Khammuoane authorities are turning former president Nouhak Phoumsavanh’s old residence into a national memorial to honor his legacy as one of Laos’ most influential revolutionary leaders.
On 5 May, Khammoune Governor Vanxay Phongsavanh and provincial officials visited Nongping village in Boualapha District to inspect the renovation of the historic home once occupied by the late Lao President.
Funded by the provincial government, the project includes restoration of the roof, interior structure, and surrounding landscape. The plan also features land demarcation and the construction of a 35-kilometer road connecting Nha Waed village to Thang Bang Nam Jala village to improve accessibility.
khammouane authorities inspect the progress of Nouhak’s former house. Nongping village, Bualapha district, Khammouane district, 05 may 2025. (Photo credit: Lao National Radio)
Born in Thailand in 1914, but holding a Lao nationality, Nouhak later moved to Savannakhet as a young man, working as a truck driver and owning a trucking business, operating between Laos and Vietnam, where he met the Vietminh. In 1933, he married Chanthom, with whom he had four children. Later, in 1944, he married Bounma Phoumsavanh, and they had five children together.
Around 1945, Nouhak connected with Souphanouvong and represented the Lao Issara movement. During the First Indochina War, he led guerrilla operations in coordination with the Vietminh along the Lao-Vietnamese border.
In 1955, Nouhak Phoumsavanh emerged as one of the key founding members of the Lao People’s Party (later renamed the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, LPRP), establishing himself as a prominent leader in the resistance movement against French colonial rule. As part of the influential triumvirate that spearheaded the opposition, he played a pivotal role in the three-decade civil war that culminated in 1975.
The Pathet Lao movement, with Nouhak as one of the central figures, established Laos’ new era in 1975.
After the country’s revolution, he was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. From 1982 to 1989, he served as the first Vice President of the Ministerial Assembly and was a permanent member of the council. In 1989, he became President of the Supreme People’s Assembly. He later assumed the role of the third President of Laos, serving from 1992 to 1996, during a crucial phase in the nation’s development. Nouhak passed away on 9 September 2008 at the age of 94.
In 2011, a memorial honoring Nouhak was erected at his birthplace in Mukdahan to honor his legacy. Mukdahan Governor Charnwit Vasayangkorn and his sister, Sida Phoumsavanh, attended the ceremony at the site, marking another important step in preserving his contributions beyond the border.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Nouhaks-old-house.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2025-05-15 09:55:002025-05-15 08:58:49Former President Nouhak’s Residence in Khammouane to Be National Memorial
The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and Laos’ Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment officially concluded the ASEAN Municipal Solid Waste Management Enhancement (AMUSE) Project on April 25 after two years of work. The project introduced innovative solutions to tackle waste challenges across the city.
The initiative set up 75 recycling banks in hotels, restaurants, and guesthouses across Vang Vieng, helping businesses separate waste at the source.
This has created a stronger recycling system where 108 tons of materials are now recovered and safely recycled every month. A total of 286 hospitality service providers were trained, and almost half a million residents and tourists have benefited from the cleaner environment.
Highlighting the system’s success, Viraphon Neuansengsy from the Department of Environment said, “The AMUSE project has improved the system through establishing a city-wide recycling bank system and increased participation from the private sector and the tourism industry.”
In addition to setting up physical recycling points, the project focused on shaping the future of waste management in Vang Vieng. It introduced new ways to handle organic waste and developed a city-wide plan based on circular economy principles — treating waste as a resource rather than a problem.
The improvements have made a real difference for local businesses too, according to Ken Insane from Patthana Recycling Shop.
He shared, “The biggest change is cleaner recyclable materials and an increase in the volume that we can recover. Before, everything was mixed in the landfill truck. Now, with source separation, our job is easier and more profitable. We receive and process four times more materials than we used to receive in 2022 before the project started.”
Beyond environmental impacts, AMUSE also delivered important social benefits. The project trained public and private sector workers on sustainable solid waste management, with a focus on supporting informal waste workers and women by offering safety training and creating new income opportunities.
Looking ahead, local officials are determined to keep the momentum going. Vice Mayor Souviengthong Vongchampa emphasized, “This project has not only improved our environment but also raised awareness among our community and visitors. We will continue building on these successes to make Vang Vieng a model for sustainable tourism and waste management across Lao PDR.”
Echoing this optimism, Eva Diaz Ugena from GGGI concluded, “Through close collaboration with our government and regional partners, we’ve achieved 100 percent completion of planned activities, including recycling banks and local capacity building. Vang Vieng now stands as a strong example of how circular economy models can be locally led and regionally relevant.”
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Goes-Green-with-New-Waste-System.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2025-05-07 09:46:002025-04-29 09:58:15Vang Vieng Goes Green with New Waste System
“A book isn’t something you force yourself to read, but something you do because you love it,” noted Robert George Cooper, a British-born anthropologist and well-known author of several books on Laos.
As the world celebrates World Book and Copyright Day today, 23 April, attention turns to figures like Cooper, individuals who have devoted their lives to literature and cultural exchange.
Cooper first arrived in Laos in 1973 during his PhD studies, later working with the United Nations on refugee repatriation and serving as head of the British Trade Office in Vientiane from 2000 to 2004.
A linguist speaking English, French, Lao, Malay/Indonesian, and Thai, Cooper established his iconic bookshop in downtown Vientiane in 2007, which continues to thrive despite the digital age.
One of his most popular works is “CultureShock! Laos: A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette.” This book guide offers practical insights into Lao culture, traditions, and social norms, making it valuable for travelers or anyone interested in understanding the nuances of life in Laos.
CultureShock! Laos: A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette.
His newest release, “Laos: Making History in Search of Time Gone By,” was published in early 2025. The book traces Lao history from the Lan Xang era through French colonialism, the Indochina War, and into the complexities of modern-day Laos.
Robert Cooper’s Laos: Making History, a powerful reflection on the nation’s past from Lan Xang to modern Laos.
Now retired in Vientiane, Cooper expresses concern about reading habits among Lao youth. He notes that few young people embrace reading as a pathway to education and, by extension, the country’s economic development.
“In Laos, few people are able to read in English,” he notes. “Translating into the Lao language is a long process and often not worth doing because Lao people have very little to read in their own language; they even prefer to read Thai books.”
Despite this, Laos has made growing efforts to promote Lao-language literature. Events like the annual Vientiane Book Festival, held each November, aim to ignite a love of reading, especially among children and students.
While many young readers gravitate toward Thai books for their variety and professional quality—bolstered by Thailand’s larger publishing industry—others are turning their attention toward supporting local authors. Still, the road ahead remains challenging.
With only 15 to 20 publishing houses operating across the country, the Lao publishing industry is relatively small.
In a previous interview with the Laotian Times, writer and publisher Phoumpanya Douangpaseuth emphasized the need for stronger local support.
He urged readers to back Lao creators to help build a more self-sustaining literary culture.
Meanwhile, Laos continues to nurture its literary scene with the hope that more readers will turn to local authors and support homegrown stories.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Book-Cafe.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2025-05-06 11:19:002025-04-28 11:22:00World Book, Publishing Day 2025: Laos Backs Local Authors, History
Former President Nouhak’s Residence in Khammouane to Be National Memorial
Khammuoane authorities are turning former president Nouhak Phoumsavanh’s old residence into a national memorial to honor his legacy as one of Laos’ most influential revolutionary leaders.
On 5 May, Khammoune Governor Vanxay Phongsavanh and provincial officials visited Nongping village in Boualapha District to inspect the renovation of the historic home once occupied by the late Lao President.
Funded by the provincial government, the project includes restoration of the roof, interior structure, and surrounding landscape. The plan also features land demarcation and the construction of a 35-kilometer road connecting Nha Waed village to Thang Bang Nam Jala village to improve accessibility.
Born in Thailand in 1914, but holding a Lao nationality, Nouhak later moved to Savannakhet as a young man, working as a truck driver and owning a trucking business, operating between Laos and Vietnam, where he met the Vietminh. In 1933, he married Chanthom, with whom he had four children. Later, in 1944, he married Bounma Phoumsavanh, and they had five children together.
Around 1945, Nouhak connected with Souphanouvong and represented the Lao Issara movement. During the First Indochina War, he led guerrilla operations in coordination with the Vietminh along the Lao-Vietnamese border.
In 1955, Nouhak Phoumsavanh emerged as one of the key founding members of the Lao People’s Party (later renamed the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, LPRP), establishing himself as a prominent leader in the resistance movement against French colonial rule. As part of the influential triumvirate that spearheaded the opposition, he played a pivotal role in the three-decade civil war that culminated in 1975.
The Pathet Lao movement, with Nouhak as one of the central figures, established Laos’ new era in 1975.
After the country’s revolution, he was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. From 1982 to 1989, he served as the first Vice President of the Ministerial Assembly and was a permanent member of the council. In 1989, he became President of the Supreme People’s Assembly. He later assumed the role of the third President of Laos, serving from 1992 to 1996, during a crucial phase in the nation’s development. Nouhak passed away on 9 September 2008 at the age of 94.
In 2011, a memorial honoring Nouhak was erected at his birthplace in Mukdahan to honor his legacy. Mukdahan Governor Charnwit Vasayangkorn and his sister, Sida Phoumsavanh, attended the ceremony at the site, marking another important step in preserving his contributions beyond the border.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/05/07/former-president-nouhaks-residence-in-khammouane-to-be-national-memorial/
Vang Vieng Goes Green with New Waste System
The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and Laos’ Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment officially concluded the ASEAN Municipal Solid Waste Management Enhancement (AMUSE) Project on April 25 after two years of work. The project introduced innovative solutions to tackle waste challenges across the city.
The initiative set up 75 recycling banks in hotels, restaurants, and guesthouses across Vang Vieng, helping businesses separate waste at the source.
This has created a stronger recycling system where 108 tons of materials are now recovered and safely recycled every month. A total of 286 hospitality service providers were trained, and almost half a million residents and tourists have benefited from the cleaner environment.
Highlighting the system’s success, Viraphon Neuansengsy from the Department of Environment said, “The AMUSE project has improved the system through establishing a city-wide recycling bank system and increased participation from the private sector and the tourism industry.”
In addition to setting up physical recycling points, the project focused on shaping the future of waste management in Vang Vieng. It introduced new ways to handle organic waste and developed a city-wide plan based on circular economy principles — treating waste as a resource rather than a problem.
The improvements have made a real difference for local businesses too, according to Ken Insane from Patthana Recycling Shop.
He shared, “The biggest change is cleaner recyclable materials and an increase in the volume that we can recover. Before, everything was mixed in the landfill truck. Now, with source separation, our job is easier and more profitable. We receive and process four times more materials than we used to receive in 2022 before the project started.”
Beyond environmental impacts, AMUSE also delivered important social benefits. The project trained public and private sector workers on sustainable solid waste management, with a focus on supporting informal waste workers and women by offering safety training and creating new income opportunities.
Looking ahead, local officials are determined to keep the momentum going. Vice Mayor Souviengthong Vongchampa emphasized, “This project has not only improved our environment but also raised awareness among our community and visitors. We will continue building on these successes to make Vang Vieng a model for sustainable tourism and waste management across Lao PDR.”
Echoing this optimism, Eva Diaz Ugena from GGGI concluded, “Through close collaboration with our government and regional partners, we’ve achieved 100 percent completion of planned activities, including recycling banks and local capacity building. Vang Vieng now stands as a strong example of how circular economy models can be locally led and regionally relevant.”
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/04/28/vang-vieng-goes-green-with-new-waste-system/
World Book, Publishing Day 2025: Laos Backs Local Authors, History
“A book isn’t something you force yourself to read, but something you do because you love it,” noted Robert George Cooper, a British-born anthropologist and well-known author of several books on Laos.
As the world celebrates World Book and Copyright Day today, 23 April, attention turns to figures like Cooper, individuals who have devoted their lives to literature and cultural exchange.
Cooper first arrived in Laos in 1973 during his PhD studies, later working with the United Nations on refugee repatriation and serving as head of the British Trade Office in Vientiane from 2000 to 2004.
A linguist speaking English, French, Lao, Malay/Indonesian, and Thai, Cooper established his iconic bookshop in downtown Vientiane in 2007, which continues to thrive despite the digital age.
One of his most popular works is “CultureShock! Laos: A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette.” This book guide offers practical insights into Lao culture, traditions, and social norms, making it valuable for travelers or anyone interested in understanding the nuances of life in Laos.
His newest release, “Laos: Making History in Search of Time Gone By,” was published in early 2025. The book traces Lao history from the Lan Xang era through French colonialism, the Indochina War, and into the complexities of modern-day Laos.
Now retired in Vientiane, Cooper expresses concern about reading habits among Lao youth. He notes that few young people embrace reading as a pathway to education and, by extension, the country’s economic development.
“In Laos, few people are able to read in English,” he notes. “Translating into the Lao language is a long process and often not worth doing because Lao people have very little to read in their own language; they even prefer to read Thai books.”
Despite this, Laos has made growing efforts to promote Lao-language literature. Events like the annual Vientiane Book Festival, held each November, aim to ignite a love of reading, especially among children and students.
While many young readers gravitate toward Thai books for their variety and professional quality—bolstered by Thailand’s larger publishing industry—others are turning their attention toward supporting local authors. Still, the road ahead remains challenging.
With only 15 to 20 publishing houses operating across the country, the Lao publishing industry is relatively small.
In a previous interview with the Laotian Times, writer and publisher Phoumpanya Douangpaseuth emphasized the need for stronger local support.
He urged readers to back Lao creators to help build a more self-sustaining literary culture.
Meanwhile, Laos continues to nurture its literary scene with the hope that more readers will turn to local authors and support homegrown stories.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/04/23/world-book-publishing-day-2025-laos-backs-local-authors-history/