Admin Saovaluck wrote on 7^th Aug, 2010 at 12:22pm:


Yes Vietnam is richer, but also poorer then Laos. About 85 million, 10 million rich but 60-70 million dirt poor. That's why million moved to Laos for better opportunity.  Vietnam GDP $250 billion a year. Laos GDP $15 billion. They got more money and more poor people.

Calling a Vietnamese a "keow" can be offensive to them. Illegal Vietnamese immigrants can certainly buy land and property in Laos, but they can't own it in their name.

Many legal Vietnamese immigrants are richer than Lao people, and they can speak Lao very fluently. Lao people mainly run small shops and restaurants on the streets, but I see Vietnamese people own hotels and apartments in Vientiane.

Not good for Laos future. If Vietnamese control Laos economy. They already control the government. Look at Thailand for example Chinese immigrant control Bangkok, economy and military. Lao people in Issan are second class citizens, they're not well off under Bangkok rule that's why there a political protest and unrest by red shirt from Issan.

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 7^th Aug, 2010 at 10:24pm:

They should hire more Lao to work in the hotel. If they not. Government should require them too.

Some Lao Issan do move to Laos. Most like Thai more because there're more jobs and opportunity in Thailand. When Laos become wealthy and develop. They'll like Laos more and more will move to Laos. Humane nature people want better life for their family. That's why million around the world want to come to the US. I think US is more Communist then Laos. They take good care of poor people and peasant. Government has money and they help poor with education, food, Medicare and housing.  The less you make the cheaper you pay. You make more you pay everything regular prices.

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 8^th Aug, 2010 at 3:10am:

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 8^th Aug, 2010 at 11:10pm:


There good and bad everywhere. In Laos and in US. Hopefully Laos will prosper in the near future so government can do more to help poor people with health care, and education. I like the free lunch program they has for children at school, and hopefully they will expand in every provinces in Laos. International community also helping Laos with economic development. Great news, and great for Laos.

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 9^th Aug, 2010 at 4:33am:


You got me. Good one.

BorLeumBanGerd, A warm welcome back to Lao Pride.  

Think of it this way, if you're a homeless person who now have a roof over your head and you have meals to eat, your life condition has improved, but you're not rich.

Many things are improving in Laos, but people are not rich. That's all I can say at this point in time. I'm not an economist or one who works in the Government sector, what do you want me to do, provide you with a detailed list of the country's income and expenditure?

Lan Xang has summed it up well.

We allow members of Lao Pride to discuss about political issues or any issues for that matter, and we don't have any problems whatsoever, be it calling me an idiot.   

But if I deem that the issue being discussed is controversial, and by expressing my personal views with "clear answers" could pontentially harm me as a Lao citizen, sometimes you will find that I can't get involved with the topic, or I will resort to "simple answers". There may be times when I'm busy too.