Laos is a land lock country. if Vietnam ,Cambodia and Laos be come Indochina used to be like under the France control and use one currency and Laos will be beneficial the most.
Our export good will free of tariff easily send to Vietnam port. our labour force also be the cheaper in the regent. They will be more investment fund going into Laos.  What do you think?  

Sounds good to me, now we can export our hookers without paying the pimp.

To become " INDOCHINA "  be a " PATIKAN "  sound better

LLL ( Lao Love Laos )

Generally, having a low currency encourages exports and tourism but reduces your buying power. Laos mostly exports raw materials and natural resources such as: rice, wood, limestones, electricity, opium, etc.. A country that only sells natural resources only makes the gov't rich since they are the ones who own and control that, and in the case of Laos, their gov't doesn't use that money to promote the economy. There is no job creation, there are no new businesses being started, there is no innovation being developed and marketed as "Made in Laos". Have you ever seen anything that says "Made in Laos" being sold here in the west besides a sticky rice basket that they sell in chinatown? I see motorcycles and cars made in china and thailand being sold in Laos. How come Laos can't manufacture anything besides beer lao and silk? They only know how to sell raw materials and i consider beer and silk raw materials cause there is little "manufacturing" in the process. The people need "real jobs" such as construction, build houses/apartments/condo's/retail development. We need to have companies come and start their manufacturing operations in Laos and make use of the "cheap" labour, thus giving the people knowledge and skills, not to mention income. Take a look at the US, japanese automakers want to sell their cars there so the gov't says well you have to manufacture a certain percentage of your cars here in america then, thus creating local jobs, using local industries. If the commies were smart, they would give free land to the Laos people so that they can grow crops, like rice, fruits, veggies, fish farms and export them to neighboring countries that lack agriculture. Then the gov't can tax the exports to gain revenue while the people make an income. Everyone needs to eat and the population keep increasing while food is becoming scarce since no one wants to farm and become like buk dum cause it is looked down upon to be dark. True dat!

You know why I don't like giving money to the people in Laos? All they do is feed their mouths and then wait for the next hand out. You ask them what they did with the money you gave them and they will tell you they bought a phone card or put gas in their motorcycle for a month. Use the money just to live day to day cause there is no other way to make money.

There is only one word to describe all this, "STUPID".
The commies are stupid so the people are kept stupid.
They were stupid 30 years ago, they are still stupid now.
Everyone on this board keeps saying "if laos did this, or that..." well the truth is they don't and they don't know how to cause they are stupid. If you and I know all this and the commies don't, then don't you think they are stupid? After having 30 years of total totalitarian control over a country and its people and still being the poorest nation in that region and receiving foreign aid, don't you think that is stupid?

Do you know why Thai's, Viets, and Chinese look down upon us Lao? Cause they look at our country and think the same thing, how stupid.
Everyone else around them is developing and enjoying life but Laos is like North Korea, living in a prison while watching everyone else have fun.

You ask other asians, where are you from and they say, I'm from Korea. Oh that's where they make hyundai cars and samsung and kimchi. I'm from Japan. Oh that's where they make honda and toyota and nissan and sony and sushi. I'm from Taiwan. Oh that's where they manufacture all the computer parts. I'm from China. Oh that's where they make all the ripped off stuff.

I tell them I'm from Laos and they say, oh that's where the americans went and bombed the hell out of, how stupid.
People reading this might think I am looking down on my own people, but that's the truth, Stupid.

Wow BHK!  You took the words right out of my mouth! Only thing I would say differently, I would ease up on calling my fellow Laotian people STUPID.  Though it may be TRUE, but a lot of that is THROUGH NO FAULT OF THEIR OWN!

That's one of the communists ideals...KEEP THE PEOPLE STUPID SO THEY WON'T BE A THREAT TO OVERTHROW YOU! When the people become too educated and smarter than the government, they will protest, demonstrate and DEMAND better services and treatment for rights and freedoms.  That's when the communist military comes in and SQUASHES any "threats."

Many of the discussions in this forum only talk about economic and political change or reform. However there is also one KEY factor that also needs to change! This factor is probably the most important and CRITICAL in my opinion, if Laos is truely to move forward as a people and as a country, move away from the STIGMA of being an impoverishly poor and politically corrupt 3rd world country!

In my opinion, this KEY factor is ATTITUDE and/or WAY OF THINKING!

That's right, "Attitude/Way of thinking."  Remember I said previously, communist government ideals KEEP THE PEOPLE STUPID. As a result of this, LAOTIANS are:

-Simple minded,
-Narrow minded,
-Lack moral and ethical principals, even though they know it is wrong they don't exercise good judgement.

-Can Not think openly and freely,
-Are NOT forward thinkers,
-DO NOT think for the GREATER good, ONLY think for themselves
-Can Not think outside the box,
-INTRINSICALLY and INHERENTLY OBEY AUTHORITY (happen during Monarchy and now in communism)
-Attitude of "bor pen yung" again INHERENT and INTRINSIC NATURE OF ALL LAOTIANS
-Don't like change

-**Poo yhai vs. poo noy** When adults/authority speaks, young/poor must do or listen. Poo Yhai (adults) don't like to be corrected by poo noy!

These are just some examples of the CHANGES that need to happen for Laos as a people and a country needs to do. No matter what education they have or where they go to get educated, IF THESE FUNDAMENTAL and INHERENT "NATURE" of Laotians do NOT change, then we will NOT SEE TRUE CHANGE!

For example: We know ADMIN is educated in Australia and HE is the future of LAOS!

But ADMIN attitude about corruption, poverty and prostitution ARE:

About corruption:
>"It happens but nothing we can do about it"

About poverty:
>"Let the government fix all the problems"

About prostitution:
TT said - "girls turn to prostitution because it's the last resort."
ADMIN said >>"TT, there is no last resort. There are jobs if they (girls) are willing to work the hard way and earn a monthly income like other people."

To be fair to ADMIN - I understand HE is one person and HE CAN NOT SPEAK AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT...but

ADMIN is young, educated and the FUTURE of Laos, but it appears his ATTITUDE is the same! Now if MOST of Laos' young and educated think like ADMIN, WILL LAOS EVER TRUELY CHANGE?

Economic change/progress has been slow, but at the cost of Laos' environment and natural resources and local people.

Political change/reform REGRETFULLY, WILL HAVE TO COME AT THE COST OF HUMAN LIFE. There are many in Laos, who want TRUE democracy, civil rights, freedom of speech, freedom to gather and protest/demand the government do more to help the people.

But we all know THOSE WHO SPEAK UP/SPEAK OUT are PUNISHED!

I am agree with you all...Laos is the only country in the South-East Asian. Every thing that make in Laos will never be exported cheap.(Transport by air is too expensive)if we can access to a Port. we can export it cheap. True that we have a cheap labour,but we don't have a metality to work hard like other country work force. rack of training and Attitute of "bo pen yan loug"  If only Laos government can ask they mate in Vietnam to give them that access to the port that will be a big boot to investment in Laos.

BorLeumBanGerd, Firstly, I am a girl. Secondly, I was born and educated in Laos. And finally, Laos is changing for the better.

We appreciate your input on Lao affairs, but it's in my best interests to not comment further.      :-X

Hi Admin,

I don't want to jeopardise your situation,I do hope when they read this forum and take lesson and use some of the Idea to make Laos better equip when making a deal with those Foreigner in the future.

In the west we discuss about each other idea and urgue about it and make change if neccessary and still be able to eat in the same table after the urguement.  When people don't agree with you, we don't kill them or put them in any harm way. you just convince them that you idea is better.

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 18^th Jan, 2010 at 12:54am:

BorLeumBanGerd, Firstly, I am a girl. Secondly, I was born and educated in Laos. And finally, Laos is changing for the better. We appreciate your input on Lao affairs, but it's in my best interests to not comment further.      :-X

ADMIN:

I apologize.  I meant no disrespect. I go so caught up in what I was writing and forgot you are a WOMAN.  "Kor tote"!

About my comments:

I am ONLY saying what is already known or common knowledge to Laotian people. THERE IS NO LIE and NOTHING IS MADE UP!  It was NOT intended to insult or offend. As a Laotian myself in USA, I have seen all that I commented, simple minded and narrow minded, who lack education, social skills, especially from the SOME of the older generations who are having difficulty living by some of the American way of life.  I emphasize SOME!  

As I understand it, THIS IS AN OPEN FORUM FOR DISCUSSION ABOUT CURRENT ISSUES and PROBLEMS in Laos.  I, adding to comments by BUK HOO KEE, am just stating the facts. If we CAN NOT ACCEPT THE FACTS, THEN WE ARE LYING TO OURSELVES AND LIVING A LIFE OF LIES.

What's the point of having a FORUM such as Laopride.com if we CAN'T DISCUSS REAL ISSUES?  

Am I wrong about ATTITUDE?  Laos can bring in all the foreign investments they want, but from a PEOPLE perspective, If people's FUNDAMENTAL attitudes and way of thinking don't change, then all we have is economic and technological progress.

I can certainly understand your position, that you can NOT comment any further. Again please understand my point, THIS IS AN OPEN FORUM FOR DISCUSSION ABOUT CURRENT ISSUES and PROBLEMS.

If discussions like this are upsetting or offensive, then as the admin maybe you should prevent them from being posted. Just a thought?

The fact of the matter, at the end of the day ADMIN, me, you, Tee, Independence, Buk Hoo Kee, WE ALL WANT LAOTIANS TO HAVE A BETTER LIFE, FOR LAOS TO HAVE DEMOCRACY AND FREEDOMS, FOR LAOS TO PROGRESS LIKE THE REST OF THE MODERN WORLD.

Am I wrong?

Oh man, Just can't handle the truth. Truth hurt sometimes; learn how to live with it......I guess they asked us(Lao-American-Patikan)to leave their website.......

To BLBG, BHK, TT.....( all the western members) leave now or else...

I don't think they can't face with the fact we had represented to them, Its hurt their feeling, I knew these for sure, just like we have had to borrowed their knife and stab theirs own ass...Its hurt...

I am really sorry guys I had created all BS up with many tatics; we had to used it to make them to understanding us; we are not their enemy, all we want is to help the poors to stand up on their own feet; that all...We shown love but they shown hatre.....

I am signing out....Good luck to all of you,
   LLL( Lao Love Laos ) Not KKK
PS, Hay Tee I still can eat with you in the same table..mate

Sabaidee Tee. The West is the West, and Asia is Asia. Sometimes nothing makes sense but that's how the world revolves around us.

BorLeumBanGerd, It is okay. You are allowed to discuss real issues. At no stage did I say that your post is unacceptable or offensive. All I am trying to say is that I personally won't become actively involved in any negative discussions about Laos. However, we don't have any problems with our members contributing their thoughts and ideas about Laos and its' people.

I have a dream...that one day. current government will let us the people educate in the west.....to govern  the country and free of intimidate from the government. all we need is 5 years They will see the different! and I am sure the people will never want to go back to the same system again.  
Independence there is no hard feeling betwen me and you. I sometime over reacted on some point you were make. I hope you do forgive me. And I have to be careful of what I say...I still want to visit Laos and hopefully oneday I can retire there! Maybe one day we all can set down in the same table and have my favourite Laos dish "Kan Non Mai"

Maybe some of you should set up a Blog and continue our discussion in another blog..I will more than happy to join in!

I actually like posting this stuff on here cause this site is straight out of Laos and I hope the commies read this and FEAR ME! haha...

I believed this site is belong to" The Lao Commie Govt"........

Need to beware!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They are not friendly

If I give them $300k I wonder if they will be my friend then.

Let do this Poll and present it to the people going to make this new law!

It's been very quite lately for this forum! I still want to make this subject stick! Anyone have any kind for opinions? Let start give me the reason why shouldn't we! and explain why? Please don't give a reason with a silly explanation!    

Funny though, as an outsider most of the Laos say that Laos are lazy and stupid, they are so lazy to grow their own and import vegis from Thailand.
 I TOTALLY DISAGREE.
They're lazy because they can afford to be lazy, the land is fertile and basic neccessity is abundant.
Laos envy on other countries like China, Japan US VN  etc...
Do you know that Most Japs has no enough to eat that's why they live so long (if you eat lass you live longer).
China is so polluted cancer is widespread, VN is catching up.
US's democracy is dicated by big coporations and most people work like slaves (except lawyer and docs).
Every country is try to industrialise, there will be so much competition that country can't make enough profit to feed their population.
The future is agriculture and natural resources, which Laos still has plenty, the best thing is Hydro electricity, you guys sits on a gold mine and not realising it.
Because of the nature and culture of the people, you guys are lucky to escape the blood bath in the Indochina war.
Be content and happy that is what I found in most people in Laos, as for those oversears Laos, I think you are somehow corrupted by the evil of capitalism. (Don't get me wrong I only like communist that are DEAD), look around you, there is no more communist even North Korea is openning up.
Let's hope Lao escape the evil of extreme capitalism.

Good dye mate!

I was just wondering where you  get your info from? Can you give us some links to verify your statements, otherwise they don't really have any substance, you know what I mean...

"They're lazy because they can afford to be lazy, the land is fertile and basic neccessity is abundant."
Can you tell me why Lao people are malnutritioned? You are correct that they are not lazy, they just don't have anything to do, no jobs, no money to do anything.
http://laos.wvasiapacific.org/documents/laos_fs_0708.pdf

"Do you know that Most Japs has no enough to eat that's why they live so long (if you eat lass you live longer)."
You mean if I starve and become anorexic I won't die but live longer than someone who eats a healthy diet? No wonder those ethiopians don't eat. The japanese have plenty to eat, they just don't have the money to buy meat cause it's expensive so they savour it. Maybe you've never seen a sumo wrestler?

"China is so polluted cancer is widespread"
I didn't know there was a direct corellation between cancer and polution. I didn't think cancer cared if you lived in a clean or dirty environment.

"US's democracy is dicated by big coporations and most people work like slaves (except lawyer and docs)."
Welcome to corporate america. Let me know of a country that is not influenced by their wealthiest citizens. I get paid to work, I could also collect unemployment or welfare or a gov't loan to go to school. Slaves are the ones in China making $1 a day in the sweat shops and then get kicked out onto the streets when the US economy slows down and stops buying Chinese cheap goods.
http://chinadigitaltimes.net/china/laid-off-workers/

"Every country is try to industrialise, there will be so much competition that country can't make enough profit to feed their population."
You might want to take a look at Canada.

"The future is agriculture and natural resources, which Laos still has plenty, the best thing is Hydro electricity, you guys sits on a gold mine and not realising it."
Too bad it doesn't belong to the Laos people, anymore.
"Thailand is the primary investor in the hydroelectric sector; Australia, Denmark, Finland, Japan, Norway, and Sweden also have companies with interests in various projects."
http://countrystudies.us/laos/78.htm
http://laovoices.com/2010/01/14/commercial-logging-causes-serious-deforestation/
http://articles.latimes.com/2004/feb/29/news/adfg-eden29

"Be content and happy that is what I found in most people in Laos"
"Baw pen nyang"
http://www.laopride.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.cgi?num=1263695351

"there is no more communist even North Korea is openning up"
I have been waiting for over 30 years for Laos to be "opening up".
The only thing North Korea is opening up is another nuclear facility like Iran.

You guys have got to get yourself together.  You don't need to invest $300,000 in Laos.  Use your head.  Here's a simple solution.  If you have relatives in Laos, make sure to put land/property under their names.  That is the only loophole.  It even states it in the Custom Services in any Embassy.  If you marry a Lao National you cannot own any property/land unless it's under his/her name.  If you don't have any family or relatives there, then you are out of luck.  

Dude, you put land under someone elses name, even your relatives, might as well kiss it good bye. I have heard too many stories, perhaps you try it and let me know if you still have "your" land in Laos okay.
My grandmother has a lot of land in Laos. Now she has none. What do you think happend to it? There is a reason why Laos is still a cash based society.

I understand all your concern about Laos.  I wouldn't worry about it too much, the country is in fact slowly changing.  First step is opening the doors to the world, second step was last year's SEA GAME host to give our country hope and recognition.  You guys don't see it? The current system is failing and getting closer to full future Democracy.  The only country I'm more concerned about is the alliance with North Korea.  Of all the country Vietnam, China, why NK??  North Korea is beyond Communism, it's dictatorship at it's best.  There's no hope for the people there.  Most have been brainwashed/or just too afraid to stand up...with automatic execution. Laos is not like that I don't know why they associated themselves with NK. I made a post about North Korea to state my point on youtube "tribute to Laos army", this hardcore sengoku14 (100 % brainwashed idiot kept deleting my post).  I sent him a message regarding the issue never responded.  He must be afraid or something.  Just keep your minds/ears open, people are in control not the government. This goes for everyone.  Remember 911?   The terrorist attack was a setup by our own government. I knew that was fixed, and so did the world.  Government should never have that much power over the people.

Buk Hoo Kee, I understand you pretty well.  I'm pretty sure a lot of what you are saying is true since there are still corrupt officials in Laos.  But, all I'm saying is currently you can document everything that you do when you live there.  That is why technology is at it's best today.  The corrupt officials cannot hide much of anything that people do now and days due to fear of being exposed since they opened the doors to the world.  Many many years ago some of my family did lose land.  I'm talking about the present, my family still has land, nothing has been taken from them.  I sent them money every month since I cannot go there at the moment. I call them to check up on them and their well being, they usually keep me posted what's going on in Laos.  I'm not worried.

macro wrote on 24^th Feb, 2010 at 1:20pm:

Funny though, as an outsider most of the Laos say that Laos are lazy and stupid, they are so lazy to grow their own and import vegis from Thailand.  I TOTALLY DISAGREE. They're lazy because they can afford to be lazy, the land is fertile and basic neccessity is abundant. Laos envy on other countries like China, Japan US VN  etc... Do you know that Most Japs has no enough to eat that's why they live so long (if you eat lass you live longer). China is so polluted cancer is widespread, VN is catching up. US's democracy is dicated by big coporations and most people work like slaves (except lawyer and docs). Every country is try to industrialise, there will be so much competition that country can't make enough profit to feed their population. The future is agriculture and natural resources, which Laos still has plenty, the best thing is Hydro electricity, you guys sits on a gold mine and not realising it. Because of the nature and culture of the people, you guys are lucky to escape the blood bath in the Indochina war. Be content and happy that is what I found in most people in Laos, as for those oversears Laos, I think you are somehow corrupted by the evil of capitalism. (Don't get me wrong I only like communist that are DEAD), look around you, there is no more communist even North Korea is openning up. Let's hope Lao escape the evil of extreme capitalism.

No one or country can afford to be lazy and Stupid. It's doesn't matter how rich you are one day your fund and luck will run out. you have to train you population to be lean and mean also smart,not stupid and lazy!.

Heya Folks

Money - I myself have none - but, may soon be working in Laos for a better future for Laos.....  ;)

Happy Greez Angakkuq

Are you Swiss or are  you Lao-Swiss? I apologize for my curiosity, for the reason you are interested in working in Laos.

Heya
Yes, I'm Swiss - 100%
The theme --life in Europe-- is just a little bit difficult for me, it no longer fits. But then one has to seek the possibility of a new place in the world.
Greez Angakkuq

how about North Korea? LOL

Hi Angakkuq

Swiss is the best social welfare system in the world! you said you no longer fit in your society. there is something very fishes about your social behaviours.
I can see the report about westerner going to  South-East Asia as Sex tourist and some are going there to molester the young children(Paedophile) if you are one of the Sex tourist than I think you better off going to Thailand or Philippine. That would be better in value and better choice for you, but if your are the last one, I've mention. You are not welcome to any of the country specially Laos!      
Laos is maybe lack of this kind of Law and order, but if you get caught, they will kill you there.