TimesThe First National English Language Newspaper  tuesday february 1, 2011 ISSUE 27 www.vientianetimes.la 4500 kip Transport Wetlands preservation under scrutiny officials to Sisouphan Amphonephong Authority, Mr Asang Laoly, and providing a habitat for chaired the meeting. thousands of species of fauna carry out bus The first meeting of the Mr Asang said ’ and flora. secretariat of the Ramsar commitments towards “Wetlands are one of safety checks National Management implementing the Ramsar the world’s most productive Authority took place in Convention included the need ecosystems housing incredible Somsack Pongkhao Lao, Thai media Vientiane yesterday to for strategic planning for biological diversity. Wetlands vow to enhance discuss progress made since wetland management. are essential for providing Transport officials will inspect cooperation Laos acceded to the Ramsar “Laos officially became subsistence and generating all buses departing from main page 3 Convention in September, a party to the Ramsar incomes for the people living bus stations in a bid to ensure 2010. Convention on September on them,” Mr Asang said. passenger safety and minimise The meeting was convened 28, 2010, and two wetland “Much of Laos’ rural road accidents. to inform all committee sites of global importance population lives near wetlands The move is in line with a members and stakeholders of were nominated - Beung and depends on them for rice Ministry of Public Works and the significance of wetlands as Khiat Ngong in Champassak farming, fishing and countless Mr Asang Laoly talks about the Transport regulation issued in well as Laos’ commitment to province and Xe Champhone other livelihood activities.” importance of wetlands. response to a number of fatal manage and use the resources in province,” he “The government bus accidents on Laos’s roads wisely. The meeting discussed said. is committed to the Siamese crocodile, while in recent years. the Ramsar Convention and He also said that in implementation of the Beung Khiat Ngong includes Deputy Director General institutional arrangements joining the convention, Laos Ramsar Convention through the unique wetland habitat of the ministry’s Transport for wetland management, designated the country’s first the protection of its vital ‘peatland’. It is the largest Department, Mr Buaphet including the roles of two wetland areas of national natural resources, especially area of peatland found in Xayasan, said yesterday concerned institutions. significance. its wetlands, and through the country and contains a officials would not only check The discussions come From an environmental appropriate support of local rich reserve of fish species that buses are roadworthy, but ahead of a meeting on World conservation perspective, livelihoods and national important to the livelihoods of also ensure the driver is fit to Wetlands Day on February 2. wetlands perform several development over the long local communities. undertake a long journey. Talent contest picks Deputy Prime Minister important functions for the term,” he added. The Convention Inspectors will also assess and President of the National local ecosystem such as Xe Champhone supports on Wetlands, signed in TV’s rising stars the way luggage is loaded on Environment Committee flood control, maintaining the largest population in Laos Ramsar, Iran, in 1971 is an the roofs of buses to prevent page 18 and Ramsar Management ground water, purifying water of the critically endangered continued page 2 overloading and see that it is safely secured. “For the buses’ mechanical Pigs, poultry sufficient for New Year festivities condition, we will check the lights, brakes and horn,” he Khamphone Syvongxay said, adding that any bus that fails to meet standards will not The Agriculture and Food be allowed to leave the bus Processing Association has station without undergoing confirmed that the supply of repairs. pigs and poultry will meet Vice President of consumer needs over the Vientiane’s Northern Bus Chinese and Vietnamese New Association Mr Thongphan Year this week. Phommalith said most buses Association President in Laos are quite old, so Mr Phouvong Korakan told mechanical checks are very Vientiane Times last week the important to ensure safety. Fuel prices pursue Chinese and Vietnamese New In the worst cases, some upward trend Year is always celebrated in buses are modified to carry Laos, and the association is more passengers to make them page B confident that livestock farms more profitable, but without will be able to supply enough approval from the Ministry of meat to satisfy public demand. Public Works and Transport. Vientiane market vendors Experts agree that the said the price of piglets and ministry needs to monitor poultry would increase during the modification of buses as the period of high demand. changes can affect vehicle Pig prices at farms are now Pork prices are stable at the farm but are rising in markets. safety standards. stable at 19,000 kip per kg, while Bus accidents occur every cut pork in the market is 33,000 Mr Acksone Naleuphay, said slaughterhouse anticipates other facilities in Vientiane year in Laos, usually caused by kip per kg, said Mr Phouvong. January 29-31 would see a big business will return to was stiff. mechanical failure or drivers Vientiane usually sources increase in the number of pigs normal. Mr Acksome said “Several years ago, my falling asleep or speeding at pigs from Khammuan and brought to slaughter. business always increases slaughterhouse killed more night. Borikhamxay provinces if pig The slaughterhouse during special occasions. than 100 pigs a day for market In November last year, farms in the city cannot supply normally kills about 70-80 pigs But Donedou slaughterhouse sale, but now many private a fully loaded 25-seat bus the market. a day, but this would increase would not increase the number slaughterhouses have been set travelling from Oudomxay to Traders and vendors in to about 100 pigs a day for the of pigs it kills for Chinese and up,” Mr Khampeun said. skidded off a Get hot news in Lao and many markets are always ready New Year festivities. Vietnamese New Year, as there A Vientiane resident, hillside road in Kachet village English from Vientiane Times to work harder to prepare pork “Each year we have to kill were already enough pigs to Mr Sithone, said his family in Nambak district, Luang on your mobile phone via Lao and poultry products for sale more pigs because of high meet demand, said owner Mr always found that pork and Prabang province, about Telecom and Unitel networks. over the New Year, because demand from people throwing Khampeun Singkavongxay. poultry got more expensive 500km north of Vientiane. they always bring good sales. parties or holding ceremonies,” He said 50-60 pigs were when they celebrated special The accident killed 18 people Subscribe now! Owner of Vientiane’s said Mr Acksone. killed at his slaughterhouse events, but the price soon and injured seven others. For Lao Telecom Subscribers Nongdouang slaughterhouse, After the New Year, the every day as competition with returned to normal. continued page 2 Just send ‘R’ to 1135 for news Vientiane Times in English on CD-ROM For Unitel Subscribers Issues of Vientiane Times from 2001 to Just send December 2010 have been recorded on ‘ON’ to 929 for news CD-ROM. in English Now available at Vientiane Times office. ‘ON L’ to 929 for news Corner Setthathirath/Pangkham Roads, Nam Phu, Vientiane. in Lao P.O. Box: 5723, For more information phone Tel: (856-21) 216364, 217593. 020 5607017 Fax: (856-21) 216365 Office: 216364 or 217593 Email: [email protected] 2 Tuesday February 1, 2011 Vientiane Times Home news Champassak ups tobacco Health institute appoints new director control efforts Times Reporters Times Reporters which indicate that tobacco is Newly appointed Director a serious obstacle to economic General of the National Champassak province is development. Institute of Public Health, gearing up to campaign for the The law states that Associate Professor Dr proper practice of the Law on hospitals and schools should Kongsap Akkhavong, said he Tobacco Control, which came be 100 percent non-smoking would continue to strive for into effect on December 10, zones, while government and effective health research to 2009. private offices, restaurants benefit the in years The Ministry of Health, and entertainment venues to come. together with the Ministry should define specific zones Dr Kongsap was speaking of Justice and the Adventist for smokers. at a ceremony last week to Development and Relief The 43 participants from hand over directorship of the Agency held a meeting various sectors in the province institute from Professor Dr last week at the provincial agreed that the meeting was Boungnong Boupha, who administration office. very important to protect was promoted to Deputy Office Deputy Head Mr people from the negative Head of the Foreign Affairs Bounsy Chitpasong and impacts of tobacco. Commission of the National Deputy Director General of the According to a Ministry Outgoing Public Health Institute Director Dr Boungnong Boupha (left) and new Director Dr Kongsap Assembly’s sixth legislature. Akkhavong sign a document to hand over the position, while Dr Ponmek Dalaloy (centre) looks on. Law Advertising Department of Health survey conducted “I realise that my work of the Ministry of Justice Mr in 2005, 40 percent or 1.5 will be hard but it is an Foreign Affairs skills,” she said. “The new director of the Boulom Douangmala co- million Lao people under 18 honour. I would like to thank Commission Deputy Head Dr Boungnong asked institute should expand the chaired the meeting. years of age smoke, with 67 the leadership of the Ministry Dr Boungnong said she was Dr Kongsap to continue positive outcomes of health The objective of the percent of those being male. of Health for trusting and honoured that the National to improve the quality of research, leading the field meeting was to implement The survey also found that appointing me as the director Assembly had appointed her health research for the future, professionally, effectively and the provincial programme 14.4 percent of students aged of the institute,” Dr Kongsap to her new position. including creating high level at a high standard,” said Dr for controlling tobacco from between the ages of 13 and said. “I have grown up in the curricula for bachelor’s Ponmek. 2000. It also set about realising 15 smoke. He added that his skills health sector for more than degrees, master’s degrees and He also noted that Dr the provincial governor’s According to statistics may be different from Dr 30 years. I want to thank the doctorates. Boungnong’s new position regulation on tobacco control, from the World Health Boungnong’s, but he would do Ministry of Health for giving At the ceremony, Minister gave a good opportunity to dated May 8, 2008. Organisation, there are an his best to lead health research me opportunities to attend of Health Dr Ponmek Dalaloy present the importance of A campaign will be estimated 1.3 billion smokers at the institute in an effective various global health meetings advised Dr Kongsap and health sector development in launched to show the dangers worldwide. The statistics way, especially by encouraging throughout my time working Dr Boungnong to strive for the National Assembly and of tobacco to young people also state that about 5 million solidarity among the staff to here. These have helped me achievement in their future include the views of the sector and encourage them not to people around the world die achieve the institute’s goals. develop my knowledge and work. in future policy planning. smoke. This is in response to every year, and 14,000 people the Law on Tobacco Control, every day, from smoking- particularly Articles 31-38, related illnesses. Road accidents kill 91 in January Times Reporters and seven deaths, while 52 robberies and other crimes In Vientiane, most fatalities Drug dealers to face prosecution accidents and four deaths were has decreased in the capital, occur in suburban areas and Times Reporters Choumphet village, Sisattanak Road accidents killed 91 reported in Luang Prabang the number of road accidents are due to excessive speed, district. people in Laos during January, province. continues to rise. according to the capital’s A case involving three drug The investigation resulted up from 70 in the same month Eight people were killed He said public concern traffic police office. Most dealers detained in Vientiane in the arrest of two adult last year, according to a report in both Borikhamxay and has sparked authorities into accidents occur between 5 and will be submitted to the accomplices. from the Ministry of Public Saravan provinces, which addressing the issue. 11pm, with fewer accidents prosecutor’s office within a Investigators believe that Security’s Traffic Police reported 38 and 21 accidents In 2010, the number of recorded in the morning, week, a senior investigator the three were only small-time Department. respectively. road accidents in Vientiane despite the large number of has said. dealers rather than producers, The number of accidents Only six accidents reached 1,812, an increase of vehicles on the road in the Investigating officers in the Police Lieutenant said, throughout the country occurred in both Phongsaly 4 percent on the previous year. rush hour. Xaysettha district, Vientiane, reiterating that they will last month reached 633, an and Xayaboury provinces, The accidents resulted in 225 Vientiane typically has are finalising documents continue to search for the increase of about 13.7 percent with one death in the former fatalities, an increase of 29.7 the highest number of road and evidence for submission ringleaders. compared to January last year, and two in the latter. percent on 2009, while 3,583 accidents due to the greater to the prosecutor’s office, Since 2009, 202 drug despite enhanced road safety Huaphan and Xekong people suffered injuries. number of vehicles, belonging Deputy Head of the district’s cases have been recorded in campaigns and increased provinces each reported no Police said the main cause not only to residents but to Investigation Division, Police Vientiane, according to an vehicle inspections ahead of fatalities and only a low of road accidents is motorists’ people from the provinces. Lieutenant Somsanouk official. festivities. number of accidents during failure to respect traffic Traffic police said road Theuakphimon, told the However, he declined to The total cost of road January. regulations, particularly by safety campaigns sometimes Vientiane Times yesterday. say how many cases involved accidents in January reached The number of fatalities in driving at high speed and fail to reach motorists living In the meantime police will students, stating that an almost 6 billion kip, according January this year was higher drink-driving. outside Vientiane. continue their investigation official request needed to to the report. than in any month of 2010. into the activities of the drug be submitted to obtain this Vientiane reported the In November and May of last Transport officials... from page 1 network as they believe there information. highest number of accidents year, 25 people were killed on are others involved. Mr Hongkeo Thamma- with 201, resulting in the nation’s roads. Police said the accident was issued the regulation on bus The case began on July vong, of the Vientiane 29 deaths, followed by Vientiane Police caused by brake failure, causing inspections several months 30 last year when traffic Education Department, Champassak province with 72 Headquarters Chief Colonel the bus to veer off the road and ago, but implementation had police stopped and examined estimates that some 1,000 accidents and 14 deaths. Dr Bounxou Nammachack plunge about 70 metres down a only just begun. a motorbike near That students out of about 10,000 told Vientiane Times recently hillside into a river. One article of the Luang stupa and found 600 in the 14 secondary schools in ranked third with 57 accidents that while the number of Also last year, two public regulation stipulates that amphetamine tablets and Vientiane are involved in drug buses collided in luggage or goods loaded 3,000 Thai baht under the seat, use. Wetlands preservation... from page 1 district, Khammuan province, on the top of buses can be Lt Somsanouk said. He said this trend is likely killing four people and injuring no higher than 60cm, but In control of the motorbike to increase as some schools intergovernmental treaty wetland sites totalling 169 eight others. previously some buses were was Mr Soukvilay, 17, a that used to be drug-free are which provides the framework million hectares. Those who died were being loaded with two to three student at Xangkhou Upper now seeing a resurgence of for national action and The meeting was attended all women and included the metres of cargo, according to Secondary School in Xaythany drug abuse. international cooperation for by high ranking government owners of both buses. The Mr Khamsaen. district, Vientiane. “Xaysettha Secondary the conservation and wise officials from the relevant accident was judged to be the The regulation also Mr Soukvilay confessed to School used to be drug-free use of wetlands and their ministries and provincial result of driver fatigue. states that any bus travelling obtaining the amphetamines but as we prepared to declare resources. authorities, along with President of the Vientiane 400km or more must carry from a dealer in Saphanthong the school as such it reported There are presently members of the Ramsar Southern Bus Association two drivers, allowing them to village and said he was taking a case of drug possession,” he 158 contracting parties to Convention Management Mr Khamsaen Thammavong alternate to avoid accidents them to his customers in told the Vientiane Times. the convention, with 1,828 Authority. said the transport ministry caused by fatigue. Lao Press in Foreign Languages News Editor: Business Editor: Finance Manager: Director General Savankhone Razmountry Phonekeo Vorakhoun Manichanh Pansivongsay Oudom Souvannasinh Reception: 216364 Mobile: 55599207 [email protected] Tel: 252630 [email protected] Tel: 217593, 020 55607017 Vientiane Times News Deputy Editor: Newsroom: 217593, 251618, Established 1994, Volume 16 Marketing Sisay Vilaysack Manager: Tel: (856-21) f 216364, ax: (856-21)216365 Mobile:55615716 (fax) 252631 [email protected] Copy Sub-Editor: Phoutthasack [email protected] Elizabeth Winch Inthakoummane Tel: 217593 Mobile: 020 5599209 Advertisement/Classified: 217872 Editor-in-Chief: Managing Editor: Features Editor: [email protected] Savankhone Razmountry Thonglor Duangsavanh Phon Thikeo Graphic Designer/IT: Deputy Editor-in-Chief : Mobile: 55599208 Mobile:55624351 Malaythong Phayanouvong Subscription: 252629 Thongsavath Chansombath [email protected] [email protected] Tel: 217593, 020 55729209 4 Home news Tuesday February 8, 2011 Vientiane Times

In brief World Wetlands Day Xekong tackles celebrated in Champassak illiteracy The Xekong provincial Times Reporters agencies, mass organisations education service has and nine districts in the released its plan to solve This year World Wetlands province, processions, the growing problem of Day celebrations came to local performances, and an illiteracy in Lamam district. Beung Kiat Ngong Wetlands elephant baci ceremony were According to a report in Champassak province, organised. from the local education one of the first sites in Laos Games and quizzes about office yesterday the new recognised under the Ramsar conservation were a highlight education strategy plan will Convention on Wetlands of for local primary school be implemented in over 40 International Importance. students. villages by the end of this The theme for World World Wetlands Day is a year, for a five year period Wetlands Day 2011 is “Forests global event organised by the (2011-2015). for Water and Wetlands”, Ramsar Convention Secretariat Lamam district has more recognising the vital role in Gland, Switzerland. The than 26,000 residents, of played by forests in the convention is an international whom around 2,500 people water cycle and in providing treaty signed by nations to aged 15-40 are literate. environmental services such protect wetlands around the The service will focus on as protecting water quality and world. removing the fundamental storing carbon. The United IUCN is the world’s obstacles to literacy, such as Nations has also designated oldest and largest global Mr Bouavanh Keodara (left) signs an agreement with Prof. Dr Herbert Hinzen at yesterday’s handover socio-economic conditions 2011 as International Year of environmental network. IUCN ceremony. that perpetuate poverty. Forests. is a democratic union with more Illiteracy must be This year’s World than 1,000 government and eradicated in order for the Wetlands Day also marks NGO member organisations, province to develop. In the the 40th anniversary of the and some 10,000 volunteer Germany backs Lao 2005-06 academic year, Ramsar Convention. scientists in more than 150 over 5,000 people aged Ramsar protected wetland countries. 15-40 were estimated to be sites cover an area of 186 IUCN’s work is supported illiterate, a large increase million hectares, about the by 1,100 professional staff in education reform size of Mexico, making it the 62 countries and hundreds of from the 2001-02 figure of Bounfaeng Phaymanivong kip, of total education funding with various partners to ensure only 990 illiterates. largest protected area network partners in public, NGO and during the last five years,” he strong development results in the world. Laos joined the private sectors around the DVV International (Institute of said. within the wider sector. Changeable weather Ramsar Convention in 2010, world. International Cooperation of The department is The organisation conducts causes crop loss in nominating two wetlands sites IUCN helps the world find the German Adult Education developing its policy and programmes, projects and of national importance, Beung pragmatic solutions to our Association) has presented the practices for supporting the initiatives in cooperation with Kiat Ngong in Champassak most pressing environment and Ministry of Education’s Non- government’s efforts to reach its partners, which focus on Hundreds of families in province and Xe Champhone development challenges by Phouvong district, Attapeu Formal Education Department all urban and rural residents, literacy and basic education, province, have recently with educational supplies particularly to boost literacy. non-formal vocational training, struggled to earn a living worth more than 1 billion kip. “I appreciate DVV and media development. from their cassava and The donation, consisting International’s assistance in Ambassador of the Federal vegetable crops due to the of literacy primers, teachers’ providing literacy primers, Republic of Germany to Laos variable weather conditions. handbooks and office teachers’ handbooks and Dr Peter Wienand, Deputy According to a recent equipment, was handed over office equipment. In addition, Minister of Education Ms report from the local media to the ministry yesterday. the organisation has also Sengdeuan Lachanthaboun, yesterday many crops have Department Acting supported us in capacity DVV International Regional been affected by the dry Director General Mr Bouavanh development through Director Prof. Dr Herbert weather because farmers Keodara said the ministry is in conferences and workshops at Hinzen and senior officials lack the know-how to deal the process of developing its the international, regional and were present at the ceremony. with the changes. latest five-year plan, as well as national, as well as provincial Partners such as DVV However, high demand evaluating the implementation and district, levels,” Mr International are helping has given some farmers in of the national education Bouavanh said. the government to achieve other parts of the province system reform strategy. DVV International is a essential goals such as the a competitive edge. They “The non-formal education member of the Education Millennium Development can produce crops of good sector received only 0.35 Sector Working Group in Goals, and the Education for quality and have access to percent, or about 6,000 billion Laos, which means it can work All initiative. cheap transport. Pact Inc. seeks a Laos-based Consultant and Trainer in Organizational Borikhamxay villages Wetlands at the Ramsar site, Beung Khiat Ngong in Pathoumphone Capacity Development set to be poverty-free district, Champassak province. by 2015 in Savannakhet province. supporting scientific research; • Based in Vientiane, Laos Many rural families Provincial and district managing field projects all • One year contract with possibility of full-time employment in district, government representatives, over the world; and bringing Borikhamxay province, • Working on HIV/AIDS and health issues teachers and students, governments, NGOs, the UN, expect to eradicate all journalists and civil society international conventions and poverty by the end of 2015 Pact is an international NGO with regional offices in Bangkok, working in partnership with the participants came together companies together to develop and hope to be declared at Beung Khiat Ngong in policy, laws and best practice. Center for HIV/AIDS and STIs (CHAS) in Vientiane, Laos and several local NGO partners. See model villages of poverty Pathoumphone district on The Convention on Wetlands, www.pactworld.org. Pact is a leader in organizational capacity development with projects eradication within the next February 5 to celebrate World signed in Ramsar, Iran, in five years. According to and offices worldwide. Wetlands Day. 1971, is an intergovernmental a report from the district Pact is seeking an experienced organizational capacity consultant and trainer, who will IUCN, International Union treaty which provides the authority, to create more work with a team of international specialists to develop and deliver training and technical for Conservation of Nature, framework for national action model villages by 2020, and the Champassak provincial and international cooperation assistance interventions, covering the following topics: authorities will implement government convened varied for the conservation and wise • Assessment of organizational capacity of local NGOs the government’s policy activities for the partcipants to use of wetlands and their • Management training in time management, decision-making, supportive supervision of merging small villages promote the value of wetlands, resources. into larger units, enabling • Technical assistance in writing job descriptions, clarifying roles and responsibilities, emphasising the importance There are presently people to work more improving structure of flooded forests and forest 160 Contracting Parties efficiently towards freedom swamps, such as those found to the Convention, with • Project management and coordination with provincial level HIV/AIDS programs from poverty. The districts’ • Strategic and action planning related to HIV/AIDS and health programs residents are planning to in Beung Khiat Ngong. 1910 wetland sites, totaling • Monitoring and evaluating HIV/AIDS programs work closely with local “Laos’s wetlands, including almost 187 million hectares, authorities to strengthen these forested wetlands, provide designated for inclusion in the • Coaching and mentoring processes for managers and supervisors education, improve primary us with essential services, such Ramsar List of Wetlands of Requirements include: healthcare, introduce as carbon storage, habitats International Importance. for fish and other species, and Ramsar’s mission is • Advanced degree in administration, management, public health or international cooperative saving funds, relations improve infrastructure livelihoods for local people. “the conservation and wise • Several years experience in organizational and management consulting or support and develop farming and Laos’s recent accession to the use of all wetlands through livestock. Local people Ramsar Convention shows local, regional and national • Good skills and experience in training, coaching and facilitation are being informed about its growing commitment actions and international • Knowledge of, and interest, in HIV/AIDS programming in Laos to protecting its wetland cooperation, as a contribution more efficient farming • Understanding of both public sector and NGOs working in a coordinated manner resources,” commented Ms towards achieving sustainable techniques, saving funds • Good conceptual skills in capacity development and raising livestock by Latsamay Sylavong, Country development throughout the staff from the provincial Representative for IUCN world”. Agriculture and Forestry Laos. Laos was the 160th Please send your CV and cover letter to [email protected] and [email protected] Department’s agriculture In addition to a workshop country to join the Ramsar Deadline: Please respond ASAP, but applications will be accepted until Feb 28th. promotion unit. involving representatives Convention, and the 8th in the from provincial government ASEAN region. Vientiane TimesThe First National English Language Newspaper  WEDNesday february 2, 2011 ISSUE 28 www.vientianetimes.la 4500 kip DPM calls Unions urged to fulfill their mandate for stronger Times Reporters economic Development Plan The vice president urged (2011-2015). everyone involved to work wetland Vice President Bounnhang Mr Bounnhang stressed harder to improve their skills, Vorachit yesterday asked the need to educate workers saying that many people’s protection for greater contributions on Party ideology so that the skills are inadequate. from labour unions to help public fully understands the Unions are critical and the Times Reporters the government reach its Party’s directives and policies. Party places great importance Deputy Prime Minister Asang Deputy Prime development targets. He said it was necessary on union affairs, he added. The vice president issued to form union representative “The Party consistently Laoly called for all sectors Minister receives to join hands to nourish the call at a special meeting bodies in state organisations sees unions as strategic to the natural environment in new Australian to mark the 55th anniversary and private enterprises to the vision of the Party. Mass ambassador Laos and end environmental of the founding of the Lao fulfill the unions’ mandate unionisation is a critical damage for a healthier world. page 3 Federation of Trade Unions of educating and uniting power that can determine Mr Asang, who is also (February 1, 1956 – February centralised manpower and revolutionary victory,” he told President of the National Mr Bounnhang Vorachit 1, 2011) held at the National implementing the Party’s the meeting. Environment Committee Culture Hall in Vientiane. addresses the trade union meeting. directives and policies. Lao Federation of Trade and National Committee for Mr Bounnhang called for But some workplaces were Unions President Mr Khamlah Wetland Management of the unions to unite and mobilise Development Goals. still unaware of the need to Lorlonsy listed unions’ major Ramsar Convention in Laos, workers across the nation The unions were asked to form a union. achievements to date. yesterday delivered a message to fulfill their obligation to educate workers about Party “Some local and central Union membership has to mark World Wetlands Day, participate in the development policies including market- organisations haven’t paid increased from 50 to a current which falls on February 2. process. This will facilitate oriented initiatives in order proper attention to forming total of 155,108, including On the occasion, Mr the government to reach to raise awareness of the unions,” he told an audience 60,000 women, helping to Asang said “I would like to its development targets implementation of the 7th from all walks of life present bolster efforts to fulfill the urge all state organisations, and the UN Millennium Five-Year National Socio- at the meeting. unions’ mandate. authorities at all levels, mass organisations, businesses, Australians evacuate and the Lao people to fulfill as cyclone aims for NE our obligation in protecting, Traffic police to stop irregular inspections preserving, nourishing, coast and rehabilitating the page 7 Souknilundon environment, water resources, Southivongnorath and wetlands as stipulated in the constitution.” Public complaints are rising The call joins that of the that some traffic police are international community in working in a dishonest manner celebrating the day under the when on duty on the streets theme ‘Forests for Water and and highways of Laos. Wetlands’ that campaigns The Ministry of Public for an end to environmental Security reported last month threats for the enrichment and rehabilitation of the natural that traffic police working on world. roads throughout the country The Lao government to enforce traffic regulations attaches great importance to Wood processing have been demanding money protecting the environment as plants to get govt from motorists, especially stipulated in its constitution, loans those working in traffic police and promotes environmentally boxes along Road 13. friendly sustainable page B The announcement was development. made following a series of “All organisations public complaints to leading and people must protect the environment, natural ministry officials that some resources, soil, forests, traffic police were carrying wildlife, water resources out their work illegally. The and the air we breathe,” said ministry and concerned sectors Mr Asang, citing a phrase investigated the allegations Traffic officials at police posts on road No 13 north road can no longer stop motorists for irregular stipulated in the constitution, and found them to be true. inspections. adding that this protection As a result, the Public also covered wetlands. Security Ministry issued an Souvanhnasing told media issued the announcement,” he traffic police departments to To achieve a healthier announcement last month to yesterday that the ministry’s explained. continue,” he said. environment, Mr Asang called remind traffic police around main objective was to solve After last month’s A motorist from for strict following of laws the country of their duties. Part social problems among traffic announcement all traffic police Sidamduane said that some on forests, water resources, wetlands and the environment of the announcement noted police officials. along Road 13 north and south traffic police are good while in general, contributing that traffic police working “We admit some traffic are conducting themselves others are bad. “I’ve had to Get hot news in Lao and to ensuring the nation’s in police boxes should only police have abused their power properly, he added. give them money instead English from Vientiane Times steady economic growth on your mobile phone via Lao be helping motorists or in the past, fining motorists for “We will only carry out of producing my driving harmonises with a sustainable Telecom and Unitel networks. controlling the flow of traffic. breaking traffic regulations and inspections or follow up on documents several times in the environment. Vientiane Traffic other problems. These were traffic related crimes if we past. I’m very happy with this To achieve this, the Subscribe now! Police Department Deputy reported to the ministry and receive permission from the announcement and I think other deputy premier recommended For Lao Telecom Subscribers Chief Major Youttaphong are the reason why the ministry ministry or the provincial motorists will be too,” he said. continued page 3 Just send ‘R’ to 1135 for news in English

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For more information phone 020 5607017 Office: 216364 or 217593 Vientiane Times Wednesday February 2, 2011 Home news 3 Laos, Japan to cooperate Deputy Prime Minister receives new Australian ambassador on rice research Times Reporters Khamphone Syvongxay system that enables enormous Deputy Prime Minister and biodiversity to evolve and be Minister of Foreign Affairs The Lao National Agriculture maintained, which is essential Dr Thongloun Sisoulith and Forestry Research Institute for the survival and well being yesterday received a courtesy (NAFRI) and the Research of the Lao people. visit at the ministry from Institute for Humanity and The biodiversity of Laos new Australian ambassador to Laos, Ms Lynda Nature (RHIN) of Japan is globally significant as it is located in a mega diversity Worthaisong. announced collaboration The newly-accredited region and a primary centre on further research into ambassador presented her conservation of cultivated and of origin and diversity for credentials to President wild rice in Laos yesterday. cultivated rice, wild rice and Choummaly Sayasone on The declaration was many other crops. January 25. agreed at a meeting in During the past few years, Dr Thongloun Vientiane between the Laos has made significant congratulated Ms Worthaisong NAFRI Director General Dr progress in collecting, on her appointment as Bounthong Bouahom and characterising, conserving and Australian ambassador to RHIN Director General Dr Dr Bounthong Bouahom. developing a database of plant Laos, saying this would Narifumi Tachimoto. genetic resources for major continue to enhance long- For two decades NAFRI contributing to global crops such as rice, through standing relations and has been investigating the understanding of rice diversity the collaboration of the cooperation between Laos and genetic diversity of wild in Laos, he said. International Rice Research Australia. and cultivated rice in Laos Lao people have used rice Institute of Laos. The deputy premier with support from the Swiss as a staple food throughout NAFRI and RIHN are said he highly valued the Dr Thongloun Sisoulith (left) greets Ms Lynda Worthaisong. Agency for Development history. Farmers grow and committed to working growing bilateral relations and Cooperation, said Dr conserve rice with traditional together to collect seed and cooperation between the ministry, Australian assistance areas, especially education, Bounthong. knowledge, especially sticky reserves in cooperation with two countries. According to Laos has been increasing trade investment, and rural Appreciating the rice, and thanks to a diversified local people and communities to a press release from the and extending into new development. significance of this endeavour, ethnicity and remoteness the and to promote in-situ RHIN began to collaborate diversity of rice has been and on-farm conversation with the institute in 2003. In conserved, Dr Bounthong through regional, national State inspectors reveal administration lapses the course of their research said. and international networks Times Reporters timber. central state budget. NAFRI has identified six Laos has a rich diversity of in tandem with an ongoing The report also found During the National species of wild rice and over ecosystems, species of plant recognition of ‘Globally The State Inspection Authority corruption in the import of Assembly session in December, 10,000 native cultivated and animal genetic resources. Important Agricultural has unveiled irregularities vehicles where claims were government officials said they lowland and upland rice Some wild rice species Heritage Areas’. relating to state administration made that vehicles were for spent some of the state service types. that were the forerunners NAFRI in cooperation with including corrupt officials use in construction projects fees on important events or The results of this of cultivated rice were RIHN has now established who abuse their power for when in fact they were sold emergencies, mainly assisting collaborative work have indigenous to Laos, according a location for wild rice their own benefit, according to on. flood victims. been widely disseminated to a NAFRI report. conservation in Thongmang a report from the authority. The authority also found National Assembly in academic journals and The Lao economy is a village, of Officials from all the problems related to the members maintained that international symposiums, heavily subsistent, traditional Vientiane. provinces are attending management of land use all expenditure needed to a national meeting of the where officials had approved be in line with the law and State Inspection Authority development on land plots in the case of an emergency Vangvieng discos ordered to keep to closing times in Vientiane this week to larger than the size allowed at the government could spend discuss what needs to be done their level. money but must inform the Viengsavanh time issued by officials. The tourism boom in to meet the challenges and Some villagers had Assembly later. Phengphachan In reality, nightclub goers Vangvieng has brought ensure transparency in state acquired state land without In 2010, some 682 often sing and dance until skyrocketing profits for administration. approval from higher companies in Vientiane Authorities in Vientiane 4am. local tourism operators and Chaired by Deputy Prime authorities. failed to pay taxes, affecting province’s “Many western guesthouse owners since Laos Minister and President of the The State Inspection the government’s revenue will use a firmer hand in backpackers are unfamiliar opened its doors to welcome State Inspection Authority, Authority also found that collection. managing entertainment with their new environment more tourists with the ‘Visit Mr Asang Laoly, the meeting provinces operated projects The authorities believe it venues at the popular tourist in Laos, and don’t realise that Lao Year’ campaign in 1999. opened on Monday to review totalling 53.81 billion kip is important to train officials destination, the move follows our sleeping time is the time Although the officials activities in 2010 and set plans without the approval of the in political ideology to last month’s closure of a of their partying,” said Mr ordered these seven discos for 2011 as well as identify National Assembly. address the problem of abuse number of discos that failed to Ounheuan. to close temporarily to solve targets for the period until The Assembly was of power. follow regulations. The disco owners originally the noise issue, other bars 2015. concerned that this kind of The State Inspection Chief of Vangvieng district submitted applications to in the town are still running According to the report, the financial abuse could create Authority accepted that not Information and Culture operate restaurants, but instead normally, but they also have to authority found illegal logging chronic debt for the country enough was being done Division, Mr Ounheuan they have modified their adhere to a midnight closing was still a major concern which could be difficult to to combat corruption. The Outhaithit, told Vientiane businesses into entertainment time or up to 12:30am on and in some cases officials manage. collection of information Times yesterday that officials areas where guests enjoy special occasions such as Lao facilitated this activity. The report also found that and evidence concerning were arranging for seven open dancing and drinking. New Year. In 2009-10, authorities air discos on Donkang Island This is against the Mr Ounheuan admitted state service fees amounting corruption was not sufficient. in the Xong River that were regulations in Vangvieng, that the authority was all seized almost 65,000 logs to 83.7 billion kip and timber There have been many closed down to be combined where only five karaoke too aware that trying to nationwide, equal to 32.4 sales of 69.9 billion kip had cases of corruption in Laos into one entertainment zone. restaurants are legally enforce measures to control million cubic metres of not been transferred to the but prosecution is rare. “Formerly the owners of permitted to operate as entertainment venues too the open air discos competed entertainment outlets. strictly would most likely to attract customers by playing Vangvieng is well-known harm the local economy as it DPM calls... from page 1 loud music, but now we will among foreigners as a place could lead to fewer tourists. manage them as one group,” to explore and enjoy tubing But he emphasised that more campaigning to raise needed in both administrative degraded, reduced in Mr Ounheuan said. and kayaking on the Xong when the discos reopen on awareness on the importance structure and capacity productivity due to excessive The local authority has River, Thamchang caves and Donkang Island, they must of managing wetlands in a building for Lao officials in use of the resources without received numerous complaints other activities during the day adhere to regulations on sustainable manner, coupled central and local organisations proper consideration towards from people living near the time. closing times. “People are with forest protection through to enable them to implement sustainable management and island about the late night But at night visitors are free to drink and gather at participation by all parties. the convention and its related protection, he said. noise generated by the discos, there for the bars and dancing nightclubs as long as they He stressed the need to activities. Consequently, world which often stay open long past at the open air discos and other don’t disturb the villagers formulate policy and strategic Water resources and wetlands day is of great 11:30pm, the regular closing entertainment venues. living near them,” he said. plans for the sustainable wetlands areas are of great significance to encourage management of wetlands until importance as they preserve the world to lend a hand to 2020, and plans of action for biodiversity, and also provide preserving these vital resources. Vientiane Times on CD-ROM each period. numerous benefits including This year’s theme Mr Asang also emphasised air purification, water and recognises the important Issues of Vientiane Times from 2001 to December 2010 have been recorded on the need to survey and carbon storage, minimising and decisive role forests CD-ROM. Now available at Vientiane Times office. Corner Setthathirath/Pangkham list wetlands, as well as floods and soil erosion. play in regulating the water formulating a master plan to These benefits are cycle, including protecting Roads, Nam Phu, Vientiane. manage and preserving Laos’s presently under threat as many water quality and quantity in two wetland sites under the important water resources watersheds and wetlands. Ramsar Convention, which and wetlands in the world To recognise this P.O. Box: 5723, Tel: (856-21) 216364, 217593. Fax: (856-21) 216365 Laos acceded to in September, have been harmed by human importance, the UN has Email: [email protected] 2010. activities. designated 2011 ‘International Capacity strengthening is Many areas have become Year of Forests’. Vientiane Times Friday February 11, 2011 Home news 3 UXO a major obstacle to farmland expansion Vientiane, govt bodies vote for Somsack Pongkhao The Ministry of general election candidates Agriculture and Forestry The government will focus recently announced that 40 6, Xayaboury province No on clearing farmland over of the total 143 districts in 7, Huaphan province No 8, the next five to 10 years but Laos will face severe rice Xieng Khuang province No it faces the challenge of not shortages this year, sparking 9, No 10, knowing the exact number serious concerns over food Borikhamxay province 11, of bombs remaining in the security. Khammuan province No 12, country. Mr Phoukhieo said UXO Savannakhet province No 13, Saravan province No 14, The National Regulatory is one of the main issues Champassak province No 15, Authority for UXO/Mine affecting rice production in Xekong province No 16 and Action Sector in Laos (NRA) is Laos. No 17. conducting a survey to identify According to a survey In yesterday’s vote to UXO-affected farmland with a conducted in 1996-97, UXO select candidates to stand at view to drawing up a national was reported in 87,000 sq km the election, only five of the action plan to increase rice of the country’s terrain, or 18 applicants were women. farmland to 2 million hectares almost 900,000 hectares. Of “Vientiane hopes our five by 2020. the total area contaminated women applicants will be NRA Director Mr by UXO, 200,000 hectares elected to sit in on the next Phoukhieo Chanthasomboun was agricultural land. legislature,” Mr Somvandy said on Thursday that However, the survey only said. without knowing the exact provided a brief overview Vientiane will have 21 quantity of UXO remaining without giving detailed candidates at the election, in the country, it could be information about how much of which 15 will be elected hard for the government to UXO was buried in farmlands as National Assembly achieve its goal of farmland of each province or district. Vientiane administrative officials cast their votes to choose candidates for the general election. members. expansion. Its stated aim was to According to a member “Our intention is to clear provide a general assessment Khonesavanh Latsaphao elected to stand at the general Election Committee, 132 of the National Assembly’s UXO from agricultural land, of the situation in Laos as a election on April 30,” he said. National Assembly members 6th Legislature, Dr Bang The candidates who will be elected from 190 but we still don’t know basis for future research and Vientiane will announce its On Xayalath, 12 candidates candidates for election to receive the highest number candidates across the will come from Vientiane by just how much we can surveys. the 7th Legislature of the of votes will represent constituencies. and the other nine will be increase farmland by 2015 Mr Phoukhieo said National Assembly today Vientiane at the National Vientiane is constituency candidates from the central due to a lack of concrete the NRA will work in after a preliminary vote was Assembly. No 1, while Phongsaly level. information.” cooperation with the ministry held yesterday, according to The general election will province is No 2, Luang On the same day, the There are currently and local authorities to Vientiane Vice Mayor Mr see new members from Laos’ Namtha province No 3, Ministry of Information and 680,000 hectares of rice fields collect detailed information Somvandy Nathavong. 17 constituencies elected to Oudomxay province No Culture also held a vote to in Laos, and the government and the new survey should “From the 18 applicants the 7th Legislature. 4, Bokeo province No 5, select a representative to stand has seen the need to expand be complete by the end of today, 12 candidates will be According to the National No for election. it to ensure food security this year. despite the challenges posed Laos is the world’s by UXO. most UXO-affected nation, Champassak festivities showcase importance of wetlands UXO remains buried in with 25 percent of the 41 of the 47 poorest districts country’s villages impacted. Times Reporters in Laos, which are mainly Government officials have in the northern and eastern said it may take more than The government has regions. 100 years to remove all underlined the importance The bombs not only the bombs unless there is a of sustainable management kill and maim people every major increase in funding of wetlands for the long term protection of these vital year but also prevent the from donors. natural habitats, including country’s development and Unexploded ordnance encouraging community the reduction of poverty. left by US warplanes during participation. Onlookers admire Northern Laos is largely the Indochina war more than It is recognised that an elephant mountainous, forcing local three decades ago remains wetlands are key food and performance villagers to rely on slash and one of the major obstacles to water sources for nearby at a festival in burn cultivation to avoid expanding rice farmland in Champassak communities. province. poverty, made all the more Laos to ensure food security As part of the effort, local difficult by the prevalence of and the sustainable reduction residents and authorities UXO. of poverty. recently organised awareness raising activities on the importance of wetlands Thai police free 5 Lao victims in preserving biodiversity at Kiet Ngong village in of human trafficking Pathoumphone district of Elephant rides offered dioxide storage and serve as which Laos acceded to in Champassak province, which festival goers the chance a habitat for fish and other September 2010. The country’s Times Reporters 5,000 baht to be trafficked into is next to one of Laos’s most to admire the Kiet Ngong species of aquatic animals. other listed wetland is located in for work. important wetlands. wetland zone from a unique “The area also provides Savannakhet province. At least five Lao victims An examination of the The activities were held viewpoint. a source of food, traditional To protect the nation’s of human trafficking were venue by police turned up as part of events to mark World This year’s World Wetlands medicines, and income wetlands, the National freed from forced labour at evidence including clothes, Wetlands Day on February Day took the theme ‘Forests generation for local people Committee for Wetland an entertainment venue in used condoms and 17 2, and included a question for Water and Wetlands', through tourism-related Management of the Ramsar Thailand, Thai media reported notebooks that appeared to and answer session on the campaigning for an end to services,” he said, adding that Convention in Laos recently importance of forests, wetlands on Wednesday. log customer transactions. environmental threats and the for this reason sustainable announced it would formulate and the environment, according enrichment and rehabilitation use of the wetland required a national policy plan and An estimated 17 girls from Venue staff members to a local Vientiane Times of the natural world. participation from all sectors. strategy to manage the Laos were being held against suspected of illegal activities correspondent. In his remarks at a ceremony Earlier this month, the precious environmental their will at Pheo Karaoke were arrested and will be A sideline elephant festival held on the day, Deputy central government joined the resources until 2020, with a in Suphanburi province, charged in accordance with was also held, in which Governor of Champassak world in organising a number plan of action for each period according to a report released local law. audiences experienced elephant province Somsanith Bouttivong of activities to mark the day. to realise sustainability. by television channel 3. Thai officials responsible performances, an elephant- expressed hope that the Kiet Champassak province The committee will also Thai police were tipped for human trafficking are capture demonstration and Ngong wetland would continue boasts one of two wetland survey and list other national- off by a member of the public holding the five victims at baci ceremony for the majestic to contribute significantly to zones in Laos that are protected level wetlands to ensure they and launched an undercover a safe house before sending beasts. biodiversity, provide carbon under the Ramsar Convention, are properly managed. investigation. them back to Laos under a A police team then bilateral agreement. launched a crackdown on the An official from the Government raises... From page 1 venue, during which staff and Lao Embassy to Thailand suspected victims reportedly in Bangkok, Mr Somneuk York Mercantile Exchange. Times recently the price of year. But it rose to US$89 per year. The contract fell 23 cents crude oil will hit US$120 this barrel by the end of last year. The consumption was over escaped. Boulivong, said embassy to settle at US$86.71 on year. The fuel consumption in 640 million litres in 2009 and Five Lao victims were held representatives will meet with Wednesday. According to the Laos is expected to rise to increased to more than 700 by police, who continue to the victims on Saturday. In London, Brent crude Lao Petroleum and Gas more than 750 million litres million litres last year. search for additional victims. Last month 21 victims gained 23 cents to US$102.55 Association, oil was about this year, amid spiralling About 45 to 50 percent of Women interviewed by of human trafficking were a barrel on the ICE Futures US$78 per barrel in January global oil prices. the fuel Laos imports is used Thai media said they were detained in Thailand and exchange. last year and fell to about Consumption increases in Vientiane and Vientiane lured into the sex trade, paying returned to Laos. According to the Brunei US$75 by the middle of the about 7 to 10 percent each province.