A picture is worth a thousand words

http://www.laopride.com/pictures4/the-poorest-of-the-poor-in-laos1.jpg

Please click on image to view a larger version

When i see pic like this it break my heart. All these kids need is a chance. I blame it on the commies for the mess that Laos in right now.So freaking poor . Screw you commies

You know Laos was always that way even before the commies came in regards to the poor people. It's just because the country is landlocked and has poor trade opportunities. Many of the poor people live far from infrastructure.

Yea when you have a corrupt goverment it doesn't help either. The people that are well to do is the one that either
relatives or has close ties to them(goverment). There's
no fair share . It would be nice if those driving expensive car
or live in gated community , go out and donate to the poor.
I still blame the commies , screw em.

It's very sad, but still better than Thailand.

I bet they eat healthier than Thais, because they actually eat vegetable. Thais always eat sugary food and trash. They will probably live longer than most Thai people.
If you get a Thai wife she will just make sugar and trash for you to eat while she listens to K-pop and watches lakorns on the television. Thai girls are brainless.

At least they aren't on facebook all day and listening to American/Korean songs like Thais. Thais are the lowest of the low.

This is like heaven compared to being with Thai people.

1, Eating Vegies generates health?

2, I am 100% sure the average life expectance of Thai is longer than that of Laotians living in Laos. ( Health cares plays a part of course)

3, Everyone, of course not in China and North Korea, that crap is banned here. ;D,  in the world is on the facebook checking others open secrecy.

4, 70% of world population if equipped with high speed internet watches USA or South Korean MTV or Season this or Season that. My favourite is Prison Break.  I think young watching Korean MTV is to admire girls shorter shorts.

;D ;D ;D


Buk Nut wrote on 20^th Jan, 2014 at 11:46pm:

It's very sad, but still better than Thailand. I bet they eat healthier than Thais, because they actually eat vegetable. Thais always eat sugary food and trash. They will probably live longer than most Thai people. If you get a Thai wife she will just make sugar and trash for you to eat while she listens to K-pop and watches lakorns on the television. Thai girls are brainless. At least they aren't on facebook all day and listening to American/Korean songs like Thais. Thais are the lowest of the low. This is like heaven compared to being with Thai people.

1. Eating veggies can maintain health if eaten in balance with other foods.

2. Thais always eat sugary food and junk food

3. Not everyone on the world is on facebook. These poor people are lucky in a way because they don't have to be exposed to it. Maybe in 20 years internet will come to them but for now they are lucky and they don't need that trash in their lives. They are living a pure life.

4. It's not natural, it's harmful to our brains to watch such things. Humans are natural creatures as well and we need to be outside and experiencing nature not sitting in front of the television.

These people are blessed in a way, because they still have free lives and they aren't exposed to the filth that is the modern world.

Even the native americans had better lives than Americans do now. They hunted for animals, sat around bonfires, and generally had much more freedom than we do now.

Now Americans live in tiny compartments cramped up against each other in cities and are glued to the couch, computer and TV, slowly rotting away as they get fatter, lazier and more disabled..

Trust me, these people are lucky.

Kinda ironic ,but you might be right.

When they are carried away with fat, here comes Obama Care! :laugh3

This pic just reminds me of my childhood, circling around watching cockfighting.  :)

Could someone explain to me what is so bad about this picture as I don't understand?

grant wrote on 21^st Jan, 2014 at 3:50pm:

Could someone explain to me what is so bad about this picture as I don't understand?

I don't think that girls wearing an old or ripped Lao skirt is considered normal.

Okay see what you mean now

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 22^nd Jan, 2014 at 9:09am:

grant wrote on 21st Jan, 2014 at 3:50pm: Could someone explain to me what is so bad about this picture as I don't understand? I don't think that girls wearing an old or ripped Lao skirt is considered normal.

When you see things like this do you offer to help or just turn a blind eye?

I can only feel sorry for them but it's not my duty to help because the Lao government runs the country.

First and foremost, I would rather help my relatives. That's more important. You can't help everyone on the streets, there's poor people everywhere.

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 24^th Jan, 2014 at 4:44pm:

I can only feel sorry for them but it's not my duty to help because the Lao government runs the country. First and foremost, I would rather help my relatives. That's more important. You can't help everyone on the streets, there's poor people everywhere.

So true  . Freaking commies

One could argue that poverty is a normal thing, but that doesn't make it a good thing

Admin, that's where you are wrong. It is your duty if you can help.

My wife and I work in Community Development and the Lao people seem to just want to take from everybody else and not give to their own. Whenever the local government wants to organize a special event they go to the foreigner owned businesses to donate because they know the Lao owned businesses won't.

Lao people, generally don't have a "charity" attitude. That could be mostly be attributed to the Buddhist tradition of Karma and also that growing up in a socialist country, of the attitude that it's "up to the government".

Socialism was a model that sounded good in theory but fails in reality. There are just as many failures in the pure capitalistic model. The countries that fare the best are those with a good balance.

Choosing the Russian model over the American model in the 70s is an exercise in hindsight. It looked good at the time. Vietnam, just like Laos, woke up in the '80s. Unfortunately Laos, with it's small population, land-locked location, and culture didn't fare so well.

There's corruption in every country. Some more obvious than others. Poverty exists in all countries whether socialist or capitalist.

Since the topic was "a picture is worth a thousand words", be aware, that what you SEE can be deceiving. There are probably more poor people, relatively speaking, in America than in Laos. Who really knows why that young girl had a ripped sin. Maybe it had just ripped.

No you can't help everyone on the street. Helping some of them once in a while is a moral duty of everyone who can.

Sorry for my rant but I see many rich Lao who could spread some of that wealth around instead of buying more "shit" to make them look "important" (and that's not just the government).

I help, but I help my poor relatives. Why should I help strangers when I have relatives to worry about? Family always come first.

It didn't just ripped. She is obviously wearing an old sinh. You can see other girls beside her wearing old and dirty sinh that will also rip in a matter of time.

Buddhist temples are dependent on charities and htey wouldn't exist if Lao people didn't have a "charity" attitude.

CDN Lao lover wrote on 26^th Jan, 2014 at 10:26am:

Admin, that's where you are wrong. It is your duty if you can help. My wife and I work in Community Development and the Lao people seem to just want to take from everybody else and not give to their own. Whenever the local government wants to organize a special event they go to the foreigner owned businesses to donate because they know the Lao owned businesses won't. Lao people, generally don't have a "charity" attitude. That could be mostly be attributed to the Buddhist tradition of Karma and also that growing up in a socialist country, of the attitude that it's "up to the government". Socialism was a model that sounded good in theory but fails in reality. There are just as many failures in the pure capitalistic model. The countries that fare the best are those with a good balance. Choosing the Russian model over the American model in the 70s is an exercise in hindsight. It looked good at the time. Vietnam, just like Laos, woke up in the '80s. Unfortunately Laos, with it's small population, land-locked location, and culture didn't fare so well. There's corruption in every country. Some more obvious than others. Poverty exists in all countries whether socialist or capitalist. Since the topic was "a picture is worth a thousand words", be aware, that what you SEE can be deceiving. There are probably more poor people, relatively speaking, in America than in Laos. Who really knows why that young girl had a ripped sin. Maybe it had just ripped. No you can't help everyone on the street. Helping some of them once in a while is a moral duty of everyone who can. Sorry for my rant but I see many rich Lao who could spread some of that wealth around instead of buying more "shit" to make them look "important" (and that's not just the government).

Hey buddy just for your info.Folks in the US consider poor is not having cable TV.At least being poor over here they have all sort of aid program.The 1 is call welfare.How the heck you gonna compare the US population with the Laos. Dude
it nice you doing good work.But i think you been brainwash
by the commies.

Buddhist temples are dependent on charities and htey wouldn't exist if Lao people didn't have a "charity" attitude.


Here the temples( 90% of them) are under administration of sort governmental orginazation. Laos government does not offer financial support to temples? Just curious, since we have simliar system.

peterpan wrote on 26^th Jan, 2014 at 11:27am:

Buddhist temples are dependent on charities and htey wouldn't exist if Lao people didn't have a "charity" attitude. Here the temples( 90% of them) are under administration of sort governmental orginazation. Laos government does not offer financial support to temples? Just curious, since we have simliar system.

Tell him Peter.Thank you . The Goverment is a POS.
If you don't know what it mean it stand for (peace of CHit)  :D

Here is the story;

One abbot passed away,his temple a little famous in that city, his only daughter ( he left 20 years ago to her mother) came to claim his belongings. a Bank account bearing his father name has 4 million RMB, about 680,000 USD. 2 houses. 40,000 USD equivelent cash.  That is why I am curious about the temples in Laos not in Gov sponsoship.  I think it is the same for some a little famous temples in Laos.


ba dac wrote on 26^th Jan, 2014 at 11:46am:

peterpan wrote on 26th Jan, 2014 at 11:27am: Buddhist temples are dependent on charities and htey wouldn't exist if Lao people didn't have a "charity" attitude. Here the temples( 90% of them) are under administration of sort governmental orginazation. Laos government does not offer financial support to temples? Just curious, since we have simliar system. Tell him Peter.Thank you . The Goverment is a POS. If you don't know what it mean it stand for (peace of CHit)  :D

Giving people handouts doesn't really help them generally it just makes them want to ask for more..The best way to help people is to open up opportunities for them to help themselves.

Haven't you guys seen those signs at national parks saying "Don't feed the animals, it will make them come back to beg humans for more food"?

Buk Nut wrote on 26^th Jan, 2014 at 12:08pm:

Giving people handouts doesn't really help them generally it just makes them want to ask for more..The best way to help people is to open up opportunities for them to help themselves. Haven't you guys seen those signs at national parks saying "Don't feed the animals, it will make them come back to beg humans for more food"?

True , why you think i want the commies to leave Laos.
If people or country gonna invest in something .They want
to know where their money gonna go.They wanna be insure
that there is a check and balance system in place.Just in case the accountant does funny math. There has to be trust that rules and laws set up. The people in charge is not
farming rice or hunting for their next meal.They all fat and happy.Just look at the ordinary people .The people that busting  their butt just trying to make a livin. 

ba dac wrote on 26^th Jan, 2014 at 11:46am:

peterpan wrote on 26th Jan, 2014 at 11:27am: Buddhist temples are dependent on charities and htey wouldn't exist if Lao people didn't have a "charity" attitude. Here the temples( 90% of them) are under administration of sort governmental orginazation. Laos government does not offer financial support to temples? Just curious, since we have simliar system. Tell him Peter.Thank you . The Goverment is a POS. If you don't know what it mean it stand for (peace of CHit)  :D

Since I'm just a stupid westerner who doesn't know anything about Lao Buddhism, from what I've been told the only reason most Lao "give" to a Temple is so that they get some "reward" for their next life. It's all about THEIR karma. That's not "charity". Charity is the free giving of something you have with no expectations in return. That definitely isn't what the Buddhist "culture" in Lao is all about.

Prove to me that the morning alms giving doesn't have some ulterior motive related to the "giver" wanting something back in return?

The whole purpose of becoming a monk is to give up worldly possessions, meditate, and pray for enlightenment. I see most novices with cell phones and buying "crap" food. I know of many instances where the "charity" given to a temple has nothing to do selflessness and everything to do with selfishness. It's mostly about what can I get in return, this life or the next. And that, is not charity.

If I am wrong, please enlighten me as to the reasons Lao people give to a Temple and not to the poor villagers. Becoming a monk is a choice. Being born poor in a village with no electricity, toilets or running water is not a choice I believe that any of these people have made. All the "charity" given to the Temples would have a better ROI "return on investment" (if you don't know what it stands for) being used for education, health and investment in the villages for the poor.

Why? Because Temples are a sink hole. Money goes in and does nothing to help society as a whole, except making someone think their business is making money because of their "charity", or will heal a sick family member, or have a monk "bless" a new car or house, for good luck. Investing in other Lao communities will raise everybody's standard of living. And that, my boy, is what capitalism is all about.

Want to call me a commie. You should get a dictionary, economics text, or encyclopedia out and do a little homework. Then you might understand the difference.

The Buddhist monks preserve the culture and provide education for the people. Today, I was at the VN temple and the youth practiced Chinese dancing in preparation for the new year. I'm not going to let some ignorant Westerner pass judgment when they don't even understand the culture. Yes, people donate to the temple to accrue karma.But also the temple provides for the people and the temples are generally worthy of respect. I will challenge anyone to a muay thai match who says they don't like the Buddhist temples. I'm currently in Pakse and I will provide my phone number if you are interested in fighting. I won't stand for some punks insulting a 2000+ year old religion and I will gladly fight anyone who insults Buddhism. If anyone else wants to speak a word against Buddhism, at least have the balls to challenge me.  CDN Lao Lover do you even live in Laos? If you do, where do you want to meet up and fight?

You punk mothercrappity smacker. I'm so crappity smacking pissed. What about all the monks who dedicate themselves to the sutras? I've taught some of them. I'm not Buddhist but I respect Buddhism and I respect the monks. You shit talking f*g**t. Why don't you go jerk off to Lenin you commie prick? I just re-read your post and I'm more pissed than before. Where the crappity smack are you in Laos? I bet you're some loser falang who chooses cynicism because you could never become successful. I would absolutely love to fight with you and see who is the better man. You are a disgrace and embarrassment to falang worldwide and I won't stand your shit talking of a beautiful tradition with origins in India.

I'm going to Louang Prabang in about 7 days. PM me your phone number if you want to settle this issue like men.

To say Buddhism as a whole is bad would not be accurate. There are bad people of all religions. In Myanmar the Buddhists kill Muslims, in most of the world Muslims kill non-Muslims and Christians brainwash people and fondle little boys. where have you seen Buddhists trying to brainwash anyone? (apart from the thai education system that is) The monks teach good values to the community and force no one to attend or follow their teachings unlike the Christian  missionary psychopaths who crusade around Asia destroying local animist religions. If any religion needs to go, it's the fanatical Abrahamic lunatic religions

CDN Lao lover wrote on 26^th Jan, 2014 at 5:40pm:

ba dac wrote on 26th Jan, 2014 at 11:46am: peterpan wrote on 26th Jan, 2014 at 11:27am: Buddhist temples are dependent on charities and htey wouldn't exist if Lao people didn't have a "charity" attitude. Here the temples( 90% of them) are under administration of sort governmental orginazation. Laos government does not offer financial support to temples? Just curious, since we have simliar system. Tell him Peter.Thank you . The Goverment is a POS. If you don't know what it mean it stand for (peace of CHit)  :D Since I'm just a stupid westerner who doesn't know anything about Lao Buddhism, from what I've been told the only reason most Lao "give" to a Temple is so that they get some "reward" for their next life. It's all about THEIR karma. That's not "charity". Charity is the free giving of something you have with no expectations in return. That definitely isn't what the Buddhist "culture" in Lao is all about. Prove to me that the morning alms giving doesn't have some ulterior motive related to the "giver" wanting something back in return? The whole purpose of becoming a monk is to give up worldly possessions, meditate, and pray for enlightenment. I see most novices with cell phones and buying "crap" food. I know of many instances where the "charity" given to a temple has nothing to do selflessness and everything to do with selfishness. It's mostly about what can I get in return, this life or the next. And that, is not charity. If I am wrong, please enlighten me as to the reasons Lao people give to a Temple and not to the poor villagers. Becoming a monk is a choice. Being born poor in a village with no electricity, toilets or running water is not a choice I believe that any of these people have made. All the "charity" given to the Temples would have a better ROI "return on investment" (if you don't know what it stands for) being used for education, health and investment in the villages for the poor. Why? Because Temples are a sink hole. Money goes in and does nothing to help society as a whole, except making someone think their business is making money because of their "charity", or will heal a sick family member, or have a monk "bless" a new car or house, for good luck. Investing in other Lao communities will raise everybody's standard of living. And that, my boy, is what capitalism is all about. Want to call me a commie. You should get a dictionary, economics text, or encyclopedia out and do a little homework. Then you might understand the difference.

Hey Dummy , that's the problem .Like you say it what you been told.Apparently you hook up with a local chic that not even comfortable in her own skin(how sad). A temple a sink hole ?
What a moronic statement.I like to know what your stance on church ? where they not only take money in weekly and
some give 10% of their pay-check.You're a disgrace .How
old is your old lady 17yrs and you're what 50 something.
what matter couldn't get ya a white woman ? go jump in the
mekong . MORON

CDN Lao lover wrote on 26^th Jan, 2014 at 5:40pm:

ba dac wrote on 26th Jan, 2014 at 11:46am: peterpan wrote on 26th Jan, 2014 at 11:27am: Buddhist temples are dependent on charities and htey wouldn't exist if Lao people didn't have a "charity" attitude. Here the temples( 90% of them) are under administration of sort governmental orginazation. Laos government does not offer financial support to temples? Just curious, since we have simliar system. Tell him Peter.Thank you . The Goverment is a POS. If you don't know what it mean it stand for (peace of CHit)  :D Since I'm just a stupid westerner who doesn't know anything about Lao Buddhism, from what I've been told the only reason most Lao "give" to a Temple is so that they get some "reward" for their next life. It's all about THEIR karma. That's not "charity". Charity is the free giving of something you have with no expectations in return. That definitely isn't what the Buddhist "culture" in Lao is all about. Prove to me that the morning alms giving doesn't have some ulterior motive related to the "giver" wanting something back in return? The whole purpose of becoming a monk is to give up worldly possessions, meditate, and pray for enlightenment. I see most novices with cell phones and buying "crap" food. I know of many instances where the "charity" given to a temple has nothing to do selflessness and everything to do with selfishness. It's mostly about what can I get in return, this life or the next. And that, is not charity. If I am wrong, please enlighten me as to the reasons Lao people give to a Temple and not to the poor villagers. Becoming a monk is a choice. Being born poor in a village with no electricity, toilets or running water is not a choice I believe that any of these people have made. All the "charity" given to the Temples would have a better ROI "return on investment" (if you don't know what it stands for) being used for education, health and investment in the villages for the poor. Why? Because Temples are a sink hole. Money goes in and does nothing to help society as a whole, except making someone think their business is making money because of their "charity", or will heal a sick family member, or have a monk "bless" a new car or house, for good luck. Investing in other Lao communities will raise everybody's standard of living. And that, my boy, is what capitalism is all about. Want to call me a commie. You should get a dictionary, economics text, or encyclopedia out and do a little homework. Then you might understand the difference.

Oh i had another question for ya . How did you meet your wife ? Half way around the world. hmmm :-/  By any chance
you were taking on those sex tour guide ? The only white
people i know that go to those neck of the wood is to look
for a good time. Hey i don't judge though as long she not a
little girl or boy. But seriously i saw hundred if not thousand
of white men looking to get off with young chics. More power to ya , travel thousands of mile for a peace of ass.
Couldn't get any in the homeland ? all good.

TexasCowboy wrote on 26^th Jan, 2014 at 10:46pm:

The Buddhist monks preserve the culture and provide education for the people. Today, I was at the VN temple and the youth practiced Chinese dancing in preparation for the new year. I'm not going to let some ignorant Westerner pass judgment when they don't even understand the culture. Yes, people donate to the temple to accrue karma.But also the temple provides for the people and the temples are generally worthy of respect. I will challenge anyone to a muay thai match who says they don't like the Buddhist temples. I'm currently in Pakse and I will provide my phone number if you are interested in fighting. I won't stand for some punks insulting a 2000+ year old religion and I will gladly fight anyone who insults Buddhism. If anyone else wants to speak a word against Buddhism, at least have the balls to challenge me.  CDN Lao Lover do you even live in Laos? If you do, where do you want to meet up and fight?

Hey Cowboy Buda teaching say no fight. The dude a loser
so he goes over there and flash some $$$ and his skin color.
His old lady spent a year in the state and she more western.
That say alot of his young lady .

Hey... :-[ I like them young too...but I myself am young (21 years old) I think that in 50 years I will still like young girls. Who likes old ladies?  ;D

Can't we all just get along? He made a stupid comment about Buddhism, yes it was very ignorant and wrong, but Buddha would say to forgive and forget.

Yea, i think i went over board.  :-X

In your 50s, if rich, if poor, you always can like young girls. The problem is does any beauties like 50s poor? :D :D :D

I think in 50s, it is 50s matters.  :-[



Buk Nut wrote on 27^th Jan, 2014 at 12:03pm:

Hey... :-[ I like them young too...but I myself am young (21 years old) I think that in 50 years I will still like young girls. Who likes old ladies?  ;D Can't we all just get along? He made a stupid comment about Buddhism, yes it was very ignorant and wrong, but Buddha would say to forgive and forget.

Sorry for going over the top but as a foreign white man myself, nothing makes me more angry than a foreigner disrespecting the local culture and embarassing the rest of the Western community in SE Asia.

Its ok there are plenty of  westerners who make us look bad. (see Cambodia) Its pretty much unavoidable.

I am just curious, how would you react if an Asian person went to Europe and disrespected Christianity? To me, religion means nothing as long as we respect other people. Dont fool yourself into thinking that all Buddhists are good people. There have been monks who have committed crimes as soon as they got out of the temple, and dont forget about the temple in Thailand that stored theii aborted fetuses. Like I said, its up to us to do good. Religion helps keep the community together but only if we follow it. Lao people were not always Buddhist either. At one point they were animist

Buk Nut wrote on 29^th Jan, 2014 at 2:09am:

Its ok there are plenty of  westerners who make us look bad. (see Cambodia) Its pretty much unavoidable. I am just curious, how would you react if an Asian person went to Europe and disrespected Christianity? To me, religion means nothing as long as we respect other people. Dont fool yourself into thinking that all Buddhists are good people. There have been monks who have committed crimes as soon as they got out of the temple, and dont forget about the temple in Thailand that stored theii aborted fetuses. Like I said, its up to us to do good. Religion helps keep the community together but only if we follow it. Lao people were not always Buddhist either. At one point they were animist

Dude you would hang from the highest tree they can find.
Look what they did to the black back in the 60. They are
Christian to,but their skin color is black.

This thread has gone out of control.

OK, my point is that religion is irrelevant as long as we respect other people.

About the poor people in that picture, how do you know that they aren't happy? Some of the rural people actually have enough to eat.

People just want to see them living in urbanized areas because that is what the capitalist pigs have taught us to believe is "prosperity." You think a capitalist economy will make them happy?

Maybe they need a megamall to be built in their backyard so they can be happy? Then they can waste all their money on useless products that they did not need in the first place. Let's also get them speaking English and get rid of their native language as well, because English is the language of international business, and business is so great because it makes us want to buy more and more trash. (sarcasm)

Maybe we should set them up with a twitter and instagram account because social media is a basic human right and everyone must be on it.

Whether we are rich or poor, we all have happy days that we wish would continue every day, and bad days that we like to forget. That is part of life.

Nevermind social media. For poor people, putting food on the table and have clothes to wear is at the forefront of their minds.

Of course, I was just being sarcastic.  ;D

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 30^th Jan, 2014 at 5:10am:

Whether we are rich or poor, we all have happy days that we wish would continue every day, and bad days that we like to forget. That is part of life. Nevermind social media. For poor people, putting food on the table and have clothes to wear is at the forefront of their minds.

Exactly , being poor in a country like Laos is no joke.

Well, you know, I can  only help save one girl from poverty and help her live a better life, and she doesn't even have to repay me. The only pay I accept is "the bedroom pay"

Your relationship won't last that way.

There will come a time when she can no longer provide that "bedroom pay".

Spoiling her by giving her a free life will make it hard for her to break her bad habit of asking you for money all the time. When you can't meet her needs, she is on her way out the door to the next guy.

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 31^st Jan, 2014 at 2:43am:

Your relationship won't last that way. There will come a time when she can no longer provide that "bedroom pay". Spoiling her by giving her a free life will make it hard for her to break her bad habit of asking you for money all the time. When you can't meet her needs, she is on her way out the door to the next guy.

:applause what admin said

No money, No honey.

grant wrote on 31^st Jan, 2014 at 6:27am:

No money, No honey.

Poor people around the world wouldn't be married if that was the case.

you are right admin, but I didn't say she can't work I just meant I won't ask for any payment for helping her from poverty, except that kind  ;D

Buk Nut wrote on 31^st Jan, 2014 at 10:30am:

you are right admin, but I didn't say she can't work I just meant I won't ask for any payment for helping her from poverty, except that kind  ;D

You're just a pervert ! Lol

Maybe I really am. I have to reevaluate myself. Right now I'm in a dark place.  :o

Buk Nut wrote on 31^st Jan, 2014 at 10:59am:

Maybe I really am. I have to reevaluate myself. Right now I'm in a dark place.  :o

Dude you gay ?  ;D

You're obviously disgusted with modern society which in a way is a good thing because it is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a sick society. But you're thinking into this stuff way too much. That's why it is always good to keep an ice cold beer within arm's reach and to always maintain a buzz. If you can't accept alcoholism, then you are going to have to get creative. That or live with an enduring feeling of melancholy. Up to you. Whatever your choice, good luck.

Cowboy

And you seem to suffer from a white knight complex. What's this shit about "rescuing" an impoverished country gal? Until you realize a relationship should be mutually beneficial to both individuals involved and until you can find a woman who loves you for you rather than out of desperation for herself or her family, you will always remain heartbroken and confused.

TexasCowboy wrote on 3^rd Feb, 2014 at 7:03pm:

And you seem to suffer from a white knight complex. What's this shit about "rescuing" an impoverished country gal? Until you realize a relationship should be mutually beneficial to both individuals involved and until you can find a woman who loves you for you rather than out of desperation for herself or her family, you will always remain heartbroken and confused.

Oh yeah I know, I was teasing more or less about "saving" her. My idea is that I like low class girls because they tend to be less uptight than high-so girls. For example, I came form the USA and I enjoy eating rats, while some Lao people who live in a country where others actually eat BBQ'd rats don't want to eat them just because they are close-minded and see themselves as "high-so" and the rats are "poor people's food." Basically an impoverished girl would be as comfortable with being low class as I am and not do things like ask to go to the mall and look at brand name shoes, and they would be comfortable living in the village, unlike a high-so girl who always wants to be in a room with air-con and cable television. Basically, I'm "low class", I want someone low class like me.

I'm not marrying her because of rats, that was just an example to get you to understand my point.

You talking bout the rats in the rice field right ?
That i don't mind trying ,city rat hell to the no !

Yep I'm talking about the field rats. City rats I would never eat. Anyways, my point is that these traditional girls don't act all stuck up like other girls and they will eat all of the true Lao food that I like to eat. I was in a Lao village and the men would go out and catch rats in the fields and bring them back and snap their necks and make them into delicious snacks.

"Wealthy people" only want to try American food and eat some BS like Pasta and Spaghetti. Don't think they're gonna be open minded about true Lao foods. I've eaten all the different types of Lao food. Once people move up in the social ladder they don't eat it anymore.

It's not just the food, they also think they're too good to wear the Sinh. They think they're so good that they only wanna wear pants. This is why I want to marry a poor girl. They don't need any air conditioning, they can live with me and eat rats and live the true Lao way. I was born in the USA but I feel more attached to being Lao than anyone else.

In my heart I'm a pure Lao so I wanna be with a pure Lao girl. Pure Lao doesn't eat macaroni, use facebook, and speak English.

Pure lao eats larb dib, rats, wears sinh and can live in the countryside without any conveniences.

No matter where I go, I never forget my roots.

Buddy you gonna have to go way up in the mountain.Maybe
way out in the country-side. I totally understand ya.
Like i say those type of girls are hard to comeby.

well they have a Thai saying: something that is hard to get has great value

Is this true that you eat rats? Each to their own I guess. :D

Financially independent is the root of healthy life.

grant wrote on 7^th Feb, 2014 at 6:06am:

Is this true that you eat rats? Each to their own I guess. :D

The field rice rat look tastey .I'll eat it.

Buk Nut wrote on 4^th Feb, 2014 at 5:24am:

TexasCowboy wrote on 3rd Feb, 2014 at 7:03pm: And you seem to suffer from a white knight complex. What's this shit about "rescuing" an impoverished country gal? Until you realize a relationship should be mutually beneficial to both individuals involved and until you can find a woman who loves you for you rather than out of desperation for herself or her family, you will always remain heartbroken and confused. Oh yeah I know, I was teasing more or less about "saving" her. My idea is that I like low class girls because they tend to be less uptight than high-so girls. For example, I came form the USA and I enjoy eating rats, while some Lao people who live in a country where others actually eat BBQ'd rats don't want to eat them just because they are close-minded and see themselves as "high-so" and the rats are "poor people's food." Basically an impoverished girl would be as comfortable with being low class as I am and not do things like ask to go to the mall and look at brand name shoes, and they would be comfortable living in the village, unlike a high-so girl who always wants to be in a room with air-con and cable television. Basically, I'm "low class", I want someone low class like me. I'm not marrying her because of rats, that was just an example to get you to understand my point.

I understand where you are coming from. Most so called high society girls come off as petty and superficial. The level of brand consciousness is almost laughable and this is a trait I have especially observed in China where people will opt for the prestigious brand even if the actual product is inferior in quality. Country girls have a lot more common sense and their expectations are more realistic. City people are also clumsy and have trouble figuring things out on their own. I consider myself to be a city slicker and I am not really a DIY type of person. But unlike most of my class, I have a deep respect for the rural life and ideally I want to save money and retire in the countryside and live mostly off of home grown food.

The smartest person I've met in Laos, without a doubt, is my ethnic friend who grew up in a Kathu village. His spoken English is almost unrivaled and he only received three months of formal classes in the English language. He also speaks Japanese at a basic conversational level and can converse fluently in Lao and his native Kathu tongue. Additionally, he is talented at martial arts and is a somewhat skilled mechanic. I have also watched and admired him as he traversed a roaring river at a casual pace. His ability to forage for food in the jungle is something I've never seen before.  All in all, although my friend has no money and despite being looked down upon by the richer people of Pakse, his versatile array of skills impresses me far more than any of the tech savvy upper class I have met.

Yep exactly. The Kathu are from Xekong province, somewhere around there.

"New generation" people often lack very basic skills such as lighting matches, like one of the singers from Caribou said "Kid's these days don't have the ability to light matches." I really like to see handy people that have a lot of nature skills, not just the ability to use a cellphone and a computer. Honestly I would take a crash course that teaches you how to survive in a jungle with no resources if there was one near me. I might start looking. It'd be very, very useful to have a wife that could keep you alive in the jungle for months with no supplies, rather than a wife who blows all your/her money and time on new shoes, filling her cellphone balance, going to bars/clubs.

I'm rather fond of the old days where people relied on their own skills rather than technology, so I'm kinda in a hurry to find that type of gal before they all disappear. I myself am not much of a DIY guy but I wish I was and I am currently trying to be one.

Also I thought the Lao were above that Thai-style discrimination on other ethnic groups, but according to what you say, apparently not. It sickens me to see this kind of hatred because it usually ends in the less privileged group losing their rights, their land, and their culture. Yep, I have my own special name for this kind of discrimination, I call it "Thai-style discrimination." While others know Thais for their food, their nightlife, or even their smiles (IMO they don't smile that much, maybe more than Westerners though) I know Thais well because of their discrimination and disllikeof other ethnic groups. Maybe I'm thinking about this too much though. Maybe it's the same way everywhere in the world. Anyways, it's always the little guy that gets picked on. I feel bad for these tribal people in Laos sometimes.

Holy, seems you are looking for a female Tarzan! :laugh3

Peter , you need to take him drinking .

I don't know what you mean exactly by uptight, Mak Nad. Because many  would say country girls are uptight as they won't sleep with you until you marry them. That tradition is respectable. I would never marry a woman who puts out easily. Thai women dress and act like sluts which is why I'd never marry a Thai woman but it's also a good thing if you're single. Thailand, although materially more wealthy than Lao, is also more culturally dysfunctional. It is a sad fact that a country gladly whores out its women for tourist revenue.

The central issue is the influence of media on the behavior of its consumers. I was watching some V-Pop earlier and it looked like a bunch of strippers dancing around. People model themselves to some extent on what they see in the media and this raunchy display undoubtedly exercises a negative influence. Women who move on from dick to dick will never truly be able to settle down. Marriage is the traditional convention observed in every functional sedentary society for roughly the last 12,000 years and its collapse has arguably only occurred in the past five decades.

Yep, although the sad thing is that Thai women used to be like Lao women a couple decades ago. The whoring started around the Vietnam war when American soldiers got stationed in Thailand so they could drop bombs on Lao villagers. Naturally the greedy Thai scum wanted to find a way to make money off of this golden opportunity, so they mobilized their women to service these GIs. I think it also has to do with Thailand being a free capitalist economy. Even Pattaya used to be a quaint fishing village but those Thais will do anything for a quick buck so they sold their girls to Americans. By uptight I mean they strictly adhere to their own narrow "new-gen" state of mind. They are uptight in a different way. as no one can convince them to change or respect their own culture. They're going to like Western Influenced music, cellphones and they don't care to eat "poor people's food" or otherwise known as the food their parents and grandparents grew up eating. They've been digitalized and they don't care about the old, they prefer to bring in the new. They want to "move up" in the social ladder, and doing so requires discarding the very essence of one's cultural identity, because this is the Digital age and traditions are so Dark Ages.  Poverty is often the best preserver of culture. Millionaires could care less about nationality-they just mingle with other millionaires. Isan people are the same as Lao people but look how being in Thailand has changed them. This being said. I admit that there are still good girls in Thailand, though they are probably around 10 times harder to find than in the past.

So tell me, what is kwam pen Thai? Selling your country and your countrymen out to Farang?

If you speak Thai then it's definitely a plus. You'll find most good Thai girls working or in school. (avoid the ones in bars or hangout spots, all the good girls are working to help their parents and won't be sitting around wasting time) Many Thai university girls are still celibate and though they may no longer be traditional due to having been in the educational system for many years and exposed to the media (television, internet) they are still better than girls you will find hanging out around Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya and Chiang Mai. You just have to have a good handle of the Thai language and know where to look. Don't expect to see any traditional Thai culture though, they are all digital in Thailand, except for maybe some hilltribes. Anyways, when marrying Thai women you still have to pay Sin Sods, even though you get no culture in return, and it is expected that you help send money to the girls' families when marrying both Thai and Lao women.

Thai women are like Coors lite Asian wives, very diluted stuff, won't get you far, while most Lao girls in the country would be like Vodka Asian wives, the real thing, but only for those that can handle the culture shock. (At least for now, as a lot of Lao people seem to be changing in the urban areas..Nothing gold can stay right?) I know Laos is slowly being invaded as well, but I'll be happy to visit this country up until the day of its final destruction. I already see Mixed race worship of Half Lao Half Farang kids starting to happen like in Thailand. There's K-pop invading, singers are starting to use the English language combined with Lao. It's only a matter of time before we reach the end.

The capitalist pigs and demons of greed won't stop until they destroy every society worldwide. They just want us to be consumers, they never cared about us for anything except for how much money we can contribute to the GDP..Just conform, conform, obey, obey, speak and understand English so the capitalist overlords can lull you into a hedonistic world of greed and material wealth. Let's all start forgetting who we are, just forget, forget, and embrace English, embrace french fries and hot dogs, forget it all.

You wrote a very long story. What do you study at college? Literature?

I think your point is f capitalism, f city cat, f english, f thai girl,
F pop misc. long live Lao country girl, long live poverty! Long live tradition of poverty stricken hill tribes. ;D

Lol, it was a bit dramatized, but the hill tribes are only impoverished because of companies snatching their land and developing it.

If they have full use of their traditional lands, they live their lives as good as anyone else..why do people assume that anyone not dependent on the international currency flow is impoverished?

Man, if you this year go to Laos, check out the hill tribes life in mountains. Their miserable life is the direct result of national polices which is meant to be good.  google the opium poppy eradication program. Laotians got dramastic opposite comparing Thais got with the nearly same policy. Living with hill tribes areas for 1 month, you will feel how desperate they are ( before 2006), what was the point owing a land producing none. I feel them because my childhood was just like theirs.

No money, no honey, damned right.
People get smarter becasue of exploitation ( if politicians use competition) ;D ;D ;D.




Buk Nut wrote on 10^th Feb, 2014 at 7:34am:

Lol, it was a bit dramatized, but the hill tribes are only impoverished because of companies snatching their land and developing it. If they have full use of their traditional lands, they live their lives as good as anyone else..why do people assume that anyone not dependent on the international currency flow is impoverished?

You are right.Thailand is the whorehouse for southeast asia.

Man I didn't say poverty was good I just said poverty stops minority groups from assimilating to the dominant culture which in turn lets them keep their identity. It's just a factor that keeps the groups seperate

Anyways, I only have 3 months in Laos, but I plan to spend some time with the hilltribes. I don't want it to be an entire month because I want to see the entire country as well. What part of Laos did you visit the hill tribes in and which tribe did you visit?

And you are a Han Chinese working in Lao am I correct PeterPan?

Too much of anything is not good for anyone.I understanding
what ya saying,but you can't live on an island forever.
Its all bout how you approach it.Japan is a good example.
They are very modern .What ever you can think of ,i think
them and the south Korean are at the top.But yet they
still no how to preserve their heritage. As for Laos ,most
people never had that kinda luxury.

And look at Japanese society. The population is not growing and people are not getting married and having babies because they are too worried about modernization and their careers to start a family.

The population of Japan is expected to plummet. Meanwhile, Muslims such as Bangladeshis have so many kids that their country is full to the brim and spilling out into India and Myanmar. Like Buddha says, we must take the middle road..

Buk Nut wrote on 10^th Feb, 2014 at 11:25am:

And look at Japanese society. The population is not growing and people are not getting married and having babies because they are too worried about modernization and their careers to start a family. The population of Japan is expected to plummet. Meanwhile, Muslims such as Bangladeshis have so many kids that their country is full to the brim and spilling out into India and Myanmar. Like Buddha says, we must take the middle road..

You are well inform.Right now the goverment trying to compensate them , well kinda luring them to produce little
Japanese.

I am Han Chinese, my company has branch in northern Laos. My company went there just after the opium eradication program in 2005. I am not working in Laos now, also not in Xi Shuan Banna. I am working in Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province. Yet, the same company.


Buk Nut wrote on 10^th Feb, 2014 at 11:12am:

Man I didn't say poverty was good I just said poverty stops minority groups from assimilating to the dominant culture which in turn lets them keep their identity. It's just a factor that keeps the groups seperate Anyways, I only have 3 months in Laos, but I plan to spend some time with the hilltribes. I don't want it to be an entire month because I want to see the entire country as well. What part of Laos did you visit the hill tribes in and which tribe did you visit? And you are a Han Chinese working in Lao am I correct PeterPan?

So can you tell me something? Were the hilltribes doing well before the opium eradication program? What kind of effects did the opium eradication program have on the hilltribes and how did it change their lifestyle?

My idea: before program, peaful and starving, after, starving and surviving. Now, living and chaotic. You go there to have a look. But, dong blame their laziness for their poverty. In my eyes, laziness is kind of living attitude. I dont prefer business with nothing done. I prefer laziness with something done. ;D


Buk Nut wrote on 10^th Feb, 2014 at 11:57am:

So can you tell me something? Were the hilltribes doing well before the opium eradication program? What kind of effects did the opium eradication program have on the hilltribes and how did it change their lifestyle?

peterpan wrote on 10^th Feb, 2014 at 12:03pm:

My idea: before program, peaful and starving, after, starving and surviving. Now, living and chaotic. You go there to have a look. But, dong blame their laziness for their poverty. In my eyes, laziness is kind of living attitude. I dont prefer business with nothing done. I prefer laziness with something done. ;D Buk Nut wrote on 10th Feb, 2014 at 11:57am: So can you tell me something? Were the hilltribes doing well before the opium eradication program? What kind of effects did the opium eradication program have on the hilltribes and how did it change their lifestyle?

The hilltribes survived for hundreds of years alone without the interference of national governments, so I don't think they were starving.
They only started getting malaria, starving and dying after they were forced down from the mountains. In the past they had practiced slash and burn agriculture which was probably bad for the environment though, so the government saw them as a pest.

Anyways, if they move down into society it will be just like Thailand where one's parents are hill people and the children only learn to speak the language of the schools and then forget about their parents and then just disappear into regular society. Moving them down is only gonna kill them off slowly, you could call it cultural genocide.

Buk Nut wrote on 11^th Feb, 2014 at 4:12am:

peterpan wrote on 10th Feb, 2014 at 12:03pm: My idea: before program, peaful and starving, after, starving and surviving. Now, living and chaotic. You go there to have a look. But, dong blame their laziness for their poverty. In my eyes, laziness is kind of living attitude. I dont prefer business with nothing done. I prefer laziness with something done. ;D Buk Nut wrote on 10th Feb, 2014 at 11:57am: So can you tell me something? Were the hilltribes doing well before the opium eradication program? What kind of effects did the opium eradication program have on the hilltribes and how did it change their lifestyle? The hilltribes survived for hundreds of years alone without the interference of national governments, so I don't think they were starving. They only started getting malaria, starving and dying after they were forced down from the mountains. In the past they had practiced slash and burn agriculture which was probably bad for the environment though, so the government saw them as a pest. Anyways, if they move down into society it will be just like Thailand where one's parents are hill people and the children only learn to speak the language of the schools and then forget about their parents and then just disappear into regular society. Moving them down is only gonna kill them off slowly, you could call it cultural genocide.

True , But alot of the newer generation of the tribes .Like
the ones that go work in the city to earn some money . Or the one that see how the outside world living.They just
want some change or easier life. I see both side to the argument ,but at the end .It all come down to what they want. I guess we really will not know unless we live in their
shoe.

Perhaps the main point is that these people choose their own path and direction they want to take without interference from outside influences and are then free as birds to make their own decisions.

True or they just tired living in the mountains.

So what nationality are the hill people or Hmong, are they indigenous to Laos or another country? :)

They like everywhere in the mountain of southeast Asia.Vietman ,Thailand they're everywhere.They have alot of childrens too.

Sounds like they may be nomadic, moving from one place to another, nothing wrong with that though. :)

The orginal nomad likt the one in MOngolia. i saw some of them having engouh of the life style.Alot of em moving to
the city for work.

I have reading about the Hmong on the internet and it seems that it is a battle for them just to survive.

Are you talking about the one in the mountain of Laos ?