Administrator's grammar is impeccable! Anyone else agree?
Just wondering where you studied your English at? If in Laos, then are all the other students there as savvy as you are? Just curious, as I always thought that Lao nationals were deprived of a decent education...among other things.(No offense intended). Reading through some of the past post from other members, I have been surprised by the ignorance of how some people don't know the difference between "then" and "than", "to" and "too". Most of them reside in English speaking countries too. By the way, do you have a good income? Be honest now. I think you could easily slip into a government-relevant role based on your prose alone. Then again maybe you already have something of that sort going on for you and perhaps I shouldn't have underestimated you.:)

P.S.

This is a compliment and not a moan. :p

This forum isn't about my English grammar skills, but thanks for the compliment. I studied English in secondary and tertiary education in Laos. Everyone has different skills. I may be good English, but the next person is better than me in maths and science, so we shouldn't judge a persons level of education by their communication skills alone.

I don't make a good income, not as much as I would like. I mentioned in the past that I don't want to be involved in government-related jobs. Besides, English alone doesn't qualify you for a government position. You probably need to have a strong background in law, economics and those sorts of fields.

Don't Lao government worker get good salary? In Laos sometime to get a good jobs you need connection." Its not what you know Its who you know." I know one Lao-American guy who went back to work in Laos for NGO and the pay is ok. How about open small business on the side LP Admins. But everything is easy said then done.

I wish Laos was like EU, Japan, US, Singapore where Lao people will have good income, good jobs and opportunity.

"Most of poverty is because of bad government and bad policy."
8-) :o


Admin Saovaluck wrote on 4^th Mar, 2011 at 10:45am:

This forum isn't about my English grammar skills, but thanks for the compliment. I studied English in secondary  and tertiary education in Laos. Everyone has different skills. I may be good English, but the next person is better than me in maths and science, so we shouldn't judge a persons level of education by their communication skills alone. I don't make a good income, not as much as I would like. I mentioned in the past that I don't want to be involved in government-related jobs. Besides, English alone doesn't qualify you for a government position. You probably need to have a strong background in law, economics and those sorts of fields.

I agreed my english is not the best. I'm just a factory worker with Technical College education. In Laos I was just a farmer.
;D :o ;)


Larb Dip wrote on 4^th Mar, 2011 at 9:02am:

Administrator's grammar is impeccable! Anyone else agree? Just wondering where you studied your English at? If in Laos, then are all the other students there as savvy as you are? Just curious, as I always thought that Lao nationals were deprived of a decent education...among other things.(No offense intended). Reading through some of the past post from other members, I have been surprised by the ignorance of how some people don't know the difference between "then" and "than", "to" and "too". Most of them reside in English speaking countries too. By the way, do you have a good income? Be honest now. I think you could easily slip into a government-relevant role based on your prose alone. Then again maybe you already have something of that sort going on for you and perhaps I shouldn't have underestimated you.:) P.S. This is a compliment and not a moan. :p

Those who hold a key government position earn more salary than those with minor roles. If we were to compare an average government job and a kitchen job in a typical restaurant, you get paid more for working for the Lao government.

Lao government workers get some advantages. The government provides you a free car, and they support you financially in retirement and old age.

You summed it perfectly. To get a job in Laos, "it's not what you know, it's who you know." If your parents are farmers and labourers, many employers don't really take you seriously.

I don't have enough money to open a small business, and it's also not my ideal plan because I don't have a brain for business.

Quote:

I don't have enough money to open a small business, and it's also not my ideal plan because I don't have a brain for business.

So what DO you do then? Obviously this website isn't as active enough as other established websites to generate an income to live off. Surely you must have another job(s).
Share with us, if you don't mind.

In Laos unskilled worker get about $60-$100 a month. If you can find a jobs. Same as Cambodia and Vietnam. In Thailand about $200 a month.


Larb Dip wrote on 5^th Mar, 2011 at 2:24am:

Quote: I don't have enough money to open a small business, and it's also not my ideal plan because I don't have a brain for business. So what DO you do then? Obviously this website isn't as active enough as other established websites to generate an income to live off. Surely you must have another job(s). Share with us, if you don't mind.

I don't do anything much, I'm mainly an article writer for the team.

Yes, the salary is not much in Southeast Asia for low-skilled jobs.

Are you implying that working as a reporter doesn't pay well? Maybe just not in Laos?

I'm no reporter. Just a web article writer, I enjoy writing. And I'm also responsible for looking after this forum.

Well, what do you do?

You are doing a great jobs Admins. You should ask for a big raise.
8-) ;)


Admin Saovaluck wrote on 5^th Mar, 2011 at 6:48pm:

I'm no reporter. Just a web article writer, I enjoy writing. And I'm also responsible for looking after this forum. Well, what do you do?

When entering employment, do employers make employees sign a contract? Is there such a thing as redundancy in Laos?

I don't think they can afford to give me a pay rise.

There's such thing as redundancy in Laos. Jobs like Accounting and Construction may have contracts. In most jobs, employers pay their staff at the end of the month, so if you have to work for at least a month if you want your money.

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 6^th Mar, 2011 at 4:51am:

I don't think they can afford to give me a pay rise. There's such thing as redundancy in Laos. Jobs like Accounting and Construction may have contracts. In most jobs, employers pay their staff at the end of the month, so if you have to work for at least a month if you want your money.

Only salaries in Laos? No such thing as wages? It would be better to get paid weekly don't you think? How about overtime?

International organisations may offer wages and overtime. Most basic jobs pay salaries, once per month. If you missed some days due to sickness or other circumstances, your pay will be cut accordingly.

It would be nice to get paid weekly, but the money just seems more with a lump sum at the end of the month, instead of receiving $10 or $20 per week.

A month is a long time. How long exactly is a "month"? How many hours are you expected to work?

If there are 30 days in a month, then you'll get paid on either the 30th or the the next day (1st).

The hours you are required to work depends on your job and employer.

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 6^th Mar, 2011 at 6:44am:

If there are 30 days in a month, then you'll get paid on either the 30th or the the next day (1st). The hours you are required to work depends on your job and employer.

What exactly is YOUR job? What are you doing at this very minute?
I'm watching a replay Rugby game. I have time to kill. It seems it's only you and me on here.

I've already mentioned it, and you haven't answered my question about what is it that you do?

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 6^th Mar, 2011 at 6:59am:

I've already mentioned it, and you haven't answered my question about what is it that you do?

Not much. I freelance here and there. At any one time I may have 3 or 4 jobs. Depending on the wether, maybe more.

what are you doing now?

I'm working. I prefer discussions be Lao related, instead of about what I am doing, thanks.

Start a topic then.

No squeak no oil. Do you get yearly raise? If you don't ask they'll never give you one. Cost of living go up every year. In America they give you pay raise every year, plus bonus and overtime pay. Lucky I has a good jobs, they pay every week. If I need extra cash I just work extra hours for overtime.
8-)



Admin Saovaluck wrote on 6^th Mar, 2011 at 4:51am:

I don't think they can afford to give me a pay rise. There's such thing as redundancy in Laos. Jobs like Accounting and Construction may have contracts. In most jobs, employers pay their staff at the end of the month, so if you have to work for at least a month if you want your money.

You're very lucky to have a good job, and paid weekly.

I don't think about money too much. My role model, Judy Garland, never had any money in her life, but she still enjoyed her short life.

She once said "I can live without money, but I cannot live without love" and I echo her sentiments.

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 7^th Mar, 2011 at 7:52am:

You're very lucky to have a good job, and paid weekly. I don't think about money too much. My role model, Judy Garland, never had any money in her life, but she still enjoyed her short life. She once said "I can live without money, but I cannot live without love" and I echo her sentiments.

Sounds like you have a man. Is that the reason for your paranoia? Is that why you declined my personal questions?
Just so you know: courting someone over the internet is not my modus operandi. How do I even know if thats your really you posing in that picture?

Sorry, what question?

I'm busy most of the time, I can't go through every single message.

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 7^th Mar, 2011 at 11:21am:

Sorry, what question? I'm busy most of the time, I can't go through every single message.

"What are you doing right now?". That one. Based on your answer I take it you don't have one. Maybe I over analyzed.

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 7^th Mar, 2011 at 7:52am:

You're very lucky to have a good job, and paid weekly. I don't think about money too much. My role model, Judy Garland, never had any money in her life, but she still enjoyed her short life. She once said "I can live without money, but I cannot live without love" and I echo her sentiments.

Most company pay every 2 week, some pay 1 week but I don't know any company that pay 1 a month that's too long. We all need money for food, rent, gas for everyday expanse. Problem with money the more you have the more you want and the more you spend. Its never enough. One reason we get pay more in America its because of Union. They protest for worker and demand better pay and benefits. If company get their way they probably pay worker $200 a month instead of $2000 or more. Sadly in Laos nobody can protest or speak out about anything so if they want to pay you $50 a month you are stuck and there is nothing you can do about it.
8-) :) ;)

I already answered your question - "I'm working".

Yes, one payment per month is long, but that's an acceptable norm in Laos. You don't have to stay in the job if $50 a month is not enough for you. You can go and work somewhere else. We also have a Trade Union in Laos, so companies can't always get their own way.

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 7^th Mar, 2011 at 10:18pm:

I already answered your question - "I'm working". Yes, one payment per month is long, but that's an acceptable norm in Laos. You don't have to stay in the job if $50 a month is not enough for you. You can go and work somewhere else. We also have a Trade Union in Laos, so companies can't always get their own way.

Thats good that's Laos has trade Union. Does Laos has minimum wages? Big coporparation can careless, they make $100 million. More money in their pocket if they can pay you $20 a month they will. If there's no law and regulation.
8-) ;)

We do, but not sure the exact minimum wage because there are some factors such as your age, the type of job you do, and where you work, ie city, remote area.

The minimum in Vientiane is probably 600,000 kip ($75 US) per month. I say that because I don't know anyone who earns less than that.

Well, if companies want to pay their employees $20 a month, nobody will stick around to work for them. So even if there's no law and regulation, common sense will prevail.

$75 a month is about right. Laos per capita income is close to $1,200 a year. It's higher then Vietnam and Cambodia. If any Lao expats moving back to Laos its better to open small business then working for somebody.
8-)

Lao expats don't necessarily have to own a business. You can can work for someone, as long as you're not cleaning the streets for $60 US a month like the poor lady we discussed about.

That reminds me, the Government pays the locals less than companies.

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 7^th Mar, 2011 at 10:18pm:

I already answered your question - "I'm working". Yes, one payment per month is long, but that's an acceptable norm in Laos. You don't have to stay in the job if $50 a month is not enough for you. You can go and work somewhere else. We also have a Trade Union in Laos, so companies can't always get their own way.

Answer this one then: "How old are You?"

I'm in my early 20's without being too specific.

Why, is this a job interview?

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 8^th Mar, 2011 at 10:01am:

I'm in my early 20's without being too specific. Why, is this a job interview?

Good answer.

@ Larb - What difference does it matter how old she is? Are you thinking of asking her to come be your house-slave, I mean housewife? Nothing personal, but I don't think we two will ever see issues the same way.

wrote on 8^th Mar, 2011 at 10:44am:

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 8th Mar, 2011 at 10:01am: I'm in my early 20's without being too specific. Why, is this a job interview? Good answer. @ Larb - What difference does it matter how old she is? Are you thinking of asking her to come be your house-slave, I mean housewife? Nothing personal, but I don't think we two will ever see issues the same way.

Look Yank, I don't know what type of arrangement you have with your "slave", but that's your business. What I meant by "housewife" is: Someone who can cook; but is also willing to clean the house. Most girls over here are useless. They just want to go to McDonalds or a fancy restraunt. (They never offer to pay, too).  I know Lao girls make good housewives, especially if they were raised in Laos. I have a few friends who were betrothed to some. They are very polite, can cook and make good conversation partners.
You probably met yours in a karaoke bar. Did she entice you with her welcoming smile? Was that the clincher? You must like your new "messiah" role, don't you? The answer to all her prayers. All this is getting to your head isn't it?

Hey Admin', maybe I CAN give you a job. Maybe I can sponsor you.

Relocate to New Zealand to work? Thanks, but no thanks. It's not appealing.

Keomany is the best thing that has ever happened to this "yank." Arrangement? Okay, I work, she works, I love "only" her and she me in kind. She keeps house, cooks wonderful food, works in the same factory I do (her job is much harder than mine as I drive a fork-truck), but she still works 60+ hours a week. My wife trust me, and that trust is not ill placed, I don't go to brothels and I don't cheat.

We met at work, both of us with 2 bad marriages behind us. We started as friends and the rest is history. I have nothing but the highest respect for my Lao wife. Something her last spouses had no idea how to give her. If you asked her if she considered herself to be lucky to met me, she would probably give you a resounding yes, but it is I, I believe, who is the lucky one to have found her.

I hope you find exactly the type of woman you deserve.



@ Admin - Wise decision. 55555

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 8^th Mar, 2011 at 12:55am:

Lao expats don't necessarily have to own a business. You can can work for someone, as long as you're not cleaning the streets for $60 US a month like the poor lady we discussed about. That reminds me, the Government pays the locals less than companies.

In America if you work for government you are doing very well. Good pay, benefits, medical. But hard to get in. The more you pay the people the better because they'll spend that money which help the economy. If they get pay less they don't have extra.
8-)

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 8^th Mar, 2011 at 6:11pm:

Relocate to New Zealand to work? Thanks, but no thanks. It's not appealing.

In Thailand sometime they offer Lao people jobs but force them to work in sex trade instead.
8-) :o

Yes, human trafficking is a continuing problem in the region. The sex workers that you see in Laos are never forced to do things they don't want to do.

The problem always involves Thailand. They are obviously taking advantage of the poor in Laos, and it's probably the stupidity of Lao people as well, for trusting them.

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 8^th Mar, 2011 at 6:11pm:

Relocate to New Zealand to work? Thanks, but no thanks. It's not appealing.

Suit yourself. No love lost.

Larb Dip wrote on 9^th Mar, 2011 at 2:56am:

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 8th Mar, 2011 at 6:11pm: Relocate to New Zealand to work? Thanks, but no thanks. It's not appealing. Suit yourself. No love lost.

Maybe Admins can work for you if you open business in Laos.
8-) ;)

He may not be able to afford to employ me. My asking pay rate will be too much, for foreign employers that is.

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 9^th Mar, 2011 at 8:33pm:

He may not be able to afford to employ me. My asking pay rate will be too much, for foreign employers that is.

Last time I put you to the sword, you claimed that you don't make "much". How "much", exactly, do these "foreign employers" need to pay for your services?

I don't make much locally, but if I were to work for a foreign company or business, that is another story.

But let's not get too far ahead of ourselves here about how much "exactly", when we don't even know the type of job, and the hours involved.

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 10^th Mar, 2011 at 4:46am:

I don't make much locally, but if I were to work for a foreign company or business, that is another story. But let's not get too far ahead of ourselves here about how much "exactly", when we don't even know the type of job, and the hours involved.

I don't think YOU even know "the type of job, and the hours" you want to work. You always dance around questions.
Why is that?

I do know about my career choice, that is why I am employed now.

I'm just curious why you are asking for the exact payment figures, when there's currently no foreign jobs on offer for me.

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 10^th Mar, 2011 at 5:21am:

I do know about my career choice, that is why I am employed now. I'm just curious why you are asking for the exact payment figures, when there's currently no foreign jobs on offer for me.

I'm curious myself. I can't honestly answer that question. ;D

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 10^th Mar, 2011 at 5:21am:

I do know about my career choice, that is why I am employed now. I'm just curious why you are asking for the exact payment figures, when there's currently no foreign jobs on offer for me.

LP Admins. If you work for foreigner company in Laos I think you can be a good manager or supervisor, they get pay big $$$. You're educated and you know how to talk and handle people very well.
8-)

I'm comfortable with where things are at with my career, but if other opportunities presents itself in the future, then I may look into it.

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 10^th Mar, 2011 at 11:57pm:

I'm comfortable with where things are at with my career, but if other opportunities presents itself in the future, then I may look into it.

Best wish for you on your career and future.
8-)

llX wrote on 11^th Mar, 2011 at 3:54am:

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 10th Mar, 2011 at 11:57pm: I'm comfortable with where things are at with my career, but if other opportunities presents itself in the future, then I may look into it. Best wish for you on your career and feature. 8-)

"feature". LOL

I hope to feature in the Lao media one day as "the woman who changed Laos forever" ... kidding.

My bad
;D :D


Larb Dip wrote on 11^th Mar, 2011 at 4:01am:

llX wrote on 11th Mar, 2011 at 3:54am: Admin Saovaluck wrote on 10th Mar, 2011 at 11:57pm: I'm comfortable with where things are at with my career, but if other opportunities presents itself in the future, then I may look into it. Best wish for you on your career and feature. 8-) "feature". LOL

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 11^th Mar, 2011 at 5:49am:

I hope to feature in the Lao media one day as "the woman who changed Laos forever" ... kidding.

I was reading on the news. Expert say Vientiane per capita income a year will be around $7,000 a year in 2020 or 2030. Not sure about the dates. Landlink Laos can become economic hub.
8-)

llX wrote on 11^th Mar, 2011 at 6:33am:

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 11th Mar, 2011 at 5:49am: I hope to feature in the Lao media one day as "the woman who changed Laos forever" ... kidding. I was reading on the news. Expert say Vientiane per capita income a year will be around $7,000 a year in 2020 or 2030. Not sure about the dates. Landlink Laos can become economic hub. 8-)

ALL THIS OPTIMISM IS KILLING ME!

I'll post the articles when I find it again. Everything I say I have fact to back it up.
8-)


Larb Dip wrote on 11^th Mar, 2011 at 7:04am:

llX wrote on 11th Mar, 2011 at 6:33am: Admin Saovaluck wrote on 11th Mar, 2011 at 5:49am: I hope to feature in the Lao media one day as "the woman who changed Laos forever" ... kidding. I was reading on the news. Expert say Vientiane per capita income a year will be around $7,000 a year in 2020 or 2030. Not sure about the dates. Landlink Laos can become economic hub. 8-) ALL THIS OPTIMISM IS KILLING ME!