Not that it worries me, I was born and raised in San Diego California and had my fair share of the lifestyle. Upon some research I've read of the growing crime rate in the capital city possibly due to western influence. This question raises my curiosity because I some time in the near future want to visit Laos, and I would rather be readily prepared if ever approached by such a nuisance. 8-)

I'd be more cautious to be whereabout in Fresno, Compton or LA, CA than in Vientiane. 

When you've adapted to the environment you grew up in the threat level dismisses itself from your conscience, but it still lingers. Whereas in a third world country it'll seem the danger is more imminent, based on the indigency.

Laos is quite a safe country, but obviously you always have to stay alert when travelling and look after your money and travel documents.

If you do your normal shopping, touring and sightseeing, you won't come across any gangs.

If you're out late at night, especially in bars and clubs then the threat level may increase.

I'm aware of the threat level and safety concerns that's why this issue is being raised. Being a Lao-American speaking in general, retracing our roots and history by visiting the motherland is something we've longed to experience. Being that we were raised and subjected to western standards, the lure of bars and clubs is inevitable, so I guess we heighten the danger we put ourselves in. We still haven't disclose the answer to my questions, are there gangs? What do they call themselves? What's their purpose? I'm familiar with the structure of gangs in the states, but I've never been exposed to third world, especially Laotion gangs. But I've seen western influence being mimic by Laotion youths like some rappers in Laos labeling themselves g bloodz?

Laos is pretty safe, crimes rates is low compare to some city in USA. I don't think they have any problem with Blood and Crip gang.

Communist government will not allow gang member going around shooting people. They'll put you out real quick  and forget about humans right and lawyer.

There are some drug-related gangs in Laos who keep to themselves if you don't get involved with them.

There's no kind of street gangs in Laos that use weapons to go around shooting or beating people up.

Thanks for the clarification. 8-)

In some US city robbery, murder, shooting is pretty common, and on the news daily. After living here for so long you kind of knew where to go or not to go. What city and area to avoid.

In states like California, they call it gang capital of the world. You can get kill for wearing wrong color and walking in the wrong area.



Admin Saovaluck wrote on 3^rd May, 2012 at 9:40am:

There are some drug-related gangs in Laos who keep to themselves if you don't get involved with them. There's no kind of street gangs in Laos that use weapons to go around shooting or beating people up.

If the area is a danger to the public then why isn't the authorities cleaning it up?

They're cracking down, but budget cut, less police, jail is full. Stuff like that. Its not easy keeping an eye on the city with 2 or 3 million people. Firearm is legal and most  criminal can get their hand on the gun.


Admin Saovaluck wrote on 3^rd May, 2012 at 12:31pm:

If the area is a danger to the public then why isn't the authorities cleaning it up?

There's a potential for danger anywhere you live in the world. You just have to learn how to recognize it and avoid it, or run into it head first. Its not easy for law enforcement to neutralize all crimes committed in certain areas due to insufficient patrol officers, insufficient prisons just to name a couple. If police just goes around and arrest everyone they felt committed a crime, but there's no where to house the criminals, it just wouldn't work. As stated above the state budget plays a big factor in it too. Not enough money to pay the police officers, prison care, legal proceedings. I hope I never spend a day in Lao prison. The menu doesn't look too appetizing (pork fat water soup and rice for lunch, and same goes for dinner).

;D ;D ;D.  The best solutions are parenting and education. 

I do not understand these Lao kids (or kids from other ethnic background in general) that are in gangs preaching and practicing violence against others and/or destructing society.  The USA is the land of opportunities and everyone should take advantage of the opportunities to do well for oneself and society. 

Agreed. If these young people think life in America is hard. Send them to live in Laos for a year and let them experience the life there.

Anybody can live the American dream, but need to work hard and get a good education.


HAIR wrote on 3^rd May, 2012 at 8:56pm:

;D ;D ;D.  The best solutions are parenting and education.  I do not understand these Lao kids (or kids from other ethnic background in general) that are in gangs preaching and practicing violence against others and/or destructing society.  The USA is the land of opportunities and everyone should take advantage of the opportunities to do well for oneself and society.

If you send people back to the third world without any resources of course you'll witness the hardship. look at the cambodians who got deported back to their country for committing crimes in the u.s. They now realize they took for granted an opportunity that not everyone gets.

About 3000 Cambodian a year get send back for committed crimes. But right now Laos government does not take back felon.

Because they are still communist, if they weren't Laos better be ready for the gang bangers. another 20 years would eliminate that problem because all the refugee that came during the war era will be old by then.

3000-Wow! - It's that bad!

llX wrote on 4^th May, 2012 at 7:14am:

About 3000 Cambodian a year get send back for committed crimes. But right now Laos government does not take back felon.

Vietnam also took back deportee.

I'd be more cautious to be whereabout in Fresno.