Laos news

Asean addresses civil service management

2009-10-28T19:55:00.000-07:00

Civil servants from Asean are working together to improve civil services at the Asean Conference on Civil Service Matters (ACCSM) in Vientiane .

In the quest to achieve goals endorsed by Asean leaders, as well as achieving a united Asean Community by 2015, good governance is a key tool.

Held in the context of developing state capacity towards improving the effectiveness of state administration, the three-day 15th ACCSM focuses on exchanging lessons and experiences learnt on the issue from ea ch Asean member country.

In her welcoming remarks, Chairperson of the Public Administration and Civil Service Authority, Ms Bounpheng Mounphoxay, said the conference is a good opportunity for participants to jointly explore challenges and difficulties facing Asean member states in their bid to improve civil service management.

“We will together explore new solutions to problems, so that we can improve civil service management systems in our nations and lift the quality, effectiveness and efficiency of services,” she said.

Ms Bounpheng, who is also Minister to the Prime Minister's Office, said the development of state capacity for good civil services is a vital issue in line with a common goal of Asean countries to create effective and efficient civil service management systems that are transparent and strong.

She said valuable contributions from participants will stimulate efforts to improve civil service management in the region, as well as the establishment of an Asean Community by 2015.

Standing Deputy Prime Minister Somsavat Lengsavad said Asean member states have consistently attached importance to the improvement of civil services, aimed at empowering the state with good governance, transparency, efficiency and effectiveness.

“At the same time, measures have been taken to ensure people's wide participation, realisation of government policies and implementation of efficient systems that can deliver public services to the people,” Mr Somsavat said.

Asean states are currently implementing the ACCSM Work Plan for 2008-12, adopted at the 14th ACCSM in Indonesia .

In Laos , improvement and capacity development of the civil service is a priority of the government, with the aim of creating a state truly serving the people, by the people and for the interests of the people, according to Mr Somsavat.

“In the past, our government has done its utmost to improve and establish institutions in an effort to bring our civil service closer to regional and international standards,” he said.

The country has placed importance on exchanging experiences, best practices and cooperation with Asean countries, Asean ‘plus three' countries - China , Japan and Korea - as well as international organizations to improve and develop a strong civil service system.

“The Lao government stands ready to support and fulfill its obligations involving Asean and Asean plus 3 civil service matters and other cooperation activities that will contribute to the realization of the Asean Community,” Mr Somsavat said.
http://www.vientianetimes.org.la/FreeContent/Free_Asean.htm

Agreement to see start of fourth Lao-Thai Mekong bridge

2009-10-28T19:53:00.000-07:00

An agreement signed last week paves the way for the construction of a fourth bridge linking Laos and Thailand across the Mekong River between Bokeo province in Laos and Chiang Rai province in Thailand.

Construction is set to start in February next year.

The agreement was inked by the Chinese Minister of Commerce and Thailand 's Minister of Finance at the 15th Asean Summit in Hua Hin , Thailand .

The signing was witnessed by Lao Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

“We are now ready to receive bids from joint venture companies and expect to open the bids in the middle of December. Then construction work will be begin in early February,” Deputy Head of the Fourth Mekong Construction Project, Mr Thavone Vorlaboud, said yesterday.

He said the fourth Lao-Thai Mekong Friendship Bridge would link Huayxai district in Bokeo province, Laos , with Chiang Khong district in Chiang Rai province, Thailand .

On the Lao side, the bridge will begin in Donsavan village and connect to Donmahavan village in Thailand .

Construction had initially been scheduled to start in April this year, but budgetary constraints meant the work had to be postponed.

“We expect five international joint venture companies will compete in the bidding to be the main contractor. Domestic companies will be sub-contractors because they cannot find partners to form a joint venture,” Mr Thavone said.

It is expected the bridge will be finished within 30 months if the schedule can be followed.

“Now all the obstacles are out of the way and we are 30 percent into the project. People who will lose their land, houses and farms will be compensated with a total of 4 billion kip, which our government will pay,” he said.

The Lao and Thai governments will each contribute 50 percent of the cost of construction of the bridge.

Laos has received a grant of US$20 million from the Chinese government for the Lao share of the project, under an agreement signed last year.

Under the Greater Mekong sub-region north-south economic corridor bridge project, the bridge will link Chiang Rai province with Kunming in China through Road No. R3 in Laos , which is just 9km away.

The bridge will help to promote communication between the three countries and facilitate trade and communication in the region, which is expected to improve people's living conditions.

The design of the bridge is the same as the first Friendship Bridge built between Vientiane in Laos and Nong Khai province in Thailand .
http://www.vientianetimes.org.la/FreeContent/Free_Agreement.htm

Higher education gets funding injection

2009-10-13T01:40:00.000-07:00

Higher education has received a funding boost from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

ADB will provide a grant of US$24.8 million (211.3 billion kip) to strengthen higher education in Laos , according to a press statement issued by the bank.

The grant, sourced from the ADB's Special Fund, has been approved by ADB's Board of Directors.

Senior Education Specialist with ADB's Southeast Asia Department Yasushi Hirosato said the Strengthening Higher Education Project is designed to meet the growing demand in Laos for a skilled workforce.

“As the country continues to develop, it will need an ever-expanding pool of high quality graduates in key discip lines responding to labour market demands. Strengthening the higher education system will promote economic growth in Laos .”

The project will mainly focus on improving standards at three of the nation's public universities - National University of Laos, Champassak University and Souphanouvong University .

It will seek to improve access to higher education for disadvantaged groups, particularly for women and ethnic groups, as well as improve teaching and research standards. Courses, curriculum and teaching materials will also be updated.

The project will also seek to enhance the quality of gov ernance and financial management in these universities by strengthening management capacity at the Ministry of Education and universities.

After years of stagnation, the economy has been growing strongly in recent years, with economic growth averaging 7.3 percent from 2003 to 2008.

The government has identified education as one of the key pillars for its pla n to sustain economic expansion, reduce poverty, and lift the country off the UN's list of least developed nations by 2020.

The government will contribute US$2 million towards the project's total cost of US$28.8 million, while partner foreign universities will extend an equivalent amount to support staff and faculty development programmes under the project. The Ministry of Education is the executing agency for the project.

The ADB, based in Manila , the Philippines , is dedicated to reducing poverty in the Asia-Pacific region through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration. Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members – 48 from the region.

In 2008, it approved US$10.5 billion of loans, US$811.4 million of grant projects, and technical assistance amounting to US$274.5 million.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update October 13, 2009)
Source: http://www.vientianetimes.org.la/FreeContent/Free_Higher.htm

PM calls for stronger measures against A(H1N1) virus

2009-08-06T02:01:00.000-07:00

(Vientiane Times) In the week from July 27 to August2, 43 people contracted A(H1N1) influenza in Laos, bridging the country's total number of cases to 156.

Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh yesterday urged health officials to increase measures to rapidly respond to the virus to keep the situation under control.

Speaking during a visit to Mittaphab Hospital, mr Bouasone said the lives and health of people are primary importance and everyone should be safe from the virus, thus stronger measures are needed.

Mittaphab Hospital in Vientiane was selected as the main hospital in Laos to treat patients who have the A(H1N1) influenza virus.

Public health education campaigns need to be reviewed while searching for additional measures to deal with the virus.

"I want you (health officials) to study whether or not health education is broad enough and target specific groups, especially at schools. If our measures are not adequate, what more should done?" he said

"The more people are infected with the virus, the higher the possibility of a widespread outbreak occurring is."

Mr Bouasone said it was important that people travelling abroad understood the situation and know how to protect themselves.

He urged health officials to study lessons from countries such as Japan and try to apply then in-line with the situation in Laos.

The government has raised alert level from 4 to 5, after human-to-human transmission cases were reported in Vientiane and other provinces.

Mr Bouasone told health officials to write detailed plan of measures to be taken in the lead-up to the SEA Games later this year and submit it to the government.

The report must boost the confidence of delegations visiting the country for the event in December.

Mr Bouasone proposed the establishment of A(H1N1) free villages in Laos, with the aim of encouraging villagers to contribute to prevention efforts and ensure their community is free of the virus.

Cases of the virus have been recorded in 14 districts of eight provinces. Fortunately, only one fatality has occurred, a person from Bolikhamxay province. The virus could badly affect the country's investment and tourism sectors, as well as the number of foreign delegations visiting Laos.

"We all have to work in cooperation to respond to the outbreak of the virus and to ensure the continuous growth of our economy," said Mr Bouasone. The government has set the target for 7.5 percent economic growth in the 2008-2009 fiscal year.

"We may not achieve the goal if the virus affects key sectors of the economy."

The H1N1 virus has spread very fast throughout the world. It took only six weeks to spread worldwide.

The fast spread of the virus was due to ease of access to global transportation for many people.

According to the world health organization, as of July 27, 134,503 cases have been recorded worldwide, with 816 deaths.

British citizen to serve out sentence in homeland
PM calls for stronger measures against A(H1N1) virus
Class closed as flu cases confirmed
H1N1 cases in Laos
illegal immigrants in Laos
Flood warning for northern province
Ministry warns against dengue fever
Laos considers joining UN corruption battle
Laos workers in Thailand catch infamous flu
Private school closes to control the spread of H1N1 virus

Laos considers joining UN corruption battle.

2009-07-12T18:48:00.000-07:00

Lao government may join a UN move against corruption this year with hopes of creating a better investment and business climate in the country.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday hosted a consultative workshop in Vientiane to discuss the UN Convention against Corruption as part of effort to help the government and national Assembly make a decision on whether they should ratify it.
"If Laos accesses a UN Convention against Corruption, it will make foreign investors feel more confident to invest in Laos," Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Alounkeo Kittikhoun told Vientiane Times yesterday after presiding over the workshop.
The UN-sponsored workshop aimed to provide forum for senior foreign affairs and legal officials to study and discuss the UN treaty to help the government and national Assembly to make decision whether they should ratify and become a member of the convention or not.
The United Nations will allow countries around the world to become a party to international conventions at its annual assembly at the end of this year.
Mr. Alounkeo, is also former Lao Ambassador to United Nations, said Laos would gain assistance from United Nations to develop policy and mechanisms to combat corruption in the country if it's join the convention.
" The Lao PDR's participation in international legal process reflects its political will and activeness in strengthening the international and national rule of law," He said in his remark to open the workshop.
"We consider that not only international treaties set out the legal framework for international relations but international treaties also constitute a meaningful source of best practice which can be applied nationally to improve the Lao PDR legal system."
According to a press release from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the consultative workshop also discussed another two international treaties,namely the international Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and International Convention on the Protection of the rights of Persons with Disabilities.
These conventions are in line with Lao national Constitution and laws as well as policies of the Lao government, the press release state.
UNDP Resident Representative Deputy, Mr. Stephane Vigie, expressed appreciation to the Lao government for showing interest in joining in international covenant on civil and political rights.
"I notice that the treaties highlighted for action this year do not include the covenant on civil and political rights. But in spite of this, Laos has included this important treaty in list of treaties of deliberation in the workshop," he said.
"This is very positive indication of the intentions of the Lao government at the treaty event in September."
Laos had signed the international Convention on Enforced Disappearances. It also plans to accede to the international Conventions on Harmonization of Frontier Control of goods, and international Convention on Suppression of the funding of Terrorism.
The workshop was supported by International Law project, funded by the UNDP, European Union and the Government of Finland.

British citizen to serve out sentence in homeland
H1N1 Cases in Laos
illegal immigrants in Laos
Flood warning for northern province
High cost of water supply hit NA
Ministry warns against dengue fever
Laos considers joining UN corruption battle

Thanks news from Vientiane Times newspaper

Flood warning for northern provinces

2009-07-09T01:05:00.000-07:00

Weather forecasters yesterday warned people in the north of Laos to avoid crossing swollen rivers and streams as heavy rain battered the region from afternoon to midnight.
Weather Forecasting and Aeronautical Division Head of the Meteorology and Hydrology Department, Ms. Souvanny phonevilay, said the effects of the low pressure system were set to cover the country.
The weather system is associated with a strong southwest monsoonal front from the gult of Thailand.
'As the result of this. The northern provinces in our country will face heavy rain. We can expect flash flooding to affect some areas, especially for those who live in the lower reaches of rivers and streams Ms. Souvanny said.
Provinces facing heavy rain were Luang Prabang, Oudomxay, Luang Namtha, Borkeo and Phongsaly.
The front is expected to weaken, but overcast skies and showers will persist over the country.
"We issued a warning to people in the north after Sunday, with most provinces in the north averaging 100 mm of rainfall."
"Luang Prabang received the highest rainfall, measured at 107.3 mm, she said.
She urged people in the northern provinces to be alert. Especially those who lived near the lower tributary rivers ans streams.
Flooding is likely in some areas and some landslips could also be expected.
Last October, a women who lived in Xay district, Oudomxay province, was killed when typhoon hagupit moved inland from Vietnam to northern Laos.
As a result of the rainfall, the Num Kor River in Xay district rose to a dangerous level, overflowing its banks and inundating houses, crops and farmland. Some animals were stranded on high ground as hilltops and rises became islands.
The flash flooding inundated about 800 houses, of which 40 suffered serious damage.
These were located in 33 Villages along the banks of the Nam Kor.
Four districts in Phongsaly province were also affected by the storm; namely Khau, May, Bounneua and Bountay.

British citizen to serve out sentence in homeland
H1N1 cases in Laos
illegal immigrants in Laos
Flood warning for northern province
Ministry warns against dengue fever
Laos considers joining UN corruption battle
Laos workers in Thailand catch infamous flu

Thanks news from Vientiane time newspaper

H1N1 cases in Laos

2009-07-08T18:21:00.000-07:00

Vientiane, july 6(Vientiane time) Four more A(H1N1) cases confirmed.
Four more people have tested positive for A(H1N1) influenza, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in Laos to seven.
The four included a Lao man currently studying at a University in New Zealand who returned home for a holiday.
The man entered Laos through Wattay International Airport last week and was tested for the virus after a thermal scanner showed his temperature to be 38.5 degrees Celsius.
The other three are Vientiane schoolboys ages 14 and 15, who had been to Thailand for sport event. They were part of a group of 10 children and 2 coaches.
Two of the three boys tested positive for the virus in Thailand on June 30 and the third was shown to have the virus in Laos on Friday.
The two who were diagnosed with the virus in Thailand were treated with the influenza drug Tami flu prior to returning to Laos.
National Emerging Infectious Disease Coordination Office Head Dr.Bounlay phommasack said the health of the three boys was improving.
All of 10 children who went to Thailand have been told to stay at home while doctors monitor their health.
Dr.Bounlay said they would be able to get back to school following confirmation by doctors they were past the contagious of the infection.
This would help to avoid any cases of human-to-human transmission.
"This will be a valuable lesson for us as we prepare for SEA Games at the end of the year," he said.
The SEA Games is a multidisciplinary sporting event at which thousands of people from overseas are expected to gather in Vientiane, making it necessary to draw up a detailed plan to respond to the virus.
Dr. Bounlay said in some countries, if one competitor was identified with A(H1N1), the entire team would be told to rest and avoid travel and competition.
"We will hold more discussions about our preparations for the SEA Games," he said.
Dr. Bounlay said the cooler months of November to February could present several risks.
In addition to the A(H1N1) thread, a large number of cases od seasonal flu are usually reported at this time. Furthermore, it is possible that avain influenza may resurface.
The authorities were concerned that a convergence of the three strains would enable the virus mutate into another form.
The most important thing was for all people to knoe how to protect themselves from the virus, Dr. Bounlay said.
These included simple hygiene measures such as covering one's mouth when coughing regular washing of hands with soap.
Laos confirmed its first case of A(H1N1) on june 16 in a 27 year-old Australia resident.
A 9-year-old American boy and his mother were confirmed as the second and third cases respectively.
The virus has spread to 120 countries globally, with 77,201 cases and 332 deaths, according to a World Health Organization report on July 1st.

British citizen to serve out sentence in homeland
PM calls for stronger measures against A(H1N1) virus
Class closed as flu cases confirmed
Laos workers in Thailand catch infamous flu
illegal immigrants in Laos
H1N1 cases in Laos
Flood warning for northern province
Ministry warns against dengue fever

Laos considers joining UN corruption battle

Private school closes to control the spread of H1N1 virus

illegal immigrants in Laos

2009-07-08T01:07:00.000-07:00

The police are planing to tackle the issue of increasing numbers of foreigners working and running businesses in Laos illegally, a top police official had said.
Deputy Minister of Public Security, Police Brigadier general Toula Inthathirath, told national Assembly members on Monday the government had approved the establishment of a taskforce and authorized it to address the chronic problem.
"The government has signed a prime ministerial decree as a reference for us in addressing the problem and we are enforcing the decree, " he told assembly members, who had earlier expressed concern over the growing numbers of foreigners who come to Laos not just to work but to set up a business here illegally.
But Brig. Gen. Toula did not say exactly what kind of action the task force would take against these people, or if they would deport those whose passport had expired.
Under Lao law, the running of small retail shops is reserved for Lao people, as these jobs are low-skilled. The government encourages foreigners to run only businesses that require large amounts of capital, modern technology and professional skills.
Brig.Gen. Toula said it was important police enforced the decree carefully, otherwise it would have a negative impact on the Party and government's foreign policy.
One of the major problems police faced was that some Lao people did not want foreigners to be deported, especially those who rent houses so they can operate a shop.
many Lao people made it easy for foreigners to live here because they saw them as a sauce of rent and other income.
"People have told us they would struggle to earn a living if we deported these foreigners, " he said.
Some people actually protected foreigners and gave them a place to hide when the police called because they needed them to help build houses.
Laos would face shortage of skilled labor if the police enforced the law, he said.
But a number of people are concerned that if the government does not address the situation now, it will create more problems in the future.
They say Lao people will never be able to own shops here because they will face strong competition from powerful businessmen.
Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare officials say illegal immigrants are a problem for many developing countries as people come looking for jobs and better opporturnities. They point out that many Lao people are working illegally in Thailand.
If they government cannot stem the influx of foreigners immediately, they should at least register them and legalize them so the government has an address for them and can make sure they pay taxes.
The government should allow them to live in Laos for a set period of time, after which they must return home after their business operation license has expired.

British citizen to serve out sentence in homeland
PM calls for stronger measures against A(H1N1) virus
Class closed as flu cases confirmed
H1N1 cases in Laos
illegal immigrants in Laos
Flood warning for northern province
Ministry warns against dengue fever
Laos considers joining UN corruption battle
Laos workers in Thailand catch infamous flu
Private school closes to control the spread of H1N1 virus

Thanks news from Vientiane time newspaper

Bristish citizen to serve out sentence in homeland

2009-08-06T20:07:00.000-07:00

(Vientiane Times) A pregnant British woman who was sentenced to life in prison will fly back to Britain this evening to serve out her sentence there.

A spokesman for the Lao Foreign Ministry, Mr Khenthong Nouanthasing said the transfer ceremony for Samantha Orobator will take place at Wattay International Airport around 8:00pm.

Ms Orobator, 20, was sentenced to life in prison, and fined 600 million kip, after pleading guilty to possession of 680 grams of heroin in June this year.

Ms Orobator is the first British prisoner to return home under a prisoner transfer agreement signed by the two countries in May this year.

Under the treaty, the Lao PDR and the United Kingdom are able to request prisoners return to their home countries after trail has taken place and a sentence passed. The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding last week to bring the agreement into force.

Mr Khenthong said that Ms Orobator's transfer is part of the government's human rights policy to allow prisoners to serve their sentences in their homeland and receive visits from relatives and friends and access rehabilitation programmes in their home country.

According to the police Ms Orobator was arrested in August last year at Wattay International Airport with 680 grams of heroin hidden on her body as she was on her way to Sydnay, Australia.

Ms Orobator was born in Nigeria but resides in the UK and has British citizenship.

Under Lao law, possession of more than 500g of heroin is punishable by death.

Ms Orobor's sentence was commuted to life imprisonment due to a clause that prevents the execution of pregnant women.

Class closed as flu cases confirmed

2009-07-28T23:31:00.000-07:00

(Vientiane Times) A class of 40 students from Pakpasak Technical College has been temporarily halted after students tested positive to A(H1N1) influenza.
One student tested positive on July 21 and then transmitted the virus to five other classmates. Three were confirmed to have the virus on July 22 and a further two on Friday.
The students who have not tested positive to the virus have been told to restrict their movements, according to Head of the Pandemic Unit under Vientiane's public health Department, Dr.Phonpaseuth Ounaphom.
He said the class will be reopened once all students are given the clear from doctors.
The college is considering whether or not it should postpone all classes or if other precautionary measures need to be taken.
The infected students are now being treated and monitored at Mittaphab Hospital, where they will stay for at least seven days.
It is unknown exactly how the first student, an 18-year-old from Vientiane province's Vangvieng district, contacted the virus.
"We are not sure how he came into contact with the virus. He told us he had just visited along the Mekong riverbank and around patuxay monument over the last week," Dr Phonpaseuth said.
On July 21, Dr Phonpaseuth led a team of health officials to the college to inform students and teachers about preventive measures.
He said people should not panic about the virus because most cases display only mild symptoms and recover quickly with the correct treatment.
Those with the virus will usually recover quickly if they follow doctors' advice.
"Sixty percent of the existing 38 cases in Vientiane are being treated with standard procedures for seasonal flu," he said.
"The students have been quarantined to prevent the spread of the disease, not because their condition is serious."
Globally, only one to two out of every 100 cases of A(H1N1) is fatal and only five to nine require hospitalization.
Health officials advised students staying in the college's dormitories to ensure they keep their surrounds clean and maintain hygiene standards. Those displaying any flu-like symptoms should report to teachers and health officials immediately.
Dr Phonpaseuth said A(H1N1) symptoms are similar to those for seasonal flu, but people should keep in mind that the symptoms can take over a week to surface.
In Laos, there have been about 90 confirmed cases of A(H1N1) so far, including one in Vientiane and the seven provinces of Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Borikhamxay, Khammuan, Savannakhet, Champasak and Saravan, acording to national Emerging Infection Disease Coordination Office Head, Dr Bounlay Phammasack.

PM calls for stronger measures against A(H1N1) virus

Private school closes to control the spread of H1N1 virus

2009-07-19T23:09:00.000-07:00

(Vientiane Times) a private school in Vientiane's Sisattanak district for more than a week as a way to control the spread of the new influenza A(H1N1) virus.
The school closure was made after two more children at the school were identified with the virus, bringing the total number of detection cases at the school to 5.
Both students previously found with the virus have since transmitted it to one family member respectively.
These cases bring the total number in Laos to 31, of which 21 are in the capital.
The school, which boasts 800 students, should be reopened on July 27.
The class that included the first child to be found with the virus has already been suspended for a week.
This coming Saturday, health and education officials will meet with parents whose children are studying at the private school.
Parents would be urged to monitor their children health at home and report to officials about the situation.
The World Health Organization says it was important to ensure children stayed at home and avoided areas with high-risk of virus transmission.
Most agreed that the school must be washed or cleaned during its closure.
Head of National Emerging infectious Disease Coordination Office head Dr.Bounlay Phommasack said the school closure aimed to respond to the virus outbreaks in a timely fashion, rather than waiting for more cases to close the school.
However, the government has no plans to close all schools in Vientiane or the provinces. Any closures would take place based on an area-by-area assessment.
This would ensure that the public was not unduly alarmed. Instead, it would urge greater cooperation with parents.
It would close only those schools that were believed to hold a greater risk of the virus spreading.
Some officials said clear information through the media was important to avoid unsubstantiated rumors that could cause misunderstanding in the public.
Government officials also had plans to meet with parents whose children were studying at private schools to give them information about H1N1.
Private schools were chosen as it was often those families that had the financial capability to take children to travel abroad, putting them in a great risk.
Dr Bounlay said there was no restriction on travel, but parents should have correct information in mind to protect themselves from the virus.
Yesterday, authorities from Vientiane in Laos and Nongkhai province in Thailand met and agreed to cooperate on Surveillance and responses to the virus along their shared border.
Officials from both sides would launch a project to create capacity for officials as well as link their information to jointly respond to the virus.
The new project will be supported by Mekong Basin Disease Surveillance, aiming to stop the virus from spreading to rural communities in Laos and Thailand.
Dr Bounlay handed over the project responsibility to Vientiane Health Department Ar Inlavanh Keobounphanh on behalf of the government.
The health department is working in cooperation with thai authorities.

PM calls for stronger measures against A(H1N1) virus
Class closed as flu cases confirmed

Lao workers in Thailand catch infamous flu

2009-07-15T19:52:00.000-07:00

(Vientiane times)The spread of A(H1N1) virus among Lao workers in Thailand has created concerns for the Lao government as it seeks to prevent new infections in the country.
According to the National Center for laboratory and Epidemiology, over the weekend, eleven Lao citizens who had recently returned from Thailand were confirmed with the virus.
The new cases bring the total number in the country to 24. Health officials said apart from the 11 new cases, all those confirmed with the virus in Laos had since recovered.
The 24 cases included the two junior Lao football players who testes positive for the A(H1N1) in Bangkok, Thailand during Asia Youth Football Cup in June.
The 11 workers returned to Laos via Vangtao-Chongmek international border check points in Champasak province last week. They were joined by 200 other workers spread over 19 buses.
Among those traveling, so far only the 11 cases have been confirmed. The others are being contacted for health checks.
Director of the National center Dr. Phengta Vongphachanh said personal information about the patients was unclear as health officials were waiting for imformation from provincial authorities.
It is believed the 11 people were undocumented laborers working in Thailand, Dr. Phengta said.
They were treated in Champasak provincial hospital.
Dr.Phengsa said new cases could be identified in Laos as the H1N1 virus continued its spread in neighbouring countries.
"If the country's case reaches 100, we may have to change our stagy to counter the virus, he said."
He added that workers returning from Thailand to Laos in a big group were at high risk of the virus.
Provincial hospitals were ready to treat the virus, but testing for the A(H1N1) virus could only conducted in Vientiane, according to Dr.Phengsa.
The government has been working with relevant organization and neighboring countries to prepare for the virus since the first outbreak was reported in Mexico.
Currently, it focused on health education campaigns for people to maintain their hygiene measures, especially those in public areas including schools, bus stations and garment factories.
Doctors said those who fell ill should cover their mouths with surgical masks and ask their organizations to allow them to be absent from the workplace until their health recovered.
The first case of the virus in Laos was reported on June 16.
December is a period when Laos will host SEA Games.
A large number of cases of seasonal flu are usually found in December, the period in which Laos will host the SEA Games.
It is possible that avian influenza may resurface.
Authorities were concerned that a convergence of the three strains would enable the virus to mutate into another form. Any such outbreak could affect the SEA Games.
The number of confirmed cases of the A(H1N1) virus worldwide reached 94,512 with 429 deaths, according to WHO report reports on July 6.
Total confirmed cases in China as at July 12 were 1,302.
The confirmed infection rate in China has increased by approximately 40-50 per day since the beginning of July.
Thailand's death toll from the A(H1N1) virus reached 21 on Monday. On july 11, the number of confirmed cases in Thailand stood at 3,228.

PM calls for stronger measures against A(H1N1) virus
Class closed as flu cases confirmed
Private school closes to control the spread of H1N1 virus

Start producing bio-diesel in Laos

2009-07-12T22:14:00.000-07:00

The local Mekong Agroindustry Company will begin producing bio-diesel from jathropha plants by 2010 for initial supply to demotic market.
The company signed an agreement with the Savan Seno Special Economics Zone Authority in Savannakhat province this week to lease land for construction of a bio-diesel refinery. The total cost of the factory construction will be US$14 million.
The company's president, Mr. Khammanh Sayaseng, said in its first year the factory would have a production capacity to 10,000 tones, eventually to increase to 50,000 tonnes per year over the next five years.
One tonne of jathropha can produce 1,200 litres of bio-diesel; thus 50,000 tonnes can produce 6 million litres.
The company currently has access to almost 10,000 hectares of the crop and expects this to increase to 25,000 hectares by the end of the rainy season.
Vice Governor of the authority, Mr.Thongsay Sayavongkhamdy said the establishment of the factory was a sign that bio-diesel production in Laos had become a reality.
Mr. Thongsay said jathropha plantations could help create employment for local people and alleviate poverty.
The company is currently encouraging villagers to plant jathropha in 13 provinces around the country, bases on the government's 2+3 policy.
Mr.Khammanh said under the policy, the company provides saplings, funding and a ready market to famers while villagers supply land and labour.
However, villagers needed to ensure they could plant 1,600 trees on each hectare of land so they could receive US$50 per hectares.
The company purchases the crop at a guaranteed minimum price of 700 kip per kg.
"However, the price we may may increase according to market conditions," he said.
Mr.Khammanh said the company plans to plant 100,000 hectares of jathropha by 2012.
Jathropha trees typically produce fruit only once a year, but may generate more by their third or fourth year if they are well cared for.
The trees can live for up to 50 years, but usually only bear fruit between their third and fifteenth years.
Mr.Khammanh said he was not concerned about the market or jathropha-bases fuel as Chinese demand for bio-diesel was high due to efforts to reduce the country reliance on imported oil.
The main challenge at the moment was to monitor and encourage villagers to plan the trees. It is not easy to ensure villagers follow standard procedures when planting the crop.
The company may be the nation's first producer of bio-diesel sourced from jathropha plants.
Jathropha bases bio-diesel was a popular notion a few years ago but has since fallen into the background after organisations had difficulties accessing funding and encouraging villagers to grow the trees.

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Thanks news from Vientiane times newspaper

Ministry warns against dengue fever

2009-07-10T01:04:00.000-07:00

An official from the ministry of health's Hygiene and prevention Department has warned the public to pay attention to their immediate environment after the deaths of three people from dengue fever.
Head of the department's Prevention Division, Dr. Sibounhom Akkhavong, said when the rainy season arrives people are more likely to contract dengue fever due an increase in the mosquito population in the months from June to September.
"If we want to avoid this virus, we should clean up all possible mosquito-breeding sites, "Dr. Sibounhom said.
This could be done by cleaning up around the home, ensuring that old tins or tyres were unable to harbor larvae, and changing water regularly in vases and potted plants.
Regular brushing of water containers could also help to reduce mosquito larvae. The doctor advised people to sleep under a mosquito net to avoid being bitten.
So far this is fiscal year, about 1,600 cases of dengue nationwide have been reported to the department, including 3 deaths. Most cases occurred in Vientiane and in Bokeo, Vientiane, Salavan and Champasak provinces.
Dr. Dibounhom said prevention of dengue fever was a priority of the ministry of health. But the ministry could not fight the virus alone and needed public participation at all levels.
He advised people who become ill and suspect they may have the virus to drink rehydrate solution or coconut juice to ease their symptoms. They should see a doctor as soon as possible instead of buying medicine from a local pharmacy.
Most deaths from dengue fever occurred because people went to hospital when it was too late for treatment.
One should avoid taking aspirin because this could cause the virus to develop at a faster rate.
Dr. Sibounhom said people pf all ages were at risk of contracting the dengue virus. but warned that those under the age of 15 should be especially careful.
The first case of the virus was recorded in Egypt in 1779. In Laos, the virus was first identified in 1977. Records kept since 1995 show that at least 100 people are known to have died from the disease in Laos.
According to the World health organization(WHO), the incidence of dengue has grown dramatically around the world in recent decades. Some 2.5 billion people- two fifths of the world's population are now at risk from dengue. WHO currently estimates there may be 50 million dengue infections worldwide every year.

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High cost of water supply hit NA

2009-07-09T18:46:00.000-07:00

Complaints and queries regarding the high cost of water have been hot topics on the National Assembly hot line since the session opened on June 22.
NA members yesterday debated a new draft law on water supply coming as members of the public complained about rising costs.
The draft law was proposed by Minister of Public Work and transportation Mr. Sommath Pholsena before the NA debate.
Members focused on measures to strengthen management and development of supply to ensure sufficient water for public needs.
Director of Vientiane Water Supply Enterprise Mr. Daophet Buapha said many Lao people were in habit of overusing of water.
Therefore, only a change in the system of water billing would affect them.
"We want to change people habit by increasing water price for those who use a lot of water. If you want to pay less, you need to use less water," he said.
Mr. Daophet said before April, his enterprise had charged foreigners a higher rate than Lao citizens. Now they pay the same, based on the volume of the water use.
"The enterprise is able to supply 160,000 cubic meter of water to Vientiane residents. If public conserves water, it will be enough for our needs."
He said a lack of legislation could hinder participation by investors to jointly develop this infrastructure. The law must facilitate entrepreneurial activity to business operators can operate effectively, he said.
The draft law, comprising 8 part and 71 articles, will be a guideline for officials to plan, design, build, manage and use water effectively.
Since national liberation, the government has spent a lot of money to develop water supply but has yet to satisfy public need.

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Thanks news from Vientiane time newspaper