Vientiane Times 1

65 years 22.3.1955 - 22.3.2020 VientianeThe First National English Language Times Newspaper  THURSDAY MARCH 26, 2020 ISSUE 61 www.vientianetimes.org.la and www.vientianetimeslao.la 4500 kip Inside confirms third Working from home, Covid-19 case nation in a sensitive situation: PM Souksakhone Vaenkeo

Prime Minister Thongloun Ministry updates Sisoulith told all local and self-quarantine central sectors to consider rules, violators to be allowing their staff to work punished from home where possible in [Page 2] a bid to prevent coronavirus (Covid-19) infections. “If it’s possible to work at home and communicate with each other online, implement it,” the premier told a press Prime Minister Thongloun conference yesterday. Sisoulith. --Photo Phoonsab He gave the advice after confirmed cases were with one of the two virus Local media cover a press conference, which officially announces the third coronavirus reported in and patients who tested positive case in Laos. thousands of Lao workers on March 23. A call for global action in neighbouring countries, “We are in a sensitive for common health Ekaphone Phouthonesy at the Ministry of Health in According to the especially , where the situation. Covid-19 could [Page 6] Vientiane on Wednesday, announcement, the outbreak has been reported, infect more people,” the PM Laos has confirmed another the National Taskforce committee tested eight rushed home and posed a said. Covid-19 case, bringing the Committee for Covid-19 suspected Covid-19 cases challenge for prevention He told all local and total number of dangerous Prevention and Control on Tuesday; of the total, efforts. central sectors to consider infections nationwide to officially announced that it only one tested positive Health officials yesterday suspending meetings within three. detected the third case in while the rest were negative. confirmed the third infected their organisations or At a media conference the country. CONTINUED PAGE 3 person, who had close contact CONTINUED PAGE 3 Confirmed COVID-19 cases exceed 8,000 on first day of UK lockdown LONDON (Xinhua) -- The in a press briefing that a than 11,500 have stepped up, number of confirmed cases temporary hospital will be including 2,660 doctors and of COVID-19 in Britain set up in the ExCeL centre, 6,147 nurses, adding that reached 8,077 as of Tuesday an exhibition centre in east more than 18,000 medical morning, according to the London, with a capacity to students will also join the lastest figure from the hold up to 4,000 patients. NHS workforce. Kualao Restaurant Department of Health and Meanwhile, Britain is The latest figures came on founder honored with Social Care. also looking for 250,000 the first day of “lockdown” regional award A total of 90,436 people volunteers to help National in Britain as more stringent [Page 9] have been tested across Health Service (NHS) measures were taken to curb Britain, of which 8,077 were employees with “shopping, the spread of COVID-19 in confirmed positive, while delivery of medicines and the country. Tough life for family in 422 patients who contracted to support those who are British Prime Minister boat drive the novel coronavirus have shielded,” Hancock said. Boris Johnson declared [Page 12] died, said the department. Asked about Britain’s a “moment of national Photo shows a general view of the Westminster Abbey Health Secretary Matt call for retired medics to emergency” on Monday after the British government placed further restrictions Hancock said Tuesday return, Hancock said more CONTINUED PAGE 5 on movement in London, Britain. --Photo Xinhua 2 Home news Thursday March 26, 2020 Vientiane Times Lao Red Cross seeks more blood donors Phomphong Laoin blood donation activities in donated at the centre between schools,” he added. The 8.30 am and 4 pm and all The Lao Red Cross’ National centre also suspended blood contributions are welcome. Blood Transfusion Centre donation activities at factories The blood centres in the has called for more blood and companies to prevent the provinces will also open blood donations to boost its supplies spread of virus. donation facilities to help at a time when the number of Dr Chanthala said: “We boost diminishing supplies donors is decreasing. need to store over 100 bags at major healthcare facilities. The Director of the Lao of blood each day or about Blood transfusions are Red Cross’ National Blood one percent of the population often required for patients Transfusion Centre, Dr needs to donate blood. undergoing surgery and for Chanthala Souksakhone, told Currently, the centre has been those who have lost blood Vientiane Times yesterday receiving only 10 to 20 bags following trauma events. that the number of donors a day while the demand is The treatment of has decreased because more than 100 bags a day. thalassemia disease and people are worried about So, it’s not enough to meet malaria also often requires the Coronavirus outbreak. the growing demands of the blood transfusions. Patients “We also suspended people in need.” involved in accidents and blood donation activities The centre has requested other surgeries also need more at schools because the Minister of Labour and Social Welfare, Dr Khampheng Saysompheng greets Lao labourers people to donate more blood blood donations, according to returning from Thailand earlier this week. He urged the workers to self-isolate for 14 days government has issued an to boost supplies across the the centre. as part of efforts to minimise the risk of spreading Covid-19 to people in their hometown. order suspend activities country. If anyone in Vientiane at educational institutions The main purpose of would like to donate to prevent the spread of the request is to collect blood, they can go to the Ministry updates self-quarantine Covid-19,” he said. blood that can be used to Lao Red Cross’ National “Over the past year, 85 help save the lives of Lao Blood Transfusion Centre rules, violators to be punished percent of blood donations people, he said. in Xiengyeun village of came from donation The centre has put in Chanthabouly district or Ekaphone Phouthonesy designated area for 14 days and clean water or hand campaigns in schools, but place measures to screen call either 021 214 763 or and take the following steps: sanitisers which contains this is difficult now because people who come to donate 021 218 922, or contact The Ministry of Health has 1. Check body temperature at least 70 to 90 percent it’s the time of school breaks blood to prevent the spread other blood centres in the updated its self-quarantine twice a day (morning and alcohol. and we are unable to organise of Covid-19. Blood can be provinces. guidelines in view of the evening), monitor health and 7. Cover their mouths Covid-19 pandemic, and all check if they have fever, and noses with flexed elbow people entering Laos must cough, difficulty in breathing or tissue while coughing Huaphan increases crop strictly follow these rules and other symptoms (the and sneezing. Throw the or face fines in accordance results, including symptoms used tissues into a bin with the law. and body temperature, must immediately. production over 10 years The Director General be recorded on a given table 8. If they feel sick, have Times Reporters living conditions. Officials all these activities have of the Department of sheet). fever, cough or experience reported the programme has created sustainable income Communicable Disease 2. They must not leave difficulty in breathing or Agricultural authorities in expanded to activities aimed for the local people, and Control, Dr the designated areas need medical service, they Huaphan province recently at encouraging farmers to authorities were looking Rattanaxay Phetsouvanh, (houses, hotels, dormitories, are advised to consult the reviewed the implementation improve their crops. forward to further signed the latest guidelines or arranged venues) for 14 medical team at hotline of a programme to expand the For example, the project cooperation with partners on self-quarantine on March days. Assigned people must number 166 or + 856- growth of crop production to encouraged 22 villages to to expand such activities. 22, adding additional rules place food and drinks in front 2054066777. The callers boost sustainable income for plant 76 hectares of rice, TABI is an initiative applicable to people entering of the designated rooms. are required to provide the the people over a period of and to manage and preserve that develops and facilitates Lao territory. 3. They must not go medical team with details of 10 years. 32 local fish species in 160 opportunities to develop The changes were made outside of the designated their travel history to risky The Agro-Biodiversity reservoirs. It has helped 32 agro-biodiversity activities, against the backdrop of areas and get close to other areas. Initiative (TABI) under families with techniques to and to integrate ABD into the Lao government facing people. 9. After 14 days, if the National Agriculture rear bees in 12 villages, and relevant programmes and pressure to contain the 4. In case they do not they have no abnormal and Forestry Research encouraged the planting of policies by providing spread of Covid-19. A large have their own designated symptoms, they can leave Institute of the Ministry of local orange trees by 162 funding and technical number of Lao workers are rooms, they must arrange their designated areas and Agriculture and Forestry families in 10 villages. support to ongoing returning home from areas designated areas, which live normally. and Huaphan’s Agriculture Other activities included programmes and especially affected by the Coronavirus, must be a least two metres According to the and Forestry Department helping 212 families to plant new initiatives in agriculture, posing a high risk to the away from surrounding Communicable Disease has been implemented wild tea in five villages to environment, livelihood, country. people. They must not share Control Department, those since 2009 to improve the generate a quality product. education and health with According to the updated personal items with others. who fail to strictly comply production of crops. The programme also helped the intention of embedding rules on self-quarantine, 5. Open windows to with the self-quarantine The initiative was aimed villagers to improve feeding agro-biodiversity issues in people who enters Laos from allow air to flow in and out. rules will be fined in at helping farmers to opt techniques for local chickens decision-making processes overseas must implement 6. They must regularly accordance with the laws for sustainable production and pigs in six villages. at the national and local self-quarantine at their own wash hands with soap of the Lao PDR. methods and to improve their Provincial officials said levels.

News Editor: Tel: 021 336048, 020 55729209 If you have a problem accessing Lao Press in Foreign Languages Tel: 021 336042 the website, please call directly to Sisay Vilaysack Copy Sub-editor: [email protected] Tel: 55615716, 021-336045, Elizabeth Winch Tel: +856-21 336041; Vientiane Times Fax: 336046 020 22235266, Tel: (856-21) 336042, fax: (856-21) 336041 Deputy Editor-in-Chief: [email protected] Finance Manager: Phon Thikeo Somphone Vongsa Email: [email protected] P.O.Box: 5723; Postal Code: 01000 Tel: 55624351, 021 336042 Business Editor: Tel: 336040, 020 55647291 www.vientianetimes.la; [email protected] [email protected] Manichanh Pansivongxay Tel: 020 55607017, 021 Marketing Manager: Supervisor: Tel: 021 336042 Features Editor: 336047, Fax: 021 336046 Phoutthasack Inthakoummane Savankhone Razmountry [email protected] Panyasith Thammavongsa [email protected] Tel: 021 336042, Tel: 020 54046644, Fax: 336041 Vientiane Times Facebook page is available now. Use any QR code Editor-in-Chief: Deputy Editor-in-Chief: 021 336047, Fax: 021 336046 Graphic Designer/IT: Mobile: 020 55599209 scanners to scan it and it will take Thonglor Duangsavanh Phonekeo Vorakhoun [email protected] Malaythong Phayanouvong [email protected] you directly to Vientiane Times Thursday March 26, 2020 Home news 3 Laos confirms third Covid-19... FROM PAGE 1 Health authorities outline ongoing The latest case involves a 26-year-old businessman Asia News Network: Wed Mar 25 from Huayhom village, measures against Covid-19 Mainland +47 to 81,281 Sikhottabong district in Phetphoxay Sengpaseuth Vientiane. Deaths +4 to 3,281 On Tuesday, the Recovery : 73,650 Laos has been preparing committee confirmed the medical teams to prevent first two cases, affecting a widespread outbreak of a hotel worker and a tour S Korea 9,137 (126D) (3,507R) Covid-19, and more control guide. The third infection is Japan 1,202 (42D) (251R) measures are expected in the related to the previous hotel (ship) 705 (6D) wake of confirmed cases, worker case in Vientiane. 1,624 (15D) (183R) according to a leading health The two people had dined official. together, according to the Pakistan 916 (7D) (13R) Deputy Head of media statement from the Thailand 827 (4D) (52R) the National Taskforce committee. 686 (55D) (30R) Committee for Covid-19 At present, the National Prevention and Control, Taskforce Committee for S’pore 558 (2D) (156R) Associate Prof. Dr Covid-19 Prevention and Ph’pines 552 (35D) (20R) Phouthone Muongpak told a Dr Phouthone Muongpak (centre) addresses the media. Control is investigating who India 519 (10D) (40R) press conference on Tuesday else came in contact with the HK 386 (4D) (102R) that health officials were with their counterparts in with people suffering from three confirmed cases so that strengthening measures for China, who have experience acute respiratory infections. authorities can test them and Taiwan 216 (2D) (29R) coronavirus response and in controlling the virus and Everyone is instructed to identify other at-risk people 134 (17R) ensuring that the public can treating patients. wash their hands with soap and impose measures to 104 (2R) access healthcare. Recently, Lao doctors and water, especially after prevent the spread of the Sri Lanka 101 (2R) “We expect that over attended training and touching surfaces or coming disease. 800 medical staff, including exchanged lessons learned into contact with someone Authorities are using 91 (2R) doctors and nurses from from foreign countries who has been coughing. public announcements get Bangladesh 39 (4D) (5R) government and private concerning the treatment of The government urges in touch with the Covid-19 Macau 25 (10R) hospitals, as well as medical virus patients. everyone to be on their guard infected people and speeding teams from the Lao People’s He noted the government and take precautions such as Maldives 13 (5R) up the identification of those Armed Forces, will join the had supported training for distancing themselves from at risk. Mongolia 10 effort against Covid-19,” thousands of local health people with coughs. Officials are urging 3 he said. workers at the national According to the them to identify themselves Laos 3 The government was and sub-national levels ministry, Mittaphab Hospital and to implement self- also mobilising support to prevent the spread of and Mahosot Hospital in isolation. During the media Bhutan 2 and assistance from infectious diseases. Vientiane have medical conference, the committee Nepal 2 (1R) development partners and The ministry is also staff on standby along with provided some travel details E Timor 1 friendly countries, he added. advising the general public specialised equipment of the first two cases. (D=Death, R=Recovered) Lao health authorities to protect themselves against to treat people with the For the hotel worker case, also have close coordination the virus by limiting contact Covid-19. on March 4, he travelled to Asia News Network as of 9.00 am Bangkok time Bangkok on flight number TG 2570 and stayed with monitor. From March 11- headache, muscle pain, sore his team members at the 13, he returned to work, throat and had difficulty Lao Airlines suspends most Holiday Inn Express Siam. working with 12 people in breathing. For the tour guide On March 5, he took part the same room. case, from March 7 to 10, international flights in an exhibition in Bangna, On March 12, he had she took a group of guests Bangkok, Thailand which body aches but refused to to Vangvieng and Luang Souksamai Boulom 10,000 people attended. get tested as he believed the Prabang. On March 6-8, he moved pains were the result of his From March 12 to 20, The Lao national flag to another hotel. He returned travel. On March 14 to 15, he she took guests to Luang carrier, Lao Airlines State to Laos on March 9. Upon went to the Souvanny shop Prabang and Oudomxay Enterprise, has suspended his arrival in Vientiane, and dined with friends there. and Vangvieng. On March most international flights he felt sick with a cough. From March 17 to 20, he 21, she stayed in a Vientiane due to the dramatic decline On March 10, he went to travelled to several places hotel before feeling sick on in passengers amidst the Mittaphab Hospital where around Vientiane. On March March 22. She got tested on global Covid-19 pandemic. he was advised to self- 23, he felt sick with a cough, March 23. The airline said the decision to suspend flights was to help prevent the Working from home, nation ... FROM PAGE 1 spread of the coronavirus. Director of the airline’s offices to avoid crowded quarantine measures. government’s measures to Commercial Department, Mr Passengers on international routes have fallen over 90 gathering or getting too Health authorities in help Lao workers still stuck Noudeng Chanthaphasouk, percent compared to the same period last year. close to one another to provinces have monitored in Thailand, the PM said told Vientiane Times that minimise infection risk. and checked the incoming the government welcomed passengers on international to Siem Reap with one have suspended their travel Representatives or officials workers. Those with high them home, but they needed routes had fallen by over suspended until April plans due to the fear of this of all sectors were suggested temperature were isolated to undergo strict scanning 90 percent compared to 30, with the company to virus,” he added. to avoid visiting each other and tested. and quarantine measures to the same period last year. announce details of the other The airline plans to but communicate online or But those without prevent the virus. Therefore, the airline had suspension later. decrease the number of via telephone instead. Covid-19 symptoms were But those workers having to suspend international Meanwhile, the number domestic flights to match Health officials are suggested to impose self- favourable conditions routes or reduce the number of flights to Guangzhou of passenger demand. tracking places and quarantine at home for 14 continuing their stay in the of flights. China has reduced to twice “We will fly from accommodation where the days. Premier Thongloun neighbour are suggested to According to the notice a week and Kunming three Vientiane to Pakxe once infected victims visited as called for the incoming avoid travel for the time being. from Lao Airlines issued on times a week. However, per week whereas now we well as people they had close workers to cooperate in PM Thongloun said the Friday, all flights to Seoul of passengers on these routes have two flights a day. We contact with in an attempt to exercising self-quarantine. government had instructed South Korea, Hanoi and Ho must pay US$2,000 for 14- have to cut the flights from control the outbreak. “Stay at home. Don’t go provincial, district and Chi Min of Vietnam, Phnom day quarantine in China. Vientiane to Luang Prabang Meanwhile, the influx of out. Don’t meet friends for village authorities to oversee Penh of Cambodia, and many Only flights to Changsha to once per day, down from Lao workers occurred after 14 days. When irregularity the implementation of the provinces of China including remain the same as three times a day,” he noted. authorities in neighbouring occurs, report it to health prevention measures. Changzhou, Shanghai, scheduled. Lao Airlines suspended countries imposed prevention officials,” PM Thongloun He told the National Hangzhou, Wenzhou, “We have kept some flights from Vientiane to measures including shutting suggested. Taskforce Committee and Jinghong, have been flights to China because Seoul early this month and down workplaces, leaving He suggested those to formulate additional suspended until April 30. there are some passengers most flights to China in the Lao workers jobless. developing irregularities or prevention measures, saying Services to Chengdu of travelling on these routes, early February following The unprecedented return Covid-19 like symptoms stricter action would be taken China have been suspended but both countries have Covid-19 outbreaks in these triggered fears that they could inform health authorities via accordingly if the situation until April 14, while flights issued measures to prevent countries. carry the virus. hotline number 166. escalates. to Danang of Vietnam were the spread of Covid-19,” Mr Lao Airlines State PM Thongloun stated Teams of medical staff “Don’t panic. Don’t indefinitely postponed and Noudeng said. Enterprise asked its employees that the government would have been dispatched to work be nervous. We will fight flights to Bangkok and “Even passengers on to take several days of unpaid strictly enforce the prevention in villages overseeing the Covid-19 together until we Chiangmai of Thailand have domestic flights have fallen leave so the company could measures promulgated, returnees in particular. win,” the PM told all walks of been suspended until April 20. nearly 90 percent in recent cut costs amid plummeting especially scanning and Asked about the life via the press conference. There are two services weeks. Many passengers flight reservations. 4 Home news Thursday March 26, 2020 Vientiane Times Excerpts from the Lao Media Commercial farming can help Hadxaifong villagers lead better life

Translated by Meuangkham Noradeth

Commercial agricultural production can help villagers in Thakaek village, Hadxaifong district, Vientiane to lead a better life. Mr Savieng Chanthavong’s is one family in Thakaek village that had been growing crops for their own consumption and was living in a pitiable condition. Officials from the agriculture and forestry office of Hadxaifong district adviced him to grow commercial Mr Savieng’s farm. organic vegetables to give a A man catches fish in the Xedone River in Saravan province, using a simple net. The boost to Mr Savieng’s family over 3,600 sq m. more than 200 million kip nutritious fish will be cooked up for his family’s dinner. income. His family is now a Besides, they also grow last year. He said that after role model in Hadxaifong coriander with edible switching over to commercial district. leaves, chilli, gourd, organic vegetables and fruits Mr Savieng said his family onions and lettuce. his family is leading a better has been growing crops over The produce is life and is able to alleviate 5.5 hectares. They grow transported for sale in poverty. banana trees in 2 hectares, Thongkhankham market by --vientianemai.net, sapodilla in 2 hectares and rice Mr Savieng. He has earned March 23 Champassak police detains four drug dealers Police in Champassak It formed a special unit to province has arrested four track and arrest the four drug dealers and has seized drug dealers. 10,042 amphetamine tablets During questioning they from them. confessed that they had Police arrested Mr purchased drugs and police Phoukhaoka, 32, Mr Somxay, arrested them red-handed. 29, both from Nathing, Mr Police in Champassak Ki, 50, from Kenghuad province will continue village and Mr Kiew, 22, to investigate them and from Kengkhon village - trap more drug dealers all four from Khongxedon associated with this group. district in Saravan province. This will help address the On March 8, police drug menace. received a tip-off about a --lsecuritynews.com, drug deal in Kyly village. March 24 Drug dealer Mr Ki. Many shops in Vientiane are limiting the number of people entering their premises at any one time as part of social distancing measures. They are also asking customers to wear a face mask to prevent the spread of Covid-19. This follows confirmation of the Xayaboury companies invest in agriculture first two coronavirus cases in Laos on March 24 by the Ministry of Health. There are 13 companies the growth of commercial rice, bananas, grapefruit, that have been investing in crops with financial backing watermelon and soy bean. agriculture in Phieng district, from domestic and foreigner He said villagers are Xayaboury province. This investors. He said as of now earning handsomely from has helped the locals find there are 13 companies rent and their average employment. that have been investing in income is 3.5 million. They The Deputy Governor of agriculture in Phieng district also earn 50,000 kip per day Avis de changement Phieng district, Mr Khamphan over 2,248 hectares. for doing farm work. Khamphouboua, said that Mr Khamphan said that --Lao Economic Daily, d’adresse Internet the province is supporting they are growing dry season March 24 Pour des raisons techniques l’adresse du Rénovateur en ligne a été modifiée. Nous informons nos fidèles lecteurs ainsi que nos sponsors qu’ils pourront dorénavant consulter le journal francophone quotidiennement sur le site : http://www.lerenovateur.la Nous vous prions de bien vouloir nous excuser pour ce désagrément. La Direction de la Presse lao en langues étrangères. Growing rice in Phieng district, Xayaboury province. Vientiane Times Thursday March 26, 2020 5 World Coronavirus deaths top 1,000 in France as gov’t struggles to contain “unprecedented” epidemic PARIS (Xinhua) -- French transport on Wednesday weeks were needed to obtain Director General of Health 20 patients in critical an initial estimate of the Jerome Salomon on condition from eastern city impact. Tuesday announced that of Strasbourg to hospitals Speaking after the 1,100 people diagnosed in Angers, Nimes, Nantes council meeting at the with the COVID-19 have and La-Roche-sur-Yon in Elysee Palace, Heath died, an increase of 240 western France to help relief Minister Olivier Vera said: in one day, as the country strained hospitals in Grand “it is an estimate among entered the second week of east region, the country’s others,” while calling for a nationwide lockdown. worst-affected area. “great caution.” An additional 2,444 “We are facing an “We will know when we positive cases were detected, unprecedented, serious can lift containment only bringing the tally to 22,300. and rapid virus circulation. when the epidemic curve Military trucks carry bodies of patients who died from COVID-19 infections from Bergamo to A total of 10,176 people are Stay at home to avoid more allows it. It will last as long Bologna, Italy. --Photo Xinhua now hospitalized, including deaths, more critical cases,” as it is necessary,” he added. 2,516 in intensive care, Salomon said, adding that France has already while 3,281 patients have the effects of movement ordered a country-wide recovered, said Salomon at restriction could be assessed closure of all public Italy registers 69,176 a daily briefing. within days. institutions and museums, More than a third of France was in its second suspending sporting events, the patients who need life week of a national lockdown. halting non-essential shops, coronavirus cases support are aged below 60, Only trips for purposes cafes, restaurants, cinemas ROME, March 24 (Xinhua) and that 54,030 people are Borrelli also confirmed and 85 percent of those who of work, health needs or and nightclubs. -- The coronavirus pandemic currently positive for the that former Civil Protection lost their lives are older than shopping of necessities are Starting on Tuesday, has claimed 6,820 lives coronavirus, one month Department chief Guido 70 years. Facing “rapid allowed. France’s lockdown rules in locked down Italy as of after the pandemic broke out Bertolaso has tested positive worsening epidemic,” Early Tuesday, the and measures have become Tuesday with the cumulative in northern Italy on Feb. 21. for the virus. France would conduct scientific council, which stricter. People are allowed total number reaching As well, a total of 8,326 Franco Locatelli, 10,000 tests by the weekend, advises the government to go out for a walk with 69,176, according to new patients have recovered, president of Italy’s Higher up from 9,000 currently, on the epidemic crisis, their children or to exercise data released by the Civil said Borrelli who is also Health Council, denied according to Salomon. recommended to prolong once per day for no more Protection Department. the national commissioner media rumors that the He added that a special containment at least for six than one hour, and within Speaking at a televised in charge of the coronavirus nationwide lockdown, high-speed train TGV would weeks, noting that three one kilometer of their home. press conference, Civil emergency. which under the current Protection Department The numbers are up from government decree expires Chief Angelo Borrelli said an official tally on Monday on April 3, might be Confirmed COVID-19 cases... FROM PAGE 1 Italy reported 5,249 new evening of 50,418 active extended to the end of July. cases of coronavirus and infections, 6,077 deaths, and evening, bringing Britain According to British England and Wales have “Absolutely not,” Locatelli 743 new deaths on Tuesday 7,432 recoveries. largely into line with most authorities, the measures been put on immediate said. big European nations. will last at least three weeks lockdown with all visits Johnson announced that and could be renewed, or cancelled, according to the starting from Monday night, even toughened, depending union which represents Dispute over number held people in Britain will only be on the spread of the disease. prison officers. allowed to leave their homes Asked how social British government for “very limited purposes,” distancing rules would be expects another 5,000 for disseminating fake news enforced by police, Martin ventilators to be made including shopping for CAMBODIA (Phnom Penh Hewitt, chairman of the available in the coming basic necessities, for any Post) -- The National police National Police Chiefs’ weeks to help those suffering medical need, for one form told The Post that nine Council, explained on with severe coronavirus of exercise a day, and to people were sent to court Monday that police will symptoms. travel to and from work for sharing fake news about warn rule-breakers before The prime minister’s when necessary. Covid-19 infections, while taking action. official spokesman said: Meanwhile, all shops NGO Licadho claimed 19 He said it is “not turning “We have over 8,000 selling non-essential people were arrested, 13 of into a position that everyone ventilators on the front line goods, such as clothing whom were released. on the streets is immediately currently with 5,000 more and electronic stores, are National Police dealt with in an enforcement expected to come online ordered to close, and places spokesman Chhay Kim way.” in the next few weeks... like libraries, playgrounds, Khoeun told The Post on Instead, officers will We have been working and outdoor gyms will also Tuesday that it is on the hunt seek to “talk to people, with private hospitals be closed. for one more person involved explain the rules and, if to secure extra capacity All social events and in sharing fake news. people do not listen to that, and we have also been even gatherings of more On Monday, Licadho then clearly we have to take working to deliver extra than two people in public, posted on Facebook that action”, he said. capacity from international According to a Facebook post by NGO Licadho, several excluding people one lives several Cambodians had with, are banned. Meanwhile, jails in manufacturers.” Cambodians have been arrested for sharing rumours on been arrested for sharing social media, even if they shared the information through rumours on social media, private messages. --Photo Police Asia News Network (ANN) even if they shared the information through private Sam Ath said the Ministry of Interior The Asia News Network (ANN) is a network of leading daily English language newspapers in Asia, supported by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation of Germany messages. According to cloud of uncertainty over spokesman Khieu Sopheak through its regional representative bureau in . the Facebook post, the Covid-19 has led some to told The Post on Tuesday It was established in March, 1999, to provide avenues for cooperation and users either pledged to stop post their theories online. that the suspects were sent optimise coverage of major news events in the region. It also aims to promote journalism, share news stories, feature articles, editorials spreading “government- Sometimes, such theories to court for further legal and personality profiles. ANN is the world’s most active newspaper alliance with a labelled” fake news or were could be considered fake action. Sopheak referred membership base of 24 newspapers in 21 countries. The combined circulation of these newspapers is more than 14 million copies per day. charged and sent to pre-trial news and deemed a threat to them as opportunists The German News Agency of Deutsche Presse-Agentur, as one of the leading detention. to society. taking advantages of the international agencies and ANN’s exclusive partner, distributes news and “From January 30 until “These arrests could outbreak to promote their features, background stories and commentaries from ANN to subscribers worldwide. now, we have found 19 cases. be construed as restricting political party and criticise The ANN memembers consist of The Nation (Thailand), The Straits Times Among them, six suspects freedom of expression. This the government. (Singapore), The Star (Malaysia), The Jakarta Post (Indonesia), Philippine Daily Inquirer (), Vietnam News (Vietnam), Rasmei Kampuchea were detained and 13 others is not a good option. The “Everyone is worried and (Cambodia), The Brunei Times (Brunei), Vientiane Times (Laos), Sin Chew were released,” said Am good thing to do would cooperating to prevent this Daily (Malaysia) and the Eleven Media (Myanmar), China Daily (China Sam Ath, the deputy director be to educate people virus, [but] these people and Hong Kong), The Japan News (Japan), The Korea Herald (South Korea), The China Post (Taiwan), The Statesman (India), The Daily Star of monitoring at Licadho. about Covid-19 with real took the opportunity to (Bangladesh), Dawn (Pakistan), The Island (Sri Lanka), The Kathmandu Post He said all six accused were information. Make sure that promote propaganda, so (Nepal) and Kuensel (Bhutan). former Cambodia National they understand, so they can let’s give the court the 12 Monday January 27, 2020 Vientiane Times Vientiane Times Monday January 27, 2020 13

Australia Day message, 26 January 2020

The Lao Women in Leadership program is just one of the ways in which Australia Lao officials attend the first Mekong-Australia Renewable Energy Dialogue in 2019 Rescue Party (CNRP) supports gender equality and women’s empowerment in Lao PDR in Canberra, Australia cooperate in preventing its privilege of making a Lao women pass the Australian flag during the 25th Anniversary celebrations on the The launch of the new Grade 1 primary school curriculum supported by Australia required Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge funded and built by Australia more than 850,000 new textbooks, and will support a new generation of Lao learners We are also making sure that Lao women, people with a disability and people from diverse ethnic groups have equal access to development Australia’s national day on 26 January is a day to remember what it means Over the decade ahead, we will need to grapple with ongoing changes in opportunities, and receive special support where needed. to be Australian, to celebrate contemporary Australia and to acknowledge economic growth, shifts in strategic power, new ways of working as technology our history – including both our Indigenous heritage and our European evolves, and trans-boundary issues such as climate change. Diversity and gender equality has given Australia resilience and foundations. creativity. We have gained enormously from the contributions of Neither Australia nor Lao PDR are large countries compared to some in our Australians with different cultures, languages, religions, genders, and This year, as our nation continues to deal with the ongoing unprecedented region. On our own, and without rules and structures that promote prosperity sexual orientations. We want to help Lao PDR reap the same benefits, bushfires, it is also a time to reflect on Australia’s many strengths displayed and stability, both Lao PDR and Australia may struggle to overcome the and ensure its economic growth reaches all citizens, including the most during this difficult time. challenges and make the most of the opportunities. disadvantaged.

I would like to acknowledge the brave firefighters; the selfless volunteers; Australia is committed to shaping our destiny, and supporting countries in our With 26 years of uninterrupted economic growth, Australia has many the huge groundswell of community support; and the countless individuals region – our neighbours - to do the same. lessons to share – and we are a committed partner on trade facilitation and groups across the world that have stepped up to support Australia in our and private sector development in Lao PDR. response and recovery. We are leading regional collaboration on issues at the frontier of a changing world, like e-commerce, cyber security, infrastructure development, innovation One of the factors in Australia’s success is our open, transparent and Thanks to their efforts, Australia continues to be a world-leading and safe and technology, and maritime security. We are close to finalising the Regional rules-based trading and investment regime. The Lao Government has place to visit, study and invest, whether in unaffected regions or those that Comprehensive Economic Partnership, an agreement that includes 15 committed to taking some positive steps in the same direction, but it will will recover from these bushfires in the months and years to come. economies, including Laos, and accounts for about one-third of global GDP. be important to maintain momentum on improving the ease of doing And we continue to be a leading security, economic and development partner for business and trade facilitation going forward. The Australian Government is working to help families, farmers and busi- Southeast Asia, ASEAN, and the Lao PDR. HE Mr Jean-Bernard Carrasco, Australian Ambassador to the Lao PDR, and his wife Gill nesses affected by the fires, and help restore the local environment and with prominent Lao Australian alumni HE Mme Sengdeuane Lachanthaboun, Minister for I was pleased 2019 brought opportunities for our two countries to Education and Sports, and HE Mr Saleumxay Kommasith, Minister for Foreign Affairs and impacted wildlife. As part of the response, the Government has created a In 2019, Australia celebrated the 45th anniversary of becoming ASEAN’s first exchange of knowledge and experience on common challenges, and I his wife Alouny at an alumni celebration in 2019. activists. new agency – the National Bushfire Recovery Agency – to coordinate the dialogue partner and continued to support the Mekong River Commission on hope the coming year will do the same. spread,” he said. national recovery effort with an initial budget of $2 billion. sustainable water and hydropower development. Together with Laos and decision,” he said. Thailand we also celebrated the 25th anniversary of the first Lao-Thai Friend- Last August Australia hosted the 6th Lao PDR-Australia bilateral Human We are expecting an Australian parliamentary delegation to visit Lao PDR in I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the concern and ship Bridge – an enduring demonstration of Australia’s longstanding support for Rights Dialogue, and showcased the important role of civil society and August. And we will be holding our next High Level Consultations with the Lao support shown by the Lao Government and the Lao people for Australia. In connectivity and economic growth in the Mekong region. freedom of expression in Australia’s vibrant economy and Government, to review the progress of our broad bilateral cooperation. difficult times, the strength of our friendship with Lao PDR, and our part- diverse society. nership, becomes clear. At the bilateral level, Australia is supporting Lao PDR with the building blocks I have welcomed the opportunity over the past year to see more of Lao PDR’s it needs to achieve its long-term potential. We were also very glad to exchange other high-level visits including diverse and scenic country, from the historic caves of Viengxay District in Australia was deeply saddened by the droughts in northern Laos and the Her Excellency Mme Pany Yathotou, President of the Lao National Houapanh Province, to remote schools implementing the new primary curriculum most recent flooding in the south, which continue to impact on the lives of Improved education outcomes are vital if Lao PDR is to compete in an increas- Assembly, and His Excellency Mr Alounxay Sounnalath, President of in Xiengkhouang, to rapidly developing Special Economic Zones in the north and affected communities. I am pleased Australia gave financial assistance to ingly integrated labour market, and ensure girls, people with a disability and the Lao Youth Union, to Australia, and the Australian Ambassador for south. These travels illustrated to me the significant progress that has been help recovery efforts in affected provinces in 2019, building on our previous ethnic groups are not left behind. That is why improving primary school Women and Girls, the Hon. Sharman Stone, to Lao PDR. assistance to Attapeu last year. And in turn, Australia has received expres- education, particularly for disadvantaged children, remains a key area of our achieved but also the challenges that remain if Laos is to further improve its prosperity and stability. sions of condolence and support from the Lao Prime Minister and Foreign bilateral partnership, and one we encourage the Lao Government to invest in In the area of defence and security cooperation, we were pleased to host Minister as well as many other senior officials. more as part of the 9th National Socioeconomic Development Plan. the Deputy Head of the Australian Federal Police and the Deputy Chief I hope our two countries can continue to face those challenges head on, and build a of Australia’s Army in Laos, to explore how our security cooperation strong and sustainable future for Lao PDR, together. The relationship between Australia and Lao PDR has also shown its Last year, together with the European Union and the United States, might grow. In addition, Australia made an effort to connect with Lao people-to-people strength at the community and individual level. I have we supported the Lao Government to roll out a new Grade 1 primary curriculum youth as part of our Australia Now: ASEAN 2019 campaign. seen and received hundreds of expressions of sympathy from Lao people that will give the next generation of Lao learners the foundation they need for I would like to end by thanking all of the friends and partners of Australia in Laos for your support for Australia, and for Lao PDR-Australia relations. May I wish through social media, along with grassroots efforts to mobilise and support success. Congratulations to the Lao Government on this huge achievement that In 2020 we are looking forward to even more bilateral milestones – you all the best of health and success in your endeavours for 2020. Australia’s recovery. involved production and delivery of 856,000 textbooks to more than 8,700 including welcoming His Excellency the Foreign Minister Saleumxay schools and training of over 9,660 teachers nationwide. Kommasith to Australia to open the new Lao Embassy in Canberra, and And to all Australians living and working in Laos – happy Australia Day! These strong Government-to-Government and people-to-people links are Her Excellency Mme Bounkham Vorachit, the Vice Minister for Natural vitally important to us, because national disasters are not the only But our support for improving human capital is not limited to young Lao Resources and Environment, who will be visiting this year to learn more challenges Australia and Lao PDR tackle together. learners – it extends to future Lao leaders as well. With our broad range of about Australia’s approach to mining, environmental and water Australian Ambassador to the Lao PDR scholarships and training, we are helping build Lao workforce capacity in many management issues. Our shared neighbourhood is an increasingly dynamic Indo-Pacific region. sectors. HE Mr Jean-Bernard Carrasco 6 World Thursday March 26, 2020 Vientiane Times A call for global action for common health BEIJING, March 23 (Xinhua) has in himself a little bit of and other countries in a timely, -- From the terrorist attacks others,” Xi said in his speech open and transparent manner. on September 11, 2001 to at Moscow State Institute of When China was in the 2008 global financial International Relations on the most difficult time of meltdown, humanity has March 23, 2013. its epidemic fight, countries been no stranger to daunting When addressing the around the world extended a challenges so far this century. general debate of the United helping hand. Now that the Coincidentally, those Nations (UN) General pathogen has gone global, challenges often pop up Assembly in 2015, Xi set China has been rushing to around the turn of a decade. forth a five-point proposal the aid of those in urgent This time around, on how to build a new type need by offering medical a previously unknown of international relations supplies, sharing containment coronavirus has caught the featuring win-win cooperation experience, and sending teams world off guard. As the and create a community with of medical experts. infectious disease it causes, a shared future for mankind, As Xi said, solidarity and COVID-19 has spread to over with partnership, security, cooperation are the most 180 countries and regions, development, culture and powerful weapon to tackle posing an unprecedented risk ecology being the key aspects. public health crises. to global health security. Those remarks ring even However, as the global While nations around truer today as the strike of the fight against the pandemic Medical workers pose for photos after seeing cured patients off at the Wuchang temporary the world are racing against coronavirus pandemic has rages on, some politicians in hospital in Wuhan, central China’s Hubei province. --Photo Xinhua time to contain the virus tied together the fates of all the West chained to a zero- and uncover a remedy, the people inhabiting this global sum mentality are seeking to economic globalization, should also pool their Septembet 11 attacks, the pandemic has also prompted village once again. weaponize the coronavirus cushion its negative impact, resources to develop drugs world demonstrated great a time for reflection. Viruses know neither to stigmatise China and hype and deliver its benefits to all and vaccines as early as international solidarity against “What has happened to borders nor ethnicities, up “de-coupling” theories. countries and all nations.” possible. terrorism. the world and how should attacking anyone anytime Their attempts to spread this One major problem In the long run, a global In the aftermath of the we respond?” That was the and anywhere. And once they “political virus” will only sow exposed in the ongoing architecture for the common 2008 international financial question posed to the world by strike, no country can stand division and hate at a time pandemic is a deficit in global health of mankind should be crisis, leaders of the Group of Chinese President Xi Jinping alone in this age of super- when solidarity and trust are public health governance, strengthened so as to better 20 (G20) major economies at the UN Office at Geneva connectivity. badly needed. which resulted in a mainly respond to future health came together for the first in 2017. Since the outbreak was Opponents of globalisation country-based approach so emergencies. To do that, the time. In fact, Xi tried to answer first reported in China, Beijing have a new opportunity to far when the common health UN and the WHO should be Now the G20 has become that penetrating question as has all along held fast to bolster their protectionist bent. of global villagers is under given a core role. a main forum for international early as seven years ago, Xi’s idea that mankind is a They argue that globalisation assault. Along with joint efforts cooperation on financial when he first put forward on community with a shared expedites massive flows of There is an urgent need against the pandemic, the and economic issues and a an international occasion the future. people and an international for governments to better international community primary platform for global idea of building a community To protect the health of its division of labor, and thus it is coordinate their respective should do everything in its economic governance. with a shared future for own people and everyone on to blame for the proliferation prevention and control capacity to prevent this global Today, as the world jointly mankind, the theme of his this blue planet, China rolled of the pathogen and the strain measures to avoid trans- health crisis from dragging battles the coronavirus, it Geneva speech. out a chain of unprecedented in global supply chains. border spread as the epidemic down the global economy. can be a desirable place for “It is a world where measures to contain the fast Yet as Xi pointed out in has become global. As Xi told UN Secretary- countries to build solidarity countries are linked with and spread of the virus. Such his landmark speech at the Due to the absence of a General Antonio Guterres in and seek a global approach to dependent on one another efforts and sacrifice bought World Economic Forum at global pool of emergency a recent phone call, in an era both the health and economic at a level never seen before. valuable time for the world Davos, Switzerland, in 2017, medical supplies, countries of economic globalisation, crises. Mankind, by living in the to better prepare. “it is true that economic are tightening their control COVID-19 will not be the For our shared future, we same global village within the Bearing in mind its globalisation has created on exports of masks and world’s last major emergency, brave human beings always same time and space where responsibility as a member of new problems, but this is no protective suits, leaving and various traditional and emerge stronger from a crisis. history and reality meet, the global village, China has justification to write economic places with fragile health non-traditional security issues And for the common health have increasingly emerged been sharing information and globalisation off completely.” system, such as Africa, even will constantly bring about of mankind, the pandemic as a community of common cooperating with the World The world, as he suggested, more vulnerable. new tests. should serve as a call for destiny in which every one Health Organisation (WHO) “should adapt to and guide Moreover, countries Following the action.

Japanese education ministry completes its first In brief from Asia News Network Nine Thai airlines get the nod to ground screening of textbooks under new teaching guidelines flights during Covid-19 crisis JAPAN (Japan times) -- 2021 rose 7.6 percent from resolve problems themselves. references to four Russian- THAILAND (Nation multimedia) --The Civil The education ministry said that for current textbooks, For this purpose, many held islands of Hokkaido. Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has allowed Tuesday it has completed the ministry said. of the new textbooks present The Takeshima islets are nine airlines to halt their flights due to the Covid-19 its first screening of new The total number of learning challenges at the under the effective control of situation, director-general Chula Sukmanop said textbooks under new textbook pages exceeded outset of chapters and South Korea, where they are on Tuesday (March 24). “The nine airlines that teaching guidelines that 11,000 in A5 format at the subchapters, and encourage called Dokdo, while China had submitted requests to temporarily halt their are planned to be fully time of applications. students to have debates claims the Senkaku Islands, operations are: Thai Airways International, THAI implemented from April The new teaching in groups after the end of calling them Diaoyu. South Smile, Bangkok Airways, Thai AirAsia, Thai 2021, approving 106 guidelines place importance the sections to deepen their Korea and China protested AirAsia X, Thai Lion Air, Nok Air, Nok Scoot and textbooks in 10 subjects. on active learning methods, understanding. the approval of the textbooks. Thai VietJet Air,” he said. “Most airlines want to The average number in which students learn The use of QR codes But this description for cancel only some flights and some routes, so we of pages for a batch of proactively through debates and URLs, which was the islands has been already have approved their requests accordingly. textbooks approved to be and other learning activities, approved for the first time included in the commentary used by junior high school in order to nurture their in last fiscal year’s screening for the current teaching Seoul to evacuate 581 S. Koreans from students starting in fiscal intellectual ability to find and of elementary school guidelines and is already Italy next week textbooks, is featured in reflected in the current ITALY (Korea herald) -- Around 600 South many of the new junior high textbooks, so no opinions Korean nationals in Italy are set to be evacuated school textbooks. They are were made on this topic on government charter flights home next used for features including during the latest screening. week, as the grim tally of coronavirus cases English pronunciations by Of 110 textbooks that and deaths continues to surge. There are 151 native speakers and science underwent the ministry people in Rome and 430 in Milan who will experiment videos. screening, a total of four, in fly on the charter flights, according to Seoul’s As for social studies, the fields of history, as well Foreign Ministry on Wednesday. A majority the new teaching guidelines as technology and home of the passengers are Korean citizens and clearly describe the economics, were rejected. some are foreign family members. The Korean Takeshima islets in the Sea Five Japanese and English government will send two flights to the country of Japan and the Senkaku textbooks were withdrawn by - one will depart next Tuesday from Malpensa Islands in the East China Sea textbook publishers before the Airport in Milan and the other will leave the as part of Japan’s inherent outcome of the screening was next day from Fiumicino International Airport in territory, as is the case with announced. Rome. Vientiane Times Thursday March 26, 2020 World 7 Philippine president signs The blame game by US self-granting special law to defies norms of diplomacy

MEXICO (Xinhua) -- for the classification and Americans a false sense of deal with COVID-19 Politicians in the United States nomenclature of viruses, which security while undermining the owned hospitals, medical have been defying proposals by led to the naming of the novel gravity of the situation. Now and health facilities the World Health Organisation coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. with the stock market crashing including passenger vessels and diplomatic norms by US politicians’ renaming and COVID-19 cases rising and other establishments” repeatedly and intentionally of the virus fits well with exponentially, the US situation when the public interest calling the novel coronavirus their overall modus operandi, is anything but under control. requires. a “Chinese virus”. which is to use a strategy of The blame game of US The management and Their whimsical renaming diversion through blaming politicians in tweets and operation of enterprises will is unfortunate for several and name calling to hide their news briefings of past days be retained by the owners, reasons, not the least of mismanagement over the past has prompted the National according to the law. which is to take the focus weeks. Basketball Association’s The law also tasked off the pandemic while also By attacking the United Asian-American star Jeremy the president to ensure the needlessly attributing blame. States’ main political Lin to take them to task: “Can availability of essential As everyone knows, the competitor through labeling you honestly tell me there is Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. --Photo Agencies goods, in particular food outbreak started in Wuhan, of the virus, they apparently ZERO anti-Chinese sentiment and medicine, and protect Hubei province. hope to attribute blame to in all his (US President Donald MANILA (China Daily) carry out effectively the the people from illegal Until now, viruses that China, while drawing attention Trump’s) characterizations of -- Philippine President national policy of stopping and pernicious practices have reached the public away from the abysmal job the the virus? Can you honestly Rodrigo Duterte has signed the spread of the novel affecting the supply, consciousness have not been US administration has done in tell me Asians aren’t being a law that authorises him to coronavirus disease which distribution and movement given a name associated with preventing the country from unfairly physically attacked exercise “stand-by powers” has endangered the lives of of certain essential items. a country of origin, but rather suffering the worst effects of today in the US?” necessary to carry out the Filipino people.” “The Filipino people the animal that is thought the pandemic. Now is not the time for urgent measures to deal with Among others, the law are assured that the powers to have been the origin or Until recently, US blaming. When all is said the COVID-19, Senator authorised the president granted to the president was especially damaged-for politicians had been quite and done and we are either Christopher Go said early to expedite and streamline shall be enforced strictly example, swine or bird flu-or a dismissive about the dangers immune from the virus, having on Wednesday. the accreditation of testing in accordance with the scientific name such as SARS that COVID-19 posed. And acquired it and recovered, The act, entitled the kits, facilitate prompt constitution. The grant or H1N1. The Spanish flu from many Americans are pointing or have acquired immunity Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, testing of suspected cases of powers is for a limited 1918, which did not originate fingers at the administration through a yet-to-be-formulated was passed by the Congress and provide emergency period and subject to the in Spain, is the one exception for what they see as slow and vaccine, the time will have following a marathon special subsidy to 18 million low restrictions contained to this norm. ineffective responses long after come for a grand reckoning. session on Monday. income families in the therein,” Panelo added. The WHO has exercised the WHO issued warnings to One should bear in mind Presidential spokesman country. The Philippines has so scientific means in naming all nations. that although the flu pandemic Salvador Panelo said in The measure also far recorded 552 COVID-19 the disease COVID-19. The Even as little as a week of 1918-19 is now known an earlier statement that empowered the president cases, including 35 deaths, International Committee on or two ago, the White House as the Spanish flu, there are the law grants “stand-by to temporarily direct the according to the Department Taxonomy of Viruses has was claiming that “everything indications its origin was a pig powers to the president to operations of “privately- of Health. its entrenched mechanisms is under control”, which gave farm in the US state of Kansas. Covid-19: Malaysia, Singapore to implement ‘reciprocal arrangements’ to transfer ill travellers PETALING JAYA (The Star) Malaysia and Singapore. -- Malaysia and Singapore “The JWG agreed to will be implementing continue entry screenings “reciprocal arrangements” by both countries, align to transfer symptomatic temperature screening travellers detected at the protocols by applying the entry points of each other’s same temperature cut- country to help curb the off (>37.5°C) for febrile spread of Covid-19. travellers, and implement The Malaysia-Singapore reciprocal arrangements for Joint Working Group (JWG), the transfer of symptomatic in its second meeting held travellers detected at entry Tuesday (March 24), said screening back across the it had agreed to continue land and sea checkpoints. the existing temperature “The co-chairs tasked screening procedures at land the senior officials of the and sea checkpoints. JWG to coordinate the The JWG meeting, implementation of these which was held via video initiatives, which would serve conference, saw both as a comprehensive package countries giving updates on to enhance joint border the Covid-19 situations in screening at both the land their respective nations. and sea borders connecting They also shared existing Malaysia and Singapore,” said temperature screening the JWG in a joint statement procedures at land and sea on Wednesday (March 25). The Johor Causeway lying empty after the closure. --Photo the Star check points, and discussed The second JWG meeting a set of protocols for the was co-chaired by Deputy for Transport and Health Malaysia-Singapore Special of people, goods and services “The JWG agreed to transfer of symptomatic Health Minister Datuk Dr Minister Dr Lam Pin Min. Working Committee (SWC) between both countries continue health discussions travellers detected at entry Noor Azmi Ghazali and The JWG also on Covid-19 to discuss a during the implementation specific to these matters screening across at these his counterpart Singapore’s acknowledged the recent joint plan to ensure the safe of Malaysia’s movement separately under the SWC,” checkpoints between both Senior Minister of State establishment of the and sustainable movement control order (MCO). it said. 8 Thursday March 26, 2020 Vientiane Times Entertainment Companies begin promoting ‘work from How’s business for the reopened cinemas in the home’ to reduce Coronavirus infections Chinese mainland? Sisouphan Amphonephong Entertainment Director Mr percent or work from home Thepmahavixay Saythilath but be ready at all times to CHINA (China Daily/ANN) coming,” an employee from a Members of the its staff and entertainers come in, such as members -- A total of 486 cinemas cinema in Xinjiang was quoted entertainment industry posted messages on social of the maintenance returned to business on Friday as saying by the “First Director,” and other entrepreneurs in media and Facebook pages, division.” after being closed for about an influential We Media on film Laos have begun allowing sending their best wishes Implementing the two months to contain the reviews in China. China has their staff to work from to the people and asking policy of working from spread of the coronavirus. made a great sacrifice containing home to reduce the risk of them to be part of efforts to home has not been easy However, the overall box the novel coronavirus, and Coronavirus infections. help the situation return to because the firm’s office has office on that day was just those efforts are paying off as Educational institutions normal as soon as possible. all the required equipment US$1,945, according to less and less confirmed cases in the country have already Most of them urged and materials and the staff China’s largest ticket website have been reported inside the been closed and students people in the public following can consult each other Maoyan.com. country. However, it will take are learning at home and health care measures against quickly when they are in The data also show ticket a long time before people go sending their homework to coronavirus strictly from the office, she said. incomes in Northwest China’s back to cinemas without fear or teachers through WhatsApp Ministry of Health and Ms Nattaorn Sanudomchok “Working from home has Xinjiang Uygur autonomous hesitation, as a survey made by and online tools. Kaona Laos World Health Organization explains the policy of affected our business but region accounted for over 80 the digital magazine “Sir Film” wear mask, clean your hands working from home. why we decided to allow percent of the total amount. shows - although discounts with alcohol or gel ,avoiding our staff to work at home The autonomous region are offered to audiences and a places where have crowed representative, Ms Nattaorn because the safety of the staff reopened its first cinema on disinfection measures have people among others. Sanoudomchok said: “Our is more important. When the Monday, which was also the been strengthened. He urged people in the company gives a lot of Covid-19 outbreak is over, first in the Chinese mainland Thousands of movie fans public stay at home, save us importance to the health of our staff will have good as a whole. in 70 cities across the country and Stop Covid -19. its staff and society, and we health and be ready to work On the first day of participated in the survey, Most of them changed have launched a ‘working normally,” Ms Nattaorn returning to business, cinemas which shows that most of their profile Facebook that from home’ campaign to said. in Xinjiang also saw zero them have no plans to go to has message Stop Covid-19 reduce the risk as much as “The life of every person revenues but the situation is the cinema at the moment. The Stay Home , Stay save possible.” is very important and we apparently improving. “We survey listed several reasons among other for give the She added, “Our staff have to help each other,” had 10 movie sessions from behind their reluctance and empowerment to people are motivated about dealing she added. 12 to 7 pm on Monday, but the interviewees could choose in the public passing this with the situation arising In the current situation, we haven’t seen any people more than one option. situation together because of this virus. This members of the staff can Private enterprises such campaign depends on the stop working temporarily as Big Blue Agency Laos duties of each staff member even from home if they feel Malaysian men’s suit are supporting their staff in the different divisions unwell. They should stay Mr Thepmahavixay Saythilath in working from home to and departments, and that away from crowded places designer offers online video show message for stop reduce the risk of infections. determines whether they to prevent the risk of further Covid-19. Big Blue Agency Laos’ will work from home 100 infections, she said. consultations during MCO and other considerations,” Shahrin points out. ‘Let it go!’ Disney streams to He reveals that his suit orders mostly come from men who are getting virus-stricken Europe married. These are “big INDONESIA (The Jakarta Pinocchio right up to the Switzerland and Britain. the executive told AFP. receipt” purchases, as the Post/ANN) -- Princess Elsa Marvel series, Toy Story, Belgium, Portugal and the “But if we can bring a bit groom would also get family from Frozen will be unleashed Monsters Inc, Finding Nemo Scandinavian countries will of joy, alleviate the suffering members and groomsmen across Europe in her glitter and Ratatouille will all be on have to wait until the summer. caused by this virus, it will be to suit up. His business is heels next week as Disney the menu. French families will have very satisfying.” taking a big hit as weddings launches its digital streaming All the Star Wars films to wait a further fortnight after Disney has stopped are being pushed back. platform on the continent. except the most recent one and the government there asked production on some of its “Potential customers With millions of restless an archive of 640 episodes of Disney to hold back for fear live-action movies, including interested will just explain children currently cooped The Simpsons will be among of slowing down the internet. The Little Mermaid, amid to us the possible date of up inside by the coronavirus the other big draws. Disney said Saturday that growing concerns about the their wedding that’s been outbreak, the timing could Disney+ launched in the it would lower the quality spread of the pandemic in postponed and we consult not have been better for the US, Canada, New Zealand, of its stream by a quarter North America, with cinemas them on the fabrics they world’s largest entertainment Australia and the Netherlands elsewhere in Europe so as not also shutting. Shahrin Bahar is now can choose based on the company. last November. With its to overload systems. Quality not quantity consulting with clients who wedding theme and budget.” The US giant is hoping vast back catalogue, it has Teething problems Disney+ is set to be a are interested in placing Shahrin, 35, adds that a its subscription of 6.99 euros already clocked up 29 million Disney said it was eagerly major streaming player orders for bespoke suits few people thought that he a month (£5.99 in Britain) subscribers despite a crowded anticipating the European with over 500 films and online through video calls. was joking when he made the will be a small price to pay field dominated by Netflix, launch. “There is a lot of 300 series from the Disney, announcement on Facebook. for stressed-out parents Amazon Prime Video and expectation in Europe and Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars MALAYSIA (The Star/ A tailor doing consultations struggling to entertain their Apple TV. we are very confident,” said universe as well as National ANN) -- With the movement without actually meeting kids from dawn to dusk. The platform will start Kevin Mayer, who is in charge Geographic documentaries control order, the fashion the person? He is however, Everything from timeless streaming Tuesday in Austria, of rolling out the service. and docu-dramas. industry is certainly feeling very serious about making classics like Cinderella and Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain, “We hope the launch will At almost seven euros a its effect. For designers this online thing work. He is go as well as in the US, or month, Disney+ is slightly who deal with custom-made aware of the limitations. even better, as we have been cheaper than Netflix’s basic orders, this is even more so “Some have asked if able to test the technology,” he plan (7.99 euros, or US$8.60). – as they are unable to meet we could do house calls added, trying to put a positive But despite the varied with clients. with precautions, but with spin on the problems the content, the Disney catalogue One menswear tailor is the strict rules from the platform encountered on its is not as deep or diverse as that rolling with the punches and government, we refrained,” first day five months ago due of Netflix, the market leader making best of the situation. the Subang Jaya-born to high demand. with 167 million subscribers Shahrin Bahar, who designs designer notes. His atelier Despite appearances, with in 2019. bespoke suits for men, is is located in Kuala Lumpur. coronavirus confinement “We don’t have the same taking his business fully Shahrin founded his measures keep millions in philosophy as Netflix. We will virtual to adhere to the need business in 2016. This was lockdown, Disney said the never have as much content. for social distancing. after spending years working timing is far from perfect. We hope to privilege quality “We can have a Zoom in cities like Singapore, The pandemic has actually over quantity,” said Mayer. call or WhatsApp video, Hong Kong, Amsterdam cast a shadow over events, “We think that we have and it’s like a free one-to- and London. He graduated according to Mayer. the best content on Disney+ one call to consult on the in 2007 with a degree in “I would have preferred and content that you can’t find details – who they are, when menswear from the London Elsa, one of the characters on Disney’s ‘Frozen’. circumstances to be different,” elsewhere,” he added. will their future wedding be College Of Fashion. Vientiane Times 9

Read more news at www.vientianetimes.org.laBusiness Thursday March 26, 2020 Kualao Restaurant founder honored with regional award accomplishments in serving society with authentic Lao cuisine and a fantastic dining experience have been recognised by the 2020 Women of Asean Award at an Entrepreneur Summit held in the Philippines this month to go with several other local and international awards she has received. Mrs Manola said that she had no background in managing a restaurant, but all of her success today comes from her striving to achieve her goals. “Before opening this restaurant, I had no experience in cooking or being a chef to serve Kualao Restaurant founder Mrs Manola Daravong.--Photo Sisay many customers in a dining establishment, but I had One of the delicious dishes on offer at Kualao Restaurant. --Photo Kualao Restaurant Advertorial Desk The restaurant was to learn by myself day by founded in 1994 by a day, and today I’m very ualao Restaurant native of the Plain of Jars’ proud of my achievements, has become a Xieng Khuang province, especially the recent 2020 well-known Mrs Manola Daravong, Women of Asean Award,” dining icon of who came to the capital Mrs Manola said. KLao cuisine for both locals in 1964 when she was 13 For a successful and overseas visitors who years old with no grand restauranteur, she has an arrive in the country’s plans of personal success. interesting background. This capital city. But today her significant includes being a journalist at

A showcase of traditional Lao dance and musical performances. --Photo Kualao Restaurant

the Lao News Agency from is housed in a charmingly colonial estate, the Kualao 1975 to 1980 after graduating elegant, vintage villa that, building played host to from law school in Vientiane. until only decades ago, Vientiane’s elite society. Today, Mrs Manola enjoys formed the residential estate Now, as Vientiane’s most running with her restaurant of French colonial officials. prestigious Lao restaurant, it is business and is willing to The restaurant’s exterior still the perfect place to meet, continue serving society with epitomises architecture ‘à relax, enjoy sumptuous food delicious Lao cuisine. la française’, invoking and impeccable service and Kualao Restaurant is open thoughts of the society be captivated by enchanting daily from 10am-2pm and parties, business deals and Lao entertainment. 5pm-10pm and also showcases political intrigue that must For more information can visit: traditional Lao dance and have taken place there in the www.kualaorestaurant.com or musical performances. colonial era. www.facebook.com/Kualao Outside views of Kualao restaurant. --Photo Kualao Restaurant Kualao Restaurant In its days as a prominent

March 25, 2020

8.919 8.937

0,3998 0,4078

295,68 297,86

9.571 9.620

1.232 1.257 10 Business Thursday March 26, 2020 Vientiane Times Phongsaly expects 460 billion Imported consumer goods, kip investment in 2020 freight continues to flow Times Reporters billion kip, of which domestic investment (public Times Reporters Phongsaly province says the funding) is 32.32 billion investment in 2020 is likely kip, official development The Department of Import to cross the 460 billion kip assistance is 52.02 billion and Export confirmed that mark. kip. This includes assistance imports of consumer goods The figure was mentioned from Vietnamese friends from Thailand through at a recent meeting with and China. The domestic border checkpoints continue Deputy Prime Minister and investment is 216.74 billion to flow as normal despite Minister of Planning and kip and foreign - 152.37 their temporary closure to Investment Mr Sonexay billion kip is banking credit travellers to prevent the Siphandone when he visited capita. spread of Covid-19. the province. The minister praised Vehicles transporting Mr Sonexay was briefed Mr Sonexay Siphandone the department for its goods with customs permits about the implementation --Photo Media Laos outstanding performance in are still permitted to cross of the work undertaken Facebook the past. at the international border by the provincial Planning Assembly and the Provincial He urged the department checkpoints. and Investment Department People’s Council has been to pay attention and Nevertheless, many Director Mr Khamlek Chai- approved for 21 projects discharge their duties as households around isan. He was informed worth 11.55 billion kip, per rules and improve the the country, especially that the implementation equivalent to 35.74 percent structural mechanism of Vientiane, have been of the socio-economic of the approved annual the department, support stocking up on items such development plan for the budget. the province to get funding as dried foods following first three months of 2020 The department has to invest in the province. concerns about imported was impacted by various proposed that the Provincial He encouraged them to goods coming in. factors, especially outbreak People’s Council approve continue to inspect projects, Consequently, wholesalers of Covid-19. This has hit the use of revenue budget both that have domestic and and retailers in Vientiane production, imports and that exceeded the target for foreign investments in order are currently reporting exports, and it is difficult 2019 to pay off debts of to ensure their efficient and shortages of these products. getting funds for private public investment projects timely implementation. Freight between Laos investment or to boost that are to the tune of 4.85 The Minister visited the and Thailand was still Many wholesalers and retailers in Vientiane are reporting incomes. billion kip. pumpkin planting project moving freely as authorities shortages of some consumption goods despite imports However, with the The capital for the in Xiengfa village and of both countries have arriving as normal. cooperation of all parties development of Phongsaly sugarcane planting project in close cooperation on this the public investment plan province by 2020 is KM 46 village in Bounneua issue to promote bilateral the government has urged face severe food shortages approved by the National expected to be 460.45 district. trade, Export and Import the Lao people to prepare for as in other countries if Department Director an unpredictable scenario as the international supply Singapore working with 6 other countries to General, Mr Soulinhon the number of coronavirus chain is disrupted due to Philavong told Vientiane cases continues to grow. the Covid-19 pandemic, Times recently. The Lao people have according to a senior maintain supply of essential goods However, Laos well-established traditions economist. SINGAPORE (The Straits supplies of vital products of the virus are now allowing consumers may struggle in agriculture, and this Many Lao people, in Times/ANN) -- Singapore including medicines. its economy slowly to come to acquire certain imported will absorb the impact particular those living will work closely with six “We are committed to back online, supply chains products from Thailand of international trade in the countryside, have other countries to identify working with all like-minded are disintegrating in other as many factories have disruption if it eventuates. expressed no fears of food and address trade disruptions countries to ensure that trade parts of the world.Problems reduced or stopped Laos has not yet received shortages if the international by the coronavirus pandemic continues to flow unimpeded, ranging from finding enough production amid the any reports regarding the supply chain is interrupted, that could affect the flow of and that critical infrastructure truck drivers to restrictions Covid-19 outbreak. impact on imported goods with many already having essential goods. such as our air and seaports on seafarers and a lack of air Another reason is that from border checkpoints reserves of grain and In a joint ministerial remain open to support the freight are hitting the smooth Thailand distributors may since the start of the virus livestock. statement issued on viability and integrity of flow of goods. be diverting shipments to outbreak, according to the Supply chain disruption Wednesday the countries - supply chains globally,” said Travel restrictions, domestic supply during Department of Export and could create opportunities including Australia, Canada, the joint statement issued by border closures, air travel this crisis, according to Import. for the country to increase Chile, New Zealand, Singapore’s Ministry of Trade cancellations and ports observers. Imports in January agricultural production. Myanmar and Brunei - said and Industry. quarantining ships for The vast majority of reached US$480 million and At the same time, many they will ensure that trade The countries said they 14 days or more are now consumer goods available in dropped to US$378 million farmers have demanded lines remain open, including will refrain from imposing commonplace. Laos are imported, mainly in February, according to the government shut via air and sea freight, to export controls or tariffs and Border controls have from Thailand as well as the Ministry of Industry and down illegal produce facilitate the flow of goods non-tariff barriers. slowed down traffic or forced China and Vietnam. Commerce. imports to eliminate unfair including essential supplies. They will also remove re-routing of good, pushing up In response to Covid-19, Lao consumers will not competition. Freight carriers around any existing trade restrictive freight costs of even necessary the world are struggling to measures on essential goods, supplies such as food and deliver goods by land, sea especially medical supplies, medicine. Malaysia banks’ loss absorbing buffers can mitigate risks or air as the pandemic has at this time. Stockpiling and panic forced governments to impose While China’s extreme buying by consumers are PETALING JAYA (The Malaysian banks, the most impacted sectors. lockdowns, threatening measures to stop the spread also adding to supply strains. Star/ANN) -- While the asset he said, would see asset Also facing significant quality and profitability of quality deteriorate, negative credit effects, he Malaysian banks are set to driven by impairments of said, are thinly capitalised come under pressure due loans to export-oriented banks. to the Covid-19 pandemic, manufacturers, and to “We expect our rating their loss-absorbing buffers companies in the leisure, actions to initially focus will be able to mitigate risks, tourism, hospitality and on those territories where said Moody’s Investors aviation sectors. Covid-19 has had the Service. “Banks’ profitability will most immediate impact, In addition, its vice- also come under pressure. although such actions president, senior credit Nevertheless, the banks’ will likely affect banks in officer, Alka Anbarasu said loss absorbing buffers, other countries as the virus local banks are equipped which include capital and spreads,” he said. with sound funding and loan loss provisioning, are Other financial liquidity, which provided strong and will mitigate the institutions that are highly an additional layer of buffer risks,” he said. exposed, under the rating against risks. Moody’s vice-president, house’s baseline scenario, He told StarBiz that senior credit officer, Eugene and likely to experience Malaysia is facing slowing Tarzimanov said the greatest the most negative credit regional growth and trade, negative credit effects implications include and disruptions from the would be felt initially by those in sectors whereby pandemic would hurt the banks in economies and capitalisation or profitability country’s electronics exports regions most immediately is highly vulnerable to Border controls have slowed down traffic or forced re-routing of good, pushing up freight as well as the tourism and and acutely disrupted or prolonged low interest rates costs of even necessary supplies such as food and medicine. aviation sectors. with concentrated lending to and equity prices, he said. Vientiane Times Thursday March 26, 2020 Business 11 Airfreight support key for supply chains CHINA (China Daily/ANN) services up and running. province, the Yangtze River -- China will take further Policy support will be Delta, Guangdong province, steps to boost international provided to international Hong Kong, Macao, airfreight capacity to cargo flights during the Chengdu, Sichuan province stabilise supply chains, the outbreak. Airfreight carriers and Chongqing will provide State Council’s executive will be provided support 24/7 customs clearance meeting chaired by Premier to expand their fleets by services and improve Li Keqiang said on Tuesday. bringing in more cargo jets efficiency in security checks “With the (COVID-19) through lease or purchase. and clearance processes. pandemic rampaging The role of the market “The manufacturing across the world and will be fully harnessed and sector has been the first air passenger services all airfreight companies to resume operations, dwindling worldwide due will receive equal support and experience has been to the outbreak, cargo regardless of ownership type. gained in this process. The volume carried by passenger The merger and reorganisation major challenge is clogged planes has plummeted and of airfreight and logistics supply chains. To date, firms will be encouraged, and micro, small and medium- Dragon fruit being processed for export at a Lavifood factory in the southern province of shipping costs have risen Long An. significantly,” Li said. express delivery companies sized enterprises have yet “In the course of the will be supported in expanding to resume full-capacity outbreak response, weak air services and overseas production, and this has Agro-forestry, fisheries exports to links in our air transport operations. affected the entire industry capacity have been exposed. “We must plan ahead chain. It is thus critical that US, EU hit by Covid-19 pandemic We must facilitate both and harness the initiative of all supportive policies for international and domestic logistics firms in developing smaller firms be promptly HCM CITY (Vietnam News/ general secretary of and fully recover in June. air transport services and an international air transport and fully delivered,” Li said. ANN) -- With Vietnam’s the Vietnam Fruits and Exporters will keep up our international network,” Li said. The meeting also main agro-forestry and Vegetable Association, said restrict exports to China airfreight capacity to The meeting urged required harmonising fisheries export markets most fruits and vegetables through intermediaries avert potential shocks to strengthening networks of airfreight service standards, after China such as the US were exported in fresh form and outsourcing to avoid supply chains and facilitate air cargo hubs. Restrictions simplifying documentation and Europe being hit by the and by air. oversupply. resumption of business on time slots for cargo flights requirements and promoting new coronavirus (Covid-19) The sector must improve In the case of non- operations,” he said. will be lifted at airports paperless handling pandemic, Vietnamese storage and packaging essential items such as The meeting called with strong cargo-handling procedures. Platforms for exporters are suffering. technologies to enable the wood and wood products, for stronger international capacity. logistics information sharing Nguyen Dinh Tung, products to last over 30 days demand could slump at a collaboration to keep Where conditions permit, will be developed to serve chairman and CEO of so that they could be shipped time like this. According international express international hub airports airlines, postal services and Vina T&T Group, which to Europe and the US by sea, to the Vietnam Timber and delivery and other airfreight in Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei express delivery companies. exports fresh fruits to several he added. Forest Products Association demanding markets, said Truong Dinh Hoe, general (VIFOREST), exports of fruit exports by air to the US secretary of the Vietnam timber and timber products Workers and EU were down 70-80 Association of Seafood will plummet in the next unload aid percent since many airlines Exporters and Producers three months, especially to materials had stopped flights. (VASEP), said the main the country’s five key export from a cargo “Shipments by sea are seafood export markets such markets that are severely plane of relatively stable but customs as China, the US, the EU, affected by the pandemic. China Postal clearance in importing Japan, and South Korea had The five are the US, EU, Airlines at countries is expected to be all been hit by Covid-19. China, Japan and South the Wuhan prolonged because workers In the first two months Korea, which buy nearly 90 Tianhe and officials are absent from of the year seafood exports percent of the country’s total International work due to the pandemic, were worth nearly US$935 exports. Airport in which could affect the goods million, down 15.9 percent Importers in these Wuhan, quality. from the same period in markets have informed Central “Therefore, at least in the 2019, with exports to China suppliers in Vietnam they China’s next one month, vegetable down by 46.8 percent to would delay or stop buying Hubei and fruit exports to these US$80 million, and to the EU or defer payment. province. markets will drop sharply.” by 17.4 percent to US$106 According to insiders, After that the export million and to South Korea agricultural exports in the situation would depend by 16 percent to US$90 first two months of the year entirely on how the countries million. were estimated at US$5.34 control the pandemic, he According to VASEP, billion, down 2.8 percent Toyota, NTT to form capital alliance, said. shrimp exporters expect the year-on-year. His company now exports China market to recover If the Government and aiming to build ‘smart city’ only three items, coconut, in April and will focus on related ministries did not JAPAN (The Yomiuri using the 5G next-generation generation vehicles, and the longan and durian, because shipping by sea. provide timely support, the Shimbun/ANN) -- Toyota communications standard. two companies will work they last long, and temporary Pangasius exports sector’s export prospects Motor Corp. and NTT Corp. Competition across industries together to develop them stops exporting other fruits. to China are expected to were very gloomy, they agreed to form a capital tie- is intensifying overseas, with efficiently. Dang Phuc Nguyen, recover by 70 percent in May said. up, the companies said on US information technology Toyota has already Tuesday. giant Google Inc. developing announced a plan to start Government extends date for filing GST Both companies are self-driving cars. Toyota and construction of the “smart planning to invest about NTT aim to counter such city” in early 2021 on the returns for March-May period till June 30 ¥200 billion in the tie- moves by bringing their site of a former factory in speech the minister also Susono, Shizuoka Prefecture, NEW DELHI (The companies which have a up. They will cooperate strengths together. announced the extension Competition is also employing state-of-the-art IT Statesman/ANN) -- turnover of less than five with each other in the of the deadline for filing development of autonomous intensifying in the car to help create an efficient Finance Minister Nirmala crore, no interest, no late income tax returns for the driving technologies and industry to develop next- lifestyle. The automaker Sitharaman on Tuesday fee, or no penalty will be the building of a “smart generation vehicles, such as has positioned the facility announced the extension charged. financial year 2018-19 till city,” a community using the self-driving cars and cars that as a testing ground for of the deadline for filing Companies with June 30, 2020. internet to bring products and are continuously connected robots, self-driving cars and the Goods and Service Tax turnover of above Rs 5 Sitharaman also said services together. to the internet. environmental technologies, (GST) returns for March, crore will not have to pay that the government has It is to be a full-scale At the same time, there and plans to accelerate such April and May 2020 till any late fee or penalty but reduced the interest rate on tie-up between a major is an urgent need in the efforts together with NTT. June 30. will have to file a 9 percent delayed TDS deposit to 9 Toyota has deepened Japanese automaker and a telecommunications industry The minister made interest rate for late filing percent from the previous major telecommunications to develop technologies for ties with other major 18 percent. telecommunications the statement while of GST. company. 5G as well as 6G, which The relief comes amidst companies as well. The addressing the media via “I want to underline Under the tie-up, Toyota is expected to spread in the whole of the country the future as the post-5G company cooperated with video conference. She is the date for opting for will provide advanced coming to a standstill due technologies, such as self- communications standard. KDDI Corp. and Softbank was accompanied by the composition scheme is driving cars, while NTT will Advanced Corp. in the development of Minister of State for Finance also extended to 30th June to the rising number of provide communications communications technology automatic driving systems, and Corporate Affairs. 2020.” The minister said. coronavirus cases and technologies, including those is essential for next- among other projects. She further said that At the beginning of her lockdown across states. 12 Thursday March 26, 2020 Vientiane Times Feature Tough life for family in boat drive Patithin Phetmeuangphuan

Laos is a landlocked country but it has many rivers, which influences the way a large number of people live as many communities line the banks of the Mekong - Laos’ main waterway. Those who travel by boat will see many houses along the riverbanks, which have been built there because the river is a main food source and benefits people in many ways. You often see boats moored on the river but until recently I never realised that families lived on them. I knew a family in Luang Prabang who had moved there from a poor village but I didn’t know they had mostly been living on a boat for many years. I learnt that they found it to be cheaper as living costs in the town have spiralled in recent Sonexay’s family boat. years. The increasing number daughter and a six-year-old hotel or restaurant right of big spending tourists has boy who was in primary now is extremely difficult caused inflation and resulted school. for anyone in Luang in a higher cost of living for They had a nice boat on Prabang, Sonexay said, and many of the locals. which they took tourists on everyone in the area has Of the various socio- trips along the river to enjoy problems because Laos and economic groups occupying the sunset. neighbouring countries have the town, my observations The family’s boat is part closed their borders, so reveal that it is the students of the operations of the Pha many hotels and restaurants of Luang Prabang who have Tat Ke Botanical Garden. are closed. some of the toughest times The father is a boat driver Sonexay and his brother coping with the economic and works at the botanical also aren’t going to classes realities of modern life. garden from 7am to 4pm because all centres of With more than 90 when Sonexay is taking education have been closed, hotels, some 387 resorts and classes at the university. but he gets homework every guesthouses, 300 restaurants After classes, Sonexay day which is sent by email. and 19 entertainment venues, hurries to the boat station in Their boat has everything many would assume that part search of tourists who want that a simple house has and time work for students in the a trip on the river. all of them, except for the Mr Sonexay, a man in the front. Sometimes he takes some friends in his boat. hospitality industry would For a small fee, he takes married daughter, sleep on be abundant. However, the people out on his boat, board. students I spoke to said work offering them spectacular The river in Luang opportunities were difficult views of the Mekong Prabang has about 100 to find because not many coloured pink by the setting boats moored in various positions are advertised and sun. places, although not competition is fierce. As we talked about life always in the same spot, Of those students who on the river I accepted his but the family never has The were in paid employment, offer of a boat ride and a problem trying to find international the average salary they he walked me to his well- their own boat. tourists like earned was a minimum maintained boat which was It’s a decent size to sit in the of about one million kip a moored not far away. compared to other boats, front of the month. Sonexay works for just a but in my opinion it was a bit boat washing I met a family with two couple of hours on the river small for a family to live in. the sunset and sons and a daughter. The and then has an English Inside they had a small Mekong view. oldest son was 21-year-old class at 7pm each night. collection of domestic Sonexay Duangphoupha He appreciates the necessities and only one who was studying at the classes and the boat driving sleeping area, but it was Faculty of Agriculture work for the opportunity it clear the family was happy and Forest Resources at gives him to improve his with what they had and felt Souphanouvong University. English conversation skills. they had found a way to There was also a married Finding a job in a survive.

Website: www.lncci.la, Email: [email protected], Facebook: www.facebook.com/LNCCI Tel: +856-21-453 312 fax:+856-21-452 580 Address: Km 5, Khaysone Road, P.O. Box 4596, Saysettha District, Vientiane. Vientiane Times Thursday March 26, 2020 Feature 13 Historical book reprinted for 5th time HANOI (VNS) -- Hanoi Gen Cao Van Vien as the the Vietnamese historical Chief of Sai Gon Military’s book Bien Ban Chien Tranh General Staff, and decision 1-2-3-4.75 (A War Account to assign Gen Vinh Loc 1-2-3-4.75) by journalist as the Chief of Sai Gon Tran Mai Hạnh has recently Military’s General Staff. been reprinted for the 5th All the original materials time with 100 new pages were collected from offices including newly-revealed, and residential areas of highly-confidential material. the leaders of the Sai Gon The 612-page regime on April 30, 1975. book, reprinted by the As a war correspondent Truth National Political of the Vietnam News Publishing House, has Agency during the Ho Chi literary and historical value, Minh Campaign, Hạnh with authentic documents, witnessed the historic highly classified at the time victory on April 30, 1975 by the Republic of Viet Nam at the Independence Palace (the Sai Gon administration) in downtown Sai Gon, now and the United States of HCM City. America. “The 19-chapter novel, The writer has also including 31 original highly quoted in the book confidential reference documents associated materials has vividly with important events of sketched out the collapse the country in a precise of the Sai Gon regime and and reliable manner. The portraits of its army leaders book recounts and depicts in the last four months of the accurately the fall of the American war in Viet Nam,” Sai Gon administration with Lam stressed. “The book Writer Tran Mai Hạnh (second right) at the entrance to Sai Gon in the morning of April 30, 1975. Nguyen Van Thieu as its highlights the great victory --Photo courtesy of Tran Mai Hạnh president in the last four of the Vietnamese people months of the American war and army under the brilliant -- from January to the end of (SEA) Writers Award 2015. this reprint, the publishing US-aided-and-abetted Sai house has added ten more guidance of the Viet Nam April 1975. It was translated into house has added some Gon regime that have been materials including Plan Communist Party.” The book, which was first English in 2017 and into highly confidential materials revealed recently by former 3 of Defending period of The updated book is published by the publishing in 2018. declassified by the US Sai Gon leading figures, who Military Zone 3, 4 and War available at the bookshops of house in April 2014, won the According to Vu Trọng government in the past are now living overseas. Cabinet; a collection of the Truth National Political Literature Award by the Viet Lam, deputy director, six years, some important Besides 21 original fighting orders by the Sai Publishing House and other Nam Writers’ Association deputy editor-in-chief of events and incidents during materials printed last Gon Military’s General bookstores nationwide for and then the Southeast Asia the publishing house, in the last moments of the time, the publishing Staff; decision to depose VNĐ229,000 (US$9.8). Coronavirus: All entertainment venues in Singapore to close, gatherings outside work and school limited to 10 people SINGAPORE (The Statesman/ public and private hospitals. ANN) -- Bars, cinemas and all other The measures come as 49 new entertainment outlets will be closed Covid-19 cases were reported on from today (March 26) 11.59pm Tuesday, including 32 imported till April 30 as Singapore’s fight cases. This brings the total of against Covid-19 enters a new patients to 558. phase amid a wave of imported The measures are pre-emptive cases to the country. but come at a time of real risk, In announcing its strictest said National Development measures yet, the multi- Minister Lawrence Wong at a press ministry task force also said on conference. Tuesday that: All centre-based “All over the world, millions tuition and enrichment classes of people are living in a different will be suspended to reduce the reality. Workplaces are closed, intermingling of students from shops are empty, roads are empty, different schools and enhance the everyone is asked to stay home,” safety of students. he said. - All religious services will be “We are not experiencing this in suspended. Singapore - not yet, but we cannot - Malls, museums and be complacent.” restaurants must reduce crowd Despite efforts to isolate density to stay open. imported cases, the risk of local - All Singapore residents transmission will rise as Singapore returning from Britain and the sees more imported cases, he said. United States from Wednesday “So we have to take seriously (March 25) 11.59pm will have to the measures to protect our family stay in hotels to serve their 14-day members and the people around stay-home notice (SHN). us,” he said. Bars, cinemas and all other entertainment outlets will be closed from 11.59pm on March 26 till April 30, 2020. - Those who breach the SHN The measures on entertainment will face fines of up to $10,000 or venues cover bars and entertainment This is to significantly reduce and additional penalties may be be limited to 10 persons or fewer. jail of up to six months or both. venues like night clubs, discos, the density of crowds in these imposed on those found to have Patrons of places with fixed - Any Singapore resident or cinemas, theatres, and karaoke venues, especially during peak been a place of transmission if they seating - for example, hawker long-term pass holder who leaves outlets. periods, said the Ministry of Health. had not adhered to requirements. centres - must use alternate seats. Singapore from March 27 will be Other public venues such Groups must not exceed 10 The ministry said existing On religious gatherings, the charged unsubsidised rates should as retail malls, museums and persons. Indoor and outdoor shows measures for food and beverage ministry said that while services they be hospitalised in public attractions, where contact is more within attractions and open atrium venues continue to apply. While will be suspended, places of hospitals for Covid-19 treatment. transient, may remain open. But sales events are suspended. related diners can be seated worship may remain open for They also won’t be able to claim operators must make sure the venue Retail malls and attractions together at one table, tables must private worship and essential rites, from MediShield Life or Integrated does not have more than one person that are unable to adhere to these be spaced out. subject to group sizes of 10 persons Shield Plans for these treatments at per 16 sq m of usable space. requirements must be closed Groups of diners should also or fewer at any one time. 14 Thursday March 26, 2020 Vientiane Times Opinion

StreetwiseStreetwise What should the government do to control prices of products during the Covid-19 outbreak? People in Vientiane are stock up on essential goods such as rice, packaged foods and drinking water following the Covid-19 outbreak and there are fears of a shortage of food in the event of closure of all border checkpoints. The shelves of many mini-marts and super markets are almost empty and some vendors have taken advantage of the situation to increase prices. Vientiane Times asked some people for their thoughts on this issue.

Lamphone Pasanthong

Ms Souksavanh Thavongsin, a resident of Sisattanak district: Consumers in many areas in Vientiane, including me, are starting to stock up on essential items, such as staples, packaged food and cooking oil, amid concerns that the government may intensify measures to battle the Covid-19 outbreak. I have stocked a lot of essential items because I worry that the vendors will take advantage of the prevailing situation to increase the prices of goods and there

to control prices in a bad the prices of items such carton. Prices of rice and situation. The prices of as instant noodles, which other packaged food have face masks and alcohol- also increased. I’ve seen based sanitisers have the authorities have made already gone up many announcements but I haven’t seen any effective Ms Khamboun Silaphone, action being taken to a resident of Xaythany enforce them. district: It is a good thing strictly regulate the prices know much about this could also be a shortage that the authorities have Ms Chaemsai Hongthong, of goods and regularly issue because I still have of food if all the border instructed businesses not an owner of a grocery check vendors to protect not started stocking up on checkpoints are closed. As to cause any problems. store in Xaythany the consumers. I would everything. I have some we know, most products However, I’m not sure district: As we all know, like to ask all sectors to sold in Laos are imported this will be enough to most goods sold in show empathy, especially from other countries and discourage vendors from Laos are imported from the vendors, who should I think it will be quite hiking prices. At present, has gone from 45,000 kip neighbouring countries. not take advantage of the hard for the authorities some vendors have raised a carton to 55,000 kip a I agree the prices of situation. some goods have really increased, such as instant Ms Khamkieng Phaimany, noodles. I normally sell an official in Xaythany noodles for 43,000 kip district: I have seen the news about this and it’s very good that the authorities are paying attention to monitoring the production process so that sufficient food and other goods are available in the rice in my barn, and I markets. During such a have livestock. I can also bad situation, people start grow some vegetables. to stock up on food and I think this should help other items. It would be me cope with any food good if the authorities shortage. However, I will closely monitor vendors stock some packaged in all markets, mini-marts food. I would like to call and super markets. If they on other people like me to find anyone selling items protect themselves from a a carton, but now I sell at high prices, that person shortage of food or being them for 45,000 kip should be penalised. cheated by vendors during because the wholesalers Everyone should pay the virus outbreak. The have increased their rates. attention to this matter to biggest concern is to avoid I have also heard some ensure we are not cheated. going to crowded markets, consumers complain that especially at a time when they have been cheated Ms Davanh Saengsouvan, the government has urged by some vendors. I think a resident of Luang people to maintain social the authorities should Prabang province: I don’t distancing. Vientiane Times Thursday March 26, 2020 Opinion 15 Collaboration key to win global anti-virus fight CHINA (China Daily/ should ensure that people ANN) -- Although novel get correct and timely coronavirus pneumonia information on the virus cases are still rising in many and the depth and extent countries, spreading panic of the pandemic. There is across the world faster than too much misinformation the virus itself, the pandemic about the virus doing the can still be contained rounds, which has raised using the right measures, the panic level of the public, as China has shown. To forcing many to respond to contain and prevent the the situation hysterically spread of the disease, rather than rationally and international coordination scientifically, which in turn and collaboration are has given rise to racism pivotal. and xenophobia in certain A public health places. emergency poses a The WHO has been danger to every person, working with Google to and therefore can have ensure that people get facts broad repercussions on from the world health body society and the economy. first when they search for So governments and all information on the novel sections of society have to coronavirus. Social media engage at all levels to cope platforms, too, have with the health emergency. been urged to combat But due to a lack of united misinformation and scotch international leadership, rumors about the disease. such an engagement is not Although authoritative possible. As such, only information from the WHO through global collaboration has helped the public to People queue to enter a tent erected to test for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at the Brooklyn Hospital Centre in and coordination among respond rationally to the Brooklyn, New York City, US. countries, intergovernmental coronavirus outbreak, which organisations and the private is conducive to curbing the Also, the fact that many enabled the development coronavirus as soon as reflects the inadequacy of sector, with the World spread of the virus, there is countries have imposed of a variety of assays to possible. As it is difficult the global public health Health Organisation playing an urgent need to strengthen restrictions on the export diagnose coronavirus to secure investment in governance system, which a key role, can a global global collaboration and of medicines, personal pneumonia patients. Genetic medical R&D due to the can be improved only with crisis like the coronavirus coordination to better protective gear and other sequencing information is uncertainties involved with global collaboration and pandemic be contained. prepare for and more medical products, such as Fighting common systematically respond to face masks and sanitizers, Collaboration and sharing of knowledge challenges together health emergencies at the and banned travel and flights Countries around global, regional and country has affected the global and medical experiences among front- the world are closely levels. Also, the WHO must value chains of medicines interconnected due to help coordinate the moves of and personal protective line medical workers across the world are economic globalisation, different countries under the gear, greatly reducing their so it will be difficult to framework of International supply in the market in significant; they are not only conducive to control the global spread Health Regulations, so many places. Therefore, the reducing healthcare-related infections, but of the virus without as to boost their capacity international community taking comprehensive building and better prepare should make greater efforts also contribute to the treatment of diseases and coordinated measures them to cope with medical to regulate the supply of worldwide. Which emergencies. such strategic medical and reduction of fatality rate. makes collaboration In the future, once a products to the countries hit and coordination among disease outbreak shows signs by the epidemic and facing also crucial to track virus medical research, WHO- coordination. Having almost different countries, of turning into a pandemic, a shortage of medicines propagation, estimate virus coordinated fund raising contained the outbreak in international organisations all countries should mobilise and medical equipment, mutation rates, and create from governments and the country, the Chinese and the private sector critical their resources to timely especially to help protect vaccines and medicines. charity organisations is the government has now to win the battle against the and resolutely respond to the healthcare workers there Collaboration and best way to help develop a dispatched medical teams pandemic. the situation, and inform who are the most vulnerable sharing of knowledge vaccine. and medical supplies to some In this era of the public of the number group. and medical experiences Furthermore, since severely affected countries, globalisation, we need to of confirmed cases and It is also important among front-line medical a pandemic will have a so they can help their fellow meet the common challenges their travel history. The that scientists and doctors workers across the world huge impact on the global medical experts there to win together. And to win the WHO should also help cooperate and share are significant; they are economy, all countries the battle against the virus. battle against the virus, the train healthcare workers, all relevant information not only conducive to should coordinate their China has succeeded international community especially from developing and experiences among reducing healthcare- economic policies to devise in largely containing the should rally together and countries, and guide the themselves, and with their related infections, but also an overall global policy epidemic in the country, take a series of urgent, governments how to control peers across borders. The contribute to the treatment to fight the virus. And the because it mobilised coordinated measures. and prevent the spread of the quick genetic sequencing of diseases and reduction World Bank Group should all its resources, and To begin with, the disease. of the virus by Chinese of fatality rate. Chinese provide financial aid for resolutely implemented international community, Supply of medicines, scientists and sharing of medical experts from countries, particularly most comprehensive and stringent including governments and medical products should the information with the Wuhan, capital of Hubei vulnerable developing prevention and control international organisations, be regulated WHO in early January province and the epicenter countries, to help them to measures, which in turn of the outbreak in China, not only strengthen their boosted global confidence have shared their insights healthcare services, bolster in the fight against the virus. Vientiane Times on CD-ROM and experiences of treating their disease-monitoring and Hence, the international coronavirus pneumonia reporting system, and train community should see the Issues of Vientiane Times from 1994 to March 2020 patients with Chinese and front-line health workers, coronavirus outbreak as foreign reporters, especially but also to help small and a wake-up call and better have been recorded on CD-ROM. Now available at those from some of the medium-sized enterprises prepare for eventualities by worst-hit countries. tide over the immediate helping build a community Vientiane Times office. Phonpapao Village, Unit 32, Raise funds to boost difficulties. with a shared future for research on vaccines Lending a hand to mankind. Besides, the international other countries The author is director Sisattanak district, Vientiane. P.O. Box: 5723, Tel: community also needs to As of Monday, the of the Centre for Global raise funds to boost the fact that the virus had Governance and Law, (856-21) 336042, 336048. research programs of the spread to more than 190 Xiamen University of most promising mebiotech countries, infecting more Technology. The views Fax: (856-21) 336041. Email: [email protected] companies, so they can than 340,000 people don’t necessarily represent develop a vaccine for novel and killing over 14,000 those of China Daily. 16 Opinion Thursday March 26, 2020 Vientiane Times Time to boost public confidence in authorities’ virus measures Editorial Desk government has imposed health checks of drivers a strong possibility. So it is a emergency situation and people to create fake news restrictions and controls and their assistants, and of right time for the authorities fighting a dangerous disease, for public consumption? In the current situation of the after many cases of the virus course we have to remember and farmers to closely work so serious inspections and So far, all the authorities severe and global outbreak were detected in Bangkok. that the demand for food to boost production, ensure strict enforcement of laws have done is to try to of Covid-19, governments These steps include the and consumer products that supply meets demand, are most important because persuade people to carefully are working very hard to closure of all checkpoints will also rise sharply in and strengthen the country’s these will raise public select the information they protect their citizens against and border crossings with Thailand. People there are farming sector. awareness and instil trust in choose to believe and to this deadly virus. Laos, including closing also buying a lot of food We are all aware of the authorities. trust only online media According to the World the Lao-Thai Friendship and other essentials so that consequences and impacts All of the measures reports from official sources. Health Organisation, as of Bridge No. 1 to individuals, they have enough for their of the new measures available for regulating But this approach seems March 25, the pandemic prices must be fully to be ineffective. We are had spread to 196 countries, implemented. When it comes faced with a dangerous 375,498 people are known to making inspections, threat so the authorities to have contracted the virus, Price tags should be used to indicate the authorities must do so must use every means at and 16,362 people have rigorously to ensure they their disposal to tackle the died. the cost of every essential consumer weed out everyone who problem of fake news. In Laos, authorities is taking advantage of the Stricter control is needed confirmed the first two situation. in this serious situation. cases of Covid-19 infection and food item. This should be done Price tags should be We need to do as much on March 24 and found used to indicate the cost of as possible to prevent a new case on March 25. without exception for items such every essential consumer false reports and rumours. Now Laos has 3 infected and food item. This should People who want to use patients. The government is be done without exception this opportunity to post being proactive by ramping as rice, pork, beef, fish sauce, face for items such as rice, pork, fake information, pictures up surveillance measures beef, fish sauce, face masks, and videos must be made and taking numerous other masks, handwash gel and so on. handwash gel and so on. to deeply consider their steps. It has ordered the When this crisis has actions before putting false closure of schools across the passed, the authorities information online. country and closed border can continue with these Every agency responsible crossings with neighbouring vehicles and goods as of daily needs. affecting our lives, but measures and ensure they for online news management countries, cancelled all March 23 until further Laos imports almost we must accept them and don’t lapse. This will must display its power as the public events, and imposed notice. all of its consumer goods overcome our difficulties improve the image of the country confronts this crisis. controls on people wanting Vehicles transporting from Thailand, China together. State and people will have “Let’s work and crack down to leave and enter Laos. goods with customs permits and Vietnam, which are To gain the public’s more faith in the authorities. on fake news. If related In addition to concerns are still permitted to pass our neighbours and main confidence, the authorities Secondly, the most sectors act strongly, the about the epidemic itself, through all international trading partners, but these must step in and effectively effective control is use of online media will be Lao people are worried checkpoints, but drivers countries are now suffering regulate product prices. needed for the posting of appropriate, and its proper about other impacts on their and their assistants must from Covid-19 outbreaks The government, as well misinformation on social use will reflect their effective lives. These include the undergo health screening at and their industries and as commerce authorities, media. We are faced with a management. Authorities possibility of food shortages, border crossings. manufacturers are all have instructed traders and very serious situation that should not worry that people and traders stockpiling Even though such affected. This means that businesses not to raise prices is affecting people in every will complain about the goods and raising the price vehicles are still permitted to exports from these nations or stockpile goods. But country, including here in actions they take to stop of items such as face masks cross international borders, will become more limited some entrepreneurs are still Laos. As we have seen, malicious voices because and handwash gel, with the export of goods from because their governments ignore the notice and take people are being subjected the law is on their side and supplies becoming irregular Thailand to Laos may take will naturally want to ensure this chance to raise prices to misleading information can shut down people who due to exceptionally high longer than usual because that domestic needs are met. of face masks, for which because almost all the news issue fake news.” demand. of the extra steps required. Therefore, the influence demand soared while supply posted on personal updates is Readers can reach the People are even more These are likely to include of the virus is threatening dropped. confusing. Will we continue author at chanfeature@ concerned now that the Thai hygiene controls and stricter Laos and food shortages are Now we are in an to allow certain groups of gmail.com Fighting COVID-19 hand-in-hand If you are infected with the dreaded COVID-19 virus, you need to isolate yourself urgently and stringently follow the instructions of the ministry of health. Editorial Desk of the world had reported World Health Organisation this and cooperated with each Laos but across the world. though they went through a several cases. and Unicef are doing other to fight the pandemic. Locals as well as foreigners deathly phase. The Chinese large number On March 24, Laos commendable work in We should do the same. All need to work in tandem to are a good role model for of Lao people confirmed two COVID-19 association with the Lao difficulties are temporary and fight this deadly virus. We those of us dealing with working in positive cases in the country. government to avert a health this too shall pass if we stick should remember that we COVID-19. They have Thailand However, both people crisis. A number of state close and cooperate. are all sailing in the same saved lives and their country returnedA home last Monday are bonafide residents of organisations, particularly If you learn that you boat and are moving towards is limping back to normal. through various Lao- Vientiane. A 36-year-old the Ministry of Health, are infected with the new the same destination. A If they suspect they are Thai borders which have female tour guide and a Ministry of Information, coronavirus, you need to little disbalance could rock carriers of the virus they been closed temporarily 28-year-old male employee Culture and Tourism are inform your loved ones the boat and we would all report themselves to the to contain the spread of of Crowne Plaza Vientiane working hard to inform and immediately. The family sink and never reach our authorities and make sure the new coronavirus. Their Hotel, who tested positive, educate the public on ways to member will help you destination. they are not further carriers return shook Laos like an are now being treated at keep the virus at bay. get the best healthcare We need to follow of the virus. They self- earthquake would. Mittaphab Hospital in All people living in the and will also take urgent the instructions. These quarantine themselves for Residents in all corners Vientiane. country need to pay more measures to keep himself are measures taken by 14 days. of the country were waiting The government attention to these measures. and the rest of the countries in the grip of the A person, who self- with their fingers crossed for has appointed an ad hoc We need to work hand-in- family safe as also the virus outbreak. They have quarantines for 14 this large group of people committee to prevent the hand to stay healthy and neighbourhood. Measures successfully beat it and days, should follow the to return from Thailand, spread of the virus. It has keep our loved ones healthy. to self-quarantine or self- therein lies a lesson for the instructions issued by the perhaps infected with issued guidelines to contain We are going through isolate should be followed rest of us who overwhelmed health authorities strictly. COVID-19. The residents its spread and ways to protect difficult times globally and strictly and this is the by the spread of the virus. The Chinese did it and were worried that the the health of its people – the we should take a leaf out only way to contain the The Chinese, for have beaten the virus. Lao infection would now be biggest asset of a country. of the countries that have COVID-19 outbreak. example, fought the dreaded people infected with the passed to the locals, as International successfully tackled the These are dark and virus hand-in-hand. They virus should follow suit and Thailand, much like the rest organisations such as the virus. They were together in difficult times not just in have done a good job even minimise the health damage. Vientiane Times Thursday March 26, 2020 17 What’s On Indonesian Master Degree Hor Phakeo Museum Scholarship 2020

The government of the Republic of Indonesia is offering the Developing Countries Partnership Scholarship 2020 for Lao citizen. All applicants must complete the online application process through the website. When: Online registration until 20 April 2020 Youth Khaen playing Where: Apply online at https://knbscholarship. This ancient temple was first built in 1565 during the reign of King contest auditions kemdikbud.go.id Interested students and young people in Vientiane including For more information Saysethathirath to house the Emerald Buddha and was the king’s foreigners aged seven to 18 who can play the Khaen are contact Indonesian personal place of worship. encouraged to apply for the second audition round of a Khaen Embassy: 020 76755866 When: Open daily 8am-12noon; 1pm-4pm playing contest. The contest is divided into two age categories; 7 to 14 and 15 to 18 years. Where: Setthathirath Road, Chanthabouly district, Vientiane When: The semi-final will be organised in October and the Hip hop festival final in December. Where: Lao National Television, Sivilay village, Xaythany Young people are invited to take part in a hip hop contest at That Luang stupa district, Vientiane. the Lao hip hop festival, to put youngsters’ dance talents on display. The event will also feature a rap battle, showcase contest, Bboy battle, all style battle, graffiti art showcase, and a Job fair 2020 hip hop concert. When: March 28, starts at 2 pm Where: World Trade Center, Vientiane Appeal to donate face masks for health workers

People are urged to donate face masks for health workers, doctors and medical students across the country risking their lives to protect the country from Covid-19. When and where: The initiative is open now. Masks and sanitisers can be donated to Mr Bandid Lasavong, the Men This stupa is the most significant in Laos and is a symbol of both The European Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Laos Folder brand owner, at Men Folder Fashion House. Or people the Buddhist religion and a sacred place for Lao people. It was (ECCIL), the Faculty of Engineering, and the Lao National can donate money for buying masks to Miss Laos 2011 built in 1566 by King Xaysetthathirath. Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI) will host a job Thidalat Vongsili, Account Number 090120000094627001, Where: That Luang village, Xaysettha district, Vientiane fair to bridge the communication gap between the academic BCEL Bank. When: Open every day, 8:00am-12:00am; 1:00pm-4:00pm world and the business community. When: May 8, 9 am – 4 pm Free foot-and-mouth Where: Faculty of Engineering (Sokpaluang Campus) Vat Sisaket Museum For further information please contact: Mr Xayoudone disease treatment E-mail: [email protected] or soupanith. Vat Sisaket [email protected] Nabong Agriculture Museum in Tel: 021 264330 for Development in Vientiane is famous Vientiane is providing for its cloister wall free foot-and-mouth The Vientiane Times welcomes disease treatment with housing thousands traditional medicines of tiny Buddha notices from members of the for Vientiane’s animal images and rows of owners. Provincial hundreds of seated public for announcement on this animal owners will be Buddhas. These provided advice on page. Any events or functions open telephone. images mainly date When: Treatment from the 16th and 19th centuries and come in all sizes and are to the general public are suitable will be available from made from wood, stone and bronze. March to July. When: Open daily from 8am-4pm for publishing. Where: For further information, please Where: Setthathirath Road Contact: [email protected] contact Mr Khonsavanh on 020 9969 2440 or Buddha Park 030 513 5339. Buddha Park (Vat Xieng Khuan) is a popular sculpture park with more than 200 statues including a huge 40-metre long reclining Buddha image. There is a giant pumpkin structure standing about three storeys high whose entrance is crafted to look like a demon’s mouth with a stone ladder inside leading to a bird’s eye view of the park. When: Open daily from 8am-6pm Where: About 25km southeast of Vientiane city centre, by the Mekong River Getting there: Bus or tuk-tuk 18 Thursday March 26, 2020 Classified Vientiane Times

VIP - City Tour Service Model: Mercedes-Benz E 350 Pick Up from Airport –Hotel-Airport ໂຮງພິມ ມັນທາຕຸລາດ Manthaturath Printing Press B. Nongbouathong, Sikhottabong district, Vientiane Lao PDR For English, Lao call 020 55599209 Tel: 217 243, For Chinese call 020 52244335 Moblie: 020 55516138

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