DOCSLIB.ORG

Lao People's Democratic Republic the Project to Enhance The

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Lao People's Democratic Republic the Project to Enhance The Lao People’s Democratic Republic Department of Transport of Ministry of Public Works and Transport Department of Public Works and Transport of Vientiane Capital Vientiane Capital State Bus Enterprise Lao People’s Democratic Republic The Project to Enhance the Capacity of Vientiane Capital State Bus Enterprise Project Final Report March 2015 Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Katahira & Engineers International (KEI) EI JR 15-093 Exchange Rate Currency Exchange Rate（/Yen） KIP 0.014 USD 117.93 （as of February, 2015） VCSBE Town Bus Route Map (as of December 2014) Photos Arrival of all 42 bus of Grant Aid Inauguration Ceremony （13, June, 2012） （6, July, 2012） Installation of Digital Tachograph Training on Digital Tachograph （24 - 29 October, 2012） （October nad November, 2012） Special Meeting on BRT with the Mayor The Pilot Project of BRT (Bus Exclusive lane) (7 June, 2013) （17-21 June, 2013） The 3rd Trining in Japan The 8th Workshop for Financial Analysis （18 -30 August, 2013） （16 September, 2013） Traffic Safety Campaign for Bus Use Bus Seminar by Japanese Bus Operators in （26 October, 2013） Vientiane Capital （14 March, 2014） The 4th Training in Japan by Eagle Bus The 4th Training in Japan by Yokohama City （August, 2014） （August, 2014） Student Bus Pass Promotion at Secondary School Student Bus Pass Promotion at Secondary School （December, 2014） （February, 2015） Temporary Bus Station（TBS-B） ICT Bus Pass Training on Drivers （January, 2015） （February 2015） Commencement Ceremony of ICT Bus Pass Students commuting by ICT Bus Pass （4 March, 2015） （March 2015） Table of Contents Town Bus Route Map Photos Abbreviation 1. Project Outline ............................................................................................................ 1 1.1 Project Background ................................................................................................. 1 1.2 Objectives of the Project ......................................................................................... 2 1.3 Scope of the Services .............................................................................................. 2 1.4 The Project Outline ................................................................................................. 2 1.4.1 Revised Project Design Matrix (PDM) .............................................................. 3 1.4.2 Project Period .................................................................................................. 6 1.4.3 Project Organization ......................................................................................... 7 1.4.4 Schedule of JICA Project Team ........................................................................ 8 1.5 Method of Project Implementation ......................................................................... 12 1.5.1 Preparations for the Project ............................................................................ 12 1.5.2 Procurement of Equipment ............................................................................. 14 1.5.3 Improve Financial Management (Activity 1) ................................................... 15 1.5.4 Improve Competence of Human Resource (Activity 2) .................................... 18 1.5.5 Improve Public Bus Policy and Plan (Activity 3) ............................................. 19 1.5.6 Conduct Safe and Smooth Bus Operation at Temporary Bus Station (Activity 4)20 1.5.7 Maintain New CBS Function (Activity 5)........................................................ 20 1.6 Achievement of the Project .................................................................................... 21 2. Project Activities ...................................................................................................... 24 2.1 Arrangement of the Meeting .................................................................................. 24 2.1.1 Joint Coordinate Committee (JCC) ................................................................. 24 2.1.2 Special Meeting ............................................................................................. 25 2.1.3 Seminar and Workshop ................................................................................... 26 2.1.4 Related Activity ............................................................................................. 28 2.2 Bus Delivery ......................................................................................................... 29 2.3 Corporate Management of VCSBE (Act 1) ............................................................. 29 2.3.1 Improve Financial Management (Act 1-1) ....................................................... 29 2.3.2 Improve Competence of Human Resources (Act 1-2) ....................................... 35 2.3.3 Improve Equipment for O&M and Relevant Facilities (Act 1-3) ...................... 41 2.3.4 Conduct Public Bus Transportation Pilot Program (Act 1-4) ............................ 43 i 2.4 Public Bus Service Improvement Measures Responding to Citizen’s Request (Act 2) .................................................................................................................. 52 2.4.1 Establishment of Transport Committees for Effective Bus Use (Act 2-1) ......... 52 2.4.2 Collect Requests and Needs for Public Bus Service (Act 2-2) .......................... 53 2.4.3 Set Criteria to Evaluate Bus Service and Target Levels of Public Bus Service (Act 2-3) ........................................................................................................ 54 2.4.4 Plan and Review Bus Routes and Bus Stop Locations Responding to Community Demand (Act 2-4) ........................................................................ 59 2.4.5 Implement Bus Services Improvement Measures (Act 2-5) .............................. 61 2.5 Improve Public Bus Policy and Plan (Act 3) ........................................................... 65 2.5.1 Review and Establish a Proper Fare Structure (Act 3-1) .................................. 65 2.5.2 Review Subsidy Policy for Public Bus Transportation (Act 3-2) ...................... 65 2.5.3 Develop Medium-term Public Bus Transportation Plan (Act 3-3) ..................... 70 2.5.4 Promote Establishment of Collaboration Mechanism with Other Public Transportation Modes of Para-transit (Tuk-tuk, Jambo, Sonteo) (Act 3-4) ........ 73 2.5.5 Promote Public Bus Transport Preference Measure (Act 3-5) ........................... 74 2.5.6 Update Public Transportation Policy and Plan (Act 3-6) .................................. 74 2.6 Conduct Safe and Smooth Bus Operation at Temporary Bus Station (TBS) (Act 4) . 76 2.6.1 Advice for TBS Construction (Act 4-1) ........................................................... 76 2.7 Maintain New CBS Functions (Act 5) .................................................................... 85 3. Issues and Practices .................................................................................................. 86 4. Recommendation ...................................................................................................... 87 Appendix App1 Project Design Matrix (PDM) App2 Minutes of Meeting App3 Mid Term Management Plan (2015-2019) App4 Workshop Materials App5 Comment on the new CBS construction ii List of Tables Table 1.4-1 Project Environmental Change and Correspondence .............................. 2 Table 1.4-2 Project Design Matrixes (PDM) Revised ............................................... 3 Table 1.4-3 Schedule of the JICA Project Team (First Year) .................................... 9 Table 1.4-4 Schedule of the JICA Project Team (Second Year) .............................. 10 Table 1.4-5 Schedule of the JICA Project Team (Third Year) ................................ 11 Table 1.5-1 Public Transportation Project in Vientiane Capital .............................. 12 Table 1.5-2 Delivery Date of New Buses ............................................................... 13 Table 1.6-1 Project Achievement .......................................................................... 21 Table 2.1-1 Joint Coordinate Committee Meetings ................................................ 24 Table 2.1-2 Special Meeting ................................................................................. 25 Table 2.1-3 Number of Seminar/ Workshop ........................................................... 26 Table 2.1-4 Related Activity ................................................................................. 28 Table 2.3-1 Procedure for Preparation of Financial Statement ................................ 30 Table 2.3-2 Seminars for ICT Ticketing System .................................................... 31 Table 2.3-3 Campaigns for Pilot Program .............................................................. 34 Table 2.3-4 Bus Pass Seminar ............................................................................... 35 Table 2.3-5 Workshops for Account and Management ........................................... 35 Table 2.3-6 Workshops for Bus Operation Planning .............................................. 36 Table 2.3-7 Workshops for Transportation Planning .............................................. 36 Table 2.3-8 Workshops for Maintenance ............................................................... 37 Table 2.3-9 Workshop and Seminar for Bus Deriver .............................................. 39 Table 2.3-10 Prepared Manuals for VCSBE in the Project ....................................... 40 Table 2.3-11 Training
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Preparatory Survey on Vientiane Logistics Park (VLP) Project (PPP Infrastructure Project) in Lao P.D.R
    Ministry of Public Works and Transport Lao Peoople’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) Preparatory Survey on Vientiane Logistics Park (VLP) Project (PPP Infrastructure Project) In Lao P.D.R. Final Report July 2015 Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Nippon Express Co., Ltd. Nittsu Research Institute and Consulting, Inc. Nittsu Real Estate Co., Ltd. OS International Development Center of Japan Inc. JR 15-054 Ministry of Public Works and Transport Lao Peoople’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) Preparatory Survey on Vientiane Logistics Park (VLP) Project (PPP Infrastructure Project) In Lao P.D.R. Final Report July 2015 Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Nippon Express Co., Ltd. Nittsu Research Institute and Consulting, Inc. Nittsu Real Estate Co., Ltd. International Development Center of Japan Inc. Exchange Rate (February 2015) 1USD=118.59JPN 1THB＝3.64JPN 1KIP＝0.015JPN Preparatory Survey on Vientiane logistics Park (VLP) Project in Lao PDR. Final Report Preparatory Survey on Vientiane Logistics Park (VLP) Project (PPP Infrastructure Project) in Lao P.D.R. Final Report Summary 1. Project Name Vientiane Logistics Park (VLP) (1) Project Site The Thanaleng area where the VLP is planned is located 15 km east-west from downtown Vientiane. It lies opposite Nong Khai Municipality of Thailand, so that Thanaleng has been traditionally a strategic place as a river-crossing point. In 1993, the first Friendship Bridge was completed at the Thanaleng area, which continues to hold its strategic position as an international cross border point. Dongphosy Forest is located approximately 3 km north from the bridge, which is under Vientiane Capital. The railway passes through the forest, and the Thanaleng station is located 3.5 km from the bridge.
    [Show full text]
  • Economic and Related Statistics Dealing with Laos Joel Halpern, University of Massachusetts - Amherst
    University of Massachusetts Amherst From the SelectedWorks of Joel M. Halpern 1961 Economic and Related Statistics Dealing with Laos Joel Halpern, University of Massachusetts - Amherst Available at: https://works.bepress.com/joel_halpern/28/ .7-cum Project Palm. ro. 11 t p-Ar.d.f., F.j MM'...S5!7r3 r.LT. a JOEL N. HALPERN Dopi . Dri .:!eis University V: ;hcm, Mass. 3] Reproduced by DUOPAGE PROCESS in the U.S. of Americ a Micro Phoro Division Bell Howell Compan y Cleveland 12, Ohi o DP It 4 21 A table or Contents ECOL0!IC AIM MI= STATISTICS =ALMS WI~PH LAOS Table Pas No 1 Availability and Price of fruits and Vegetables in Northern Laos 1-3 2 ldvezstock, Piet and Foal Products in Northern Laos 4-5 3 Pi icee of Coma Agricultural and lor ut P oductn of Northern Ic_oa (1957) 6 Soma L7v ° s P6e p a r d roods F o ld on b Probers La . et 7 5 Rica Consumption in E.:sa Tha Province ( 1959) 8 in yip. 6 Price of I %ed Mica ( 1951) 8 7 List of Va4_tebless on Fruits in Term of Pro trsacyr of Consxrsxrtion, 3 Tfaal, I:orthoast Thai 7 mt 9-10 8 Sour cos of Protain Pocas in t"bo1, bqr oast Thai1 ns3: Pereont of Population Obtaining roods by Various Lethods 11 8A Consu ptioa of 1 :eat, Poultry, Iioh and 0-i hor Animal Products 12 9 rousing Variables in Dural rortbeast Thailand 13 9A Clothing Co°, .only Ptachozed by Villagers 13A 10 Selectod Items Ami,lable in Shops in Luang ?rabaug and Vientiane 14-17 IG1 Selected E°a plea of P=ter Trade 17A 11 ritsc;1laneoua ~nseo rmqug Prebang and: Vientiane, June, 1959 18 r 11P Occu_ at toms of Tha 10me Vi1lagere 18 12 River Traffic 1etwoen Vientiane and Savannahhet 19 12A Pack Eorse: Transport in ram Tha Province 19 13 Traditional Means of Transport in Laos 20 13,1 Pirogue Transport, Item ha to Kouei Sal .
    [Show full text]
  • An Analysis of the Causes of Lagging Development and the Prospects of Laos E-Commerce
    Advances in Economics, Business and Management Research, volume 42 Second International Symposium on Business Corporation and Development in South-East and South Asia under B&R Initiative (ISBCD 2017) An analysis of the causes of lagging development and the prospects of Laos e-commerce International Business School Yue Yang* Yunnan University of Finance and Economics Kunming, Kunming, China International Business School [email protected] Yunnan University of Finance and Economics Kunming, China [email protected] Wen Zhang International Business School Hong Yi Yunnan University of Finance and Economics Kunming, China International Business School [email protected] Yunnan University of Finance and Economics Kunming, China [email protected] Li Huang International Business School Yunnan University of Finance and Economics Wei Wang Kunming, China Abstract—The development of e-commerce in Laos is at the million RMB in Laos, although starting late, the initial stage, but the development momentum is better and shows developmentmomentum is better and into a steady upward a steady upward trend. In this paper, through the local research trend. While the scale of B2C cross-border electricity in and questionnaire survey conducted in Laos, obtained a single Southeast Asia is only 1%, but the region is expected to reach hand data, with accessing to the relevant literature, analyzed the relevant profiles of Laos e-commerce. Found that the current the twice of China’s cross-border retail electricity transactions development process of Laos e-commerce has a lot of problems, in the next 4-5 years, Laos as the member of the Southeast such as the payment system is not perfect, the logistics system is Asia will also take the lead in the development of not perfect, low use of intelligent machines, electricity laws and cross-border electricity business.
    [Show full text]
  • Specials Heavylift / Breakbulk Supplement
    International 09 · 10 | 28 February 2014 www.transportjournal.com Transport Journal ENGLISH EDITION (also available in an identical ITJ German and French version) Specials Heavylift / Breakbulk Supplement Asia 33 Getting in trim LNG, scrubber or marine diesel to replace sulphur?16 Sailing with the wind Wind farms require rather special logistics solutions 28 Ploughing on strongly Asian economies growing more slowly, but still top 33 International Transport Journal 09-10 2014 Contents 3 09·10 | 28. Februar 2014 5 Editorial Deutsche Ausgabe Specials in this issue HEAVYLIFT / BREAKBULK 6 People & Companies Asia 33 ASIEN Heavylift/Breakbulk Supplement 10 Comment Die WirTschafT wächsT weiTer, wenn auch langsamer als erwarTeT Foto: thinkstock 12 Shipping & Ports Asia – Quo vadis? Vor kurzem sind neben China auch VieTnam und Korea sowie Teile Japans, die sich nichT an den gregorianischen Kalender halTen, im chinesischen Jahr des Pferdes 2014 ange- kommen. Die LogisTikbranche erwarTeT miT Spannung die weiTere EnTwicklung. Asien mit einer Bevölkerungsdichte von 4,2 Mrd. Menschen (60% der Weltbevöl- Seeverkehre ochjed zur Zeit im Export 12 Alliances around the world kerung) ist gegenWärtig die am schnells- ab Indien nach Europa und den USA zu- In Hongkong schrumpfTen die Ladungsvolumina. Foto: ITJ Archiv ten Wachsende Wirtschaftsmacht. China rück, während der Luftverkehr ab Indien steht an der Spitze, gefolgt von Japan, und China stagniert. Der Transport auf engere Wirtschaftliche Zus ammenarbeit Russland, Indien, Südkorea und Indo- der Schiene zeige in China ebenfalls ei- und somit eine positive EntWicklung der nesien. Am schnellsten nimmt dank der nen deutlichen Abwärtstrend, auch wenn Wirtschaft in Asien fördern. fortschreitenden Industrialisierung die geWisse Aktivitäten in diesem Sektor Wirtschaft in China und Indien zu.
    [Show full text]
  • Six Beautiful Ancient Villages Around Tianjin & Beijing
    2020.102020.09 SIX BEAUTIFUL ANCIENT VILLAGES Follow us AROUND on Wechat! TIANJIN & BEIJING 北京周围的六个美丽古村落 InterMediaChina www.tianjinplus.com Editor's Notes Hello Friends: Autumn in and around Tianjin is a beautiful time of year, and there are several Managing Editor traditional ancient villages where you can enjoy peace and tranquillity, a lifestyle Sandy Moore far removed from that of the modern city. So sit back, relax and read in this issue [email protected] about these must-see ancient villages located around Tianjin and Beijing. Advertising Agency Early this month, a fall community fair gathered people together for the entire InterMediaChina day at the Yan Yuan Hotel courtyard garden. It was a celebration of warm autumn [email protected] weather with a mix of families and vendors. Throughout the day, people learned more about their community and talked to new and old friends. Hopefully, we Publishing Date can soon get together for a winter community fair. For those who did not go October 2020 away for a holiday, it was the perfect respite to be with new and old friends in a beautiful autumn setting. Tianjin Plus is a Lifestyle Magazine. For Members ONLY As Tianjin is a busy tourist centre and home to many skyscraper buildings, let www. tianjinplus. com us look in the Top List column at the tallest 10 skyscrapers in Tianjin and their structural details. ISSN 2076-3743 Cellulite is something that most people have to deal with at some point in their lives. It mostly affects women and can be daunting to get rid of.
    [Show full text]
  • Assessment of Freight Modal Shift and Emissions Through Dry Port Development
    Climate Change and Transport: Assessment of Freight Modal Shift and Emissions through Dry Port Development MADAN B. REGMI BE (Civil), MSc, MBA (09D18051) A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Engineering in International Development Engineering Tokyo Institute of Technology School of Science and Engineering Department of International Development Engineering Tokyo, Japan 3 February 2012 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The thought of academic research and possible PhD started while exploring options for my sabbatical leave. I landed in Tokyo Tech in 2009 and decided to carry it through and explore the academic world further. I would like to express my appreciation to my academic advisor Dr. Shinya Hanaoka for his advice and guidance provided to me during the course of the research. I would like to extend my appreciation to all professors of the Transport Study Unit and the Department of International Development Engineering for their valuable advice, comments and feedback provided to me during the doctoral seminars and departmental presentations. I highly appreciate and value the words of encouragement and advice received from Prof. Tetsuo Yai. Similarly, I thank Dr. Yasunori Muromachi, Dr. Naoya Abe, and Dr. Daisuke Fukuda for their valuable suggestions and advice on my research. I am thankful to the members of the Hanaoka Research Group for their company during my stay at Tokyo and at times responding to my difficult queries. I also would like to thank Ms. Tomoko Tanaka and Ms. Tomoko Matsuzaki for their support during my research and stay in Tokyo. I would like to acknowledge the support and encouragement of my colleagues at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, East Nippon Expressway Company Limited, Infrastructure Development Institute, Central Consultants and other offices and above all making my stay in Tokyo enjoyable and assuring.
    [Show full text]
  • Challenges to Seamless Border Crossing and National Strategies for Transport Facilitation
    Overview of transport operational connectivity and challenges for integrated transport Challenges to seamless border crossing and national strategies for transport facilitation By Sakhone PHILANGAM Vice President - LIFFA Phnom Penh 25th September 2017 AGENDA 1. Current status of cross-border & transit transport facilitation including implementing of international transport agreements 2. National strategies(plans) for transport development 3. Current modal share of each mode of transport and plans for modal shift to encourage sustainable transport 4. Current status of connectivity from ports to hinterland & vice versa 5. Challenges to transport facilitation and possible solutions 6. Proposed LIFFA’s Solutions 1. Current Status of Cross Border & Transit Transport facilitation FUNDAMENTAL ISSUES Current Status Legal basis Remarks Transport permits & Traffic rights Thailand, Vietnam unlimited Bilateral China 20,000 permits Bilateral Cambodia 40 quotas Blateral Myanmar N/A N/A Visa requirement Thailand No ASEAN Vietnam No ASEAN China Yes Cambodia No ASEAN Myanmar No ASEAN Temporary Importation of road vehicles All borders Use of D53 Customs Law Trucks can go anywhere Insurance of vehicle Local provider Law on insurance Cross Border and Transit Mandatory Land Transport Law Vehicle weight and Dimension Axle load 11 tons seasonal factor Maximum weight 40 tons seasonal factor Alteration Allowed Special Transport Permit Overweight/oversize Vehicle registration and Inspection certificate CLVT Mutual ASEAN/Bilateral Pay deemed profit tax and VAT China Mutual Bilateral MM pending agreement 1. Current Status of Cross Border & Transit Transport facilitation Supporting Modalities Current Status Scope/framework Remarks Legal regime Transit Transport Operational CBTA, AFAFGIT R3 & R9 Cross border Transport Operational Bilateral Agreement Most popular Container Regime N/A Declared as goods Need proper segregation Guarantor scheme (container & vehicle) Open but not implemented Customs Law & MOU Pay bond in cash.
    [Show full text]
  • 11898129 01.Pdf
    PREFACE In response to a request from the Government of Lao People's Democratic Republic, the Government of Japan decided to conduct “The Study of Master Plan on Comprehensive Transport in Vientiane” and entrusted to the study to the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). JICA selected and dispatched a study team headed by Mr. Tatsuyuki Sakurai of Katahira and Engineers International between April, 2007 and August, 2008. The team held discussions with the officials concerned of the Government of Lao People's Democratic Republic and conducted field surveys at the study area. Upon returning to Japan, the team conducted further studies and prepared this final report. I hope that this report will contribute to the promotion of this project and to the enhancement of friendly relationship between our two countries. Finally, I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the officials concerned of the Government of Lao People's Democratic Republic for their close cooperation extended to the study. September, 2008 EIJI HASHIMOTO, Deputy Vice President Japan International Cooperation Agency Mr. Eiji Hashimoto, Deputy Vice President Japan International Cooperation Agency September 2008 Dear Sir, Letter of Transmittal We are pleased to submit herewith the Final Report of the “The Study of Master Plan on Comprehensive Transport in Vientiane”. The report compiles the results of the Study and includes the advices and suggestions of the authorities concerned of the Government of Japan and your agency as well as the comments made by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Lao People’s Democratic Republic. The report analyses the present and future conditions and demand of transport in Vientiane.
    [Show full text]
  • 2.5 Laos Waterways Assessment
    2.5 Laos Waterways Assessment Page 1 Page 2 The Mekong River is the longest, biggest and the most important inland navigable mode of transport in Laos. It is Asia’s fourth longest river, which flows through Lao territory for 1,865 km. It stretches from the north to the south and help alleviate the difficulty of reaching the mountainous areas of the country where land transport is neither feasible nor economic. For thousands of years the Mekong River has been an important conduit for people and goods between the many towns situated along its banks. Traditional forms of trade in small boats linking communities continue today, however the river is also becoming an important link in international trade routes, connecting the six Mekong countries to each other, and also to the rest of the world. Narrower and more turbulent sections of water in the upstream parts of the Mekong River, coupled with large annual water level variations continue to present a challenge to navigation. The seasonal variations in water level directly affect trade in this section of the river. Volumes of trade being shipped decrease by more than 50 percent, primarily due to the reduced draughts available during the low water season. Despite these challenges, the volume of this trade is expected to increase by 8–11 per cent per year. Port infrastructure is being expanded to accommodate the expected growth in traffic. Laos has twenty-one river port facilities. The Department of Waterways, under the MPWT, is responsible for policy, planning, and managing all inland waterways in the country.
    [Show full text]
  • The Integration of Laos Into the International Economy: Global
    The Integration of Laos into the International Economy: Global Production Sharing, Landlockedness, and Trade Costs Buavanh Vilavong Crawford School of Public Policy Australian National University A thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at the Australian National University March 2018 Declaration I declare that this is my own original work except where otherwise indicated or acknowledged in the thesis. _____________________ Buavanh Vilavong March 2018 i Acknowledgments This thesis has not been completed without support and encouragement from many people. I am intellectually indebted to my primary supervisor, Dr Shiro Armstrong, for his invaluable guidance, helpful discussions, and constructive suggestions throughout the course of my PhD journey. This has not only improved my research ability, but his detailed reviews have taught me to go more deeply into the topics. I wish to express my exceptional gratitude to Professor Peter Drysdale and Professor Prema-Chandra Athukorala, who provided insightful guidance and comments that contributed significantly to refining and improving the quality of the thesis. I feel very fortunate to have had this combination in the supervisory panel for my PhD studies. I benefited from valuable comments and suggestions on my seminar presentations and chapter drafts, including by Professor Hal Hill, Professor Peter Warr, Professor Kaliappa Kalirajan, Professor Raghbendra Jha, Associate Professor Blane Lewis, Adjunct Associate Professor Ross McLeod, Dr Paul Burke, Dr Arianto Patunru, and Dr Keith Barney. Overall, the Crawford School of Public Policy provided me with an inspiring intellectual environment, which contributed to the success of my research in a substantial way. I profited greatly from helpful discussions with my PhD colleagues during my seminars and other occasions, including Paul Wyrwoll, Anna Falentina, Deasy Damayanti Putri Pane, Deni Friawan, Moh Widodo, and Barli Suryanta.
    [Show full text]
  • Laos Thatsaid, the Range Andqualityof Accommodation in Directory 312 ACCOMMODATION CONTENTS
    © Lonely Planet Publications Pty Ltd 312 Directory DIRECTORY DIRECTORY Accommodation prices listed in this book CONTENTS are high-season prices for rooms with at- tached bathroom, unless stated otherwise. Accommodation 312 An icon is included to indicate if air-con is Activities 314 available; otherwise, assume that a fan will Business Hours 315 be provided. Children 315 Climate Charts 316 Homestays Courses 317 Staying in a village home is becoming in- Customs 317 creasingly popular. Homestays are invariably Dangers & Annoyances 317 in rural areas, cheap at about US$5 for your Embassies & Consulates 318 bed, dinner and breakfast, and provide a Festivals & Events 319 chance for travellers to experience life, Lao Food 320 style. For an idea of what to expect, and what Gay & Lesbian Travellers 320 not to expect, see the boxed text, Feeling the Holidays 320 ‘Real Laos’, p 45 . Insurance 320 Internet Access 321 Legal Matters 321 PRACTICALITIES Maps 321 Money 322 The Vientiane Times (www.vientiane Photography & Video 323 times.org.la), published Monday to Post 324 Saturday, the country’s only English- Shopping 324 language newspaper, cleaves to the Solo Travellers 326 party line. Telephone 326 Francophones can read Le Rénovateur Time 327 (www.lerenovateur.org.la), a govern- Toilets 327 Tourist Information 327 ment mouthpiece similar to the Vien- Travellers with Disabilities 328 tiane Times. Visas 328 The LPDR’s single radio station, Lao Volunteering 329 National Radio (LNR; www.lnr.org.la), Women Travellers 330 broadcasts sanitised English-language Work 330 news twice daily. Short-wave radios can pick up BBC, ACCOMMODATION VOA, Radio Australia and Radio France The range and quality of accommodation in International.
    [Show full text]
  • Air America in Laos II – Military Aid by Dr
    Air America in Laos II – military aid by Dr. Joe F. Leeker Part I First published on 29 May 2006, last updated on 24 August 2015 I) At the times of CAT: supporting the pro-Western forces for the PEO In spite of all efforts of the sixties and early seventies to make Air America look like an operator whose flights had purely humanitarian objectives,1 it was another aspect of Air America’s activities in Laos that first became notorious and then famous: military and paramilitary support to pro-western forces said to have been done at the will of the CIA. Yet, it was not the CIA who came to Laos first, but the US military. Already in 1950, the United States had signed an agreement to supply economic and military aid to Laos.2 After the Geneva Accords of 6 August 54, which had given the northern provinces of Sam Neua and Phong Saly to the Pathet Lao pending integration into the central regime, Washington decided to expand the aid program. By October 54, the Royal Lao Government had made a direct request for American military aid, bypassing the French.3 So, in December 1954, a United States Operations Mission (USOM) office was established in Vientiane to organize economic assistance. The size of USOM Laos increased from a “dozen or so at the end of 1954 to […] over one hundred in December 1957.”4 But the main purpose of USOM was defense related, and as the placement in Laos of an official U.S. Military Assistance Advisory Group (MAAG) was judged to be a contravention of Article 6 of the Geneva Accords,5 on 13 December 1955, the Program Evaluation Office (PEO) was set up within USOM to handle military aid.6 This had become necessary because France had announced that its near-total funding of the Lao National Army (ANL) would cease as of 1 January 55.7 According to U.S.
    [Show full text]