang a gong' more often so our Lao-American population rate can keep up with other asian group population while getting free ffood, housing and medical care and not have to work at the same time :D ;D ;). llX wrote on 28th Apr, 2011 at 12:03am: Same as the U.S welfare system some people abuse it. That's why many Hmong-American has lot of kids about 5-6 some has more. They get foodstamp, housing and free medical. Maybe we should move to Australia if they are so generous with welfare system. There's no need to work then. Nobody want to work if they has a choices. Sometime you can't just be too nice to people some will take advantage of you. :D

DON'T SHOOT THE MESSENGER!

Here are excerpts from one of the forums sister site's:
http://www.laobabes.com/overseaslaotians.html

"Laotians who arrived to America and Canada are mainly the low-class, dark-skinned and uneducated Lao people, Australia has mainly middle-class light-skinned Laotians and France is populated with the upper-class light-skinned Laotians mostly arriving from northern parts of Laos. Most traditional Lao people are from France and Australia while Lao people in America and Canada tend to be westernised."

"Sometimes living in too much free environment can work against Lao people in a foreign country. According to observation, some Lao people especially in America are highschool dropouts who never made it to tertiary education, they just enjoy drinking and partying and Lao parents don't really know how to teach their kids a good example because they themselves are uneducated expatriats who used to raise ducks and chickens during their life in Laos."

As to how someone from inside Laos can even make this type profiling is beyond me. What do you Lao Americans think?



Here's something VERY funny i came across:
http://www.khopjai.com/history1.html

It's about a pair of disgruntled youths. One representing for Laos; the other for Cambodia. It has a Celebrity Death Match feel to it. No holds barred in their tirades!
It's titled: "Lao history in a nutshell". ;D

I looked at that site and, while I wish it wasn't all about meeting Lao girls, the following article may interest some of you expatriate Lao.

I don't know how old the article is.


Quote:

Lao Expats May Get Long-Stay Visas The government is considering allowing people of Lao ethnicity living overseas to extend the length of a visit to Laos beyond the time normally permitted under a tourist visa, according to a senior official from Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The move is part of efforts by the government to encourage native Lao who left the country during the Indochina War several decades ago to return home and take part in the development process. Lao Overseas Relations Department Acting Director General, Mr Phonekham Inthabualy, said the department had completed a draft of the policy, hoping to submit it to government leaders for approval in the near future. "We hope the Prime Minister will approve the policy early this year". Mr Phonekham said the policy drafting committee would ask the government to allow Lao expatriates to stay in Laos for up to nine months on a single entry visa so they could enjoy living and doing business in their motherland. At present, a single entry visa allows tourists to stay in Laos for only 30 days. Visitors who want to stay longer have to exit and re-enter to obtain a new visa. Mr Phonekham said the committee had also proposed to the government that Lao expatriates have special real estate rights in Laos. But, he said, it was up to the government to decide whether to approve the policy. Under Lao law, only Lao people can obtain land use rights while foreigners can only lease land. The Lao National Assembly has approved a newly revised investment promotion law, which allows foreigners who invest US$500,000 in Laos to own land use rights here. The government expects to promulgate the law early this year. Mr Phonekham said a number of special policies were being considered for Lao expatriates. The government will make it easier for native Lao of other nationalities to marry a Lao national. At present foreigners who want to marry a Lao national have to obtain a large number of documents. Lao expatriates engaged in business will be eligible for tax reductions when they invest in or run a business in Laos , he said. Mr Phonekham said the committee's proposal was in accordance with the recommendations of Lao expatriates so they would find the policy attractive. Many native born Lao want to return to Laos because they feel comfortable here and have parents, aunts and uncles living in Laos. According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs estimates, there are about 600,000 native born Lao living overseas. Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh made a strong commitment to representatives of Lao expatriates who visited Laos for the 25th SEA Games that the government would consider and approve the policy. He said the Lao government did not consider history to be the basis of rules for development, adding that native born Lao, wherever they are, should join hands to develop the motherland. Officials said the government had opened up Laos to the world and now needed the united forces of Lao people all around the world to develop the nation. Khop Jai "Thank You"

Old Man

Larb Dip I'm Lao-American. I think the article is right on the money. In my opinion many Lao are doing well, and educated, they also has good work ethic.
:o 8-)

OK.  This is an extremely good article.  I will be there sooner than I thought :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :).  


wrote on 29^th Apr, 2011 at 12:06am:

I looked at that site and, while I wish it wasn't all about meeting Lao girls, the following article may interest some of you expatriate Lao. I don't know how old the article is. Quote: Lao Expats May Get Long-Stay Visas The government is considering allowing people of Lao ethnicity living overseas to extend the length of a visit to Laos beyond the time normally permitted under a tourist visa, according to a senior official from Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The move is part of efforts by the government to encourage native Lao who left the country during the Indochina War several decades ago to return home and take part in the development process. Lao Overseas Relations Department Acting Director General, Mr Phonekham Inthabualy, said the department had completed a draft of the policy, hoping to submit it to government leaders for approval in the near future. "We hope the Prime Minister will approve the policy early this year". Mr Phonekham said the policy drafting committee would ask the government to allow Lao expatriates to stay in Laos for up to nine months on a single entry visa so they could enjoy living and doing business in their motherland. At present, a single entry visa allows tourists to stay in Laos for only 30 days. Visitors who want to stay longer have to exit and re-enter to obtain a new visa. Mr Phonekham said the committee had also proposed to the government that Lao expatriates have special real estate rights in Laos. But, he said, it was up to the government to decide whether to approve the policy. Under Lao law, only Lao people can obtain land use rights while foreigners can only lease land. The Lao National Assembly has approved a newly revised investment promotion law, which allows foreigners who invest US$500,000 in Laos to own land use rights here. The government expects to promulgate the law early this year. Mr Phonekham said a number of special policies were being considered for Lao expatriates. The government will make it easier for native Lao of other nationalities to marry a Lao national. At present foreigners who want to marry a Lao national have to obtain a large number of documents. Lao expatriates engaged in business will be eligible for tax reductions when they invest in or run a business in Laos , he said. Mr Phonekham said the committee's proposal was in accordance with the recommendations of Lao expatriates so they would find the policy attractive. Many native born Lao want to return to Laos because they feel comfortable here and have parents, aunts and uncles living in Laos. According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs estimates, there are about 600,000 native born Lao living overseas. Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh made a strong commitment to representatives of Lao expatriates who visited Laos for the 25th SEA Games that the government would consider and approve the policy. He said the Lao government did not consider history to be the basis of rules for development, adding that native born Lao, wherever they are, should join hands to develop the motherland. Officials said the government had opened up Laos to the world and now needed the united forces of Lao people all around the world to develop the nation. Khop Jai "Thank You" Old Man

In the US, too much freedom can hurt you if you do not control your freedom.  Freedom is extremely nice to have as well because the sky is your limit and you can do/be anything you like.  It is all about individualism and not the color of your skin or what part of Laos you are from.  


Larb Dip wrote on 28^th Apr, 2011 at 11:09pm:

PEACE wrote on 28th Apr, 2011 at 2:50am: I read statistics somewhere stating that Lao-American is one of the least producing ethnic asian group (as percentage within the population) in the US comparing to Viet, Chinese for examples.  Maybe the welfare system should motivate us to 'bang a gong' more often so our Lao-American population rate can keep up with other asian group population while getting free ffood, housing and medical care and not have to work at the same time :D ;D ;). llX wrote on 28th Apr, 2011 at 12:03am: Same as the U.S welfare system some people abuse it. That's why many Hmong-American has lot of kids about 5-6 some has more. They get foodstamp, housing and free medical. Maybe we should move to Australia if they are so generous with welfare system. There's no need to work then. Nobody want to work if they has a choices. Sometime you can't just be too nice to people some will take advantage of you. :D DON'T SHOOT THE MESSENGER! Here are excerpts from one of the forums sister site's: http://www.laobabes.com/overseaslaotians.html "Laotians who arrived to America and Canada are mainly the low-class, dark-skinned and uneducated Lao people, Australia has mainly middle-class light-skinned Laotians and France is populated with the upper-class light-skinned Laotians mostly arriving from northern parts of Laos. Most traditional Lao people are from France and Australia while Lao people in America and Canada tend to be westernised." "Sometimes living in too much free environment can work against Lao people in a foreign country. According to observation, some Lao people especially in America are highschool dropouts who never made it to tertiary education, they just enjoy drinking and partying and Lao parents don't really know how to teach their kids a good example because they themselves are uneducated expatriats who used to raise ducks and chickens during their life in Laos." As to how someone from inside Laos can even make this type profiling is beyond me. What do you Lao Americans think? Here's something VERY funny i came across: http://www.khopjai.com/history1.html It's about a pair of disgruntled youths. One representing for Laos; the other for Cambodia. It has a Celebrity Death Match feel to it. No holds barred in their tirades! It's titled: "Lao history in a nutshell". ;D