The US has imposed sanctions on Pakistan after Islamabad refused to take back its citizen deportees and visa over-stayers from America, warning that it may withhold visas of Pakistanis beginning from its senior officials.
The State Department on Friday said that consular operations in Pakistan remain unchanged as of now but as a result of such a sanction mentioned in a Federal Register notification dated April 22, the US may withhold visas of Pakistanis beginning with its senior officials.
Pakistan is the latest to join the list of 10 nations that have been imposed with sanctions under a US law according to which countries refusing to take back deportees and visa over-stayers will be denied American visas.
Notably eight of these countries have been slapped with such visa sanctions under the Trump administration. Two of them, Ghana and Pakistan have been included in the list this year.
The other countries include Guyana in 2001, the Gambia in 2016, Cambodia, Eritrea, Guinea, and Sierra Leone in 2017, Burma and Laos in 2018.
Under Section 243 (d) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, the Secretary of State is required to discontinue granting immigration or non-immigrant visas to a nation upon receiving notice from the Homeland Security Secretary that the country has denied or is unreasonably delaying accepting a citizen, subject, national or resident of that country.
The State Department tried to downplay the impact of the sanctions on Pakistan.
Consular operations in Pakistan remain unchanged, a State Department Spokesperson told PTI when asked about the federal register notification.
This is a bilateral issue of ongoing discussion between the US and Pakistani governments and we are not going to get into the specifics at this time, the spokesperson said.
Former Pakistan's Ambassador to the US, Hussain Haqqani, feels that this will make things difficult for Pakistanis.
This measure will create hardship for Pakistanis who want or need to travel to the US and could have been avoided if Pakistani authorities had not ignored American requests to respect their legal requirements for deportation,Haqqani told PTI, days after the federal register notification.
He said that Pakistan's refusal to accept its citizens deported from the US is not new.
Pakistan's refusal to accept every Pakistani citizen deported from the US is not new. It seems that the US is no longer willing to overlook a wide range of official Pakistani behaviour. Bonhomie has been replaced by sanctions and restrictions based on Islamabad's policy decisions, Haqqani said.
Tourism Observer
Tourism, Travel, Hospitality, Conservation: News,Stories And Experiences From Allover The World
Showing posts with label laos. Show all posts
Showing posts with label laos. Show all posts
Monday, 29 April 2019
Sunday, 13 January 2019
Taste Green Papaya Salad
Locally known in Cambodia as bok l'hong, in Laos as tam som or the more specific name tam maak hoong, in Thailand as som tam, and in Vietnam as goi du du.
The green papaya salad was adapted from an ethnic Lao dish known as tam som or pounding of sour ingredients, which used local fruits and vegetables such as green unripe mango or cucumbers as the main ingredient, seasoned to a primarily sour flavour.
Although, green papaya salad is deeply linked to Laos and the Lao ethnic region of Isan, unfortunately like most dishes in Southeast Asia, the green papaya salad and its true origin were not recorded.
This is mainly because until recently more emphasis were placed on the oral tradition than to the written or literary tradition.
A spicy salad recipe, with the bold Thai flavours of chilli, garlic, dried shrimp and fish sauce, pounded together using a mortar and pestle, with fresh snake beans, tomatoes and crunchy grated green papaya.
The dish combines the five main tastes of the local cuisine: sour lime, hot chili, salty, savory fish sauce, and sweetness added by palm sugar.
The ingredients are mixed and pounded in a mortar. As the name tam som suggests, sourness is a dominant taste; however, the more specific Lao name tam maak hoong literally means pounded papaya. In Khmer, the name bok l'hong also means pounded papaya.
In Thai, the name som tam is simply a reversal of the Lao name. However, other pounded salads in Thailand are consistent with the Lao naming convention in which the word tam or pounded is listed first.
Despite the use of papaya, which one may think of as sweet, this salad is actually savory. When not yet ripe, papaya does not have a tangy flavor. The texture is crisp and firm, sometimes to the point of crunchiness. It is this that allows the fruit to withstand being beaten in the mortar.
In Laos, green papaya salad is one of the traditional staples of the Lao. Pounded salads in Laos all fall under the parent category of tam som, which may or may not contain green papaya, however, when no specific type of tam som is mentioned, it is generally understood to refer to green papaya salad.
For absolute clarity, however, the name tam maak hoong may be used, since this name means pounded papaya.
In Thailand, it is customary that a customer ask the preparer to make the dish suited to his or her tastes.
To specifically refer to the original style of papaya salad as prepared in Laos or Isan, it is known as som tam Lao or simply as tam Lao, and the dish as prepared in central Thailand may be referred to as som tam Thai.
Traditionally, the local variety of green papaya salad in the streets of Bangkok is very hot due to the addition of a fistful of chopped hot bird's eye chili. However, with its rising popularity among tourists, it is now often served not as hot.
Together with the papaya, some or most of the following secondary items are added and pounded in the mortar with the pestle:
- Asparagus beans
- Brined rice field crabs. These belong to the freshwater crab genera Sayamia, Chulathelphusa, and Esanthelphusa, which all belong to the family Parathelphusinae found in flooded rice fields and canals. Isan people eat the entire crab, including the shell.
- Chili pepper
- Dried shrimp
- Fish sauce
- Garlic
- Hog Plums
- Lime
- Palm sugar
- Shrimp paste
- Pla ra / padaek
- Raw Thai eggplant
- Tomatoes
Green papaya salad is often served with glutinous rice and kai yang/ping gai or grilled chicken. It can also be eaten with fresh rice noodles in Lao: sen khao poon in Thai: khanom chin or simply as a snack by itself with, for instance, crispy pork rinds.
The dish is often accompanied by raw vegetables on the side to mitigate the spiciness of the dish.
Green papaya salad is claimed as an innovation of the Lao people. Variations of the dish are found throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and as well as in the West, where it is more commonly known by its Thai name.
A non-spicy green papaya salad version also exists in Laos, Vietnam, and Thailand, which is much sweeter; it often contains crushed peanuts, and is less likely to have padaek or brined crab.
Dried brine shrimp are used in this Central Thai version. There are also versions that make use of unripe mangoes, apples, cucumbers, carrots, and other firm vegetables or unripe fruit.
Besides using varieties of fruits or vegetables as the main ingredient a popular option is to use vermicelli rice noodle wherein the dish is known as tam sua.
Instead of papaya, other ingredients can be used as the main ingredient. Popular variations in Laos and Thailand include:
- Tam maak taeng / Tam taengkwa, with cucumber, usually the small variety
- Tam maak muang / Tam mamuang, with green and unripe mango
- Tam maak kuai / Tam kluai, with banana, while still green and unripe
- Tam krathon, with santol, while still hard and unripe
- Tam hua pli, with banana flower
- Tam mayom, with Malay gooseberry
- Tam som o, with pomelo
- Tam mu yo, with mu yo sausage
- Tam phonlamai ruam, with mixed fruit
Ingredients
- 4–5 bird's-eye chillies
- 4 baby garlic cloves, skin on
- 4 snake beans, cut into 3 cm lengths
- 1 tomato, sliced or 5 cherry tomatoes, halved.
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp dried shrimp
- 1 tbsp liquid palm sugar
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 200 g shredded green papaya
- 1 tbsp roasted peanuts
Using a large wooden mortar and pestle, pound the chilli.
- Add the garlic and pound.
- Add the snake beans and bruise slightly.
- Add the tomatoes and pound.
- Add the lime juice and dried shrimp.
Continue pounding, gradually adding the palm sugar and fish sauce. Add the papaya.
Continue gently pounding while mixing with a spoon for 1 minute.
Transfer to a serving plate. Garnish with crushed peanuts to serve.
Oven temperatures are for conventional; if using fan-forced (convection), reduce the temperature by 20˚C.
Use tablespoons and cups: 1 teaspoon equals 5 ml; 1 tablespoon equals 20 ml; 1 cup equals 250 ml.
All herbs are fresh unless specified and cups are lightly packed.
All vegetables are medium size and peeled, unless specified.
All eggs are 55-60 g, unless specified.
Enjoy Green Papaya Salad.
Tourism Observer
Saturday, 30 June 2018
HONG KONG: Chinese Tourists Made More Than 130 Million Outbound Trips In 2017 And Spent US$115 Billion
However, those who have made viral news are but a small percentage of the millions who now travel overseas, 130 million did so in 2017, a number that is expected to rise this year, according to a report by a think tank, the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.
Eager to cash in on the significant spending power of the newly intrepid population, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, China accounts for more than a fifth of the money spent by outbound tourists.
Destinations around the world are clamouring to attract travellers from the Middle Kingdom. But do places actually experience a net benefit from the boom?
Here in Hong Kong, one of the most popular destinations for mainland Chinese tourists, the advantages are often overshadowed.
Tourism is one of the major pillars of the SAR’s economy, with the total expenditure associated with inbound tourists amounting to HK$296.7 billion last year, according to the Hong Kong Tourism Board.
Nevertheless, a 2017 study published in the Kasetsart Journal of Social Sciences, which explored local residents’ perceptions towards visitors from across the border, found that although economic and educational gains are recognised, they are far outweighed by social and cultural concerns.
Those surveyed, pointed out that mainland Chinese are rude, and lack social etiquette and education.
However, a new generation of Chinese tourists who are opting out of tour packages in search of more authentic experiences is doing what it can to subvert the stereotype.
This demographic is of particular interest to developing destinations such as Laos, which welcomed 639,000 Chinese visitors in 2017, according to and where tourism officials and local residents alike are hopeful increasing numbers of visitors will have a positive effect.
Having declared 2018 the year to Visit Laos, authorities are working hard to improve infrastructure, much of it with the help of investment from China, which is not always welcomed with open arms.
Of course, there are many horror stories that illustrate the environmental and societal pressures brought to bear by the unfettered growth of tourism on a destination that is not completely prepared for it.
But, with strategic planning, a more sustainable approach and increased local involvement, there have been success stories.
Laos’ own Vang Vieng is a prime example, having overcome a tainted reputation to emerge as a destination popular with travellers from China and South Korea in search of a very different experience to that of the backpackers who came before them.
And while it may not be reaping quite the economic rewards it was at peak party time, Vang Vieng is now doing its thing with an eco-tourism tagline and without the heavy loss of life.
Tourism Observer
Thursday, 19 April 2018
THAILAND: Thailand The Land Of Smiles For All, Fights Sex Tourism
At Bangkok’s main Suvarnabhumi airport, a video repeats scenes of tourists visiting Thailand’s sunny beaches and its vibrant nightlife, but at the end comes a warning.
Human trafficking and slavery are against the law in Thailand. Perpetrators will be severely punished, it says, followed by a hotline number for people to report cases.
From airports to shopping malls, Thailand is ramping up a campaign targeting tourists in its latest effort to keep the country free from human trafficking, as officials eye better international ratings.
The nation is consistently ranked as one of the world’s best tourists destinations.
Government data showed Thailand welcomed a record 35 million visitors in 2017, and forecast it to rise to 37.6 million this year.
But it has also come under the international spotlight in recent years over what rights groups describe as widespread human trafficking, including women forced into selling sex and fishermen trapped in conditions akin to modern slavery.
The US State Department last year left Thailand on a Tier 2 Watch list, just above the lowest ranking of Tier 3 – in its annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, saying it had not done enough to tackle human smuggling and trafficking.
Eyeing a better ranking, the government has vowed a clean-up. In recent months, it partnered with airlines and charities to warn visitors against involvement in trafficking, while urging them to spot and report potential cases.
Every effort is important, Weerachon Sukhontapatipak, a Thai government spokesman said.
We are doing our best, he said.
Therefore we hope the situation in Thailand will be better, and it will be recognised by the international community.
A growing number of countries around the world are turning to the tourism sector to help combat human trafficking, including training frontline hotel and airline staff to spot the signs.
There has also been a rise of advocacy tourism, where holidaymakers sign up travel packages to learn about issues like modern slavery.
At Thai airports, banners greet visitors with warnings that human trafficking could destroy the country. A video flashes the message: Keep Thailand the Land of Smiles for all.
The government has also enlisted Thai Airways to show anti-trafficking in-flight videos on its international routes since February, said Nuttavika Tamthai, a spokeswoman for the national carrier.
In shopping centre, cinemas and train stations across the capital, Bangkok, videos show visitors how to look out for signs of human trafficking.
Some highlight sex exploitation, while another shows a child begging under a separate campaign called Can You See Me?.
This is a step in the right direction, said Malina Enlund from the anti-trafficking group A21, which has partnered with Thai authorities on the campaign since mid-2017.
The Thai government alone cannot solve the problem. We need the hotel groups, we need the tourists, we need everybody who can to join in, Enlund said.
The Australia-based group is training hotel staff in Thailand’s seaside resort of Pattaya,a hotspot for sex tourism – on how to spot trafficking signs.
The Thai tourism body said in March that Thailand is aiming to move forward as a quality destination and it strongly opposed any form of sex tourism.
An estimated 425,500 people live in conditions of modern slavery in Thailand, according to the Global Slavery Index 2016 by charity Walk Free Foundation, including migrant workers from Cambodia and Laos and women exploited in the sex industry.
Tourism Observer
Human trafficking and slavery are against the law in Thailand. Perpetrators will be severely punished, it says, followed by a hotline number for people to report cases.
From airports to shopping malls, Thailand is ramping up a campaign targeting tourists in its latest effort to keep the country free from human trafficking, as officials eye better international ratings.
The nation is consistently ranked as one of the world’s best tourists destinations.
Government data showed Thailand welcomed a record 35 million visitors in 2017, and forecast it to rise to 37.6 million this year.
But it has also come under the international spotlight in recent years over what rights groups describe as widespread human trafficking, including women forced into selling sex and fishermen trapped in conditions akin to modern slavery.
The US State Department last year left Thailand on a Tier 2 Watch list, just above the lowest ranking of Tier 3 – in its annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, saying it had not done enough to tackle human smuggling and trafficking.
Eyeing a better ranking, the government has vowed a clean-up. In recent months, it partnered with airlines and charities to warn visitors against involvement in trafficking, while urging them to spot and report potential cases.
Every effort is important, Weerachon Sukhontapatipak, a Thai government spokesman said.
We are doing our best, he said.
Therefore we hope the situation in Thailand will be better, and it will be recognised by the international community.
A growing number of countries around the world are turning to the tourism sector to help combat human trafficking, including training frontline hotel and airline staff to spot the signs.
There has also been a rise of advocacy tourism, where holidaymakers sign up travel packages to learn about issues like modern slavery.
The government has also enlisted Thai Airways to show anti-trafficking in-flight videos on its international routes since February, said Nuttavika Tamthai, a spokeswoman for the national carrier.
In shopping centre, cinemas and train stations across the capital, Bangkok, videos show visitors how to look out for signs of human trafficking.
Some highlight sex exploitation, while another shows a child begging under a separate campaign called Can You See Me?.
This is a step in the right direction, said Malina Enlund from the anti-trafficking group A21, which has partnered with Thai authorities on the campaign since mid-2017.
The Thai government alone cannot solve the problem. We need the hotel groups, we need the tourists, we need everybody who can to join in, Enlund said.
The Australia-based group is training hotel staff in Thailand’s seaside resort of Pattaya,a hotspot for sex tourism – on how to spot trafficking signs.
The Thai tourism body said in March that Thailand is aiming to move forward as a quality destination and it strongly opposed any form of sex tourism.
An estimated 425,500 people live in conditions of modern slavery in Thailand, according to the Global Slavery Index 2016 by charity Walk Free Foundation, including migrant workers from Cambodia and Laos and women exploited in the sex industry.
Tourism Observer
Tuesday, 2 May 2017
THAILAND: Chinese Tourists Enter Kingdom Via Mekong River
The first group of Chinese tourists to visit Thailand on a cruise along the Mekong River arrived at Chiang Rai's Chiang Saen Pier on Monday evening.
The tourists travelled aboard two Chinese boats (“Yenta 7” and “Yenta 8”) and one Thai boat (“Kasalongkham”) that departed the Guan Lei port in China's Yunnan province.
They are mostly from the lowlands of Xishuangbanna and included 180 Chinese media members.
Company executive Chu Xuan Xu, who led the tour group, said this was the first time Chinese tourists had visited Thailand via the Mekong River, which linked China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand and was usually used for cargo transport.
Chu said the group was impressed by the beautiful natural riverside sceneries.
He said as many Chinese tourists were keen on travelling to the Golden Triangle, this colourful river cruise route had high tourism potential.
The Chinese tourists are scheduled to stay in Thailand for three days and will visit Chiang Rai attractions including the Doi Tung development project, Baandum Museum (Thawan Duchanee) and Wat Rong Khun, as well as attractions on Myanmar's Tha Chilek side.
Meanwhile, Mekong River Commission (MRC) will hold their second Regional Stakeholder Forum under the Prior Consultation procedure for the Pak Beng dam, the third hydropower project proposed for the lower Mekong River mainstem
From China to Vietnam, the Mekong River is the lifeblood of Southeast Asia and offers a glimpse into the long history and diverse cultures of the region. The 12th longest river in the world and the 7th longest in Asia, it flows through six countries: China, Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
As home to roughly 1,000 species of fish, 20,000 plant species, and hundreds of bird, reptile, and mammal species, the Mekong is one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world—second only to the Amazon River. See daily life come alive as you pass traditional villages, experience glorious sunsets, and learn about the activities, history, and cultures along this amazing river.
Fast Facts
Countries: China, Myanmar (Burma), Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam
Source: Lasagongma Spring, Mt. Guozhongmucha, Qinghai Province, China
Mouth: South China Sea
Length: 3,050 miles
The Mekong River connects six countries in Southeast Asia and flows through six distinct geographical regions, each with characteristic features of elevation, topography, and land cover. It originates on the Tibetan Plateau and flows down to the mountainous area through the Yunnan Province in the Hengduan Mountains.
After leaving China, it forms the border between Laos and Myanmar (Burma) for roughly 62 miles. It then creates the border between Thailand and Laos, and flows east and south into Laos for roughly 250 miles. This stretch through Laos is characterized by gorges, rapids, and shallow depths during the dry season.
It then marks the border between Thailand and Laos again before it passes through the capital of Laos. This is followed by a short stretch through Laos alone, including the region above Khone Falls, which are mostly too treacherous for river traffic.
Below Laos, it becomes much wider and before it crosses into Cambodia, the Mekong comes together with the Mun River. In Cambodia, it receives the Sap River and flows through the capital of Cambodia. As it goes into Vietnam, the Mekong slows and splits into smaller channels of the Mekong Delta. It finally discharges into the South China Sea.
The Mekong River is steeped in a long history, and for thousands of years, it has been the lifeline of the populations that depend on it for survival. The earliest settlements along the river date to 2100 BC with the first recorded civilization—the Indianised-Khmer culture of Funan—dating to the 1st century. Excavations have uncovered coins from as far away as the Roman Empire.
In the 5th century, the Khmer culture Chenla existed along the Mekong, and the Khmer empire of Angkor was the last great Indianized state in the region. Roughly 700 years ago, the Thai people escaped from South China across the Mekong to form the kingdom of Siam (now Thailand), and the Mekong protected Siam from invasions. The same ethnic group also settled in Laos.
In 1540, the Portuguese Antonio de Faria was the first European to discover the Mekong. Although Europeans showed only some interest in the Mekong, the Spaniards and Portuguese did launch some missionary and trade expeditions to the area, and the Dutch led an expedition up the Mekong in 1641-42.
In the mid-19th century, the French led an exploration on the river between 1866 to 1868 and discovered that the Mekong had too many rapids and waterfalls to ever be useful for navigation. From 1893, the French enlarged their control of the river into Laos until the First and Second Indochina Wars ended French involvement in the region.
During the Vietnam War, the west bank of the Mekong provided a basis for raids against the advance of the communist armies in Laos. After the war, anti-communist forces fled west across the Mekong to refugee camps in northern Thailand. The tensions between the U.S.-backed Thai government and the new Communist governments in the other countries prohibited cooperation on the river's use.
The Mekong has long been regarded as the foundation of Southeast Asia's economic growth and prosperity—necessitating cooperation between the countries. In 1995, the "Agreement on the Cooperation for the Sustainable Development of the Mekong River Basin" signed by the governments of Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam formed the Mekong River Commission (MRC). The MRC facilitates joint management of the shared water resources and collaboration on development issues. In 1996, China and Burma became Dialogue Partners of the MRC.
Today, peace has returned to the Mekong, and much of it remains undeveloped and even unexplored. It is closely tied to the daily lives and culture of over 60 million people—people who depend on it for transportation as well as for water for cooking, irrigation, cleaning, and sanitation.
For these 60 million—many of whom live in poverty—the fish and other resources in the river account for most of the protein in their diets and for their survival. However, life along the river is changing, as China has already constructed large dams on the river with plans for many more.
In Vietnam, cruise the massive Mekong Delta that covers an area of some 15,000 square miles. This picturesque area is dotted by rice paddies, fish farms, fruit orchards, and more. The rice produced in the delta accounts for over half of Vietnam's rice production, so it's no surprise that it is commonly referred to as the "rice bowl" of the country.
In the delta are , Cai Be and Vinh Long, best known for traditional candy making. Nearby is Cu Lao Gieng, where a local family makes small sampans by hand.
Chau Doc, situated near the Cambodian border, is one of Vietnam's most multicultural cities with large Cham, Chinese, Khmer, and Vietnamese communities. The influence of these communities can be seen in their places of worship—mosques, temples, and churches—making it an interesting town to visit.
See nearby Sam Mountain, with its beautiful views and numerous pagodas and temples. Also close to the border is Long Khong A, a small traditional village where locals weave cotton in their home.
In Cambodia, visit Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital and largest city. The capital since the French colonized Cambodia, Phnom Penh has retained its French charm and is the center of politics, economics, and heritage. Here, learn about the sobering Khmer Rouge regime. Other highlights include the Killing Fields, National Museum, Royal Palace, and Silver Pagoda.
The quaint and charming town of Angkor Ban is home to a local school where the school children are happy to welcome you into their classroom. Nearby is Wat Hanchey, a temple dating back to the 8th century, where you can enjoy spectacular views and participate in a water blessing.
Tonle Sap (Great Lake) is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and has been designated as a UNESCO biosphere. After the rainy season, the Tonle Sap backs up to form a huge lake, which provides the perfect breeding ground for fish, providing food for the people living in the floating villages on the lake.
The Mekong River offers an opportunity for travelers to learn about new cultures and experience a different way of life. From ancient temples to modern palaces and from traditional villages to bustling cities, the Mekong boasts an experience like no other.
Explorers will delight in the mix of new languages, traditions, and lifestyles as they cruise down this mighty river, while nature lovers are sure to enjoy the sunsets and scenery offered along the way. At the end of the journey, travelers will have an in-depth understanding of life along the river and the people who depend on it.
Did You Know?
In China, the Mekong River is called the Lancang Jiang, meaning "Turbulent River."
The name derives from the Thai language's Mae Nam, meaning "Mother of Water."
In 2009, 145 new species were described from the Mekong Region, including two new bird species, five mammals, 96 plants, six new amphibians, and 29 fish species previously unknown to science.
The Mekong has more large fish—including the Mekong giant catfish, which can weigh up to 660 lbs. and grow to be almost 10 ft.—than any other river.
The Mekong River Basin is almost the size of France and Germany put together.
It would take 48 hours of driving at roughly 62 MPH to drive the same distance as the length of the Mekong River.
The tourists travelled aboard two Chinese boats (“Yenta 7” and “Yenta 8”) and one Thai boat (“Kasalongkham”) that departed the Guan Lei port in China's Yunnan province.
They are mostly from the lowlands of Xishuangbanna and included 180 Chinese media members.
Company executive Chu Xuan Xu, who led the tour group, said this was the first time Chinese tourists had visited Thailand via the Mekong River, which linked China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand and was usually used for cargo transport.
Chu said the group was impressed by the beautiful natural riverside sceneries.
He said as many Chinese tourists were keen on travelling to the Golden Triangle, this colourful river cruise route had high tourism potential.
The Chinese tourists are scheduled to stay in Thailand for three days and will visit Chiang Rai attractions including the Doi Tung development project, Baandum Museum (Thawan Duchanee) and Wat Rong Khun, as well as attractions on Myanmar's Tha Chilek side.
Meanwhile, Mekong River Commission (MRC) will hold their second Regional Stakeholder Forum under the Prior Consultation procedure for the Pak Beng dam, the third hydropower project proposed for the lower Mekong River mainstem
From China to Vietnam, the Mekong River is the lifeblood of Southeast Asia and offers a glimpse into the long history and diverse cultures of the region. The 12th longest river in the world and the 7th longest in Asia, it flows through six countries: China, Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
As home to roughly 1,000 species of fish, 20,000 plant species, and hundreds of bird, reptile, and mammal species, the Mekong is one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world—second only to the Amazon River. See daily life come alive as you pass traditional villages, experience glorious sunsets, and learn about the activities, history, and cultures along this amazing river.
Fast Facts
Countries: China, Myanmar (Burma), Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam
Source: Lasagongma Spring, Mt. Guozhongmucha, Qinghai Province, China
Mouth: South China Sea
Length: 3,050 miles
The Mekong River connects six countries in Southeast Asia and flows through six distinct geographical regions, each with characteristic features of elevation, topography, and land cover. It originates on the Tibetan Plateau and flows down to the mountainous area through the Yunnan Province in the Hengduan Mountains.
After leaving China, it forms the border between Laos and Myanmar (Burma) for roughly 62 miles. It then creates the border between Thailand and Laos, and flows east and south into Laos for roughly 250 miles. This stretch through Laos is characterized by gorges, rapids, and shallow depths during the dry season.
It then marks the border between Thailand and Laos again before it passes through the capital of Laos. This is followed by a short stretch through Laos alone, including the region above Khone Falls, which are mostly too treacherous for river traffic.
Below Laos, it becomes much wider and before it crosses into Cambodia, the Mekong comes together with the Mun River. In Cambodia, it receives the Sap River and flows through the capital of Cambodia. As it goes into Vietnam, the Mekong slows and splits into smaller channels of the Mekong Delta. It finally discharges into the South China Sea.
The Mekong River is steeped in a long history, and for thousands of years, it has been the lifeline of the populations that depend on it for survival. The earliest settlements along the river date to 2100 BC with the first recorded civilization—the Indianised-Khmer culture of Funan—dating to the 1st century. Excavations have uncovered coins from as far away as the Roman Empire.
In the 5th century, the Khmer culture Chenla existed along the Mekong, and the Khmer empire of Angkor was the last great Indianized state in the region. Roughly 700 years ago, the Thai people escaped from South China across the Mekong to form the kingdom of Siam (now Thailand), and the Mekong protected Siam from invasions. The same ethnic group also settled in Laos.
In 1540, the Portuguese Antonio de Faria was the first European to discover the Mekong. Although Europeans showed only some interest in the Mekong, the Spaniards and Portuguese did launch some missionary and trade expeditions to the area, and the Dutch led an expedition up the Mekong in 1641-42.
In the mid-19th century, the French led an exploration on the river between 1866 to 1868 and discovered that the Mekong had too many rapids and waterfalls to ever be useful for navigation. From 1893, the French enlarged their control of the river into Laos until the First and Second Indochina Wars ended French involvement in the region.
During the Vietnam War, the west bank of the Mekong provided a basis for raids against the advance of the communist armies in Laos. After the war, anti-communist forces fled west across the Mekong to refugee camps in northern Thailand. The tensions between the U.S.-backed Thai government and the new Communist governments in the other countries prohibited cooperation on the river's use.
The Mekong has long been regarded as the foundation of Southeast Asia's economic growth and prosperity—necessitating cooperation between the countries. In 1995, the "Agreement on the Cooperation for the Sustainable Development of the Mekong River Basin" signed by the governments of Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam formed the Mekong River Commission (MRC). The MRC facilitates joint management of the shared water resources and collaboration on development issues. In 1996, China and Burma became Dialogue Partners of the MRC.
Today, peace has returned to the Mekong, and much of it remains undeveloped and even unexplored. It is closely tied to the daily lives and culture of over 60 million people—people who depend on it for transportation as well as for water for cooking, irrigation, cleaning, and sanitation.
For these 60 million—many of whom live in poverty—the fish and other resources in the river account for most of the protein in their diets and for their survival. However, life along the river is changing, as China has already constructed large dams on the river with plans for many more.
In Vietnam, cruise the massive Mekong Delta that covers an area of some 15,000 square miles. This picturesque area is dotted by rice paddies, fish farms, fruit orchards, and more. The rice produced in the delta accounts for over half of Vietnam's rice production, so it's no surprise that it is commonly referred to as the "rice bowl" of the country.
In the delta are , Cai Be and Vinh Long, best known for traditional candy making. Nearby is Cu Lao Gieng, where a local family makes small sampans by hand.
Chau Doc, situated near the Cambodian border, is one of Vietnam's most multicultural cities with large Cham, Chinese, Khmer, and Vietnamese communities. The influence of these communities can be seen in their places of worship—mosques, temples, and churches—making it an interesting town to visit.
See nearby Sam Mountain, with its beautiful views and numerous pagodas and temples. Also close to the border is Long Khong A, a small traditional village where locals weave cotton in their home.
In Cambodia, visit Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital and largest city. The capital since the French colonized Cambodia, Phnom Penh has retained its French charm and is the center of politics, economics, and heritage. Here, learn about the sobering Khmer Rouge regime. Other highlights include the Killing Fields, National Museum, Royal Palace, and Silver Pagoda.
The quaint and charming town of Angkor Ban is home to a local school where the school children are happy to welcome you into their classroom. Nearby is Wat Hanchey, a temple dating back to the 8th century, where you can enjoy spectacular views and participate in a water blessing.
Tonle Sap (Great Lake) is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and has been designated as a UNESCO biosphere. After the rainy season, the Tonle Sap backs up to form a huge lake, which provides the perfect breeding ground for fish, providing food for the people living in the floating villages on the lake.
The Mekong River offers an opportunity for travelers to learn about new cultures and experience a different way of life. From ancient temples to modern palaces and from traditional villages to bustling cities, the Mekong boasts an experience like no other.
Explorers will delight in the mix of new languages, traditions, and lifestyles as they cruise down this mighty river, while nature lovers are sure to enjoy the sunsets and scenery offered along the way. At the end of the journey, travelers will have an in-depth understanding of life along the river and the people who depend on it.
Did You Know?
In China, the Mekong River is called the Lancang Jiang, meaning "Turbulent River."
The name derives from the Thai language's Mae Nam, meaning "Mother of Water."
In 2009, 145 new species were described from the Mekong Region, including two new bird species, five mammals, 96 plants, six new amphibians, and 29 fish species previously unknown to science.
The Mekong has more large fish—including the Mekong giant catfish, which can weigh up to 660 lbs. and grow to be almost 10 ft.—than any other river.
The Mekong River Basin is almost the size of France and Germany put together.
It would take 48 hours of driving at roughly 62 MPH to drive the same distance as the length of the Mekong River.
Saturday, 25 March 2017
CAMBODIA: Laos And Cambodia Sign Aviation Cooperation Agreement
Laos and Cambodia on Monday signed a document agreeing on the need to increase flights between them to meet the growing demand for air transport.
The head of the air transport division in the Department of Civil Aviation, Viengsay Singkham, yesterday said the minute of a meeting between aviation officials from the two countries was signed in Cambodia following the meeting.
The document aims to amend the Aviation Cooperation Agreement between Laos and Cambodia to help regional airlines increase flights between both countries in a bid to promote tourism and economic development.
Officials from both sides will submit the outcomes of the meeting to their higher authorities and proceed with the next steps to amend the agreement.
The director for Air Transport at Cambodia’s State Secretariat of Civil Aviation, Vann Chanty, said that the move will push airlines in both countries to operate more flights between Cambodia and Laos due to increasing demand from tourists.
“We need to update the agreement to comply with reality and the demands of the market,” Chanty was quoted as saying.
There are three airlines offering flights between Laos and Cambodia: Cambodia Angkor Air, Lao Airlines and Vietnam Airlines; they operate 21 flights a week.
Chanty said the passenger load between the two countries increased by 5 per cent last year to 178,000 and he believed the figure would hit 200,000 in the next two years.
Director-general of the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation, Keo Sivorn, said the new agreement would make it easier for airlines to have direct flights between Cambodia and Laos and would open up new routes, such as from Phnom Penh and Preah Sihanouk to Vientiane or Luang Prabang.
Lao and Cambodian officials say that increasing transport connectivity will boost tourism growth in both countries .
The head of the air transport division in the Department of Civil Aviation, Viengsay Singkham, yesterday said the minute of a meeting between aviation officials from the two countries was signed in Cambodia following the meeting.
The document aims to amend the Aviation Cooperation Agreement between Laos and Cambodia to help regional airlines increase flights between both countries in a bid to promote tourism and economic development.
Officials from both sides will submit the outcomes of the meeting to their higher authorities and proceed with the next steps to amend the agreement.
The director for Air Transport at Cambodia’s State Secretariat of Civil Aviation, Vann Chanty, said that the move will push airlines in both countries to operate more flights between Cambodia and Laos due to increasing demand from tourists.
“We need to update the agreement to comply with reality and the demands of the market,” Chanty was quoted as saying.
There are three airlines offering flights between Laos and Cambodia: Cambodia Angkor Air, Lao Airlines and Vietnam Airlines; they operate 21 flights a week.
Chanty said the passenger load between the two countries increased by 5 per cent last year to 178,000 and he believed the figure would hit 200,000 in the next two years.
Director-general of the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation, Keo Sivorn, said the new agreement would make it easier for airlines to have direct flights between Cambodia and Laos and would open up new routes, such as from Phnom Penh and Preah Sihanouk to Vientiane or Luang Prabang.
Lao and Cambodian officials say that increasing transport connectivity will boost tourism growth in both countries .
Friday, 30 December 2016
LAOS: Kingfisher Ecolodge In The Emerald Triangle
Our vision is to provide our guests with a comfortable, intimate experience with exotic nature in a unique environment such as in the Beung Kiat Ngong Wetlands (part of RAMSAR Convention) of the Xe Pian NPA (Natural Protected Area) which is one of the most attractive of all of the NPAs scattered throughout the Laotian territory.
We endeavour to do this in a way that is environmentally and socially responsible
Our ultimate goal is to meet the expectations of travelers looking for a different kind of tourism, by searching new feelings and reflections by experiencing unique and relaxing events like staring at a bright night stars parading in the tropical sky or just watching elephants and water buffalo grazing in slow motion while a far away flock of white birds plays in the distant blue skies of Laos.
The Kingfisher Ecolodge staff, wish you a pleasant trip and we hope to be welcoming you soon!
Wednesday, 5 October 2016
Close All Tiger Farms, Tigers Killed Every Week
There is also growing evidence that wildlife traffickers are still exploiting a smugglers' route that stretches from Thailand to Vietnam via Laos. In all three countries the number of tiger farms has risen in recent years. “This analysis provides clear evidence that illegal trade in tigers, their parts and products, persists as an important conservation concern," said Steven Broad, executive director of TRAFFIC. "Despite repeated government commitments to close down tiger farms in Asia, such facilities are flourishing and playing an increasing role in fuelling illegal trade."
Conservationists are bringing increasing pressure to bear on governments to close down tiger farms, which routinely market themselves as centers for tiger conservation while in fact exploiting captive tigers as tourist attractions. In an especially notorious recent case, a Buddhist temple in central Thailand, where tourists could pose for pictures with tigers, was found to have sold the parts of several tigers on the black market. In Vietnam, too, several recent seizures of tiger parts have revealed a thriving black market. The government of Laos has pledged to shut down commercial tiger farms in the country.
“Criminal networks are increasingly trafficking captive bred tigers around Asia, undermining law enforcement efforts and helping to fuel demand. Tiger range countries must rapidly close their farms or wild tigers will face a future only as skin and bones,” said Ginette Hemley, a conservationist at WWF. “Laos and Thailand have announced steps in the right direction but they need to act now and other countries should swiftly follow the same path marked ‘close all tiger farms’.”
Those farms reduce tigers to languishing in captivity as tourist draws while they also pose a clear and present danger to conservation efforts by potentially aiding in the trafficking of tiger parts. TRAFFIC and WWF have called on countries with tiger ranges to share information and intelligence on incidences of tiger seizures and poaching for improved intelligence on trafficking networks. The two NGOs have also urged “commercial trading sites and social media enterprises to work closely with national governments to shut down businesses and individuals found to be facilitating the illegal trade in tigers (and other endangered species) online.”
Friday, 23 September 2016
THAILAND: Sophia Altamirano New Vice President Sales At ONYX Hospitality Group
Altamirano brings with her 19 years of experience in the hospitality industry, having worked with various brands in different roles, including 14 years with AccorHotels Group, working with Mercure, Grand Mercure, Novotel and Sofitel properties in the Philippines and Vietnam as Director of Sales and Marketing before moving to her first corporate role as Regional Director of Sales responsible for Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore hotels. She was subsequently appointed Regional Director of Sales for Upper Southeast Asia based in Bangkok, responsible for seven major brands across more than 90 properties in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, the Philippines and Myanmar, followed by a move into operations as the Executive Assistant Manager at Pullman Bangkok Sukhumvit.
In her current role with ONYX Hospitality Group, Altamirano will be overseeing the sales function and managing the Group’s sales efforts. She will work closely with general managers across the ONYX portfolio and their sales and marketing teams.
Commenting on her new role with ONYX, Altamirano said: “I look forward to bringing my experience and expertise to the ONYX Sales team as we work together with our properties to achieve their goals. It is a very exciting time for ONYX as we expand into new territories and develop new and additional properties in existing and upcoming regions, many of which I have previously worked in.”
Monday, 23 May 2016
Sex Tourism Spreads And Booms
Portugal, Moldova and Ukraine in Europe, and Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam in Asia have emerged as new child sex tourism destinations, prompting activists to call for governments to include measures to protect children in their tourism plans.
Sex tourism has spread around the world to countries that were previously inaccessible as tourism has boomed over the past 20 years and travelling has become cheaper, said a study published on Thursday by global child protection network ECPAT.
The number of international tourists almost doubled from 527 million in 1995 to 1.14 billion in 2014, it said.
In Asia, Thailand´s efforts to clean up its image as a sex tourism destination and crack down on the crime, has had the unintended effect of pushing sex tourists to Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia, it said.
In Europe, Moldova, Portugal and Ukraine have emerged as new sex tourism destinations.
"Many of these countries which are starting to open up - understandably they see tourism as a fantastic economic development sector," Mark Capaldi, ECPAT´s head of policy and research, said.
He said countries looking for economic opportunities from tourism often ignore the risks that some international tourists pose to children and lack the laws to protect them.
Countries need to assess the impact of tourism development projects from a child protection perspective before rushing into them, he said.
"It´s much more difficult to claw back and change the reputation of a place if it becomes seen as a hotbed of child sex tourism," Capaldi said in a phone interview.
The study said a lack of data makes it difficult to assess the scale of global child sex exploitation but the crime has outpaced attempts to curb it over the past two decades.
Capaldi said the growth in online bookings and private rental accommodation has contributed to the spread of sex tourism as this has made it easier for perpetrators to remain anonymous.
The study said children from minority groups, boys and young children are far more vulnerable to sex tourism than was previously thought, as are girls and children living in poverty.
Its recommendations include creating support systems for child victims of sex exploitation in all countries, curbing the online sale of children for sex, and creating systems to enable law enforcement agencies to share information about offenders.
Sex tourism has spread around the world to countries that were previously inaccessible as tourism has boomed over the past 20 years and travelling has become cheaper, said a study published on Thursday by global child protection network ECPAT.
The number of international tourists almost doubled from 527 million in 1995 to 1.14 billion in 2014, it said.
In Asia, Thailand´s efforts to clean up its image as a sex tourism destination and crack down on the crime, has had the unintended effect of pushing sex tourists to Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia, it said.
In Europe, Moldova, Portugal and Ukraine have emerged as new sex tourism destinations.
"Many of these countries which are starting to open up - understandably they see tourism as a fantastic economic development sector," Mark Capaldi, ECPAT´s head of policy and research, said.
He said countries looking for economic opportunities from tourism often ignore the risks that some international tourists pose to children and lack the laws to protect them.
Countries need to assess the impact of tourism development projects from a child protection perspective before rushing into them, he said.
"It´s much more difficult to claw back and change the reputation of a place if it becomes seen as a hotbed of child sex tourism," Capaldi said in a phone interview.
The study said a lack of data makes it difficult to assess the scale of global child sex exploitation but the crime has outpaced attempts to curb it over the past two decades.
Capaldi said the growth in online bookings and private rental accommodation has contributed to the spread of sex tourism as this has made it easier for perpetrators to remain anonymous.
The study said children from minority groups, boys and young children are far more vulnerable to sex tourism than was previously thought, as are girls and children living in poverty.
Its recommendations include creating support systems for child victims of sex exploitation in all countries, curbing the online sale of children for sex, and creating systems to enable law enforcement agencies to share information about offenders.
Saturday, 14 May 2016
Cheap Flights And Internet Encouraging Sex Tourism
Sex Tourism has “expanded” into new destinations across the world, claims a new report, which blames cheap flights and the Internet for creating a new generation of predators.
Opportunities for travellers to abuse women and children have “soared” in the past two decades, the Global Study on Sexual Exploitation of Children in Travel and Tourism said.
The report, which is considered the most comprehensive ever compiled on the sex tourism industry, also identifies countries which have emerged as new destinations for abusers.
These include Portugal, Moldova and the Ukraine in Europe, and also Burma, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia in Southeast Asia.
The report also said sex tourists are no longer being seen as wealthy, middle aged Westerners who travel to underdeveloped countries to seek children to abuse.
The UN-backed study says abusers are also often not tourists, but could be business travellers or expatriates who are ‘situational’ offenders, rather than paedophiles.
The study says the growth in opportunities for the abuse of children and women is directly linked to the boom in travel and the wider use of the Internet.
“The vulnerability of children has increased dramatically in the past 20 years as travel, tourism soared,” the report said.
“Although the precise scope is not yet measurable, there are alarming indicators that this crime is persistent and widespread.
“The Global Study has also demonstrated, undeniably, that the increasing use of the Internet has enabled offenders to groom children online, exchange information and advice on how to abuse children and avoid detection, and in some cases ‘book’ children in advance.”
The report, which was released by global child protection network ECPAT, charts the increase in sex tourism over the last two decades.
It was compiled with information from more than 70 global child protection agencies.
“Twenty years ago the offender was seen as a white, wealthy, middle-aged male peadophile from a developed country vacationing in a developing country with the intention of having sex with a child,” it adds.
“Now we understand that more children are being abused by tourists and travellers from their own country or region than by people who have travelled from other parts of the world.”
The report notes, for example, that Japanese, Chinese and South Korean tourists are now more likely to be offenders in Southeast Asia – a traditional sex tourism hotspot – because they travel through the region more regularly than Westerners.
The number of international tourists almost doubled from 527 million in 1995 to 1.14 billion in 2014, the report said.
“Despite 20 years of efforts, the sexual exploitation of children in travel and tourism has expanded across the globe and out-paced every attempt to respond at the international and national level,” it added.
Opportunities for travellers to abuse women and children have “soared” in the past two decades, the Global Study on Sexual Exploitation of Children in Travel and Tourism said.
The report, which is considered the most comprehensive ever compiled on the sex tourism industry, also identifies countries which have emerged as new destinations for abusers.
These include Portugal, Moldova and the Ukraine in Europe, and also Burma, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia in Southeast Asia.
The report also said sex tourists are no longer being seen as wealthy, middle aged Westerners who travel to underdeveloped countries to seek children to abuse.
The UN-backed study says abusers are also often not tourists, but could be business travellers or expatriates who are ‘situational’ offenders, rather than paedophiles.
The study says the growth in opportunities for the abuse of children and women is directly linked to the boom in travel and the wider use of the Internet.
“The vulnerability of children has increased dramatically in the past 20 years as travel, tourism soared,” the report said.
“Although the precise scope is not yet measurable, there are alarming indicators that this crime is persistent and widespread.
“The Global Study has also demonstrated, undeniably, that the increasing use of the Internet has enabled offenders to groom children online, exchange information and advice on how to abuse children and avoid detection, and in some cases ‘book’ children in advance.”
The report, which was released by global child protection network ECPAT, charts the increase in sex tourism over the last two decades.
It was compiled with information from more than 70 global child protection agencies.
“Twenty years ago the offender was seen as a white, wealthy, middle-aged male peadophile from a developed country vacationing in a developing country with the intention of having sex with a child,” it adds.
“Now we understand that more children are being abused by tourists and travellers from their own country or region than by people who have travelled from other parts of the world.”
The report notes, for example, that Japanese, Chinese and South Korean tourists are now more likely to be offenders in Southeast Asia – a traditional sex tourism hotspot – because they travel through the region more regularly than Westerners.
The number of international tourists almost doubled from 527 million in 1995 to 1.14 billion in 2014, the report said.
“Despite 20 years of efforts, the sexual exploitation of children in travel and tourism has expanded across the globe and out-paced every attempt to respond at the international and national level,” it added.
Thursday, 8 October 2015
LAOS: Laos' Jungle Sin City
IT'S nine in the morning and the gaming tables are still going strong.
As croupiers take bets from the overnight die-hards, several exhausted gamblers sleep nearby, one still clutching a wad of betting slips.
Welcome to the Kings Romans, a sprawling casino complex topped by a giant golden crown that bursts into view from a sleepy river bank on the Laos' side of the Mekong River.
The Chinese-owned casino in Ton Pheung district, Bokeo, is the centrepiece of a 10,000-square metre "Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone" set up by communist-ruled Laos with investment from its giant neighbour.
The other Golden Triangle nations, Thailand and Myanmar sit just across river, an intersection that has long hosted illicit activities – from drugs and human trafficking to weapons smuggling and the sale of rare species.
The casino is an attempt by the Laos government to cash in on an activity that is banned in China yet loved by its people: gambling.
And the good times are rolling as a Chinese crackdown on gambling and other vices pushes pleasure-seekers to more permissive nations nearby.
The two-storey Kings Romans casino is dwarfed by its rivals in the regional gambling hub of Macau and even in Southeast Asian neighbours Cambodia and Vietnam.
But – open seven days a week, 24 hours a day – Kings Romans receives a steady stream of Chinese gamblers who have made their way south with pockets and briefcases filled with cash.
"Chinese players really are among the greatest gamblers in the world," a hostess responsible for welcoming customers enthused during a recent visit.
"They can stay one or two days at the same gaming table non-stop, it's incredible," she added, unwilling to give her name in a zone dominated by murky interests and where discretion is the watchword.
Slice of China
Venturing inside the SEZ feels like stepping into mainland China. The clocks are all set to Beijing time, Mandarin and other Chinese dialects are commonplace and the main currency is the yuan.
Few of the employees are Laotian. Most are Chinese or from Myanmar.
For impoverished, landlocked and isolated Laos, the zone is a much needed source of income.
Chinese money runs throughout the Laos economy. It is the nation's biggest investor with rail, roads and hydropower among China's main interests.
But observers say the inflow of cash has come at a cost – including serious environmental damage and the displacement of landless poor to make way for mega-projects.
Observers say the SEZ has now become a place to wash dirty money from China as well as local criminal networks, with fears the 99-year lease will only cement that status.
The Golden Triangle has long been known for its drug production. In previous decades it produced some of the world's most sought after heroin.
In more recent years many of the drug syndicates have switched to lab-produced crystal meth and other synthetic highs, according to a recent United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) report.
"Cash-based commercial activities such as casinos, currency exchange shops or even just restaurants offer better opportunities to introduce in the legitimate economy money obtained through illegal activities," warns Giovanni Brossard, from the UNODC.
Laos has moved to crack down on money laundering, Brossard notes, with laws against the crime and by setting up a financial intelligence unit within the country's state bank.
"Yet so far no single money laundering case has made it to court," he says.
"Sauteed tiger meat"
Alongside gambling a whole host of other bacchanalian industries have sprung up to cater to punters looking to play away from prying eyes in their homelands.
Sex workers openly ply their trade on the sidewalks or at the myriad massage parlours.
"People love to come here with friends and book private rooms," explains a Chinese member of staff at a disco near the casino.
"Most are men and they bring in girls."
Conservationists say the SEZ also caters to those with illegal culinary tastes.
A recent probe by campaign group the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) found visitors could openly buy products from endangered species including tigers, leopards, elephants, rhinos and bears.
Restaurants offered sauteed tiger meat, bear paws and live pangolins on their menus.
"One business kept a live python and a bear cub in cages, both of which were available to eat on request," the NGO's investigators found.
As a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), Laos is supposedly committed to stopping illegal wildlife trafficking and clamping down on the illegal ivory trade.
But the convention is widely flouted.
Animal rights workers say both Laos and China have a responsibility to ensure the special economic zone does not become a haven for the illicit wildlife trade.
"The Chinese businesses and consumers are exploiting weak enforcement in Laos, but the Laos government can't pretend they are ignorant of what is going on," says Debbie Banks, from EIA
As croupiers take bets from the overnight die-hards, several exhausted gamblers sleep nearby, one still clutching a wad of betting slips.
Welcome to the Kings Romans, a sprawling casino complex topped by a giant golden crown that bursts into view from a sleepy river bank on the Laos' side of the Mekong River.
The Chinese-owned casino in Ton Pheung district, Bokeo, is the centrepiece of a 10,000-square metre "Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone" set up by communist-ruled Laos with investment from its giant neighbour.
The other Golden Triangle nations, Thailand and Myanmar sit just across river, an intersection that has long hosted illicit activities – from drugs and human trafficking to weapons smuggling and the sale of rare species.
The casino is an attempt by the Laos government to cash in on an activity that is banned in China yet loved by its people: gambling.
And the good times are rolling as a Chinese crackdown on gambling and other vices pushes pleasure-seekers to more permissive nations nearby.
The two-storey Kings Romans casino is dwarfed by its rivals in the regional gambling hub of Macau and even in Southeast Asian neighbours Cambodia and Vietnam.
But – open seven days a week, 24 hours a day – Kings Romans receives a steady stream of Chinese gamblers who have made their way south with pockets and briefcases filled with cash.
"Chinese players really are among the greatest gamblers in the world," a hostess responsible for welcoming customers enthused during a recent visit.
"They can stay one or two days at the same gaming table non-stop, it's incredible," she added, unwilling to give her name in a zone dominated by murky interests and where discretion is the watchword.
Slice of China
Venturing inside the SEZ feels like stepping into mainland China. The clocks are all set to Beijing time, Mandarin and other Chinese dialects are commonplace and the main currency is the yuan.
Few of the employees are Laotian. Most are Chinese or from Myanmar.
For impoverished, landlocked and isolated Laos, the zone is a much needed source of income.
Chinese money runs throughout the Laos economy. It is the nation's biggest investor with rail, roads and hydropower among China's main interests.
But observers say the inflow of cash has come at a cost – including serious environmental damage and the displacement of landless poor to make way for mega-projects.
Observers say the SEZ has now become a place to wash dirty money from China as well as local criminal networks, with fears the 99-year lease will only cement that status.
The Golden Triangle has long been known for its drug production. In previous decades it produced some of the world's most sought after heroin.
In more recent years many of the drug syndicates have switched to lab-produced crystal meth and other synthetic highs, according to a recent United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) report.
"Cash-based commercial activities such as casinos, currency exchange shops or even just restaurants offer better opportunities to introduce in the legitimate economy money obtained through illegal activities," warns Giovanni Brossard, from the UNODC.
Laos has moved to crack down on money laundering, Brossard notes, with laws against the crime and by setting up a financial intelligence unit within the country's state bank.
"Yet so far no single money laundering case has made it to court," he says.
"Sauteed tiger meat"
Alongside gambling a whole host of other bacchanalian industries have sprung up to cater to punters looking to play away from prying eyes in their homelands.
Sex workers openly ply their trade on the sidewalks or at the myriad massage parlours.
"People love to come here with friends and book private rooms," explains a Chinese member of staff at a disco near the casino.
"Most are men and they bring in girls."
Conservationists say the SEZ also caters to those with illegal culinary tastes.
A recent probe by campaign group the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) found visitors could openly buy products from endangered species including tigers, leopards, elephants, rhinos and bears.
Restaurants offered sauteed tiger meat, bear paws and live pangolins on their menus.
"One business kept a live python and a bear cub in cages, both of which were available to eat on request," the NGO's investigators found.
As a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), Laos is supposedly committed to stopping illegal wildlife trafficking and clamping down on the illegal ivory trade.
But the convention is widely flouted.
Animal rights workers say both Laos and China have a responsibility to ensure the special economic zone does not become a haven for the illicit wildlife trade.
"The Chinese businesses and consumers are exploiting weak enforcement in Laos, but the Laos government can't pretend they are ignorant of what is going on," says Debbie Banks, from EIA
Wednesday, 9 September 2015
NIGERIA: Visa Free Countries For Holders Of Nigerian Passports
As a Nigerian citizen with a Nigerian passport, there are certain countries which do not require a visa or a visa-lottery upon entry so long as you have your Nigerian passport.
However, for some of these countries, there is an estimated amount of time you are expected to spend before a visa will be demanded for. The period of days for which you can stay varies from country to country and then you would have to obtain a visa, at least this is not like a gamble when you play the visa- lottery.
The easiest way to know the visa free countries is to list all the countries you may visit visa free is to split them into continents. In the Americas you may access Barbados for six months, Dominica for 21 days, Grenada, Haiti, Saint Kitts and Nevis for three months and Turks and Caicos Islands for 30 days.
In Asia you can freely arrive in the following countries to which you will then be issued with a visa once in the country. In Azerbaijan, Laos, Macau and Timor-Leste you are granted with a 30 day visa. In Bangladesh you are granted a 90 day visa.
In Oceania you may access Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Vanuatu and Palau for 30 days, Cook Islands for 31 days, Tuvalu for one month, Samoa for 60 days and Fiji for four months.
In Africa Nigerian passport holders can visit the following countries visa-free; Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cameroon, Chad, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger Senegal and Uganda, basically all the West African countries.
Please note that this posted was last modified on the 5th of March 2014. Kosovo is no longer visa free for Nigerians and many African countries.
You can also get visa-on-arrival in Kenya.
However, for some of these countries, there is an estimated amount of time you are expected to spend before a visa will be demanded for. The period of days for which you can stay varies from country to country and then you would have to obtain a visa, at least this is not like a gamble when you play the visa- lottery.
The easiest way to know the visa free countries is to list all the countries you may visit visa free is to split them into continents. In the Americas you may access Barbados for six months, Dominica for 21 days, Grenada, Haiti, Saint Kitts and Nevis for three months and Turks and Caicos Islands for 30 days.
In Asia you can freely arrive in the following countries to which you will then be issued with a visa once in the country. In Azerbaijan, Laos, Macau and Timor-Leste you are granted with a 30 day visa. In Bangladesh you are granted a 90 day visa.
In Oceania you may access Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Vanuatu and Palau for 30 days, Cook Islands for 31 days, Tuvalu for one month, Samoa for 60 days and Fiji for four months.
In Africa Nigerian passport holders can visit the following countries visa-free; Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cameroon, Chad, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger Senegal and Uganda, basically all the West African countries.
Please note that this posted was last modified on the 5th of March 2014. Kosovo is no longer visa free for Nigerians and many African countries.
You can also get visa-on-arrival in Kenya.
Wednesday, 26 August 2015
THAILAND: Thailand Destroys Ivory Stockpile Amid Junta Crackdown
Thailand's Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha (2nd R) looks at pieces of ivory on display during a destruction of confiscated ivory exercise at Thailand's Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation in Bangkok on August 26, 2015
Thailand destroyed more than two tonnes of ivory Wednesday—a victory for animal rights groups fighting against the trade in a country renowned for being a hub for illegal tusks.
The ceremony, in which 2,155 kilograms of raw tusks and carved trinkets were fed into an industrial rock crusher before being incinerated, was presided over by the Thai junta leader Prayu Chan-O-Cha and is the first time the kingdom has taken steps to destroy part of its stockpile.
"This is to show the Thai government's strong determination to oppose ivory trafficking and that Thailand will comply with international rules," he said during the ceremony.
Animal rights campaigners have long accused successive Thai civilian and military administrations of turning a blind eye to the lucrative trade.
They have pushed for Bangkok to destroy its stockpile to signal its determination to stamp down on the trade and avoid the risk of seized ivory finding its way back onto the black market through corrupt officials.
Trade in ivory was banned in 1989 under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). But that has not stopped criminal gangs seeking to exploit a continued demand for tusks in Asia.
Ivory and other body parts of elephants are prized for decoration, as talismans, and for use in traditional medicine across parts of Asia with Thailand a key transit point.
The country's generals, who seized power in a coup last spring, have vowed to crack down on the illegal ivory trade.
A security guard stands next to pieces of ivory on display during a destruction of confiscated ivory exercise at Thailand's Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation in Bangkok on August 26, 2015
Earlier this year, they ordered all Thais to register any ivory they owned, warning that those who failed to do so would see their items confiscated.
They have also made a series of high profile seizures including four tonnes of ivory found hidden in containers in April that originated in the Democratic Republic of Congo and was destined for Laos.
Thai police seized more than three tonnes of ivory a week later in a second haul, this time from Kenya that was again destined for Laos.
The ivory destroyed on Wednesday accounts for nearly all of Thailand's stockpile where criminal cases have been completed.
A further 540 kilograms has been donated to museums, government institution and universities to be used for educational and awareness raising purposes.
Thailand destroyed more than two tonnes of ivory Wednesday—a victory for animal rights groups fighting against the trade in a country renowned for being a hub for illegal tusks.
The ceremony, in which 2,155 kilograms of raw tusks and carved trinkets were fed into an industrial rock crusher before being incinerated, was presided over by the Thai junta leader Prayu Chan-O-Cha and is the first time the kingdom has taken steps to destroy part of its stockpile.
"This is to show the Thai government's strong determination to oppose ivory trafficking and that Thailand will comply with international rules," he said during the ceremony.
Animal rights campaigners have long accused successive Thai civilian and military administrations of turning a blind eye to the lucrative trade.
They have pushed for Bangkok to destroy its stockpile to signal its determination to stamp down on the trade and avoid the risk of seized ivory finding its way back onto the black market through corrupt officials.
Trade in ivory was banned in 1989 under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). But that has not stopped criminal gangs seeking to exploit a continued demand for tusks in Asia.
Ivory and other body parts of elephants are prized for decoration, as talismans, and for use in traditional medicine across parts of Asia with Thailand a key transit point.
The country's generals, who seized power in a coup last spring, have vowed to crack down on the illegal ivory trade.
A security guard stands next to pieces of ivory on display during a destruction of confiscated ivory exercise at Thailand's Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation in Bangkok on August 26, 2015
Earlier this year, they ordered all Thais to register any ivory they owned, warning that those who failed to do so would see their items confiscated.
They have also made a series of high profile seizures including four tonnes of ivory found hidden in containers in April that originated in the Democratic Republic of Congo and was destined for Laos.
Thai police seized more than three tonnes of ivory a week later in a second haul, this time from Kenya that was again destined for Laos.
The ivory destroyed on Wednesday accounts for nearly all of Thailand's stockpile where criminal cases have been completed.
A further 540 kilograms has been donated to museums, government institution and universities to be used for educational and awareness raising purposes.
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