http://countrystudies.us/laos/

http://books.google.com/books?id=W_ychnxUdJcC&pg=PT26&lpg=PT26&dq=laos+leaders+soviet+educated&source=bl&ots=lryet5cjTI&sig=J9RXgZazuF91qPBRZ-F-_A6z8IA&hl=en&ei=TdLtSpOMFoq1tgeL66gw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CBQQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=&f=false

When I visited Laos a few years ago, I thought the country was doing much better and things were less "communist" so the country was opening up to the world. This was mostly due to the collapse of the Soviet Union and globalization due to the internet. However, when I talk to people in Laos, they don't seem to know what happend during the Vietnam war and in general, Laos history. It seems to me like they have been taught another version of history that I am not familiar with. Most of the Laos children that have grown up in US/Canada don't understand why they don't live in Laos. They believe that their parents "decided" to come here to the west. This is dead wrong. If we did not leave Laos around 1975, we would have all been killed by communist lao/viet. If you don't believe me, then take a look at the killing fields in Cambodia just next to Laos.
The only disease to the country are the people who kill their own people. I know that Laos people were taught that the US killed them, think for yourself, the US tried to stop communisim.

http://www.cybercambodia.com/dachs/killing.html

I know that the communist gov't in Laos has re-educated people in Laos to hate the Laos people who have escaped to US/Canada but we Laos people in the west do not hate one another nor do we hate or look down upon Laos people in Laos, we only wish to help them but we can't because of these political issues. I only hope that you "educated" Laos youths seek out the truth for yourselves.

I am proud to be Lao but when I see Laos people hating each other, it only reminds me why there were so many wars in Laos and why it's still one of the poorest in the world

http://www.unohrlls.org/en/ldc/relate

People from other countries don't know much about their history either unless it's something that they are interested in, and they research further. In Laos, we have history musuems and books in libraries about Lao history from different sources.

We have millions of people living in Laos today, and they are not dead. To say that we would have all been killed if we didn't leave Laos shows a certain lack of knowledge. Lao people in the past wanted Laos to an independent country, and not be ruled by a western country and it was achieved.

Well, yes, Laos is only "one of the poorest countries" in the world. At least we are not "the poorest country" in the world, and we can hold our heads up high knowing that the economy has made steady progress towards prosperity.

It seems like defamation is the norm in asian countries. If you can't beat them, then just talk bad about them and ruin their reputation, who cares about the truth anymore.

It looks like I have a "lack of knowledge" even with my degree's and experience. Perhaps someone can enlighten me on the subject matter from their extensive education.

So Laos didn't want to be ruled by the western countries anymore so they let the soviet union rule them instead since that is where most of them were educated from. And we let the vietnamese control us like puppets. And Laos killed it's own king so that this could be achieved. So 35 years later I am still waiting to see this independence.

A Degree doesn't mean anything. There are wealthy millionaires and billionaires in this world with no Degree, but they became successful through self thinking and self learning.

The Soviet Union never ruled Laos, and choosing to study in a particular country doesn't mean that the country rules you. They have study abroad programs like other countries. Most Lao citizens now stay in Laos to study because the universities have improved, while some go to Thailand, China and Vietnam.

You weren't there, how do you know that Laos killed its' own King? What happened over 30 years ago, I don't know either. But what I do know is this, France doesn't control Laos anymore.

"France doesn't control Laos anymore"

That's because the vietnamese control Laos now and the Chinese are going to over run the country soon. Why is Laos and Thailand so different after 30 years yet they are right next to each other. Look at North and South Korea, that is just like Laos and Thailand, one is communist while the other is not, hmmm.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7329928.stm
http://laos.suite101.com/article.cfm/the_chinese_in_laos

I was actually there 30 years ago since I am now 33 years old.

http://www.laos.co.uk/King.html
http://www.orientexpat.com/forum/8134-a-lao-dissident-shot-dead-in-ubon/page__s__35d2b20baa7d3d751eea4807aebf0ece

If the Chinese controls Laos then we will improve as a country. Remember, the Chinese control Thailand!

Besides, why compare Thailand to Laos? Thailand is very different because it's a bigger country with a population of 70 million. Laos only have 6 million people, and we are landlocked. Tourism helps the Thai economy.

If you were in Laos 30 years ago, then you were only a toddler. You know nothing.

First of all: Sabaileee Kon lao tuu tuu kon.

"Re-education" this word is misused. it should been "Jail times or Pay back times". Every time I run cross to see this word, it made me to be a different person >:( During 1978-79 I was at Don Thao.I was 18yrs.
Young and wild just like a young kids this day.I still could not understood that much why the Communist Laos had to did this way to their own people. Poeple don't belong to state.Most of human living in this planet like to be freeeeee. Issaac want Laos to be Independence(I agree).Most Lao ppl don't like France,or USA that much and also alot of our ppl (including U and I) don't like Vietnamese at all,to Chinese seem to be Ok.But why now is all Vietnameses? I am 1000% Lao, born and raised at Ban That Laung,VT.You may calling me a traitor or Patikan(I left, Free at last and Free forever) I don't belong to the state.
Seem to me the current leaders don't really know what is [b]INDEPENDENCE meaning?." FREE FROM ALL". we should not belong to NOBODY.
They should not sent our ppl to Re-education Camp in the first place.We all Lao.Lao should have the dignity of mankind.If Viet does we should not follow them.Lao should be Lao.( Haw kon Lao bor mand kon Keov)=we are laotian not Vietnamese.

Ps.Thax Buk H K, Adm and ....tuu tuu Kon lao der 8-)

Everybody wants to be free, but if you do something bad, or they view you as a threat then you lose your freedom and you are sent to a re-education camp, jail or which ever way you like to call it.

There are many Lao people who are mixed Lao-Vietnamese,  in a relationship with a Vietnamese, or they have friends and relatives who are Vietnamese. You may not like the Vietnamese at all and that's understandable, but it doesn't mean that the Laotians who have Vietnamese connections are bad people.

If you are living in the communist countries you will not be free; you are belong to the state.

If you are Lao+Viet(keow). I don't have anything against you OK. I do understand about them(Keow). Same as my life right now.

I am homesick, I want to go home........
I have no money, I am worthless laotian refugee and I'm also ex-patikan. I'm poor and broke. All of these, do you think the Laos Govt are willing to accepting me to be their citizen as Laotian?

90% too hight, maybe 20% would be close. you maybe right and wrong. One way ticket (NO )have to be Two way tikets(round trip).

I am a free Lao citizen.

I am poor too but you know the saying, when you die you can't take anything with you. You don't need alot of money to visit Laos unless you plan to spend alot on entertainment and socialising. You are welcome to come to Laos and you will have fun even with little money.

Most westerners travel around Laos in a simple and cheap way, they don't have friends and relatives in Laos so they tend to spend less.

" when u die u will take nothing" that's truth. But while u alive you need to take somethings with you to where you are going. Especially,if you are from the US,you don't want your friends,relatives to look down on you, like I used to heard these words saying: What the hell are you doing in the US for quite so long and ain't got sh*t! Its very embarrassing to me. I can't go home with the empty pocket.

Do you know alot of us living in the US, they've felt that ways.
There are many of us didn't succeeded in life and feeling guity to themselves and keep it insight. lives is not easy in America.

Please do not try to come over here OK, unless you are rich......
If you're poor + lazy, your ass is going to be homeless...believe me

They probably won't say that for you to hear, but they will gossip.

The truth about most people in Laos is that they don't really care if you are rich or poor. For example, they don't care if you have loans on your house, car or credit card in the US. As long as you give them some money or gift then they will associate with you, and treat you well.

My advice is to visit Laos and stay away from people who just want things from you. Travel around like a backpacker and discover Laos.

You're right again (right on the money)and thank you very much with your advice. Maybe when I got there I might go hang out with you would be better, like U just said.It that can be possible(yes or no). If can be I will buy my ticket tomorrow.

I am "Kon" Lao  ( not Farang, not Keow )

Chao kid vaa jung dai. koy som kuan pai ban yu bor? bork hai koy hu dair?

I'm usually right.

I'm like the rest of the Laotians too. To hang out with me will cost lots of money and pricey jewellery.

I really like the way you handing these ABL(American born Laos) Thinking they know every things.

I am quite happy what happen over 35 year ago, I was only 14 then. I didn't know why we have to leave Laos. all I know wss that I was so happy with my friends at school. but day after day, most of my friend is missing from school and my neighbor also missing and I saw Vientiane are turning to be a ghost town the street is so quite. My parent was thinking that all of them had been taking away by the Red-Army at the time. I also hear one of my best friend has been shoot and kill by the red-army while he try to swim across the River. not until we have cross over the river and saw him alive and well in Nongkhai Refugee Camp.
Most of the people got sent to Re-education camp other in the Old army,Police force and high rank Public servant. Most of these people are the most corrupted any way. About the loyal Family in Laos. They have done nothing to improve Laos people life anyway. They also very Corrupted too. My father is in Business and he have to pay these people each month just to get them off his back!(he is in a Grocery  store business)
That why The red army won the War and the heart of the majority at the time.
I'm happy because of the red-army make my family to leave Laos at time.because of them, I did get the chance to live,study and work aboard. because of them make my life Changed  180 decree.

3 year doing nothing in the camp just pay foot-ball and learning English being bashed by the Thai army when they feel like it.  
Studied the best education While Working full time.

I do thank you for that! because with out them, I would be able to be came who I am!

3 years in a Thai refugee camp is quite a long time. Most people only stayed in the camp for 6 months to a year because they had relatives or friends who sponsored them.

The Catholic Church also sponsored Laotians who signed an agreement to follow the Catholic religion.

I 'm just one of those who don't have a relative who can sponsor me at the time. We have to wait in the line....beside, We didn't want to go to France and USA.

Religion is a freedom of choice! I do not change my belief just to get me out of trouble. You talking very much like Westerner and probably is! How ever, I do appreciated what you done here. Please keep up the good work. I will continue to support the forum. I would like to meet you one day and maybe have a coffee chatting about life changing in Laos........  

It is a freedom of choice, that's why it is their choice to change their religion so the church will sponsor them.

I'm a Laotian and not a westerner.

:-X
Admin Saovaluck wrote on 1^st Nov, 2009 at 10:49pm:

Lao people in the past wanted Laos to an independent country, and not be ruled by a western country and it was achieved.

So to kick out the French, Prince Souphanouvong turned to the Vietnamese for help. True...the French was removed, but Vietnam ended up having control/influence over Laos.  To me that's bringing one country IN, to kick out another.  I SEE NO DIFFERENCE! Except Vietnam was communist, French was NOT!

That's all I'm saying.... :-X

The communist is only the name now. the system is not there any more. Look at China...they are rich and powerful now. I do hope Laos take note of what China have to offer! you are still live in the past. please let go of the past and look to the future.
You can not change the past,but you can create the future!  

You are correct Tee. I will NOT argue your point.  

I was only responding to Admin about...kicking French out. But to achieve that...they had to bring IN Vietnam.   I see no difference!  That's all I'm saying.

That's like.... BORROW MY SISTER TO PAY MY BROTHER.

I guest at time, no one have let the hand to help. and perhaps Laos army have help them make safe passive for Vietnam Army during the war and help them kick out the American. I don't think Vietnam have any intention to take over Laos.if they do want that. After 35 year they still have done nothing yet. if that were Thailand...that would be different. Look over the other side of River, About quarter of Thailand and it population are still speak Laos and 65% of the work force in Thailand are spoke Laotian. We should be proud, what Laos have achieved!

The revolution of Internet has make the world with no boarder anymore. We should think who or what country to take over the nation but concentrate on how to help other less fortune than us and bring their life to be at least better than what there are now.  

On paper, Laos is officially an independent country and not ruled by any country.

But behind closed doors, Vietnam continues to have influence in Laos.

We" all Laotians " do not want NOBODY to rule our country. Just like Ho chi min had said : " Want Vietnam to be Independence, I rarely welcome 10,000 American better than one French." But now they(viet) are in Laos and Combodian( shame on them)  

Remember : Weakness will die Strongest will survive.
If we don't do anything about it we will dying out at the end; we'll be sorry ; like the (Kurdist, Palestinian)

(KU nee) I was at Don Thao during 78's thru 79's during Samkhe break.  1978 it was real bad just like Buck Tee had said VT its just like a ghost town all borders were seal. And come to 1979 the China had invaded the Vietnam. We don't ever knew whom is our friend or foe. People were dying, starving.....there is nothing to sell at the market place. Image if you were there Ok and put yourself in my shoe then you will understand me. The Communist will accusing you out of anything. The tactic of the Communism ideology in base on lie. They 'd called civilians " PA Chon or Patikan Kai Zard " this is just abusing the power to humiliated us(Lao civilians). To me; I have to say: F-Buck Kayson,F-Buck Souphanouvong,F-Buck Khamtai, F-Buck Nouhak,F-Buck Choummaly. ( Ku nee Kon lao bor dai kai Zard ) All of these sorry-ass are the one whom (Kai Zard) included the F- Old regime were did it too. They was bad the now are the worst of the mankind.
Can any one tell me which Ex and Current Leaders are good one.
I will name them for U:  Buck Boun Oum, Buck Kaysone, Koupasith Abpai, Buck Souphanouvong and half bro Souvannaphouma.....etc

We ( all Laotians including 68 ethnic groups) are the victims of war. We are paying the price for those sorry-ass leaders; they just want the throne and make money for themselves... I don't care what the Laos want to be as long as that person do it for their ppl and country not your pockets.... beside that I forgive and forgave. I let By Gone Be By Gone. Life have to go on....

You said you are not angry! but all the word you show here is full of anger.

You call me Buk Tee, a real Laos would never disrespect elder person no matter what. I do understand you are gown up in the USA. that how they treat they elder. I don't get anger but sad that you have a high educate but chose to behave like the low educate person.    

To be fair to WantLaosToBeIndependence, we don't know each others age and background.

The word "buk" is used every day, especially in southern and central Laos.

In Lao culture, calling a person "buk" is respecting them as a best friend or close friend, but you're right that it shouldn't be used towards an elder.

Tee wrote on 4^th Jan, 2010 at 12:24pm:

I really like the way you handing these ABL(American born Laos) Thinking they know every things. I am quite happy what happen over 35 year ago, I was only 14 then. I didn't know why we have to leave Laos. all I know wss that I was so happy with my friends at school. but day after day, most of my friend is missing from school and my neighbor also missing and I saw Vientiane are turning to be a ghost town the street is so quite. My parent was thinking that all of them had been taking away by the Red-Army at the time. I also hear one of my best friend has been shoot and kill by the red-army while he try to swim across the River. not until we have cross over the river and saw him alive and well in Nongkhai Refugee Camp. Most of the people got sent to Re-education camp other in the Old army,Police force and high rank Public servant. Most of these people are the most corrupted any way. About the loyal Family in Laos. They have done nothing to improve Laos people life anyway. They also very Corrupted too. My father is in Business and he have to pay these people each month just to get them off his back!(he is in a Grocery  store business) That why The red army won the War and the heart of the majority at the time. I'm happy because of the red-army make my family to leave Laos at time.because of them, I did get the chance to live,study and work aboard. because of them make my life Changed  180 decree. 3 year doing nothing in the camp just pay foot-ball and learning English being bashed by the Thai army when they feel like it.   Studied the best education While Working full time. I do thank you for that! because with out them, I would be able to be came who I am!

>>
TT> Like you, for the record I WILL SELFISHLY SAY, I'm glad there was a "Change in Government".  I would NOT be in America knowing what I know or have what I have.  
>UNLIKE you I will say IT IS STILL CORRUPT!

You don't have to be fair with me Okay. Take my word for it. All of you in here are younger than me............

It's took me almost 40min or more to finish one comment not like the youngsters took them only 10min.

I used two middle fingers to type instead of using its in something else...
Its not easy for me at all. I am too old for this shiit...

Do you know what is middle finger for?
I alway get mad, mad of every things. I am no good shiit..
Just don't mind me Okay....I' m too dumb for this but have more knowledge than your sorry-ass president (fact)

WantLaosToBeIndependence, Then for that reason is it possible to try and set a good example to the "younger" ones?

Tone down your language and be nice is a good start, khop jai lai lai der.

I feel so sorry that you feel so rejected person here. Maybe you should blame on karma.  You didn't do goodies in your last life,this life you have to suffer for the bad thing you had done!

I am sorry,I am not going to give you what you want! I know you want me to swear at you. but I have to pass that..... Have a nice day.

PS. This would help with you typing!
http://www.typeonline.co.uk/lesson1.html