What do you guys think about the drinking culture in Laos? Children as young as eight consume alchohol on a daily basis. Then there are the weekend binges too, where "casual" drinkers get in on the action as well. How do you guys feel about this issue?

It's a problem, but I don't drink so it's not my problem.

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 11^th Mar, 2011 at 10:22am:

It's a problem, but I don't drink so it's not my problem.

Is there even a law preventing kids from drinking?

Yes, like in every country technically there is, but it's not strict.

If i have a relationship with a Lao girl, do i have to know to drink much? ( because i can't drink much, everytime i drink beer, my face turns really red  :-/)

Few kids drink and smoke, but most kids don't 8 yrs old don't have money for beer.

Lephan, Not every girl in Laos likes to drink alcohol. If you're not a drinker, then it's wise to have a relationship with someone that doesn't drink. Lao girls who enjoy drinking can be heartbreakers.

Yes, it's rare to find children under the age of 10 drinking and smoking in Laos.

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 11^th Mar, 2011 at 5:55pm:

Lephan, Not every girl in Laos likes to drink alcohol. If you're not a drinker, then it's wise to have a relationship with someone that doesn't drink. Lao girls who enjoy drinking can be heartbreakers. Yes, it's rare to find children under the age of 10 drinking and smoking in Laos.

I see it all the time (in the villages). I don't know what it's like where YOU stay, but where I'M from, it's considered the norm. Maybe this type of thing is reserved for special occassins, like when they have foreign relatives holidaying. Some even have home-made tattoos emblazoned over various parts of their anatomies. As far as smoking goes...................never witnessed that one. I even offered them a few packets, as gifts. Let's just say they passed the test. For now.

Larb Dip wrote on 12^th Mar, 2011 at 12:39am:

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 11th Mar, 2011 at 5:55pm: Lephan, Not every girl in Laos likes to drink alcohol. If you're not a drinker, then it's wise to have a relationship with someone that doesn't drink. Lao girls who enjoy drinking can be heartbreakers. Yes, it's rare to find children under the age of 10 drinking and smoking in Laos. I see it all the time (in the villages). I don't know what it's like where YOU stay, but where I'M from, it's considered the norm. Maybe this type of thing is reserved for special occassins, like when they have foreign relatives holidaying. Some even have home-made tattoos emblazoned over various parts of their anatomies. As far as smoking goes...................never witnessed that one. I even offered them a few packets, as gifts. Let's just say they passed the test. For now.

Yes, that's what i mean :D I have worked with Minister of Laos Ministry of Culture. I remember he said that, in Laos, man drinks much. What if i come to her house and they invite me some wine or beer and my face turns so red :( ? i hope they don't mind! (I'm from VN btw)

Just be upfront and honest with them and say you don't drink alcohol.

If they still pressure you to drink it, you could have a sip to make them happy or just refuse it altogether.

They won't mind.

Thank u   8-) now i feel good  ;D

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

Just be upfront and honest with them and say you don't drink alcohol. If they still pressure you to drink it, you could have a sip to make them happy or just refuse it altogether. They won't mind.

I have a question that is sort of on this subject and on the subject that posted earlier dealing with Lao wedding. I saw in the videos I have been watching that the family of the bride gives the groom drinks at the door. Also, the groom and bride sip some alcoholic beverage during the ceremony.

A friend asked me, "What if I am a recovering Alcoholic? Do I still have to drink? Will it offend them if I don't drink with them?"

One more thing, I read that if you are offered a drink in Laos, it is an insult to refuse it. Is this also true?    

If the parents of the broom and bride are aware that one or both of them don't drink alcohol, then there will none of it for the couple to sip during the ceremony. It's not an important issue.

If the connections of the groom are aware that he can't drink alcohol, they will provide a different kind of non-alcoholic drink for him at the door.

If you're offered a drink in Laos, they won't be offended because they naturally think that foreigners don't know about Lao culture.

A child with a bottle of beerlao. I don't know why Lao parents would do this, even if it's just for a photo.

http://www.laopride.com/pictures1/beer-lao.jpg

lol they don't waste time, they start them out early as soon as you can hold a bottle. Classic!