The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism has issued an instruction calling on all central and local authorities and all Lao people across the country to preserve national customs and ensure order and safety whilst celebrating the upcoming Lao New Year (Pi Mai).

The issuing of the instruction is aimed at avoiding all forms of conduct which are neither appropriate nor customary, and returning to the way Pi Mai was celebrated by Lao people in the past.

Under the instruction, the ministry called on all members of the public to conform to notice no. 457 from the Government Office concerning the organising of Pi Mai celebrations.

The ministry has instructed that celebration parties should be moderate, avoiding extravagant expenditure.

Entertainment activities and alcohol consumption should not take place in temples or other places of worship and drinking and recreation activities should not violate the prohibitions defined by the officials.

Ablution is one of the main activities in Pi Mai celebrations alongside merit making (Baci) that Lao people have performed from ancient times.

In this regard the ministry has instructed that clean water mixed with perfume is preferred for pouring on Buddha images, elderly people and friends, while the ablution should be performed in a polite and respectful manner.

Clean water should be used for the fun activities everywhere, avoiding the use of dirty water, paint, water mixed with i rritants and other waste water. The throwing of plastic bags of water, ice or any type of dirty water at passing motorists and motorbike riders is prohibited.

Indecent public behaviour, spraying water on passers-by and vehicles, enforced drenching with water and improper behaviour towards females are not allowed, and all activities should not impede traffic.

Males and females of all ages should be dressed modestly for performing their washing of the Buddha's images, and greeting the monks in the temples. Women should wear the traditional long skirt (sinh) and modest top reflecting original Lao customs.

Women are not allowed to wear a short skirt nor skimpy tops either going to the temple or in public places during the festival.

In this regard, officials will give a warning and instructions to offenders, possibly even detaining them depending on the severity of the case.

The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism calls on all people throughout the country to respect these instructions so that the Pi Mai celebrations this year will bring only a joyful atmosphere and happiness while preserving the national customs and traditions.

It is oriental carnival. Wet them, 

Mr. Simon

Beef Cake wrote on 16^th Apr, 2014 at 1:19am:

To think they have more important things to do. Geez

Public places are perfectly fine but I do understand the temple.

The government wants to maintain some standards to prevent the culture from caving in to despicable western influence. Seems sensible to me.

TexasCowboy wrote on 24^th Apr, 2014 at 9:00pm:


Maybe western influence is a good thing ? Look at where
they had gotten their influence before and now.
The job of goverment is to govern, not to butt in our daily live.Next thing they gonna wanna do is bann porn 
Comeon man, if i wanna drink myself silly shouldn't that
be my problem ? as long i don't get  in the car and drive or hurt anybody .

It seems very restrictive though considering it is a celebration