I just want to get a fair idea of what 'trends' are on the rise in Laos. We already know that the Chinese have muscled their way in and will be a part of the Lao society for at least a hundred years (maybe forever). That got me thinking, maybe studying a bit of Chinese would come in handy when I retire in Laos. (By the way, anyone know what language they speak? Cantonese or Mandarin?)

What other trends are foreseeable in the near future? What 'skills' would make my life in Laos more convenient?

When the country becomes a true 'melting pot' of many cultures, you still need not to worry about learning the Chinese, Vietamese or even the Thai languages to blend in or communicate with others different than yourself because the universal language will be English. In the approaching future, Lao PDR education system will make it mandatory for everyone to learn the English language.   

Forever Young wrote on 21^st Aug, 2011 at 6:37pm:

When the country becomes a true 'melting pot' of many cultures, you still need not to worry about learning the Chinese, Vietamese or even the Thai languages to blend in or communicate with others different than yourself because the universal language will be English. In the approaching future, Lao PDR education system will make it mandatory for everyone to learn the English language.

I'm sure Big Brother China will persuade the Commies otherwise.