Vientiane could be one of the region's most livable towns in the future, if a new draft urban development master plan is put into practice.
The plan provides a vision for development until 2030, city planning experts announced yesterday.
The draft is expected to be finalised next month before being submitted to the government for consideration and approval.

Officials from the relevant sectors met in Vientiane yesterday to give their comments and opinions on the draft plan, which is supported by the government of Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Under the new master plan, Vientiane will be developed into several sub-centres to expand the town and reduce traffic congestion in the city centre.

Currently, Vientiane is facing severe traffic congestion due to the growing number of vehicles in the city centre, especially in the mornings, in areas where the most important government and private sector offices are located.
The new sub-centres will include KM 21, Thanalaeng, Dongdok, Naxaithong and Railway town, which will hold a station rail yard and operational facilities related to the Laos-China rail link, due for completion in 2015.

The new urban development policy involves improvements to the road network, public transport, conservation of historic and heritage buildings, restriction and refinement of building control regulations and the relocation of public facilities towards the suburbs.
Vice President of the Council of Science and Technology, under the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Dr Somphone Dethoudom, said he greatly appreciated progress on the new plan.

“The plan sets the guidelines for the development of Vientiane until 2030 with the aim of creating a livable city that includes more public parks, drainage systems and roads,” he said.
Referring to parks, he noted that Vientiane currently has only 0.6sqm of public park per person, but according to international standards there should be 2.6sqm per person.
Vientiane has high economic and demographic growth potential and it is likely that urban areas will rapidly expand towards the suburbs along arterial roads without sufficient infrastructure.
This would create an urban sprawl with poor living conditions and inappropriate social services, and the pastoral charms of the city could be lost.
To counter this problem, appropriate measures must be taken promptly based on a comprehensive urban development plan.

The total area of Vientiane is 3,920 sq km, and its population was 795,000 people in 2009. The study predicts the capital's population will double by 2030.
The master plan stipulates the maximum height of new buildings in the historical town conservation zone to be 12m, and only 7m in the ancient site conservation zone, both found in the downtown area.
But in the new central zone and administration and trade central zone, beyond the present downtown, buildings can be as high as 26m.
Businesses can construct 50m buildings in the suburbs, but must meet special conditions relating to open space, green spaces, indoor facilities for public benefit and fire-proofing.

I can't wait till 2030. I'll be 51 year old and ready to retire at 55. Laos China railway should finish in 2015.
8-) ;) :)

Laos-China high speed railway
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=613u1sDNJe4&feature=player_embedded

Thank you Japan.
8-)

llX wrote on 11^th Mar, 2011 at 4:10am:

Thank you Japan. 8-)

What for?

Larb Dip wrote on 11^th Mar, 2011 at 4:28am:

llX wrote on 11th Mar, 2011 at 4:10am: Thank you Japan. 8-) What for?

Japanese will help build Vientiane city. They had help build and fund Mekong bridge, they had help Laos in many way with no string attach, they help build more then 100 school in Laos. My dad told me Japan want to help rebuild Vietiane for a long time. But Lao government didn't want to sign the agreement until now.  
:)

llX wrote on 11^th Mar, 2011 at 6:39am:

Larb Dip wrote on 11th Mar, 2011 at 4:28am: llX wrote on 11th Mar, 2011 at 4:10am: Thank you Japan. 8-) What for? Japanese will help build Vientiane city. They had help build and fund Mekong bridge, they had help Laos in many way with no string attach, they help build more then 100 school in Laos. My dad told me Japan want to help rebuild Vietiane for a long time. But Lao government didn't want to sign the agreement until now.   :)

Aligning with the Japanese is the quickest way to prosperity. Everything high-tech comes from the-land-of-the-rising-sun. We don't need these counterfeit knock-offs flooding our markets via China. We can get the "goods" direct, but only if we pledge allegiance with the Japanese. But wait. What am I saying? The commies have already signed a deal with the "devils". The road to perdition has long since commenced. Damn!

I don't want to mean negative to my own birth place.How many master plan had draw up and how many have gone, because the government have no money.. All the master plane have done is free by the other country aid. To build something like that will need a lot of money....guess what! Laos government will still have to wait for other country to build for them..."There is no free lunch in this world" Who ever want to do it...will have to find what they can get more out than they've given.

Japan is a better friends and allies then Commies Vietnam.
;D


Larb Dip wrote on 11^th Mar, 2011 at 7:02am:

llX wrote on 11th Mar, 2011 at 6:39am: Larb Dip wrote on 11th Mar, 2011 at 4:28am: llX wrote on 11th Mar, 2011 at 4:10am: Thank you Japan. 8-) What for? Japanese will help build Vientiane city. They had help build and fund Mekong bridge, they had help Laos in many way with no string attach, they help build more then 100 school in Laos. My dad told me Japan want to help rebuild Vietiane for a long time. But Lao government didn't want to sign the agreement until now.   :) Aligning with the Japanese is the quickest way to prosperity. Everything high-tech comes from the-land-of-the-rising-sun. We don't need these counterfeit knock-offs flooding our markets via China. We can get the "goods" direct, but only if we pledge allegiance with the Japanese. But wait. What am I saying? The commies have already signed a deal with the "devils". The road to perdition has long since commenced. Damn!

Japan will help build and fund Vientiane development project. Laos government doesn't have lot of money. If they do some probably go to corrupt officials their salary is low.
8-) :-?


Tee wrote on 11^th Mar, 2011 at 7:23am:

I don't want to mean negative to my own birth place.How many master plan had draw up and how many have gone, because the government have no money.. All the master plane have done is free by the other country aid. To build something like that will need a lot of money....guess what! Laos government will still have to wait for other country to build for them..."There is no free lunch in this world" Who ever want to do it...will have to find what they can get more out than they've given.

I just saw on the news that there has been a BIG earthquake in Japan. As if this wasn't bad enough, it has been compounded by a MASSIVE tsunami (never seen anything like it, and is 10 times greater than the 2004 Boxing Day version). I just wanted to convey my condolences and hope that everyone in this forum shares the compassion that I feel for the Japanese at this testing time.

llX wrote on 12^th Mar, 2011 at 3:58am:

Japan will help build and fund Vientiane development project. Laos government doesn't have lot of money. If they do some probably go to corrupt officials their salary is low. 8-) :-? Tee wrote on 11th Mar, 2011 at 7:23am: I don't want to mean negative to my own birth place.How many master plan had draw up and how many have gone, because the government have no money.. All the master plane have done is free by the other country aid. To build something like that will need a lot of money....guess what! Laos government will still have to wait for other country to build for them..."There is no free lunch in this world" Who ever want to do it...will have to find what they can get more out than they've given.

Why do we always need other nation to help us?  this is like being given fish to eat or teaching them how to fish" I think the teaching how to fish is better than being given just the fish.  Those favourites that other nation had given us over the years are far too much to repay. Where is our pride? What road are we heading? prosperous or more debt... !!!!!!!!!!!!!  

Tee wrote on 12^th Mar, 2011 at 5:22am:

llX wrote on 12th Mar, 2011 at 3:58am: Japan will help build and fund Vientiane development project. Laos government doesn't have lot of money. If they do some probably go to corrupt officials their salary is low. 8-) :-? Tee wrote on 11th Mar, 2011 at 7:23am: I don't want to mean negative to my own birth place.How many master plan had draw up and how many have gone, because the government have no money.. All the master plane have done is free by the other country aid. To build something like that will need a lot of money....guess what! Laos government will still have to wait for other country to build for them..."There is no free lunch in this world" Who ever want to do it...will have to find what they can get more out than they've given. Why do we always need other nation to help us?  this is like being given fish to eat or teaching them how to fish" I think the teaching how to fish is better than being given just the fish.  Those favourites that other nation had given us over the years are far too much to repay. Where is our pride? What road are we heading? prosperous or more debt... !!!!!!!!!!!!!

There is a wise saying that goes along the lines of: "You need to spend money to make money". It would make sense if Lao people were actually smart like the rest of the world. Why borrow all this money when you have no intentions to pay any of it back? Is this how they "bullied" the Commies into submission, in regards to "annexing" that "Chinese area"? (The word "annexing" was used deliberately.) Laos no longer has any jurisdiction there (it might one of those casinos, rather. I forgot which one. Either way, not being able to have any influence in your own country is absolutely UNACCEPTABLE!) The Peasants that rule Laos obviously don't think long term. As long as they fill their pockets with foreign currencies (I'm willing to bet that they don't even use the local Kip). They stay in their newly built spacious mansions, while the majority of the general population live in hand-me-downs that were probably erected 50-60 years prior. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I really don't think that Laos is going anywhere, in terms of quality of life. Not for the locals anyway.

Laos, Lao people doesn't have much opportunity because Laos was always and is still control by foreigner power. Laos is under Vietnam for the past 35 year and I don't think they has our best interest at heart. They has their own agenda. That's why Laos is underdeveloped and behind it neighbor.
8-) ::)

llX wrote on 12^th Mar, 2011 at 6:28am:

Laos, Lao people doesn't have much opportunity because Laos was always and is still control by foreigner power. Laos is under Vietnam for the past 35 year and I don't think they has our best interest at heart. They has their own agenda. That's why Laos is underdeveloped and behind it neighbor. 8-) ::)

We can't always blame these foreign powers. Blame our leaders. Blame ourselves for being lazy.

Larb Dip wrote on 12^th Mar, 2011 at 6:04am:

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I really don't think that Laos is going anywhere, in terms of quality of life. Not for the locals anyway.

If you spent enough time here on a permanent or semi-permanent basis, you would see that that is patently not the case.

ALL THIS PESSIMISM IS GIVING ME A HEADACHE.

wrote on 12^th Mar, 2011 at 10:07am:

Larb Dip wrote on 12th Mar, 2011 at 6:04am: I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I really don't think that Laos is going anywhere, in terms of quality of life. Not for the locals anyway. If you spent enough time here on a permanent or semi-permanent basis, you would see that that is patently not the case. ALL THIS PESSIMISM IS GIVING ME A HEADACHE.

WHY? YOU GOT ENOUGH MONEY!

Larb Dip wrote on 12^th Mar, 2011 at 10:26am:

wrote on 12th Mar, 2011 at 10:07am: Larb Dip wrote on 12th Mar, 2011 at 6:04am: I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I really don't think that Laos is going anywhere, in terms of quality of life. Not for the locals anyway. If you spent enough time here on a permanent or semi-permanent basis, you would see that that is patently not the case. ALL THIS PESSIMISM IS GIVING ME A HEADACHE. WHY? YOU GOT ENOUGH MONEY!

The question is not about me.  You stated that "the quality of life for the locals is not going anywhere."

This is not correct.  I've lived in Lao towns and villages for over 20 years and am able to see the quality of life for local people getting better, month by month, year by year, in terms of income generation, nutrition, commuications, education, healthcare, access to utilities and services such as transportation, electricity, water, roads, etc. etc.

But you have to be here over time to to see the improvements.  If someone is only here for a few weeks, what they see is merely a 'snapshop' in time, and do not see the many and widespread, continuing improvements in the lives of Lao people.

Exactly. You have to live in Laos to get the feel of the country, and really understand the improvements because you see it with your own eyes on a regular basis, and not just for a few weeks.

Many rural areas didn't have any electricity and water years ago, but now not only do they have that, but some areas even have internet access.

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 13^th Mar, 2011 at 12:43am:

Exactly. You have to live in Laos to get the feel of the country, and really understand the improvements because you see it with your own eyes on a regular basis, and not just for a few weeks. Many rural areas didn't have any electricity and water years ago, but now not only do they have that, but some areas even have internet access.

3 months is long enough to get a "feel" for the country. Laos is where I feel most comfortable anyway. You can just wakeup and stroll to the morning markets paranoia-free (yes, even in yesterday's clothes, even before brushing your teeth) without self-conscience worry.
These "improvements" are chugging along at a snail's pace! Where I stayed - which I have already conveyed - they have already started to "evict" residents in favour of a golf course. (Whatever happened to these "evictees" in regards to their accomidations, nowadays? Someone let me know). Most of the old-timers I "interviewed" only have enough to survive. None have jobs nor any type of "real" income. "Pimping" their daughters is the only way they can really acquire any surplus. (This wasn't part of the "interview", but I heard it through the village's grapevine). Most are drunk before lunchtime.  But this was a few years ago, so you might be right. But ANY "improvements" still won't make much of a difference. Not for the locals anyway.

Larb Dip wrote on 12^th Mar, 2011 at 4:38am:

I just saw on the news that there has been a BIG earthquake in Japan. As if this wasn't bad enough, it has been compounded by a MASSIVE tsunami (never seen anything like it, and is 10 times greater than the 2004 Boxing Day version). I just wanted to convey my condolences and hope that everyone in this forum shares the compassion that I feel for the Japanese at this testing time.

Kiwi news travels slow. Just kidding. I have been watching in silent horror for the people of Japan, and in awe of the power under the planet.

The latest news is that 1  nuclear power plant is next to a melt-down, with the possibility of 4 more being very close also. These plants contain 100 times more nuclear fuel than the Chernobyl plant did.

If fate has it, Japan may not be in any position to help anyone, maybe not even it's own people. My prayers go out to them all.

wrote on 13^th Mar, 2011 at 7:14am:

Larb Dip wrote on 12th Mar, 2011 at 4:38am: I just saw on the news that there has been a BIG earthquake in Japan. As if this wasn't bad enough, it has been compounded by a MASSIVE tsunami (never seen anything like it, and is 10 times greater than the 2004 Boxing Day version). I just wanted to convey my condolences and hope that everyone in this forum shares the compassion that I feel for the Japanese at this testing time. Kiwi news travels slow. Just kidding. I have been watching in silent horror for the people of Japan, and in awe of the power under the planet. The latest news is that 1  nuclear power plant is next to a melt-down, with the possibility of 4 more being very close also. These plants contain 100 times more nuclear fuel than the Chernobyl plant did. If fate has it, Japan may not be in any position to help anyone, maybe not even it's own people. My prayers go out to them all.

YANKEE news travels slow! ;)

One of the reactors has already blown up! A reported 160 people are already said to have contracted radiation. Typhoid cancer is imminent! My prayers go out for all the Japanese affected in this disaster!

Thanks for the update fellas. There's so many natural disasters happening lately around the world, it's hard to keep up with everything, and we can't do anything with the situation in Japan but hope and pray for those affected by this tragedy.

That got me thinking: What do you guys/girls think about this 2012 end-of-the-world theory? Does anyone really take this seriously? (Another Y2K)

What do you all think?

People predicted that 2000 will be the end of the world. Well, now we're sitting here predicting that 2012 will be the end of the world, then maybe 2020 and so on.

I personally, don't take it seriously.

That Y2K hype was more about computers than anything. If computers had stopped functioning then that pretty much meant suicide for the rich, wouldn't it? The peasants would become the next upper class! Imagine that. (Nobody actually carries "money" around anymore. It's always credit-cards these days).

The buzz surrounding this 2012 theory is of a more "natural disaster". Look at that tsunami that just occured the other day in Japan. There's no ducking-and-hiding from that sort of thing, is there. I have started to lose a bit of my good night sleep to be honest and am contemplating storing up supplies. You never know (better to be safe than sorry).

Just my thoughts on this issue. :-?

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 13^th Mar, 2011 at 7:50am:

People predicted that 2000 will be the end of the world. Well, now we're sitting here predicting that 2012 will be the end of the world, then maybe 2020 and so on. I personally, don't take it seriously.

Okay. Everyone is predicting a date the world will end, and I am starting to feel left out. 55555 So, I in my infinite (or lack of) wisdom predict that the world will end on February 27, 3031, or not. Either way no one here will know if I am right.

Hi OldMan

It's nice to see you joint in with this post!  As I understand you are living there permanently. Would be nice to hear your view about  China and Vietnam present in Laos? What do you think of them?

Tee wrote on 13^th Mar, 2011 at 1:54pm:

Hi OldMan It's nice to see you joint in with this post!  As I understand you are living there permanently. Would be nice to hear your view about  China and Vietnam present in Laos? What do you think of them?

I think you contacted me before under my first username of 'Vientiane' - I changed the name because someone else already had it.

I don't want to present any strong views about the many Chinese and Vietnamese present in Laos except to observe that a great many of the businesses in Laos are opened and run by Chinese, Lao-Chinese, Vietnamese and Lao-Vietnamese.  This is not unusual. In most of Southeast-Asia such as Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, etc. Chinese businesspeople predominate due to their innate business drive.  

It continues to amuse me that most westerners still think of the Chinese and Vietnamese as being 'Marxist' or 'Leninist' since Capitalism seems to be part of their DNA.

wrote on 14^th Mar, 2011 at 1:35am:

Tee wrote on 13th Mar, 2011 at 1:54pm: Hi OldMan It's nice to see you joint in with this post!  As I understand you are living there permanently. Would be nice to hear your view about  China and Vietnam present in Laos? What do you think of them? I think you contacted me before under my first username of 'Vientiane' - I changed the name because someone else already had it. I don't want to present any strong views about the many Chinese and Vietnamese present in Laos except to observe that a great many of the businesses in Laos are opened and run by Chinese, Lao-Chinese, Vietnamese and Lao-Vietnamese.  This is not unusual. In most of Southeast-Asia such as Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, etc. Chinese businesspeople predominate due to their innate business drive.   It continues to amuse me that most westerners still think of the Chinese and Vietnamese as being 'Marxist' or 'Leninist' since Capitalism seems to be part of Chinese DNA.

wrote on 14^th Mar, 2011 at 1:35am:

Tee wrote on 13th Mar, 2011 at 1:54pm: Hi OldMan It's nice to see you joint in with this post!  As I understand you are living there permanently. Would be nice to hear your view about  China and Vietnam present in Laos? What do you think of them? I think you contacted me before under my first username of 'Vientiane' - I changed the name because someone else already had it. I don't want to present any strong views about the many Chinese and Vietnamese present in Laos except to observe that a great many of the businesses in Laos are opened and run by Chinese, Lao-Chinese, Vietnamese and Lao-Vietnamese.  This is not unusual. In most of Southeast-Asia such as Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, etc. Chinese businesspeople predominate due to their innate business drive.   It continues to amuse me that most westerners still think of the Chinese and Vietnamese as being 'Marxist' or 'Leninist' since Capitalism seems to be part of their DNA.

That is true. In Laos and Cambodia Chinese, Viet dominate the business. In Thailand yellow shirt Chinese/Thai, jek dominate economy, government and military. Red shirt Isan are left out.
8-) ;)