Thai Dominance at Vientiane Book Festival Spurs Reflection on Lao Literary Identity

By Chono Lapuekou, Laotian Times, December 1, 2023
Additional reporting by Phontham Visapra

The Vientiane Book Festival 2023 kicked off on 27 November at the Vientiane Center shopping mall and is set to captivate book enthusiasts until 3 December. This event aims to instill a passion for reading, especially among children and students.

However, the evident prevalence of Thai books at the festival reflects a complex interplay of cultural, economic, and logistical factors that shape the reading preferences of many Lao people. The influx of Thai literature into the Lao book market reveals a broader dynamic where external influences play a significant role in shaping the literary landscape. 

Launch of Visit Laos Year 2024 Promises Cultural, Natural, Historical Adventures

By:  LaotianTimes.com, November 24, 2023

Under the theme “A Paradise of Lao Culture, Nature and History”, Visit Laos Year 2024 officially kicked off on 23 November in Vientiane Capital, featuring 79 events nationwide.

With the goal of attracting over 2.7 million international tourists in 2024, generating USD 401 million, and 2.9 million tourists in 2025, Laos is poised to share its cultural treasures and boost its economy.

‘Cheaper than beer’: Laos meth prices plummet as Myanmar chaos fuels trade

Source:  Alastair McCready, Al Jazeera, November 7, 2023
Additional reporting by Lamxay Duangchan

Source: Al Jazeera, November 7, 2023

Front-line workers say methamphetamine pills are now being sold for as little as $0.25 each as traffickers flood the country with unprecedented amounts of drugs.

Vientiane, Laos – Keo remembers the day he consumed so much yaba that he “lost his mind.”  The 37-year-old from Laos took more of the drug – a potent combination of methamphetamine and caffeine – than he had ever done before.

Laos eyes 2.7 million foreign tourists during Visit Laos Year 2024

Source:  Vientiane Times, August 25, 2023

The government has set a goal of attracting 2.7 million foreign visitors and generating US$401 million in tourism revenue during Visit Laos Year 2024, according to the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism.

Director General of the ministry’s Tourism Marketing Department, Mr Khom Douangchantha, told the Vientiane Times the ministry is preparing national and local activities and other events, involving businesses participating in the Visit Laos Year 2024 tourism promotion programme.

A Lao folktale - as told by an AI

With the recent popularity and rise of AI (artificial intelligence) chat, I thought I'd test it out myself to see what could come of it,  And more importantly, to test if it knew anything about Lao culture.  Here's a Lao story that the the AI told me...

71st Miss Universe 2023 - Laos evening gown and national costume

Khmu New Year celebrations in Luangprabang

Video Credit: NatNomad on Youtube

The Khmu ethnic minority group in Laos are considered one of the original or oldest in the country.  Along with the Hmong, they too celebrate their New Year in mid-December.  Here's a look at their recent celebrations last month, by Youtuber NatNomad.

Hmong New Year Celebrations in Vientiane

Video Credit: Padupdin on Youtube

Follow along with Youtuber Padupdin as he explores how Hmong New Year was celebrated in Vientiane this past December.

Largest Hmong New Year Celebration in Laos

Video Credit:  Now in Lao on Youtube

This year, Youtuber Now in Lao visits Phonsavan, Xiengkhouang to attend the largest Hmong New Year celebration in Laos in December.