That Nang Lao stupa and Thong Na Ngueak were officially recognized as Laos’ local national heritage sites in Savannakhet Province.
On 2 May, Vilabouly District held a cultural ceremony to officially declare the Nang Lao stupa and Thong Na Ngueak (Mermaid Rice Fields) as local-level national heritage sites.
Deputy Governor of Savannakhet Province, Lingthong Saengtavanh, led the ceremony, joined by district chief Valiya Sichanthongthip, local officials, and community members.
That Nang Lao Lao began the restoration in 2017, which was successfully completed within two years. After being proposed as a National Heritage site two years ago, it has now been officially approved, standing as a renewed symbol of spiritual and cultural significance.
Over 1,000 performers participated in the celebration, featuring traditional drum processions from Nam Mahi, Keovilai, and Hai villages, as well as cultural dances performed by local students and the Vilabouly District Women’s Union.
That Nang Lao Stupa
This historic stupa, located about 180 kilometers east of Savannakhet’s provincial capital, carries a rich royal history dating back to the early 1800s.
According to the local legend, during King Anouvong’s reign (1805-1828), Queen Khamphao (his sixth concubine) was sent to govern the area of Mueang Vang-Angkham, now Vilabouly.
When the Queen reached what is now the Phouthai area, Na Te village, her loyal elephant refused to journey further.
Taking this as a sign, she established her settlement there. The local people call her “Nang Lao” (Lao Woman) because she was not of Phouthai descent, and after her death, they built this stupa in her honor.
What makes a stupa special is its northern Lan Xang (now Laos) architectural style, similar to the structure in Luang Prabang, the Queen’s birthplace.
Local traditions continue to honor this legacy. Villagers celebrate an annual festival during the third full moon, commemorating the day of the royal elephant’s death.
The surrounding landscape also preserves this history, approximately 800 meters from the stupa, where the royal elephant’s remains were buried.
Thong Na Ngueak or Mermaid Rice Field
Thong Na Ngueak, which would roughly translate to “Mermaid Rice Field,” a 3.66-hectare site within the Sepon Gold and Silver Concession Area, gained archaeological significance in 2019 when experts discovered over 75,000 artifacts estimated to be 2,500 years old.
These findings portray an important connection between the region’s ancient history and its enduring cultural traditions.
The site’s name comes from local mythology about two serpent-like creatures called “Ngueak” who settled along the Xe Bang Hieng River and the Sekok River after being banished from the Kading River, Bolikhamxai province.
These creatures terrorized nearby villages by demanding annual sacrifices of young virgins, creating such fear that many villagers abandoned their homes.
The situation reached a breaking point when the daughter of a powerful Bru tribal (indigenous ethnic group in Laos, Vietnam, and Thailand) chieftain became a victim. The chieftain enlisted a man named Taluek Nuek to hunt down the “evil” creatures.
After a seven-day search that left holes across what is now called Na Mor, they captured the ngueak pair.
When the female ngueak was killed, her blood stained the mountain red, giving it the name Phu Pha Dang, or “Stain Mountain.” The male, though badly wounded, escaped.
The official recognition of the That Nang Lao Stupa and Thong Na Ngueak as local national heritage sites is a significant step in preserving Savannakhet’s cultural and historical legacy.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/NL.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2025-05-20 09:03:552025-05-15 09:06:01Savannakhet’s That Nang Lao Stupa Recognized as Local Level National Heritage
Laos and Switzerland have reaffirmed their commitment to safer hydropower development with the successful convening of the Steering Committee meeting for the Dam Safety Technical and Institutional Assistance (DSTIA) project in Vientiane.
The meeting, held at the DoubleTree by Hilton on 8 May, brought together key government officials, technical experts, and development partners to review progress and set priorities for the year ahead.
Co-chaired by Bouathep Malaykham, Director General of the Department of Energy Industry and Safety Management under the Ministry of Energy and Mines, and Björn Schranz, Head of the Climate Change and Natural Resource Management Program at the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) in the Mekong region, the session marked another step forward in the growing partnership between the two countries.
Since its launch in 2022, the DSTIA project has received CHF 5.36 million (around USD 6.5 million) in funding from the Swiss Government, with implementation led by Helvetas Laos.
Working closely with the Lao government and partners such as the National University of Laos, the Lao Association on Dams, and Electricité du Laos Generation (EDL-Gen), the project has made notable progress.
Lao-Swiss Cooperation meeting on dam safety. (Photo supplied)
It has supported the implementation of the 2022 Dam Safety Law, helped build the capacity of the newly established Department of Energy Industry and Safety Management, and improved monitoring, reporting, and emergency planning systems.
A major milestone highlighted at the meeting was the launch of Laos’s first-ever Dam Engineering Course at the National University of Laos in February 2025.
This course represents a significant achievement in developing homegrown technical expertise and reducing long-term reliance on external specialists.
The project also serves as a platform for connecting Lao institutions with Swiss experts to find sustainable, long-term solutions for dam safety. The overarching goal is to ensure that the country’s growing hydropower infrastructure is managed safely and responsibly, protecting more than 1.5 million people living downstream.
During the meeting, the Steering Committee reviewed the main achievements of 2024 and formally endorsed the operational work plan for 2025.
This plan focuses on enhancing safety protocols, advancing professional training, and continuing institutional reforms to ensure that dam development is both secure and sustainable.
In his remarks, Bouathep Malaykham emphasized the vital role DSTIA plays in strengthening the country’s dam safety institutions and expressed appreciation for Switzerland’s ongoing support.
Schranz echoed this sentiment, noting the importance of combining Swiss technical expertise with Lao leadership to build a more resilient energy sector.
The Steering Committee also adopted several recommendations to guide the next phase of work, including improved cooperation across sectors, increased capacity-building support for local agencies, and greater transparency in how data is shared and used.
Looking ahead, an independent Mid-Term Review of the DSTIA project will provide insights into its effectiveness and ensure alignment with both national development goals and international standards.
Khanpangna “Eno” Khounsy, a 24-year-old student from Laos, has made history by becoming the first Lao national to receive the prestigious Prix d’Excellence from Université Mohammed V de Rabat, one of Morocco’s most respected public universities.
The Prix d’Excellence is awarded annually to a small number of top-performing students in recognition of academic achievement, research potential, and civic engagement. It is one of the highest honors in Morocco’s higher education system and rarely awarded to international students.
Khampagna “Eno” Khounsy stands alongside students and professors at Université Mohammed V de Rabat during the award ceremony (photo supplied)
Eno, who completed his undergraduate degree in Public Law, was selected for his outstanding academic performance and active participation in international student conferences.
He is now pursuing a Master’s in Diplomatic Studies, with a thesis focused on strengthening cooperation between ASEAN and Africa.
“I am extremely proud of myself,” Eno shared. “I didn’t think, for once, in my entire life, that I’d accomplish this sort of achievement.”
His distinction stemmed not only from academic excellence but also from his active engagement in research and participation in international student conferences. He said he had been involved in discussions exploring how developing countries could take on a more significant role in global organizations.
Eno’s academic path was inspired by a Mali mentor he met during his first year in Morocco, while undergoing French language training before beginning university. The mentor, a former recipient of the same award, had a lasting impact on him and was the one who sparked Eno’s interest in diplomacy.
Encouraged by his seniors, he chose to study Public Law—a field he felt offered both international relevance and practical application for Laos.
“The reason why I chose Public Law is also because it is international and can be applied to Laos,” he noted.
Culture Shock
Eno’s journey to excellence began in 2019, when he left his home in Vientiane Capital to study in Morocco through an exchange program. The transition was anything but easy.
“New language, environment, culture, religion. This country is absolutely not for beginners. If you’re not tough enough, you go back to where you came from.”
Arriving with no prior knowledge of French, the primary academic language in Morocco, Eno enrolled in an intensive language program. Through hard work and everyday interactions, he reached a B2 level, which he equates to a Band 7 IELTS score.
He is also teaching himself Arabic in his spare time.
He explained that in Laos, most of his social circles revolved around having fun, with daily conversations often centered on where to hang out next, contrasting it with the more academically driven environment he found in Morocco.
“Here, the community is very diverse, but it’s what I didn’t know I needed,” he added. “The priority is not about fun; it’s about academic self-improvement.”
He surrounded himself with peers who had clear goals and ambitions, which helped him stay focused and pushed him further toward his interests in diplomacy and international cooperation.
Despite his academic success, Eno’s journey was nearly derailed in 2021, when he suffered a medical emergency after his appendix ruptured.
“There weren’t many people but only two friends who were looking after me during that hard time,” he said. “It wasn’t the community or the language that almost broke me—it was my health.”
His family urged him to return to Laos, but Eno stayed, determined to recover and complete his studies. That decision, he believes, defined his resilience and deepened his sense of purpose.
Looking Ahead: A Diplomatic Dream
Despite the ordeal, Eno made a full recovery and continued his academic journey with even greater determination.
Now completing his master’s degree, Eno hopes to bring his international experience back to Laos. His ambition is to work in the public sector, focusing on diplomacy and global cooperation.
“I want to join the public sector and become a diplomat,” he shared. “I want to use what I’ve learned to contribute to Laos’ foreign relations strategy and explore partnerships with African countries”
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Eno.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2025-05-16 08:59:362025-05-15 09:01:17First Lao Student in Morocco Wins Top University Award
Savannakhet’s That Nang Lao Stupa Recognized as Local Level National Heritage
That Nang Lao stupa and Thong Na Ngueak were officially recognized as Laos’ local national heritage sites in Savannakhet Province.
On 2 May, Vilabouly District held a cultural ceremony to officially declare the Nang Lao stupa and Thong Na Ngueak (Mermaid Rice Fields) as local-level national heritage sites.
Deputy Governor of Savannakhet Province, Lingthong Saengtavanh, led the ceremony, joined by district chief Valiya Sichanthongthip, local officials, and community members.
That Nang Lao Lao began the restoration in 2017, which was successfully completed within two years. After being proposed as a National Heritage site two years ago, it has now been officially approved, standing as a renewed symbol of spiritual and cultural significance.
Over 1,000 performers participated in the celebration, featuring traditional drum processions from Nam Mahi, Keovilai, and Hai villages, as well as cultural dances performed by local students and the Vilabouly District Women’s Union.
That Nang Lao Stupa
This historic stupa, located about 180 kilometers east of Savannakhet’s provincial capital, carries a rich royal history dating back to the early 1800s.
According to the local legend, during King Anouvong’s reign (1805-1828), Queen Khamphao (his sixth concubine) was sent to govern the area of Mueang Vang-Angkham, now Vilabouly.
When the Queen reached what is now the Phouthai area, Na Te village, her loyal elephant refused to journey further.
Taking this as a sign, she established her settlement there. The local people call her “Nang Lao” (Lao Woman) because she was not of Phouthai descent, and after her death, they built this stupa in her honor.
What makes a stupa special is its northern Lan Xang (now Laos) architectural style, similar to the structure in Luang Prabang, the Queen’s birthplace.
Local traditions continue to honor this legacy. Villagers celebrate an annual festival during the third full moon, commemorating the day of the royal elephant’s death.
The surrounding landscape also preserves this history, approximately 800 meters from the stupa, where the royal elephant’s remains were buried.
Thong Na Ngueak or Mermaid Rice Field
Thong Na Ngueak, which would roughly translate to “Mermaid Rice Field,” a 3.66-hectare site within the Sepon Gold and Silver Concession Area, gained archaeological significance in 2019 when experts discovered over 75,000 artifacts estimated to be 2,500 years old.
These findings portray an important connection between the region’s ancient history and its enduring cultural traditions.
The site’s name comes from local mythology about two serpent-like creatures called “Ngueak” who settled along the Xe Bang Hieng River and the Sekok River after being banished from the Kading River, Bolikhamxai province.
These creatures terrorized nearby villages by demanding annual sacrifices of young virgins, creating such fear that many villagers abandoned their homes.
The situation reached a breaking point when the daughter of a powerful Bru tribal (indigenous ethnic group in Laos, Vietnam, and Thailand) chieftain became a victim. The chieftain enlisted a man named Taluek Nuek to hunt down the “evil” creatures.
After a seven-day search that left holes across what is now called Na Mor, they captured the ngueak pair.
When the female ngueak was killed, her blood stained the mountain red, giving it the name Phu Pha Dang, or “Stain Mountain.” The male, though badly wounded, escaped.
The official recognition of the That Nang Lao Stupa and Thong Na Ngueak as local national heritage sites is a significant step in preserving Savannakhet’s cultural and historical legacy.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/05/09/savannakhets-that-nang-lao-stupa-recognized-as-local-level-national-heritage/
Laos, Switzerland Strengthen Efforts to Improve Dam Safety
Laos and Switzerland have reaffirmed their commitment to safer hydropower development with the successful convening of the Steering Committee meeting for the Dam Safety Technical and Institutional Assistance (DSTIA) project in Vientiane.
The meeting, held at the DoubleTree by Hilton on 8 May, brought together key government officials, technical experts, and development partners to review progress and set priorities for the year ahead.
Co-chaired by Bouathep Malaykham, Director General of the Department of Energy Industry and Safety Management under the Ministry of Energy and Mines, and Björn Schranz, Head of the Climate Change and Natural Resource Management Program at the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) in the Mekong region, the session marked another step forward in the growing partnership between the two countries.
Since its launch in 2022, the DSTIA project has received CHF 5.36 million (around USD 6.5 million) in funding from the Swiss Government, with implementation led by Helvetas Laos.
Working closely with the Lao government and partners such as the National University of Laos, the Lao Association on Dams, and Electricité du Laos Generation (EDL-Gen), the project has made notable progress.
It has supported the implementation of the 2022 Dam Safety Law, helped build the capacity of the newly established Department of Energy Industry and Safety Management, and improved monitoring, reporting, and emergency planning systems.
A major milestone highlighted at the meeting was the launch of Laos’s first-ever Dam Engineering Course at the National University of Laos in February 2025.
This course represents a significant achievement in developing homegrown technical expertise and reducing long-term reliance on external specialists.
The project also serves as a platform for connecting Lao institutions with Swiss experts to find sustainable, long-term solutions for dam safety. The overarching goal is to ensure that the country’s growing hydropower infrastructure is managed safely and responsibly, protecting more than 1.5 million people living downstream.
During the meeting, the Steering Committee reviewed the main achievements of 2024 and formally endorsed the operational work plan for 2025.
This plan focuses on enhancing safety protocols, advancing professional training, and continuing institutional reforms to ensure that dam development is both secure and sustainable.
In his remarks, Bouathep Malaykham emphasized the vital role DSTIA plays in strengthening the country’s dam safety institutions and expressed appreciation for Switzerland’s ongoing support.
Schranz echoed this sentiment, noting the importance of combining Swiss technical expertise with Lao leadership to build a more resilient energy sector.
The Steering Committee also adopted several recommendations to guide the next phase of work, including improved cooperation across sectors, increased capacity-building support for local agencies, and greater transparency in how data is shared and used.
Looking ahead, an independent Mid-Term Review of the DSTIA project will provide insights into its effectiveness and ensure alignment with both national development goals and international standards.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/05/09/laos-switzerland-strengthen-efforts-to-improve-dam-safety/
First Lao Student in Morocco Wins Top University Award
Khanpangna “Eno” Khounsy, a 24-year-old student from Laos, has made history by becoming the first Lao national to receive the prestigious Prix d’Excellence from Université Mohammed V de Rabat, one of Morocco’s most respected public universities.
The Prix d’Excellence is awarded annually to a small number of top-performing students in recognition of academic achievement, research potential, and civic engagement. It is one of the highest honors in Morocco’s higher education system and rarely awarded to international students.
Eno, who completed his undergraduate degree in Public Law, was selected for his outstanding academic performance and active participation in international student conferences.
He is now pursuing a Master’s in Diplomatic Studies, with a thesis focused on strengthening cooperation between ASEAN and Africa.
“I am extremely proud of myself,” Eno shared. “I didn’t think, for once, in my entire life, that I’d accomplish this sort of achievement.”
His distinction stemmed not only from academic excellence but also from his active engagement in research and participation in international student conferences. He said he had been involved in discussions exploring how developing countries could take on a more significant role in global organizations.
Eno’s academic path was inspired by a Mali mentor he met during his first year in Morocco, while undergoing French language training before beginning university. The mentor, a former recipient of the same award, had a lasting impact on him and was the one who sparked Eno’s interest in diplomacy.
Encouraged by his seniors, he chose to study Public Law—a field he felt offered both international relevance and practical application for Laos.
“The reason why I chose Public Law is also because it is international and can be applied to Laos,” he noted.
Culture Shock
Eno’s journey to excellence began in 2019, when he left his home in Vientiane Capital to study in Morocco through an exchange program. The transition was anything but easy.
“New language, environment, culture, religion. This country is absolutely not for beginners. If you’re not tough enough, you go back to where you came from.”
Arriving with no prior knowledge of French, the primary academic language in Morocco, Eno enrolled in an intensive language program. Through hard work and everyday interactions, he reached a B2 level, which he equates to a Band 7 IELTS score.
He is also teaching himself Arabic in his spare time.
He explained that in Laos, most of his social circles revolved around having fun, with daily conversations often centered on where to hang out next, contrasting it with the more academically driven environment he found in Morocco.
“Here, the community is very diverse, but it’s what I didn’t know I needed,” he added. “The priority is not about fun; it’s about academic self-improvement.”
He surrounded himself with peers who had clear goals and ambitions, which helped him stay focused and pushed him further toward his interests in diplomacy and international cooperation.
Despite his academic success, Eno’s journey was nearly derailed in 2021, when he suffered a medical emergency after his appendix ruptured.
“There weren’t many people but only two friends who were looking after me during that hard time,” he said. “It wasn’t the community or the language that almost broke me—it was my health.”
His family urged him to return to Laos, but Eno stayed, determined to recover and complete his studies. That decision, he believes, defined his resilience and deepened his sense of purpose.
Looking Ahead: A Diplomatic Dream
Despite the ordeal, Eno made a full recovery and continued his academic journey with even greater determination.
Now completing his master’s degree, Eno hopes to bring his international experience back to Laos. His ambition is to work in the public sector, focusing on diplomacy and global cooperation.
“I want to join the public sector and become a diplomat,” he shared. “I want to use what I’ve learned to contribute to Laos’ foreign relations strategy and explore partnerships with African countries”
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/05/09/first-lao-student-in-morocco-wins-top-university-award/