Archive for 2007

Home Archive for 2007

The 2009 SEA Games in Vientiane was officially announced to thousands of athletes and officials from Asean nations on Saturday night during the closing ceremony of the 24th SEA Games in Nakhon Ratchasima province, Thailand .

The closing ceremony took place in front of 20,000 spectators in the main stadium in Nakhon Ratchasima.

All Lao athletes and officials who attended the closing ceremony of this year's SEA Games were delighted to be present, as the occasion marked not only the medals they had won but also the day when Laos took possession of the SEA Games flag ahead of the 25 th SEA Games in Vientiane in 2009...

The Lao delegation receiving the SEA Games flag was led by Standing Deputy Prime Minister and President of the Executive Board of the 2009 SEA Games, Mr Somsavat Lengsavad; the Minister to the Prime Minister's Office, President of the Lao National Sports Committee and Lao National Olympic Committee, Dr Phouthong Seng-akhom; the Vice President of the Lao National Sports Committee and National Olympic Committee, Mr Somphou Phongsa; and the Vice President and Secretary General of the Lao National Olympic Committee, Mr Souvannarath Sayavong.

After this year's SEA Games host Thailand presented the SEA Games flag to Laos , a performance by more than 400 Lao artists in five programmes followed.

The first item was a traditional dance and the song Sieng Khaen Lao , featuring the cultural traditions of Lao ethnic groups and the khaen – the country's traditional musical instrument.

The second item was the Sunrise Dance, a traditional dance modified from the Ramayana. This was first performed in Luang Prabang province and depicts the tradition of kindness, friendliness and hospitality of Lao women.

The third item portrayed the Hmong New Year, and by a dance to celebrate the harvest season.

The troupe then performed a song to welcome the 25 th SEA Games in 2009, which will take place in Vientiane .

The song told of the honour and pride the Lao people feel at hosting the SEA Games, and expressed a welcome to all Asean athletes, officials and distinguished guests.

The fifth item on the programme was a song expressing how the games will serve to strengthen relationships, friendship, solidarity and unity.

It is hoped the SEA Games will help to push Asean sports closer to world levels in the near future. In the meantime, Laos is delighted to be hosting the event and warmly welcomes all Asean members to the games in 2009.

Saturday night was an occasion not only for Lao athletes and people around the country to celebrate the passing of the SEA Games flag to Laos but also the fact that Laos had its first ever major victory at the SEA Games this year, winning 5 gold, 7 silver and 32 bronze medals.

By Sisay Vilaysack
Vientianetimes,
Via samakomlao, Thanks...

A team of UNESCO officials have expressed concerns over the rise of new buildings and unplanned developments in the town of Luang Prabang, and urged local authorities to address the issue immediately, according to a senior heritage official.

T he director of the Luang Prabang Heritage Office, Ms Manivone Thoummabouth, said yesterday that the three UNESCO officials had made these comments to provincial authorities this week after having spent six days in the town to examine whether it is living up to its World Heritage status in the 10 years since it was granted.

“They told us unofficially about their concerns, so there has been no actual impact yet. We will know whether Luang Prabang can maintain its World Heritage status once they send us their official assessment,” she told Vientiane Times in a telephone interview.

She said that the UNESCO officials had completed their inspection yesterday and were scheduled to leave the town today. They would then take about a month to send through the official results of their inspection to the UNSECO office and the Lao government.

During their visit, the inspectors took a tour around the town and visited a number of important historical sites. There, they found several changes had occurred, such as a rise in the number of new buildings and the disappearance of some of the older structures.

They saw that locals had been putting up new buildings without proper planning, and some water reservoirs had been taken over by private residences.

The inspectors also expressed concern over the increase in tourism investments, using the example of the five-star hotels being built in the area, which would only diminish the town's World Heritage charm, according to Ms Manivone.

She confirmed that the UNESCO officials had visited the Deputy Governor of Luang Prabang and raised their concerns for discussion. In response, the Deputy Governor made a commitment to the visiting guests that the provincial authorities would try harder to address these concerns.

Ms Manivone expressed confidence that from now on the protection of Luang Prabang's World Heritage status would be paramount, due to the establishment last week of a national Committee on World Heritage, with Deputy Prime Minister Somsavat Lengsavad as president.

She explained that one of the main problems had been the failure of local authorities to protect the town's World Heritage status, due to poor legal enforcement.

“We have laws and regulations governing this area, which actually forbid new Western-style buildings in heritage areas, but residents don't always abide by the law,” she said.

She explained that law enforcement required cooperation from all sectors concerned, which was why high-ranking government officials were stepping in to supervise.

Ms Manivone said the provincial authorities would allocate quotas for timber to provide residents with enough wood to renovate the old buildings, instead of cement, to ensure that the buildings' original character was retained.

She said residents needed to realise that losing the town's World Heritage status would hurt the tourism industry, which in turn would affect the local economy.

By vientiane times
www.vientianetimes.org.la
.........................
Thanks.

180 cm, 22 years old, Mr Sith, Virasith Savath won Mr Clear 2007 contest, this contest was took by Thai Uniliver Company in Vientiane for find the presenter to promost a popular samphoo "Clinic Clear", now he is studying at SUSAKA College, 4th year. the 2nd runner-up is a guy from vientiane, The 3rd runner-up he is also a guy from Luang Prabang.
.............................................................................

Text from Vientianetimes

Luang prabang guy crowned the title of Mr. Clean in Laos 2007

Mr Vilasith Savath or Sith, 22, was announced as the first winner of the Mr Clear 2007 contest at Romeo nightclub in Vientiane on Sunday.

The event was held by the Unilever Thai Trading Ltd, a distributor of Clinic Clear Shampoo which held this event to select presenters and advertising models.

“I did not think I would win as there were so many smart-looking guys on the stage with me, but I just did my best,” Mr Sith said....more info >>

Vilasith, originally from Luang Prabang province, received a prize of 2.5 million kip, the Clinic Clear trophy 2007, a Clinic Clear gift set, and will become a promoter for the company for one year.

The runner up, Mr Santi Luangkhot or Dono, 17, was voted the Sexiest Man and received prizes worth 1.5million kip plus a Clinic Clear gift set.

The third place prize for the Most Active Man went to Mr Inthanousin Sivilaisak or Ai, 18, who received 1 million kip and a Clinic Clear gift set.

The Most Charming Guy was Mr Phongsathon Vongthavon or Billy, 20, while the Healthiest Man was Mr Vixayaphone Phoneseua or Gig, 22, and the Best Sportsman was Mr Phouttakon Bouttaveht or Ae, 25, each of whom received 600,000 kip and a Clinic Clear gift set.

The Manager of Clinic Clear Thailand, Ms Alounny Atsavalerthsak said, “The contest, entitled Mr Clear 2007 , represents the first time that we have held such a competition in Laos . The idea was to choose well-presented young men to appear in newspapers, magazines and on billboards advertising our products here.”

The organiser opened applications last month, over 50 people participated and six contestants were chosen to compete on Sunday.

The event opened with a showcase of breakdancing skills by dancers from the Lao Bangfai Breakdancing Club and was followed by a fashion show where six young men modeled sportswear and casual clothes.

During the evening there were many games, with the winners receiving company products as prizes.

The event also featured a mini-concert by artists from Indee Records including Modern Dance, Princess and LOG, who entertained the audience before the announcement of the winner.

The votes that decided the winner were 50 percent from the judging panel and 50 percent from the audience.

By PHOONSAB THEVONGSA
September 04, 2007
Vientianetimes

Via Samakomlao, Thanks...

UNESCO to review Luang Prabang's World Heritage status

UNESCO will send officials to Luang Prabang next month to see whether the town still warrants its World Heritage status, according to a senior official.
The head of the Luang Prabang Heritage Office, Ms Manivone Thoummabouth, said last week that the team of inspectors would arrive in Luang Prabang early next month, and will work there for two weeks to review all heritage sites in a routine inspection.
“They will come with a checklist to ensure all listed building and artefacts have remained intact in the 10 years since the town was listed as a World Heritage Site,” she said in a telephone interview with Vientiane Times.
She said the inspection was not unexpected, because UNESCO inspects all sites 10 years after they have been granted World Heritage status.
She added that UNESCO had proposed an inspection of the town last year. “Lao government and UNESCO officials reached an agreement on a deadline for the Luang Prabang inspection in August during a meeting in Switzerland ,” she said.
Ms Manivone said the team of inspectors had extensive knowledge of World Heritage Sites and remained independent from all state organisations.
UNESCO has removed certain sites from the World Heritage list in the past, including the city of Chiang Mai in Thailand , which was unable to maintain its sites due to rapid development.
Ms Manivone said she had a strong belief that the results of this year's inspection would be positive, because over the past 10 years local authorities have “done an excellent job in maintaining the area”.
She explained that many of the town's temples and houses were in the same condition as they were 10 years ago, and all renovations had been carried out carefully, in accordance with heritage guidelines.
She also said that while local architecture had been preserved, Luang Prabang residents had continued to maintain their traditional lifestyles; women still wear the traditional Lao skirt when offering alms to monks in the early mornings, an example of the many traditions that have largely disappeared in Asia .
Ms Manivone said the Lao government has always been intent on protecting its places of cultural heritage as they reflect the unique Lao culture, and help to boost the tourism industry.
“Many tourists come to Luang Prabang because of its World Heritage status,” she said, adding that this has led to more jobs and better incomes for local people.

From VIENTIANE TIMES

Luang Prabang authorities have set up a special taskforce to explore a cave said to be a place where French colonial army troops hid valuable items several decades ago.

The Phadao cave is located in Chom village, Chomphet district, some 30 km from the capital city of Luang Prabang province.

“We have heard locals talking about the treasure in this cave for more than 10 years, so we've decided to officially explore it,” a member of the taskforce, Mr Bounkhong Khoutthao, said in a telephone interview with Vientiane Times.

Mr Bounkhong, who is also deputy director of the Luang Prabang Information and Culture Department, said the taskforce officials had visited the cave several times but the official exploration had not begun because the taskforce did not have archaeological experts.

“We have invited archaeologists from the Ministry of Information and Culture to join the taskforce and they have agreed with the proposal. We expect to begin the explorations this month,” he said.

Mr Bounkhong said the provincial authorities had not allowed any individuals or companies to explore the cave, and was confident no one had gone against these orders. He added that local people also believed the caves were guarded by ghosts, and did not dare get closer to the cave.

The cave is located inside a forest surrounded by mountains, and is difficult to access, he said. Survey team officials must walk for at least two hours before they arrive at the cave, where there is only a small entrance to the cave.

In a report on Lao National Radio on Monday, the reporter quoted a member of the survey team as saying that the team had found evidence of soil used by the French troupes to fill the small hole, and archaeologists would need to negotiate this soil before entering the cave.

Although people have been saying for ten years that French colonial army troops hid their valuables inside the cave before escaping from Japanese soldiers during the 1940s, Mr Bounkhong said that he could not confirm what would actually be inside the cave, as all the evidence was based on local rumours.

However, he said the project would be good experiences for the survey team, and that perhaps the cave could eventually be developed as another tourist site for the province.

He said the scenery surrounding the Phadao cave was lush and forested with clean air, and would be a good place for tourists to set up camps and organise trekking activities. He added that he had plans to discuss the possibilities of the area with tourism officials at a later date.

By Ekaphone Phouthonesy
vientianetimes
photo: flickr
Via Samakomlao Webboard, Thank you Samakomlao.

(KPL) The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has much worried about Luang Prabang’s world heritage town because local authorities have permitted foreign businessmen to occupy and do business out of ancient sites.
Some claim that authorities allow business people to run their business at the conserved tourist sites although they can’t justify allowing.
“I would like to inform the Lao government that Luang Prabang world heritage town should not be occupied by
foreign investors to run their business because this act will be a high risk of destroying the ancient places especially houses, temples and the Palace as well,” said this week Mr Francis Engelmann, UNESCO’s Representative in Luang Prabang.
Mr Francis continued “Many ancient sites in town are undergoing slight transformation from old style to modern trend and they will certainly become unattractive to visitors soon if the government has no strict rule and measure to deal with the permission of business people to run their business. out of ancient heritage.”
At present the business booming in this world heritage town has squeezed out local residents. Many locals sell their own land and houses and make way to foreign business operations of restaurants, guesthouses, hotels and entertainment places.. After the sale, they move out to the suburb.
Another major concern is the jeopadisation of business operations to the traditonal Buddhist way of life of the locals..When landlords in ancient downtown are squeezed out, new people come in, the traditonal morning procession of Buddhist monks to collect alms from local residents, which has been a symbol of traditional way of life and ardent faith of Buddhism and also another attraction of Luang Prabang, is graduallly changed little by little. A handful people with a high determination to stay on in their houses are left behind are still be seen to give alms to monks. and to succeed the way of life and their ancestors.
It is believed that running business without reasonable permission might easily lead to the destruction of the old preserved sites of the city.
Officials from international organisations urge that all people in the World Heritage town should have to preserve their heritage as soon as possible rather than thinking only of money.

From: http://www.kpl.net.la

Although times and customes are changing very quickly and tradition are dying, many people still keep up the LAO NEW YEAR tradition, especially if there are children in the family. Several weeks before New Year, private and official organizations and families get ready celebrate the New Year all province in Laos. The children go singing and dancing. This is also the season of children’s plays at the theatre. A lot of Laos send some New Year cards every year to friends. Pimai is celebrated in the middle of April of every year, a time which is far more auspicious than January, since it harmonizes with the natural seasons of the year. The weeks before the holiday houses and rooms are repainted and decorated. Boys and girls buy some plastic water pistol because it is very hot in Lao New Year the temperature is about 40 celcius in Shade. In the principle province such Vientiane capital, Luangprabang or Champasack … will organize beauty contest or we call Nang Sang khan (Miss New Year) is selected among the most beautiful girls of different hight schools. Pimay ( Lao New Year) is celebrated in the middle of April, generally over the three days: 1. The first day : Mu Nang Sang khan Luong former ( Nang Sang khan’s departure day). In the afternoon a large crowd of people gather in the temple. Each of them brings candles, flowers, perfume and some water. After making prayer, the monk get down small statues of Buddhas, lay them down on a large tray and wash them before watering the statues the people wish they could get good merit not only in the actual generation but in the next too. And they wish for wonderful days filled with happiness and wealth throughout the New Year. They also wter each other to wash away all the bad things along with the on going year and are preapare for the better days. At night they are organized in the main street of the town Mohlam (Lao folksingers) Lamlueng (Legend song) Lamvong (Lao revolving circle dancing). 2. Seconday : Mu Nao ( Rest day) during which all work is forbidden. The show programme is the same. 3. The third day: Mu Nang Sang khan Khun ( Nang Sang khan ‘s arrival day ). This day corresponds the firstday of the New Year It should be happy and lucky for everyboday fro that, mothers are supposed to get up earlier in the morning and cook a gastronomic meal for example the Lap ( Popular Laodish of meat ; Lap means luck in Lao) and offer it to the monks. The great part of young people prepares banana made cornets decorated with flowers, put them into bowls. With these cornets of flowers they go to their grand parents, parents, and elderly people for blessing and forgiveness for their wrong-doings in the past one year. The first day of New Year is also a popular day for happiness, for children and grow-ups parties and visiting friends.

From www.inlao.net

Subscribe to: Comments ( Atom )