saturday january 10 , 2015
Vientiane Times ISSUE 08
Laos sees positive outcome from Don
Sahong consultation: official
Times Reporters
The government is proceeding
in good faith and fully expects
a positive and productive
outcome from the Mekong
River Commissions (MRC)
prior consultation process for
the Don Sahong hydropower
project in Champassak
province, according to a senior
official.
The MRC will meet in
Hanoi, Vietnam, next week
as the formal six-month
consultation process draws to
a close.
Deputy Minister of Energy
and Mines Mr Viraphonh
Viravong told the Vientiane
Times this week about the
progress of the Don Sahong
consultation set to end on
January 25.
It is the Lao governments are well aware of the changes
practice to engage expert
consultants from around
the world to study, design
and build technologically
advanced and sustainable
hydropower plants, Mr
Viraphonh said. Information
Govt mulls forest protection strategies
Somxay Sengdara
The government is considering
measures to protect forests against
illegal logging and encroachment
by local communities who have
depended on forest products for
their survival since ancient times.
Director General of
the Department of Forest
Resource Management under
the Ministry of Natural
Resources and Environment,
Mr Khamphanh Nanthavong,
responded to public concerns
raised through Vientiane Times
on the decline of large trees in
conservation areas amid rising
demand for wood products.
It is not true that big trees
cannot be found in national
bio-conservation areas, Mr
Khamphanh told Vientiane
Times on Monday.
But he did not dispute
the fact that illegal logging
takes place on a daily basis,
especially in the dry season.
The demand for timber has
: Wedding cakes
: Pastries
ON LA 7123.
: Muffins
ON EN 7123.
www.vientianetimes.la
and data collected are made
available to stakeholders in a
manner far more transparent
than what is being done on
similar projects across the
region.
In the case of Don Sahong
in the far south of the country,
Laos has had the project
area under study and review
since 2006, he said. More
than two dozen technical
and engineering studies,
environmental and social
impact studies and fisheries
studies have been shared with
stakeholders and posted on the
Don Sahong web site: www.
dshpp.com.
Over the years,
government and project
specialists have met regularly
with villagers and learnt from
their local knowledge. They
that have occurred to dry-
season water levels and the
reasons for the decline of the
once-abundant fishery.
As stated in the 1995
Mekong Agreement, the
purpose of the Prior
This woodland in the Phou Khao Khuay national protection area in Vientiane province is part of the
countrys conservation forests. (File photo)
heightened due to rapid
development and increasingly a profit from wood have payments to local people.
easy transport among countries developed various tricks for
in the region. getting trees out of forests, difficulties involved
500
: 123 E-mail: sandi@Laopdr.com
+85620 77800123 77919405
ww.beeline.la/facebook: Beelinelao
A site visit to the Don Sahong project is arranged so stakeholders can see the project for themselves
and ask questions of the project staff, experts and the villagers who live nearby.
Consultation (PC) process
is to determine whether the
proposed water use will have
significant impacts on the
Lower Mekong Basin, and
He said people who make including making
He pointed out the
Pies
Bread
and much more...
VIENTIANE
74/ 1 Pangkham Rd (Numphou)
Tel: (856-21) 215199 Fax: (856-21) 215231
P.o.box. 6310 Vientiane Lao PDR.
Open Everyday at 7:00-21:00
The First National English Language Newspaper
if so, how to minimise or
mitigate them.
The PC process is a means
for the proposing country to
hear out and respond to the
cash
in
LUANG PRABANG
69/5 Sisavangvong Rd
Tel: (856-71) 252223
Open at 6:30-22:00
concerns of the other Member
Countries. It does not empower
the Member Countries to
arbitrarily delay, or veto, a
Continued page 2
restricting access to forests by
local communities whose life
is inextricably linked to forest
resources, and who know no
other way of life.
He cited the case of
Thongmixay district in
Xayaboury province, where 60
percent of the population are
forest dwellers.
It is difficult to prevent
people from entering forests,
which are their only source
of livelihood, when there is
no village in the area, Mr
Khamphanh said.
Attempts to relocate
people and provide them with
permanent jobs have proved
challenging.
Mr Khamphanh also
mentioned the dearth of
human and financial resources
available for the management
of forests, both in terms of
quantity and quality.
Ideally, this work should
be done by people who have
Continued page 2
4500 kip
Inside
Crowds expected at
manikhot tree festival
[Page 2]
Sri Lankas Rajapaksa
concedes defeat in
presidential vote
[Page 4]
Three Builds directive
brings development to
remote villages
[Page 15]
payments to
Vientiane Times
Vientiane Times wishes
to request our valued
customers to make
payments through our
bank accounts (kip) A/c
471000.00.11426 at the
Lao National Treasury via
BCEL 010110000339453001
and (US$) A/c 471000.01.
D01000235 at the Lao
National Treasury via BCEL
010110100339453001.
For more information call
216364, 252630 or
213200-1 ext 628
2 Home News Saturday January 10, 2015 Vientiane Times

Crowds expected at manikhot

tree festival
Souknilundon Southiv
ongnorath
More than 1,000 people from
Laos and nearby countries are
expected to pay their respects
to a fallen sacred manikhot
tree which has been preserved
near the Khonphapheng
waterfall in Khong district,
Champassak province.
January 12 marks two
years since the revered tree
Korean tourists enjoy the Nam Song river in Vangvieng district, Vientiane province. was placed in a specially
built pavilion. The tree was
About 1,000 people
attended last years festival but
that was the first anniversary
of the trees preservation after
the government brought it here
from the waterfall in 2013,
she explained.
This year local officials
have invited people from
Laos, Cambodia and Thailand
to attend the festival, so she is
anticipating large numbers.
Local officials have
arranged a candlelight
procession starting at 4pm on
eaten from the first limb will
bring eternal youth and long
life, while that eaten from the
second will bring great power
and status. But fruit eaten from
the third limb, pointing to the
west, brings bad luck - and the
eater will turn into a monkey.
The history of the manikhot
tree at Khonphapheng
waterfall is unknown but
locals say it has been there
since they were born.
Many people insist it has
been standing for at least 500

Tourist arrivals grow

removed from a rocky outcrop Monday. There will also be years since the era of the Lane
in the middle of the waterfall traditional performances as Xang Kingdom.
in the Mekong River after it well as local products on sale. How to get there: From

almost 10 percent in 2014

Times Reporters
The Tourism Marketing
Department, under the Ministry
of Information, Culture and
Tourism, expects the number of
tourists visiting Laos in 2014 to
hit the target figure of around 4
million.
Department Director General
Mr Saly Phimphinith said
recently this would represent
impressive growth of almost 10
percent compared to 3.7 million
visitors in 2013.
Mr Saly said that as tourist
arrivals continued their year on
year growth, the department
was looking ahead to further
promote tourism as well as
working with neighbouring
countries to achieve its goal of
4.2 million visitors in 2015.
The number of Thai visitors
decreased slightly in 2014,
while the number of visitors
from the Republic of Korea,
China and Australia grew
thanks in part to the opening of
direct flights from China and
Korea to Laos.
The data shows the
number of Chinese visitors
reached 111,898, an increase
of 57 percent, while those
from Australia rose by 55
percent, with Korea showing a
16 percent increase compared
to 2013.
Chinese business
operators also made frequent
visits to Laos to investigate or
oversee hotel and restaurant
operations which they have
opened to accommodate the
influx of tourists.
The Tourism Marketing
Department also recorded an
increase in tourists from France,
the UK and Japan compared to
fell down during a storm. Entry will be free for Lao central Champassak province
The tree was so highly nationals but foreign visitors take Route 13 South for 150
valued that it was preserved will be charged 55,000 kip, km, then turn right off the
for posterity. Ms Somleth said. highway at the sign pointing
The waterfall concession The manikhot features to Khonphapheng. Not far
2013. holder, Ms Somleth Phosalath, as a holy tree in the ancient down this road you will see
Mr Saly said that said she was certain many Sanskrit epic of Phra Lak- another sign pointing to
considering the political people would dress in white to Phra Lam, or Ramayana. A Khonphapheng, where you
unrest in Thailand last year, see the tree, as is traditional at manikhot tree has three limbs. must turn left. Follow the road
which affected outbound hallowed sites. According to legend, fruit to the end of the waterfall.
tourism, the overall figure
was a positive result for Lao
tourism considering how
many Thai nationals normally
visit Laos.
Laos is now attracting large
numbers of tourists from China
and Korea, who are lured by the
countrys rich blend of nature,
culture, traditions and rural
lifestyle along with drawcard
destinations such as Vientiane,
Vangvieng, Luang Prabang and
Pakxe.
Vientiane is still the most
visited town in Laos with an
estimated 1.9 million visitors
expected to have spent time in
the capital in 2014, up from 1.7
million in 2013.

Govt mulls forest protection... from page 1

a sincere interest in forest protection rather than those whose main interest was the making of
furniture and the profit they could make by harvesting the trees in their care, he said.
With regards to finance, he spoke about the responsibility of investors in the hydropower and The pavilion housing the revered manikhot tree near Khonphapheng waterfall in Khong district,
mining sectors in relation to forest protection and their obligation to pay local communities to Champassak province. --Photo Phoonsab
conserve forests in watershed areas.
The government has set an ambitious target to restore forest cover nationwide to 70 percent of
Laos total land area by 2020.
Mr Khamphanh said he could not say whether this target would be reached as the government
had planned the forest restoration strategy in 2002. However, conditions have changed since then
Laos sees positive outcome... from page 1

with a surge in development projects which have consumed large areas of forest.
project that is within the sovereign rights of the accommodate year-round fish passage up
proposing country to develop. In effect, it calls and downstream, and that the amount of fish
on the four riparian neighbours (Cambodia, produced in the Khone Falls area can actually
Lao Press in Foreign Languages Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam) to be realistic and increase with better management of the fishery,
practical in pursuit of sustainable development effective conservation measures and fish
of the Mekong River Basin. breeding.
Vientiane Times A similar Prior Consultation procedure was In pursuing sustainable development at
Established 1994, Volume 20 carried out for the Xayaboury Hydropower Don Sahong, we have been open and frank.
Tel: (856-21) 336042 fax: (856-21) 336041 info@vientianetimes.org.la Project in northern Laos. The Xayaboury PC Unfortunately, environmental activists have
gave experts a chance to raise issues, including spread mistruths about the project that have
concerns beyond the potential impacts on raised fears in downstream communities. Anti-
flow and water quality. The highly effective dam campaigns choose to ignore the fact that a
Supervisor: consultation for Xayaboury prompted a more run-of-river dam has no impact on river water
Savankhone Razmountry News Editor: Graphic Designer/IT: careful assessment of possible impacts, a review and the flow of water can provide a reliable
Sisay Vilaysack Malaythong Phayanouvong of measures to avoid, mitigate and minimise source of renewable energy that produces no air
Editor-in-Chief: Mobile:55615716 Tel: 336048, 020 55729209 these impacts, and ultimately the redesign of pollution or toxic by-products.
Thongsavath Chansombath Tel: 336045 the project. In the end, changes to the initial Sadly, leading NGOs have publicly
sisay69@gmail.com Finance Manager: project design addressed potential impacts announced they are boycotting the PC process.
Deputy Editor-in-Chief and Somphone Vongsa on the sediment flux, fisheries potential, fish This head-in-the-sand strategy reveals their
Managing Editor: Features Editor: Tel: 336040, 020 55647291 migration and passage, and navigation. utter self-interest and disregard for the people
Thonglor Duangsavanh Phon Thikeo At the regional public consultation meeting of the region.
Tel: 336042 Mobile:55624351 Marketing Manager: held in Pakxe district, Champassak province, While we have given all the data available,
lorlor55599@yahoo.com phonethikeo28@yahoo.com Phoutthasack on December 12, 2014, the MRCs expert some will say there still exists information
Inthakoummane groups reported that operation of the Don gaps. They should know by now that we are
Deputy Editor-in-Chief: Business Editor: Mobile: 020 55599209 Sahong run-of-river scheme would have no committed to developing this project in the
Phonekeo Vorakhoun Panyasith Thammavongsa 021 336042 significant trans-boundary impacts with regard most environmentally friendly and sustainable
Mobile: 55599207 Tel: 336047, 020 77707411 sale.adv@gmail.com to water quality and ecosystems, hydrology, manner for the benefit of the Lao people. Whats
phonekeo@hotmail.com sediment balance or freedom of navigation. more, our approach is adaptive, Mr Viraphonh
Laos has maintained all along that fish said.
migration across the Khone Falls is the only The people of the region want the project
The Vientiane Times webmaster would like to ask all users and customers to inform serious environmental concern. The MRCs to move ahead, he added. They want new
Fish Passage and Fisheries Expert Group has economic opportunities and training in vocations
the IT department directly whenever there is a problem accessing the website. raised legitimate concerns, and these are being like driving trucks and heavy equipment, auto
addressed, the deputy minister said. repair and carpentry. They want more tourists to
Tel: +85621 336048; Email: tai.vttwebmaster@gmail.com The Lao government is convinced visit the area by car and bus to see the future of
that natural channels can be modified to Laos, not the past.
Vientiane Times Saturday January 10, 2015 Home News 3

Photo essays

Residents of Sivilay village in Naxaithong district, Vientiane, prepare banana leaves and other
items in readiness for a special ceremony to place nine gable finials (Yok Yord Xor Far) atop the
roof of Pholsavath temple. The temple is holding a Boun Pha Veth ceremony from January 9-10
when devotees can also watch a film and a concert.

Early in the morning, the people of Xaysomboun province pack local markets to buy fresh meat.
The province was established in 2013, and has 96 villages, five districts, five ethnic groups and
a population of just over 82,000.

A woman in Xaysomboun province gets up soon after dawn to prepare sticky rice which she
will place inside bamboo baskets. She will then serve the rice and other cooked dishes for her
familys breakfast.

Travellers along Road 13 North like to stop for a while to buy pumpkins, sweet potato, sweetcorn
and fruits on sale by the roadside in E-lay village, Naxaithong district, Vientiane.
Weather forecast
News in Brief
Illegally imported meat found in Khammuan
Authorities in Khammuan province recently disposed of 980kg of meat worth more than 26
million kip that had been brought into Laos from a neighbouring country illegally.
The meat, mostly chicken and pork, was found on sale in local shops. Officials disposed of
the meat to protect consumers and to comply with pricing policies.
The authorities warned the vendors and recorded their names. They were told that if they
continue to import products illegally they will be charged in accordance with the law.

Development picks up pace in rural areas

The development of basic infrastructure in rural areas has undergone a growth spurt, with
many areas seeing improvements to roads, telecommunications and electricity.
According to the Committee for Rural Area Development and Poverty Reduction, the
number of villages that have all-weather roads increased from 6,943 in 2013 to 7,185 in
2014, accounting for 84 percent of all villages in Laos.
The number of villages having access to electricity increased from 6,024 villages in 2013
to 6,366 villages in 2014, so that 74 percent of all villages now have an electricity supply.

Vientiane drug dealer gets prison sentence

The Vientiane Peoples Court last Tuesday sentenced Mr Davone, 26, of Nongtha-Neua
village in Chanthabouly district, to a lengthy prison sentence for the purchase and sale of
illicit drugs.
During police investigations Mr Davone confessed that he had purchased drugs from a Mr
Amphone on many occasions.
He bought between 50 and 95 amphetamine tablets for 15,000 kip per tablet and then sold
them to young people for 20,000 kip per tablet.
Police found 95 amphetamine tablets in his possession, along with a telephone and 100,000
kip.
Mr Davone has twice undergone treatment for drug addiction at the Somsanga Rehabilitation
Centre in Vientiane.
After this latest offence, Mr Davone was sentenced to five years and six months in prison and
fined more than 10 million kip.

Lamam district announces 12 development villages

Twelve villages in Lamam district, Xekong province, were recently certificated as villages
of development after living conditions significantly improved.
Certificates were presented to the village heads by Xekong provincial Deputy Governor Mr
Phonephet Khiewlavong in the presence of other officials.
The 12 villages all have access to electricity and roads that are passable year round. Most
residents are farmers or operate small businesses and have a steady income.
4 Saturday January 10, 2015 Vientiane Times

Region
In brief from Asia Black box signals from
News Network
Three foreigners
crashed AirAsia plane detected
arrested after JAKARTA (Xinhua) -- Signals as saying by the detik.com news to check the signals and confirm
riding motorcycles from the black boxes of an website, referring to a location the position of the black boxes,
AirAsia jetliner, which crashed where the tail of Airbus A320- Moeldoko added.
without clothes in the Java Sea off Indonesias 200 was found on Wednesday. Flight QZ8501 went down
PHNOM PENH (The Central Kalimantan coast, Moeldoko was onboard on December 28 en route from
Cambodia Herald) -- Three have been detected, Military navy ship Banda Aceh used Indonesias second largest city
naked foreigners were Commander General Moeldoko as a baseship to supervise the of Surabaya to Singapore with
arrested Thursday after said on Friday. operation to lift up the tail, 162 people aboard. So far, 47
they drove motorcycles in The location was estimated which he said was submerged in bodies have been recovered
Leuk Dek district, Kandal 300 meters from the initial the seabed mud. in a multinational search
province without wearing point, Moeldoko was quoted Seven divers were deployed operation.
any clothes.
The three - two of them
were lovers - were chased
by the Kandal police when
they were driving two
motorcycles along National
Road 14 in Nak Loeung
without wearing any clothes.
They were eventually Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa leaves after casting his
arrested at 4:30 pm and were vote at a polling station in Tangalle, about 220 kilometres south of
Colombo, Sri Lanka. --Photo AP
instructed to get dressed.

Singapore salaries to
grow slower, hiring
Sri Lankas Rajapaksa
outlook mixed this concedes defeat in
year: survey
SINGAPORE (The Straits
Times) -- Six in 10 workers
presidential vote
here will see their salaries COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) -- Many Tamils have felt
stay put or go up no more Sri Lankan President Mahinda abandoned since the wars
than three percent this year, Rajapaksa has conceded defeat end, when Rajapaksa largely
according to a new survey in his bid for a third term in ignored Tamil demands to heal
out Friday. office, his spokesman said the wounds of the fighting and
Some 21 percent of firms Friday. years of ethnic divisions. They A national search and rescue helicopter flies over Geo Survey ship where the tail of AirAsia Flight
Rajapaska has bowed to were thought to have voted QZ8501 was found, in Java Sea, Indonesia.
polled said that payrolls the peoples decision and left heavily for Sirisena.
would stay unchanged over
the next six months, while
39 percent intend to raise
Temple Trees, his official
residence, said Wijeyanda
Herath, his media secretary.
Both Sirisena and
Rajapaksa are ethnic Sinhalese, Animal welfare agency appeals for mittens
who make up about three-
salaries from between zero
to three percent, local human
In a result unthinkable just
weeks ago, Rajapaksa lost to
quarters of the country. Neither
has done much to reach out to
to help koalas burnt in Australian bushfires
resources firm Achieve his former friend and health Tamils, who account for about
minister, Maithripala Sirisena, 9 percent of the population, but MELBOURNE (Xinhua) -- An international providing water and a respite from the heat,
Group found in its survey on
who defected from the ruling Rajapaksa is deeply unpopular animal welfare agency has appealed for help it said.
hiring trends. party and turned the election in the Tamil community.
Meanwhile, 32 percent into a referendum on the for koalas injured in the Victorian and South Many koalas perish in bushfires, while
The wider world was
of firms here plan to hike president and the enormous watching to see if the election Australian bushfires - through the donation of the lucky ones that survive are often badly
wages in the range of 3 power he wields over the island was carried out fairly, mittens for their burnt paws. injured and need intensive treatment by vets
percent to 5 percent, and justnation of 21 million. especially since Pope Francis The International Fund for Animal and dedicated wildlife carers. Injured koalas
8 percent of firms intend to Elections Commissioner is scheduled to arrive in the Welfare (IFAW) launched the initiative on typically come into care with severe burns,
give their staff a boost of Mahinda Deshapriya said country on Tuesday. While Friday, saying a number of the slow-moving especially on their paws, caused by contact
more than 5 percent over the the election was peaceful, Rajapaksas campaign centered marsupials had been injured in the bushfires with burning trees or from fleeing across fire
next six months. although some voters were around his victory over the which had ravaged large tracts of land in grounds.
prevented from casting ballots Tamils and his work rebuilding
in the Tamil-dominated north, southern Australia. These injuries need treatment with burns
the countrys infrastructure
Cooking gas crunch according to the Center for and economy, Sirisenas The fund has asked volunteers to make up cream and paws need to be protected with
hits Nepal Monitoring Election Violence. focused on reining in the paw protectors to be used over bandages. special cotton mittens.
NEPAL (The Kathmandu Until just a few weeks presidents expanding powers. The treatment for burns in a koala is very Josey Sharrad, an IFAW native wildlife
Post) -- Geeta Adhikari, a ago, Rajapaksa was widely He also accused Rajapaksa similar to the treatment of burns in a human campaigner, said a plentiful supply of these
homemaker in Lazimpat, expected to easily win his third of corruption, a charge the being, Jilea Carney of the IFAW said on mittens was needed throughout the bushfire
term in office. But that changed president denies. Friday. season.
has spent the past 18 days
suddenly in November when The economy has grown Its a regime of infection control, applying Just like any burns victim, koalas
waiting for a retail shop in Sirisena split from him, and quickly in recent years, fed
her neighbourhood to deliver gathered the support of other by enormous construction burns cream, bandages. dressings need changing daily, meaning
a cylinder of cooking gas. defecting lawmakers and projects, many built with The IFAW said they expected more injured a constant supply of mittens is needed by
But the shop owner has many of the countrys ethnic Chinese investment money. koalas to be discovered, and brought in for wildlife carers. Some burned koalas can take
told her to wait for another minorities, making the election But Sri Lanka still has a large treatment, as fire-affected areas were opened up to a year to fully recover, she said.
week. She is not alone in a fierce political battle. underclass, many of whom are up to rescuers searching for injured animals. Sharrad appealed to people to use clean,
this ordeal. The prevailing Rajapaksa was still thought increasingly frustrated at being Already koalas have come into care in 100 percent cotton to create mittens. Maybe
poor distribution system of to be tough to beat because he left out. Victoria and in South Australia firefighters and you have some old cotton sheets or tea towels
controlled the state media, has Rajapaksas power grew members of the public are reported to have just check that the material is 100 percent
Liquefied Petroleum Gas has immense financial resources
immensely after he defeated the
hit all and sundry. and is still popular among Tigers. Following his victory helped displaced and exhausted koalas by cotton, Sharrad said.
On January 1, the Presidents the Sinhala majority, some of in the last election in 2010 he
Office was forced to write to whom see him as a savior for jailed his opponent and used
the Nepal Oil Corporation destroying Tamil Tiger rebels his parliamentary majority to
(NOC) to arrange two and ending a decades-long scrap a constitutional two-term
cooking gas cylinders. And civil war in 2009. But polling limit for the president and give
the Prime Ministers Office was notably strong Thursday himself the power to appoint
in Tamil-dominated areas, judges, top bureaucrats, police
followed suit a few days where voting had been poor in officials and military chiefs.
later. previous elections. He also orchestrated the
NOC officials say they have The results highlighted impeachment of the countrys
been flooded with phone the ethnic polarization in chief justice.
calls all day, mostly from the country, with Tamils and He also installed numerous
political and bureaucratic Muslims, the second-largest relatives in top government
big-shots, requesting for the ethnic minority, both voting positions. One brother is a
delivery of LPG. The acute against Rajapaksa. Cabinet minister, another is
Rajapaksa was accused the speaker of Parliament and
shortage has finally drawn of backing ultranationalist a third is the defense secretary.
attention of those at the Buddhist groups and turning His older son is a member of
corridors of power. a blind eye on anti-Muslim Parliament and a nephew is a
violence last June. provincial chief minister.
Vientiane Times
UN chief lists climate change,
people in need, tolerance as top
concerns for 2015
UNITED NATIONS (Xinhua)
-- UN Secretary-General Ban
Ki-moon said Thursday that
climate change, displacement
of people, people in need and
tolerance top the concerns
for the world organisation in
2015, all wrapped within his
overall goal of sustainable
development.
First, 2015 is a year of
historic opportunity, he told
reporters after delivering a
more detailed list of concerns
to an informal session of
the 193-member General
Assembly. We are the first
generation that can end poverty
and the last one that can take
steps to avoid the worst impact
on climate change.
2015 is a chance for
major advances across the
three inter-connected pillars of
our work: development, peace
and human rights, he said
during an informal meeting
of the General Assembly,
praising member stateswork
in building a new development
agenda, including a set of
sustainable development
goals.
In my synthesis report,
now delivered to you - The
Road to Dignity by 2030:
Ending Poverty, Transforming
All Lives and Protecting the
Planet - I am offering my
support of this work and
some further ideas on the road
ahead.
The report aims to support
Statesdiscussions going
forward, taking stock of the
negotiations on the post-
2015 agenda and reviewing
lessons from pursuit of the
Millennium Development
Goals (MDGs), a set of eight
anti-poverty goals. It stresses
the need to finish the job of
the Goals - both to help people
now and as a launch pad for
the new agenda.
With adoption of our
new development agenda
and sustainable development
goals and climate change
agreements, we can set the
world on course for a better
future, Ban said. This must
be a time for global action.
Our future generations will
judge us harshly if we fail to
meet our obligations.
Second, we continue to
face multiple crises, with more
people displaced and in need
than any time in decades, he
said. Beyond the diplomacy
and humanitarian action are
needed lessons for the future.
Whether it is a disease, or
conflict or human rights abuses
the international community
needs to act earlier, focus
on prevention and get to the
causes before events get out of
control.
For his third point, Ban
made a special appeal for
tolerance and understanding.
In far too many places we
have seen acts of terrorism,
extremism, unspeakable
brutalities and a deeply
worrying escalation of
tensions between communities
and within societies, the UN
chief said. Addressing these
discords in a manner that
resolves rather than multiplies
the problems may be the
greatest test our human family
faces in the 21st century.
All of us were deeply
moved by images from
yesterdays (Wednesdays)
despicable attack in Paris,
Ban said, referring to the
jihadist assault on the satirical
weekly Charlie Hebdo that
claimed 12 lives. Perhaps
none was as horrifying as the
death of a French policeman
brutally seen executed on a
sidewalk.
The secretary-general
said the officer was identified
as Ahmed Merabet, a Muslim.
This is yet another reminder
of what we are facing
together. It should never be
seen as a war of religion - for
religion - or on religion. It is
an assault on our common
humanity designed to terrify
and incite. Giving in to hatred
and sowing division only
guarantees a growing spiral
of violence - precisely what
terrorists seek. We must not
fall into that trap.
We need to find a way
to live together, in peace, in
harmony, in full respect of
universal human rights and
fundamental freedoms, he
said.
He didnt stop with the
Paris attack as an example of
religion being cited as a reason
for violence. Boko Haram has
continued its violence, killing
Christians and Muslims,
kidnapping even more women
and children, and destroying
churches and mosques, he
recalled, citing the violence
in Nigeria. Mayhem has
spread across the region, and
is now having a direct impact
on Cameroon and other
countries.
Obviously moved by the
groups action, Ban said he
made a personal appeal, as
a father and grandfather, and
as secretary-general of the
United Nations.
I urge Boko Harams
leaders to end the destruction
of so many lives and
communities, and immediately
and unconditionally release
the kidnapped school girls
and boys and all others,
he said. The international
community cannot let human
rights abuses continue with
impunity.
His 30-minute presentation
to member states in the great
hall of the General Assembly
was followed by a closed
door session of questions and
answers for about another half
hour.
But his opening remarks
were public and actually began
with a look back at some
of the problems facing the
world organisation in 2014,
calling it a year of turmoil
that proved difficult for
the United Nations, with
more than 100 million people
needing assistance and an
unprecedented number
of UN personnel deployed
in highly volatile security
environments.
Among the trouble spots
he listed were conflicts in
Africa, Middle East, Eastern
Europe and Ukraine, including
the Syrian civil war, Israeli-
Palestinian battles and fighting
in Libya and Yemen, as well as
the deadly Ebola virus that has
ravaged west Africa.
Saturday January 10, 2015 5
World
Perus former President Alberto Fujimori, photographed through a glass window, attends the final
sentencing of his embezzlement trial, at a police base on the outskirts of Lima, Peru. --Photo AP
Perus Fujimori convicted of
corruption in fifth trial
LIMA, Peru (AP) -- A three- of power. tabloids would carry headlines
judge panel in Peru convicted During sentencing, Fujimori alternately calling Fujimori
jailed former President wrote on sheets of blank paper opponents crazy, communists
Alberto Fujimori on Thursday on a courtroom desk that the and homosexuals.
of funneling more than US$40 money he was convicted of Fujimori initially was
million in public funds to diverting was used to build hailed for defeating runaway
tabloid newspapers that airstrips and medical posts inflation and the Shining
smeared his opponents during in towns infiltrated by the Path rebels during his decade
his 2000 re-election campaign. Shining Path rebel movement. in power, but he became
The conviction was the fifth After the sentence had increasingly autocratic and
for the 76-year-old Fujimori. been read, he rose to his feet stained by corruption.
The judges sentenced him and said: I dont agree with He fled from Peru in 2000
to eight years in prison and the sentence, in no way. I am amid a bribery scandal and was
fined him US$1 million. The going to appeal. extradited in 2007 from Chile,
sentence will run concurrently The tabloids, for which where he was arrested trying
with the stiffest he has received witnesses in a previous trial said to return to his homeland to
to date: 25 years for murder Fujimori personally dictated attempt a political comeback.
in the military death-squad headlines, were sold inPerus He is Perus most
killings of 25 people. He has poorest neighborhoods, where expensive prisoner, costing
two additional convictions for they would be displayed the state US$157,000 a year,
corruption and one for abuse outside kiosks. Typically, the authorities say.
Portuguese rally in solidarity with
France after Charlie Hebdo attack
LISBON (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of Portuguese the victims of the terror attack.
gathered in downtown Lisbon Thursday to I am here to defend freedom of
protest the terror attack that killed at least expression, she said. It saddens me to see
12 people at the office of French satirical a colleague die for being free. We must all
magazine Charlie Hebdo on Wednesday. unite.
People were packed below the freedom The protest was an imitation of a rally that
monument in Rossio square, holding pens, took place in France on Wednesday.
candles and banners reading I am Charlie, The Portuguese government condemned
and chanting Liberte dexpression (Freedom the terror attack and offered condolences to
of expression). the families of the victims after the attack on
I am shocked by this barbaric act, said Wednesday.
Manuel Gravata, 50, an art historian, holding The Portuguese government utterly
a black banner reading I am Charlie. It was condemns the violent attack which took
cowardly and goes against freedom, he said. place today in Paris, causing over a dozen
Fatima Madruga, 51, an artist, who deaths and several injuries, the Portuguese
travelled some 25 km from Palmela to attend Foreign Ministry said in a statement on
the protest, also expressed her solidarity with Wednesday.
6 Saturday January 10, 2015 Vientiane Times

Opinion

Family farming eases food shortages in Eastern Cuba

Patricia Grogg, IPS
SANTIAGO DE CUBA --
Meat and vegetables are never
missing from the dinner table
of Damaris Gonzlez and
Omar Navarro, since they get
almost all of their food from
their farm, La Revelacin,
on the outskirts of the city of
Santiago de Cuba, 765 km east
of the Cuban capital.
On the three hectares they
have been working for the
past seven years, the couple
combine agroecological
techniques with the rational
use of natural resources,
as they learned in the
permaculture courses given
in the city by the non-
governmental ecumenical
Bartolom G. Lavastida
Christian Centre for Service
and Training (CCSC-
Lavastida).
I used to grow just one
or two varieties, especially
tubers (staples of the Cuban
diet). If we didnt sell them
or if the harvest was lost, we
didnt have much to survive
on, Navarro told IPS.
The farmer is the
coordinator of the local
administrative committee of
one of the food production
microprojects organised by the
religious organisation in rural
areas in the eastern provinces
of Camagey, Las Tunas,
Holgun, Granma, Guantnamo
and Santiago de Cuba.
When the initiative
got underway with a local
church in 2009, Gonzlez and
Navarro, along with another 10
ecumenical activists, received
nine months of training on
permaculture, agroecology,
gender, business administration,
food preservation, nutrition and
other areas.
We had to deprogramme
ourselves to start using these
techniques, because when you
have planted the same thing in
the same way all your life, its
hard to believe its possible to
diversify crops and stop using
chemicals, said Navarro, 52.
The microproject gave them
economic support to improve
the infrastructure on their farm
and buy livestock, in exchange
for a commitment to donate
part of their production to
vulnerable segments of society,
such as terminally ill patients,
people living with HIV/AIDS,
or the elderly.
Gonzlez, who is an
engineer by profession but
is now farming to boost her
familys income, believes their
main achievement has been
guaranteeing a balanced diet.
We use vermiculture
(worm farming) and
composting of organic material
to make natural fertiliser,
without chemicals, so our food
is healthier, said Gonzlez,
who runs the family farm,
where the couple live with their
11-year-old son.
They recently hired six
workers who help them tend
three fish farming tanks where
they grow up to 5,000 red
tilapia fry, rows of vegetables,
different kinds of fruit, a
seedbed, and 200 farm animals,
including sheep, pigs, chickens,
ducks and seven cows.
The community benefits
from us being more productive
because we sell the surplus at
low prices compared to what is
sold in the farmers markets,
added Gonzlez, 48, as she
showed IPS the booklet where
she records the farms harvests
by hand.
With economic support
and ongoing training, CCSC-
Lavastida has been helping
empower people in the
countryside to produce food philosophy and system in the
in an ecological manner,
while encouraging the active
participation of women, for
the past 17 years.
Agronomist Csar Parra
told IPS that the institution,
founded in 1995, has set up
87 microprojects with support
from international Christian
organisations such as Bread
for the World and Diakonia-
Swedish Ecumenical Action.
Seventy percent of the
microprojects involve food
production and agriculture.
In 2014, 32 were still
active, directly or indirectly
benefiting some 600 families
throughout the entire eastern
region, the poorest part of the
country.
Some of these groups
have more than one system
of permaculture agriculture
in harmony with local
ecosystems, introduced in
this Caribbean island nation Damaris Gonzlez and Omar Navarro describe their farm in eastern Cuba as an integral agroecological
in the 1990s in response to system. --Credit: Courtesy Randy Rodrguez Pags/SEMlac
the ongoing economic crisis
triggered by the collapse of the de Cuba, Guantnamo and governmental Antonio Nez for 3.7 percent of GDP,
Soviet Union and the socialist Granma, who create gardens Jimnez Foundation indicate according to official figures.
bloc. in urban patios, backyards and that more than 1,000 people The National Statistics
Its about creating rooftops. have been trained in Cuba as Office reported that of 6.34
sustainable human settlements, Fidel Prez is one of promoters of permaculture. million hectares of farmland in
following the ethics of caring those who has planted fruit These people are Cuba, only 2.64 million were
for the earth, people and and vegetables on every inch assuming new lifestyles, under cultivation in 2013.
animals in a harmonious of soil around his house, in a with a closer connection to Food imports absorbed
relationship and imitating the neighbourhood in Santiago de nature and greater sensibility US$2.09 billion in the first
cycles of nature, said Parra, Cuba. and knowledge, to forge a half of 2014, says a report
CCSC-Lavastidas projects Prez, who runs a local beneficial relationship with by the Ministry of Economy
coordinator. church, told IPS that he their habitat, says a recent and Planning to the Cuban
Based on the premise that manages to supply his family article written by several parliament, which stated that
everything can be reused, of seven with tubers, fruit, specialists in the Foundations 60 percent of that total could
these systems of permanent vegetables and different magazine, Se puede. have been produced in this
agriculture make use of kinds of meat, with what he Experts agree that the country.
organic waste and manure as produces. adoption of permaculture The sustainable production
fertiliser, harvest rainwater, He estimates that he saves by rural and urban families of food and seeds is top priority
diversify crops, reduce 17,000 Cuban pesos (US$710 can help provide solutions for the period 2013-2018 in
energy use, increase greenery, dollars) a year, in a country to Cubas food sovereignty the cooperation agreements
create seedbeds and install where the mean monthly salary problems. between Cuba and the United
biodigesters and dry toilets, is 471 pesos and people spend This is especially Nations Food and Agriculture
among other techniques. between 59 and 74 percent of important when the authorities Organisation (FAO), whose
The Christian centre has their monthly income on food, are attempting to boost goals also include adaptation
trained 40 people to spread this according to studies by local agricultural production, as a to climate change and the
economists. matter of national security. sustainable management of
eastern provinces of Santiago Figures from the non- In 2013, agriculture accounted natural resources.

How can heritage exist without community?

Khanh Chi, Viet Nam News, ANN
During a recent conference that
looked at the Vietnam Cultural
Heritage Associations 2104-19 term,
researchers and managers spent most
of their time discussing solutions to
community-based cultural heritage
development.
Following a series of incidents
that harmed national heritages
last year, they once again asserted
that heritage couldnt live if it is
separated from the community.
In the latest development, Ho Chi
Minh Citys Peoples Committee last
month requested relevant authorities
to preserve parts of the more than
100-year-old Sai Gon Tax Trade
Centre.
The move came following
opposition to a plan to restructure
the building, one of more than 60
structures built by French colonialists
from 1859 to 1954.
The Sai Gon Tax Trade Centre
was to be torn down to make way
for metro construction and a new
building, but the project met with
resistance from the local community.
More than 2,500 students,
architects and researchers, and two
foreign diplomats in the city, signed
a petition calling for the preservation
of the building as well as proposing
solutions to that end.
The decision proves the
community can triumph over
authorities in the conservation of
cultural heritage.
As you may know, controversy
quickly broke out in October in the
central province of Quang Binh after
a plan was approved to build a cable
car in the worlds largest cave, Son
Doong. The cave lies at the heart of
the Phong Nha - Ke Bang National
Park, a national and Unesco heritage
site.
Even the Ministry of Culture,
Sports and Tourism was forced to
jump in to demand the project be
postponed, perhaps forever.
Researcher Nguyen Quang Giai
from the Centre for Urban Research
and Development argued that:
Culture heritage belongs to the
whole nation and all social strata, so
it is necessary to respect the views
of the community to conserve and
develop cultural values.
The participation of the people
is an indispensable part of the
process of planning, conserving and
developing national values, because
the ultimate aim of this process is for
the people, he added.
In the modern life, conservation
and development usually contradict title to be restored. It remains a prime
one other. example of the contradiction between
During Vietnams urbanisation, relic preservation and the demands of
there has always been one side that local residents in actual life.
wants to preserve the old and another The village was recognised
side that wants to make space for the as a national relic in 2005, but no
new, said architect Nguyen Huu Thai. plans were put in place to develop
the village until a petition was
The Sai Gon Tax submitted by representatives from
60 local households in 2013. The
Trade Centre villagers couldnt rebuild or expand
their homes to meet their needs
was to be torn due to regulations regarding relic
preservation.
down to make Now there is a plan to develop the
village, which is home to numerous
way for metro hundred-year-old houses, and local
construction and people have been given guidelines
on how to develop tourism and create
a new building, subsidiary jobs.
We are working with Son Tay
but the project met Towns Peoples Committee to
focus on factors that will benefit
with resistance people living in the vicinity of the
heritage site while adhering to the
from the local preservation to develop philosophy
community. to better manage the site, said the
deputy head of the Duong Lam
Village Management Board, Nguyen
Trong An.
Some years ago, local residents Among a range of ongoing and
from the ancient village of Duong future projects to connect the role
Lam on the outskirts of Hanoi of the local community with the
petitioned for their national relic preservation of the villages ancient
houses, the Scientific Union for
Sustainable Tourism Development
is organising tours for visitors during
the rice harvests.
The first tours will start this year,
enabling local farmers to make a
good living from their produce.
Farmers here only exploit rice
as a foodstuff. They are unaware that
rice can be used to create value in
terms of landscapes, art, culture or
construction materials, said union
chairman Dr Nguyen Thu Hanh.
Reality teaches us that no one,
not even the authorities, can protect
and develop cultural heritage values
more effectively than the community
which gave birth to them, said the
chairman of Thanh Hoa Provinces
Lam Kinh Cultural Heritage
Association, Ho Quang Son.
If we - the authorities - find a
way to benefit the local community,
especially in places where typical
cultural features are in danger of
disappearing, Im convinced that
our heritage will be preserved and
developed sustainably.
Son said the associations
successful revival of the Tra Dong
bronze-casting handicraft in Thieu
Hoa, which was lost many years ago,
was an example of community-based
conservation of cultural values.
Vientiane Times Saturday January 10, 2015 Opinion 7

Who do you turn to for help when youve had something stolen?
More and more people are falling prey to thieves and it seems that not a day goes by without another
tale of a stolen bag or bike, or a burglary. The police are always there to help, but they are becoming
overwhelmed with cases. Vientiane Times asked people about their own experiences following a theft.
Times Reporters didnt have much hope of
getting the printer back
Mr Mixa Xaiyachak, a because it would be quite
student at Vientiane Law difficult to find. We were
College: I had a motorbike more hopeful about the
motorbike but by now Im
almost certain Ill never see
it again because officials
havent been able to give
me any information since it
was taken. But sometimes
my hopes build when I read
about the police returning
bikes to their owners after a
long time has passed. I would
like to urge the authorities to
stolen from my friends devote more time to this kind
house in October and my
sister lost a printer about five
of work because they are our
last hope.
months ago. This kind of
thing makes us very scared Mr Vitar Thevixay, a
about security in Vientiane. company employee in
We didnt know what to Xaysettha district, Vientiane:
do when our possessions I think everyone should be
were stolen. We asked much more careful about
the authorities for help in making sure their possessions
tracking them down. We are safe, especially as theft
Streetwise
Streetwise
is on the increase in Laos
and public security is not
very good. I lost a motorbike
about three years ago because
I wasnt careful enough. The
bike was old and not in good
condition, so I didnt bother
to park it in a place with an
attendant. We must always be
on our guard as people now
steal anything they can sell to
get money for drugs. Thieves
are well organised and work
as a team. They watch what
youre doing and plan how
theyre going to steal from
you. I hope the authorities
responsible for combating
crime will pay more attention
to this problem as its
happening more and more.
Ms Kouky, a company
employee in Sisattanak
district, Vientiane: I think a
lot of people get their stolen
motorbikes back because
the police are willing to help
in this matter. We should
always help the authorities she came to visit me in
as much as we can and be Vientiane. The bag contained
cooperative because were her camera, some money and
the only ones who can give her passport.
them information. I think that We went to the authorities
if we help them, they will be to ask for help. They were
more inclined to help us. But very helpful but a long time
I know that a lot of people went by and we didnt hear
say they feel the authorities anything from them. So we
are not very helpful when went to see them again but
they need assistance. they wanted us to pay them
for helping, which I was a
Ms Sidaruk, a bit upset about. Of course, I
businesswoman temporarily would pay them something
in Laos: My friend had a if they were able to find the
bag stolen last year when things Id lost.
Vientiane Times on CD-ROM
Issues of Vientiane Times from 1994 to January 2015
have been recorded on CD-ROM.
Now available at Vientiane Times office. Box: 5723,
Tel: (856-21) 336042, 336048.
Fax: (856-21) 336041
Email: itvtimes@gmail.com

Vientiane Times Subscription 2014

1. DOMESTIC SUBSCRIPTION (6 issues/week) and online fee
78 issues (3 months) 305,000k +100,000k 405,000k
Regular price 156 issues (6 months) 609,000k +100,000k 709,000k

312 issues (1 year) 1,217,000k +100,000k 1,317,000k

Home Delivery (City Centre) 78 issues (3 months) 390,000k +100,000k 490,000k

Area: Thadeua Rd. Dongdok,
156 issues (6 months) 780,000k +100,000k 880,000k
Ban Tanmixay and Sikhay
villages. 312 issues (1 year) 1,560,000k +100,000k 1,660,000k

2. DOMESTIC SUBSCRIPTION FOR PROVINCES (6 issues/week), inclusive of postage cost

156 issues (6 months) 1,451,000k
Deliver to Provinces
312 issues (1 year) 2,902,000k

Deliver to Provinces 156 issues (6 months) 1,451,000k +100,000k 1,551,000k

+ online fee 312 issues (1 year) 2,902,000k +100,000k 3,002,000k

3. OVERSEAS SUBSCRIPTION (6 issues/week) and online fee Total + Online fee

156 issues (6 months) 3,328,000k +100,000k 3,428,000k

Thailand, Vietnam,
Cambodia 312 issues (1 year) 7,488,000k +100,000k 7,588,000k

Asia, Australia & New 156 issues (6 months) 4,368,000k +100,000k 4,468,000k
Zealand
312 issues (1 year) 8,736,000k +100,000k 8,836,000k

Europe (Including Russia) 156 issues (6 months) 4,992,000k +100,000k 5,092,000k

312 issues (1 year) 9,984,000k +100,000k 10,084,000k

America and Canada 156 issues (6 months) 6,240,000k +100,000k 6,340,000k

312 issues (1 year) 12,480,000k +100,000k 12,580,000k

4. ONLINE SUBSCRIPTION FEE

Website is update four (4) times a day and every issue is published on our website in HTML and PDF

3 months ( 78 issues) 150,000 6 months (156 issues) 270,000 1 year (312 issues) 500,000

Please return this form with the following information to Vientiane Times
FULL NAME: _________________________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS: __________________________________________________________________________________
TEL: _________________________FAX:____________________EMAIL:_________________________________
FOR ONLINE: Name:________________________________PREFERRED PASSWORD_____________________
(Password not more then 8 characters)

Mail this completed form with your cheque to:
Vientiane Times, T4 Rd, Phonpapao Village, Unit 32 Sisattanak
District, Vientiane Lao PDR
PO Box 5723. Tel: 021 336042, Fax: 021 336041
Website: www.vientianetimes.org.la
Email: itvtimes@gmail.com
Payment in advance
Please request rates for other destinations at
itvtimes@gmail.com. Make your cheque payable to
Vientiane Times bank account at the Lao National
Treasury (US$) A/c 471000.01.D01000235 via BCEL
010110100339453001 or (kip) A/c 471000.00.11426 via
BCEL 010110000339453001
8 Saturday January 10, 2015 Vientiane Times

Health & Education

Tooth decay impacts childrens overall health

Xayxana Leukai a bad taste in their mouth. If their

M
s Tingnoy woke up
at midnight when her
four-year-old daughter
began crying due to
toothache. She asked her daughter
which tooth was hurting.
Little Phim pointed to her right
cheek. Her mother told Phim to
open her mouth and saw that there
were some shreds of meat in a tiny
hole in the decayed tooth. Using a
toothpick, she prised out the meat to
ease the pain so her daughter could
get back to sleep.
In the morning Ms Tingnoy
decided to take her daughter to the
dentist, who applied some antiseptic
and filled in the cavity of the
offending tooth.
Ms Tingnoy knew that her
daughter liked to eat sweets and was
averse to using a toothbrush as the
dentist recommended.
A paediatrician at the Childrens
Hospital in Vientiane, Dr Somxay
Billamay, said more than 50 percent
of children aged 2-6 suffer from
tooth decay. Bad teeth can lead to all
sorts of problems. Toothache causes
children mental distress and makes
them cry. They feel unwell and have
teeth hurt they wont be able to eat
their food properly. This in turn can
lead to intestinal problems. If the
condition persists, they wont be
able to sleep well and wont want to
eat.
Bad teeth create a high risk
of infection due to the presence
of bacteria, which can, if left
unchecked, lead to inflammation of
the mouth, gums, throat, ear, lungs,
heart and even kidneys. Bad teeth
also disfigure children and give
them an unattractive smile.
If the problem is not corrected,
bad teeth can cause permanent
teeth to grow abnormally. Children
suffering from toothache are often
absent from school. And they will
not be receptive to dentists attempts
to treat them because they wont
want to open their mouth. And of
course parents will also be distressed
when their children are unwell.
Dr Somxay recommends six Regular tooth and gum care is essential to prevent decay and other health conditions.
ways to prevent bad teeth:
1. Exclusive breastfeeding of they receive food from the five basic 4. Parents should not allow after every meal. (It is also good if
babies up to at least the age of six groups - grains, vegetables, fruit, children to eat sweet and sugary they are encouraged to clean their
months. This will reduce the risk of milk and meat. food. teeth after every meal.)
bad teeth developing. 3. Clean the teeth and mouth of 5. When children reach the age 6. Parents should take their
2. Start feeding children at the children aged less than 12 months of two they should be encouraged children to a dentist every six months,
age of six months and make sure using clean cloths after every meal. to use a toothbrush and drink water starting from the age of six months.

Heart attack (acute myocardial infarction) Get healthy, a reality?

Choi Jin-ho, Korea Herald
Heart attack has been the No.
1 killer in the world for the
last decade and deaths from
the disease are still on the rise.
As the human heart works
continuously during ones
lifetime, a healthy coronary
artery, which supplies it with
blood, is vital for a healthy
heart.
As people age, the arterial
wall gradually thickens and
hardens, which is called
atherosclerosis. Enlarged
atherosclerotic plaque can
become unstable and rupture
suddenly. A blood clot is
formed in ruptured plaque
within minutes and clogs the
bloodstream in the coronary
artery.
The formal medical term
for heart attack is acute
myocardial (heart muscle)
infarction (damage caused by
a lack of oxygen supply). The
symptoms of acute myocardial
infarction vary and are often
vague. Thus, diagnosis is
difficult to make and often
missed if based only on the
symptoms. Chest pain has been
regarded as a typical symptom,
but any bodily discomfort from
neck to abdomen or back may
be caused by acute myocardial
infarction.
Shortness of breath
(dyspnea), excessive
sweating (diaphoresis), a
feeling of fainting, syncope
or loss of consciousness, or
gastrointestinal symptoms
including nausea or
vomiting are not uncommon.
Unfortunately, even sudden
cardiac death without any
prodromal symptoms can be the
first sign of acute myocardial
infarction. Sudden cardiac
death, the formal medical
term for the Korean description
simjangmabi, is mostly function of the heart. The
the result of fatal arrhythmia
accompanying acute
myocardial infarction. On the
other hand, acute myocardial
infarction is a phantom menace.
One in 4 nonfatal acute
myocardial infarctions is silent
and unnoticed.
Patients with suspected
acute myocardial infarction
need immediate medical
attention, and should be treated
as soon as possible to reduce
the extent of heart muscle
damage and complications.
The first-line tests are an
electrocardiography (ECG,
or EKG) and a blood test for
troponin, which is a biomarker
for damaged heart muscles.
If there is ambiguity, a variety
of imaging tests are used to
determine the diagnosis.
The most urgent problem is
fast life-threatening and chaotic
heart rhythm (arrhythmia
named ventricular fibrillation or
ventricular tachycardia) which
practically stops the pumping
conditions. Examples are
human brain is very vulnerable
to the interrupted blood supply
and is damaged irreversibly
within just a few minutes. The
victim seldom survives without
immediate defibrillation, which
is delivering electrical shock to Times Reporters
reset functional heart rhythm.
A clogged artery should be After a period of indulgence
reopened to save viable heart over the holiday season,
muscles using mechanical many will aspire to lose
devices (percutaneous coronary weight as they begin the New
intervention; PCI, which uses Year. As they embark on a
a balloon and stent) or a drug new chapter for 2015, setting
(thrombolysis) that activates their New Years resolution to
blood clot destruction if it can lose weight and get healthy,
be performed at the hospital in what can they do to make it
a timely manner. If the heart a reality?
is severely damaged, surgical According to the World
treatment by a cardiovascular Health Organisation (WHO)
supporting device such as
in Laos, following a healthy
ECMO may be required to fix
complications or substitute the diet throughout ones life can
failing heart. help prevent malnutrition and
Anyone who feels abnormal a range of non-communicable
discomfort from the neck to diseases and conditions,
upper abdomen, shortness including obesity, diabetes,
of breath, or fainting needs heart diseases, stroke and
to be examined by medical cancer. Unhealthy diet and a
professionals, especially if lack of physical activity are
he or she has cardiovascular leading global risks to health.
risk factors. If the symptom Given that there is so much
is severe or highly suggests to gain, what is preventing
acute myocardial infarction, the people from making the right
patient should be transferred choices? When it comes to
to the emergency department influencing and improving
immediately. an individuals diet habits, it
No self-medication
is crucial to understand what
can replace the appropriate
management by trained medical makes people actually eat the
professionals. Unfortunately, a way they do.
substantial number of patients The dietary habits of
collapse before arrival at the individuals are determined
hospital and do not survive. and shaped by many factors,
If you find such an unlucky both internal and external,
victim, call 119 first and try and key among the internal
chest compression only by factors is the influence of
cardiopulmonary resuscitation. knowledge, personal attitudes
These days, an AED and preferences.
(automated external Rapid urbanisation,
defibrillator) is installed in changing lifestyles and
major urban locations so that increasing consumption of
ordinary people can use it to processed foods have resulted
find and treat fatal arrhythmia. in a shift in dietary patterns.
The best way to prevent
Individuals are consuming
acute myocardial infarction
is maintaining a healthy more food high in energy,
lifestyle and managing medical saturated fats, trans-fat, sugar
and salt.
smoking cessation, physical A healthy diet contains at
exercise, weight control and least 5 portions (400 grams)
proper medications for high of fruits and vegetables a
blood pressure, diabetes day; many are not consuming
mellitus and high lipid levels. enough vegetables and fruits,
and dietary fibre like whole
grains.
At the same time, WHO
recommends that total fat
intake should not exceed
30 percent of total energy
intake to avoid unhealthy
weight gain. Unsaturated fats
found in fish, avocado, nuts,
sunflower, canola and olive
oils are preferable to saturated
fats found in fatty meat, butter,
palm oil, cream and cheese.
Industrial trans fats
(found in processed food, fast
food, snack food, fried food,
frozen pizza, pies, cookies,
margarines and spreads) are
not part of a healthy diet.
Limiting sugar intake to
less than 10 percent of total
energy, or equivalent to 50
grams or around 12 level
teaspoons, is part of a healthy
diet. That may seem a lot but
most free sugars are already
added to our processed foods
by manufacturers, present in
the form of honey, syrups, fruit
juices and fruit concentrates. A
further 5 percent reduction is
recommended for additional
health benefits.
Next, reducing salt intake
to less than 5 grams (equivalent
to one teaspoon) per day
helps prevent hypertension
and reduces the risk of heart
diseases and stroke. Salt is
present in soy sauce and fish
sauce so it is recommended to
add that to food sparingly.
Small changes can make a
big difference in our lives; we
should begin by tasting our
food before routinely adding
sugar and fish sauce, think
about our health, and make
healthy living a reality.
If we can increase our
physical activity and include
healthy habits like exercise,
losing weight and getting
healthy can definitely be
realised.
 Business
Vientiane Times 9

Read more news at www.vientianetimes.org.la Saturday January 10, 2015

US fines Honda US$70m for

failing to report deaths, injuries
WASHINGTON (Xinhua) --
US transportation authorities
Thursday announced a record
fine of US$70 million against
Honda for failing to report
more than 1,700 claims of
deaths and injuries, as well as
certain warranty claims in the
past 10 years.
The National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA) said Honda will pay
two US$35 civil penalties. One
is for Hondas failure to report
1,729 deaths and injury claims
between 2003 and 2014. The
other is for its failure to report
certain warranty data and claims
under customer satisfaction
campaigns over the same
period.
Canadian trade apprentices
Todays announcement
sends a very clear message
to the entire industry
that manufacturers have
responsibility for the complete
and timely reporting of this
critical safety information,
said NHTSA Administrator
Mark Rosekind.
In addition, Honda has
also been ordered to receive
increased NHTSA oversight
and third party audits to ensure
that all required reporting is
completed now and into the
future.
Rick Schostek, executive
vice president of Honda North
America, said the automaker
has resolved this matter and
will move forward to build on
the important actions Honda
has already taken to address
our past shortcomings in early
warning reporting.
In 2014 alone, NHTSA
issued more than US$126
million in civil penalties,
exceeding the total amount
collected by the agency during
its 43-year history.
US Transportation
Secretary Anthony Foxx said
last year alone, authorities Mr Somdy Inmyxai (right) delivers an address at the start of a seminar in Vientiane on January 8-9 on
issued more fines than in food supply chain management.
NHTSAs entire history.
These fines reflect the
tough stance we will take
against those who violate the
Improved product quality
law and fail to do their part in
the mission to keep Americans
safe on the road.
essential, Lao food processors told
Times Reporters we are specifically looking
at providing a better
The government wants a
large number of experts and

entitled to govt loans Lao food processing factories

and associated businesses
need to better understand the
understanding of
manufacturing practice and
productivity, Mr Somdy said.
good specialists to provide SMEs
with advice and technical
assistance to improve product
ANCOUVER (Xinhua) -- Canadian trade The loans, over US$845,000 in total and importance of food supply He also advised that every quality.
apprentices can begin to apply for government covering 26,000 apprentices, will be interest-free chain management so they business will be required to The government is
loans of up to US$3,380 per period of technical for a maximum of six years till they complete or can improve their production focus on improving quality, now looking at raising the
training, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said leave their program. methods, a senior ministry saying those businesses failing awareness of members of the
Thursday. Harper said it is the first time Canada uses official has said. to improve will be in trouble. business community around
Harper made the announcement during a visit the Student Loan program to cover trades Director General of the Most importantly, every the country so they can better
to the British Columbia Institute of Technology apprentices, and it is important to discard the Small and Medium Enterprise business will need to become understand the importance of
(BCIT) and Vancouver Community College notion of vocational education being inferior to Promotion Department under more professional in business productivity.
campus in Delta, a Vancouver suburb. university. the Ministry of Industry operations as this will help Local products will
and Commerce, Mr Somdy them to obtain bank loans, Mr increase in value and be
Nissan, NASA to work on Inmyxai, told Vientiane Times
on Thursday while attending a
Somdy said.
AEC integration is set to
recognised by international
markets because of regular,
autonomous car technology two-day seminar on the topic
that there are still many things
come into effect at the end of
this year.
frequent improvements to
productivity, he added.
to do to strengthen SMEs in There is no doubt that For example, the use of
Laos. many questions have already modern technology is needed
The seminar aims to been raised by members of the for every aspect of production,
promote a better understanding public over how far Laos has so manufactured goods can
within the agribusiness sector progressed in its preparations be exported to international
of the effectiveness of food for the AEC. markets, Mr Somdy said.
supply chain management. At the moment we Seminar participants also
Over 70 participants from are unable to quantify our heard about Food Safety
SMEs in food processing, the progress; we cannot give Management based on ISO
food industry, educational figures or percentages, as so 22000 and Hazard Analysis
institutions and government many things are dependent Critical Control Points.
officials from the food security on various sectors in different Speakers at the seminar
Men walk in front of the and food chain management ministries. However, high came from the government
logo of Nissan Motor Co. office took part in the seminar. productivity is still an essential and the Asian Productivity
at its global headquarters The seminar is effectively for the business sector to ensure Organisation, along with
in Yokohama near Tokyo.
--Photo AP
part of preparations for the benefits for both business successful business operators
onset of the Asean Economic operators and consumers, Mr working in the food processing
Community (AEC), but Somdy said. industry in Laos.
TOKYO (AP) -- A Japanese they said in a joint statement. There are also cars that can
automaker Nissan and NASA The maker of the Leaf park themselves.
are teaming up to advance the
technology behind cars that
electric car and Infiniti
luxury models aims to
At its most sophisticated,
the technology could replace Exchange rates as of January 9, 2015
drive autonomously.
Yokohama-based Nissan
introduce autonomous driving
technology to consumers
human drivers altogether,
though there are many hurdles
Banque pour le Commerce Exterieur Lao
Motor Co. and NASAs Ames between 2016 and 2020. to that being put into practice
Research Center at Moffett Ames developed the Mars on roads.
Field, California, announced rover software and robots Automakers besides
Thursday a five-year research- onboard the International Nissan are working on Foreign Currencies Buying Selling
and-development partnership Space Station. the technology, including
for autonomous vehicle The partnership brings Japanese rival Toyota Motor
systems so they can eventually together the best and brightest Corp. and US manufacturers
be applied to commercially of NASA and Nissan and General Motors Co. and Ford US Dollar 50-100 8,098 8,128
sold cars. validates our investments in Motor Co.
Nissan is excited about Silicon Valley, said Nissan And companies outside the
the potential of self-driving Chief Executive Carlos industry are getting involved,
cars, which executives say Ghosn. such as Google Inc. Thai Baht 248.17 249.42
could lead to improved safety, The safety technology in The driverless car was the
a pillar for future autos along the works includes cars that topic of a keynote address by
with low emission technology. know through sensors they Ford Chief Executive Mark
NASA researchers will are about to collide and will Fields at the International Euro 50-500 9,538 9,585
be working with Nissans brake automatically, even if CES gadget show in Las
research unit in Silicon Valley, the driver doesnt do a thing. Vegas earlier this week.
10 Business Saturday January 10, 2015 Vientiane Times

Asean Economic Community

Index steady on thinner volumes
Vientiane: The local index held above 1400 points with a two point gain to 1405.03 points.
Volumes have fallen right away from Boxing Days 3.4 million shares to yesterdays close of 124.8k shares.
Scarcity of stock helped BCEL bank stock notch up the days only gain, a +100 kip rise midmorning Thursday to 7,300 kip/
share but on as few as 1,625 shares.
EDL-Gen enjoyed another moderate days trading unchanged at 7,050 kip/share trading 79,675 shares.
Lao World was again missing with no bids and has only been sighted twice in the last 28 days.
Petrotrade PTL experienced a 3rd day of falling volumes to its lowest level since listing one month ago with just 42,500
shares for an unchanged 4,100 kip/share, just +100 kip above its support price.
Economy to dominate
Hollande, Merkel meeting in Strasbourg
STRASBOURG (Xinhua) predecessor Nicholas Sarkozy.
-- French President Francois On winning the French
Hollande is scheduled to meet presidency in 2012, Mr
German Chancellor Angela Hollande appointed Jean-
Merkel in Strasbourg on Marc Ayrault, a German
January 11. speaker, as his prime minister
The informal gathering, in the hope of securing
at the invitation of European a central role alongside
Parliament President Martin Germany within the EU. It
Schulz, gives the leaders of did not work. Mrs Merkel
the European Union (EU)s and many of her government
two most powerful countries colleagues have spent the past
the opportunity to discuss
Europes continued sluggish
economy.
two years barely disguising
their frustration at what they
see as Frances unwillingness
Coming just a few days to implement the structural
after the terrorist attacks at reforms they deem necessary
the offices of the satirical to make the French economy
magazine Charlie Hebdo, more competitive and so
security is also bound to be on help boost growth across the
the agenda. So far, the Elysee Eurozone.
Palace has not indicated that For their part, many in Mr.
the meeting with Merkel will Hollandes Socialist Party are
be postponed. equally annoyed at what they
In any case it is economic see as Germanys insistence
matters that will dominate on fiscal rectitude over greater
proceedings. public spending, for example,
Relations between the two on infrastructure.
countrys leaders have been In an interview with
lukewarm over the past couple business newspaper Les
of years, nothing like the Echos published on Jan. 6,
mutual admiration between French economy minister
Merkel and Hollandes Emmanuel Macron said
Germany should lead a
genuine revival of growth
in the Eurozone by doing
more to boost investment and
consumer demand. He added
that both countries must go
further together to promote
economic recovery.
Europes economy
continues to flounder,
with persistently low rates
of inflation encouraging
consumers and businesses
to delay purchases or
investments in the expectation
that prices will continue to
fall.
A survey published this
week indicated that the fourth
quarter of 2014 was the
Eurozone economys worst
for more than a year.
Having replaced Mr
Ayrault as Prime Minister
with the more reform-minded
Manuel Valls, Hollande is
hoping for a fresh start with
Merkel. But this will not be
easy. The failure of the Greek
parliament to elect a new
president triggered a snap
election on January 25. With
this comes the prospect of
electoral success for Syriza,
a far-left populist party led
by Alexis Tsipras. That result
could plunge the Eurozone
into another crisis, piling yet
more pressure on the single
currency, and the EU itself.
Some of Frances leading
politicians will use this
prospect to badger Merkel
into loosening the fiscal
straitjacket, arguing that
persistent austerity is only
fuelling the rise of extremist
parties in many countries, not
least France where Marine
Le Pens Front National is
supported by a substantial
minority of voters.
But again the Germans
see things differently. In their
view, it is the apparent inability
of mainstream parties in some
countries to enact real reform
that has led to the growth of
extremism.
Merkels likely retort to
Mr Hollande is that France
can regain its clout in the EU
only if it can show it is brave
enough to do what is necessary
to make its economy more
competitive.
Vietnam exports
to France fetch
US$2.8 billion
HANOI (Vietnam News,
ANN) -- Vietnam exported
US$2.8 billion worth of goods
to France last year, up 8 percent
year-on-year, according to the
Ministry of Industry and Trade
(MoIT).
The five groups of key
exports included telephones
and components, with a
turnover of US$900 million,
which were up 48 percent;
footwear exports were pegged
at US$237.8 million, up 12.6
percent; footwear with US$141
million, up 19 percent.
Exports of bags and
suitcases rose 10.7 percent to
US$64.5 million, and those for
coffee jumped 21.3 percent to
US$88.5 million.
MoIT said that with
suitable business strategies,
Vietnamese enterprises could
also start exporting other items
to the market, such as cashew
nuts, pepper, rubber, garments,
bamboo-made goods and
electric cables.
It also suggested that
domestic firms should take
the initiative to join business
forums and participate in
international trade fairs and
exhibitions .
Good prospects for
Vietnam-France trade in
2015 are expected to emerge
Online adver-
tisement
Advertising your products at www.
vientianetimes.org.la will bring ben-
once the Vietnam-European
Union free trade agreement
is signed, Vietnamese Trade
Counsellor in France Nguyen
Canh Cuong, said at a recent
roundtable meeting in Paris.
Cuong said the agreement
will include offers for
preferential tax rates on
many commodities, while
commitments on investment
and intellectual property
protection will encourage
Vietnamese and EU businesses,
including those from France, to
intensify trade and investment
exchanges.
Jean-Phillip Eglinger,
the manager of Vietnam-
France Strategies Company
said Frances small- and
medium-sized enterprises,
which operate in food,
agricultural products, health,
pharmaceuticals, and waste
treatment, stand a good chance
of success in Vietnam when
co-operating with Vietnamese
partners as they can support
each other to explore and
exploit their respective market.
He suggested that
Vietnamese companies
improve production and
processing capacities to create
brand names for advantageous
products, such as tea, coffee
and cashew nuts.

Attention Vientiane Times subscribers efits to your company. Customers

around the world will appreciate the
quality of your products via the Vien-
tiane Times website. For more infor-
mation please contact:
We at Vientiane Times would like to inform our subscribers that we now offer newspaper boxes for use
in homes and offices. The boxes, each of which is equipped with a lock and key, help protect your paper
Tel: 336042, 336048 Fax: 336041,
from inclement weather. Those interested in obtaining a box should contact the
Email: itvtimes@gmail.com
Vientiane Times office or call us at: Tel: 336042; Fax: 336041
Vientiane Times Saturday January 10, 2015 11
Science & Technology

Quantum Bits ICT evolving for

A quantum bit is the smallest amount consumers in 2015
of energy that can carry useful
information Feedback welcome to
quantumbits.vt@gmail.com
A new era for antibiotics - maybe

A newly discovered compound with antibiotic properties is causing excitement in scientific

circles not only because it is promising to be one of the most powerful antibiotics yet discovered
but its method of discovery is promising even more products.
But first a bit of background.
Historical records from the ancient Egyptians and Greeks indicate that we have been
attempting to cure infections with mixtures prepared from plants and moulds for over 2000 years.
But these concoctions were largely based on medicinal folklore and varied enormously in their
effectiveness.
Another former approach was to use toxic substances like arsenic in small doses in the belief
that it cured the disease before it killed the patient.
It was not until the discovery of arsphenamine, first synthesised in 1907 and used to treat
syphilis that the modern era of antimicrobials began to truly make an impact.
Then Alexander Fleming made his accidental discovery of Penicillin from a mould in 1928 A smartwatch controlling the BMW i3 with ActiveAssist (left) and an Oculus VR Inc. virtual reality
but it did not become widely available until after the war in 1945. Instead the first commercially headset and Beyerdynamic headphones (Bloomberg).
produced antimicrobial agents were sulphur based compounds such as sulphonamide in the
1930s.
The post war era saw a flurry of activity with many new compounds, antibiotics, effective Ram Garikipati, Korea Herald annually from 2001 and 2013, and 100 percent of spending
against bacterial caused diseases being discovered. Some were broad spectrum compounds and developing countries share growth. The industry is now
effective against a wide range of bacteria types and others more specific, effective only on a Over the last few years, the of total international bandwidth entering the most critical period
narrow range of infections or parts of the body. Millions of lives were saved and many previous impact of information and increased from around 9 percent yet in this era: the Innovation
life threatening diseases became mere nuisances. communication technologies in 2004 to almost 30 percent. Stage, it said in a recent
Some of these new antibiotics were so cheap to produce that they were also widely used to on society has been enormous. The growth in Internet report.
treat domestic and agricultural animals. This meant healthier herds or flocks and thereby more ICT has deeply affected users including via Of this, MCC is expected to
profits for farmers. and reshaped most parts of smartphones and smart pads be a hotbed of activity and will
Most of the antimicrobials tested during this period were isolated from natural occurring our society, while radically has witnessed a parallel, grow briskly. The combination
sources, like soil borne moulds and bacteria, plants, insects or marine creatures that could then be influencing the global steep growth in the volume of cloud computing, mobile
grown artificially in the laboratory. economy. No one can predict of Internet content. More computing and wireless
Then about 30 years ago new discoveries began to stall. More important, the existing with certainty what role it will and more people are actively networks will bring rich
antibiotics started to become less effective. Widespread and unregulated use of antibiotics meant play in the future, but we do participating in the information computational resources to
that bacteria started to evolve resistance. know that it will be significant. society by creating, sharing and mobile users and network
Resistance occurs when a small number of bacteria in the infection have a natural occurring One aspect of the growth of uploading content and using operators, as well as cloud
mutation and they are not killed off by the antibiotic treatment. They reproduce and all their ICT in 2014 has undoubtedly social media and other Internet- computing providers.
descendants then also have the mutation. This is more likely to happen when people do not been its entry into the based applications, covering The ultimate goal of MCC
complete a full course of treatment or they use antibiotics when it is not really necessary. mobile era. It is a tool that a large range of topics and is to enable the execution of
It is of particular concern in developing countries where antibiotics are freely available to constitutes a new infrastructure, sectors. rich mobile applications on a
people who do not understand the importance of completing a full course of treatment or they use changing the way our societies Going ahead, this year we plethora of mobile devices,
it indiscriminately on farm animals. function, while its technical are likely to see a consolidation with a rich user experience.
As resistant strains of bacteria developed the standard response has been to use larger doses or applications give us totally of the gains that have already And as smartphones and other
a combination of two or more antibiotics because there is less chance of having two mutant genes new opportunities to develop been made, and there will mobile devices continue to
simultaneously protecting the bacteria. new and better solutions to our progress on many other grow in market share, despite
In the case of some diseases such as tuberculosis we had completely run out of options as it existing problems. technologies that are now on the sudden dip witnessed in
became totally antibiotic resistant. As the latest International the periphery. recent months, there is likely
Now scientists in the US report having discovered a new antibiotic. They say the way it kills Telecommunication Union Some of the technologies to be more focus on serving
bacteria will make it very difficult for them to evolve resistance in response. They also report that publication 2014 Measuring that have been forecast to make the diverse needs of the
the method they used to discover the compound means that there is potential for many more to the Information Society Report a big impact among consumers mobile customer. Especially
be discovered. notes, the world witnessed in 2015 include, among others, when it comes to making their
The new antibiotic called Teixobactin, has been shown to kill a wide range of drug- continued growth in ICT last mobile cloud computing, the data available whenever and
resistant bacteria in lab mice, including Staph and Strep throat infections and those responsible year and, by end-2014, almost Internet of Things, 3-D printing, wherever they are. There will
for tuberculosis and septicaemia, plus Clostridium difficile colitis (C. dif) - the most common gut 3 billion people had used the wearables and smart machines. be a rise in the delivery of on-
bug infection. Internet, up from 2.7 billion at As noted by International demand computing resources
Teixobactin kills exceptionally well. It has the ability to rapidly clear infections, lead end-2013. While the growth in Data Corporation, in 2015 the and with wireless data set
researcher and director of the Antimicrobial Discovery Centre at Northeastern University, Kim mobile-cellular subscriptions is industry is going to accelerate to emerge as the largest and
Lewis, is reported as saying in the Guardian. slowing as the market reaches its transition to the Third fastest-growing segment, one
The secret to Teixobactins success is that it prevents microbes from being able to construct saturation levels, mobile Platform for innovation can expect the cloud services to
their cell walls, and holes in your cell walls means certain death. In fact, the antibiotic ended broadband remains the fastest- and growth, built on the grow in parallel.
up killing 100 percent of the bacteria it came into contact with, and no survivors means theres growing market segment, with technology pillars of mobile Next is the new buzzword,
no one to evolve resistance. Thats an Achilles heel for antibiotic attack, the researcher who continuous double-digit growth computing, cloud services, big the Internet of Things all-
discovered this ability, Tanja Schneider from the University of Bonn, told The Guardian. rates in 2014 and an estimated data and analytics, and social encompassing, cutting across
But the method they used to discover the new compound is just as exciting. It is thought that global penetration rate of 32 networking. existing product categories and
the soil contains many more potential fungi and bacteria with antibiotic properties, but at this percent. In 2015, the Third industries which is supposed
stage they cannot be cultured in the traditional ways. International bandwidth has Platform will account for one- to provide an impetus to the so-
Kim Lewiss team developed also grown steeply, at 45 percent third of global ICT spending called third platform era.
a device theyre calling the iChip,
which can culture bacteria in
their natural habitat - in this case, Japan, US affirm cooperation on
dirt. Bacteria are inserted into the
device between two permeable
sheets and dug into the ground,
countering cyber attack
where the bacteria are free to grow TOKYO (Xinhua) -- Japan strongly condemns the Meanwhile, Washington
into colonies as they would in the and the United States alleged hacking. also urged Japan to resolve
wild, except for the fact that theyre affirmed on Tuesday their Japan recognizes that a historical issues with its
confined to their iChip chambers. continuous cooperation on cyber attack is a serious issue neighboring countries,
After two weeks, the countering cyber attack, that relates to the security of according to US State
researchers retrieved their iChip referring to recent alleged a country, Kishida said at Department spokeswoman
and were able to test the colonies cyber attack against Sony a press conference after his Jen Psaki on Monday.
that had grown in their natural Pictures Entertainment Inc. telephone talk with Kerry. We encourage Japan
habitat. They did this by covering Japanese Foreign Minister The two diplomatic to continue to work with its
the top of the iChip with layers Fumio Kishida told his chiefs also agreed that the neighbours to resolve concerns
of pathogens. Organisms that US counterpart John Kerry two countries will continue over history in an amicable way
produced natural antibiotics through telephone the day to contribute to peace and through dialogue, she said,
revealed themselves by killing the that Japan appreciates the prosperity in the region referring to Japanese Prime
pathogens above them. US new sanctions against the and the world as this year Minister Shinzo Abes plan to
Researchers are tremendously The iChip with test bacteria is inserted into the soil in order Democratic People s Republic marks the 70th anniversary issue a new statement in the
excited by the potential of the new to isolate substances with potential antibiotic potential. of Korea over the alleged of the end of World War II, 70th anniversary of the end of
technique. --Photo Slava Epstein/Northeastern University
cyber attack, adding that Japan according to local reports. WWII.
12 Saturday January 10, 2015 Vientiane Times

Travel

Wonderful things all

in amazing Adelaide
Feature Desk, The Star

MALAYSIA -- ITS
absolutely fabulous waking
up in Adelaide. With a slew
of amazing activities within
close vicinity to each other,
Australias capital of food and
wine offers tonnes of things
to do the moment you get up
from bed and step out from
your accommodation.
Gorgeous rolling hills and Shopping at the Adelaide Central Market is a unique experience in itself.
fantastic wine lands populate
one side of the city while long
stretches of gorgeous sandy
beach form the other. And at
the heart of the metropolis
the River Torrens precinct
and North Terrace there
are historic treasures, lush
parklands and the world-
renowned Adelaide Oval.
In other words, theres
absolutely no chance of you
getting caught in boredom
when youre in Adelaide!
All these oh-so-awesome
places make Adelaide ever
ready to captivate visitors with
tantalising dining experiences,
immersive arts, fun shopping
and exciting entertainment.
If you think Adelaide is a
concrete jungle, well, think
again, mate. Despite the Have a leisurely lunch in the picturesque Adelaide Hills with your
sophisticated city atmosphere, loved ones.
youll totally experience a
relaxed vibe when travelling
across Adelaide. To top things
Another must-visit farm is
off, complimentary public
transport, bike hire and WiFi the magnificent Jurlique
for those occasional Facebook
updates and Instagram selfies
are all available in the city.
Farm where many herbs, The Cleland Wildlife Park is one of the few places in Australia where you can cuddle a koala.

How cool is that?

Kickstart your day at the
Adelaide Central Market.
The variety of produce and
souvenirs found throughout
the 250 shops and stalls will
knock your socks off. There is
simply no other market such
as this place Down Under!
Life and energy buzzes
through the market all year
round. If anything, the place
holds a special place among
its regulars the locals who
wouldnt shop for produce
anywhere else.
But honestly, why would
they? Roaming through
the market, youll find an
extensive range of fresh food,
meat, poultry, sweets, nuts and
health foods under one roof.
The Adelaide Central Market
provides a scintillating view
flowers and plants are
grown for Australias much
loved skin care products.
into local life. Sit back, order
a cuppa at the citys hippest
cafes within the area and just
soak in the sights and sounds.
And while youre in the
city, make your confessions
as a shopaholic at Rundle
Mall. Its a breeze getting
to the place that is easily
accessible from most hotels
or on the tram. With over 600
spectacular shops on display,
youre spoilt for choice when
it comes to picking up iconic
South Australian products like
Haighs Chocolates, Jurlique
or RM Williams.
After exhausting yourself
from all the shopping, follow
the delicious whiffs of
tantalising food into one of
Adelaides many restaurants.
Make your way to Rundle
Street, Gouger Street, Hutt
Street, OConnell Street and
Leigh Street. All these streets
are food havens devoted to
the finest cuisines you could
possibly imagine. Leigh
Street, for one, has recently
turned into a bustling eat
street that offers exciting
dining experiences as well as
contemporary pubs and bars.
About 20 minutes away
from the central business
district is Holdfast Shores
Marina. Over here, Temptation
Sailing, which operates
dolphin swim or dolphin watch
cruises will absolutely delight
you. Watching the mammals
up close is an absolutely
unforgettable experience that
would make you exclaim,
Awesome or words to that
effect.
But whats the best thing
about Adelaide? The fact that
it neighbours a greater expanse
of nature! Nearby the city
are the picturesque Adelaide
Hills, world-renowned wine
region Barossa, the coastal
playground of Fleurieu
Peninsula and wildlife
sanctuary Kangaroo Island.
A 20-minute drive east
of the city will bring you to
Adelaide Hills, a storybook-
pretty countryside. Hahndorf,
Australias oldest German
village, will offer a taste of
little Germany thats truly
unique. While roaming the
main streets and exploring
the many quaint shops around
town, chances are you WILL
lose track of time marvelling
at the beautiful surroundings.
And while youre at
Adelaide Hills, be sure to
make a stop at the many fruit
farms. Have a jolly good time
picking fresh seasonal fruits at
The Beerenberg Strawberry
Farm, Forest Range Cherries
and The Olde Apple Shed.
Another must-visit farm is
the magnificent Jurlique Farm
where many herbs, flowers
and plants are grown for
Australias much loved skin
care products. Make bookings
to join a 90-minute tour for
a behind-the-scenes look
into one of the worlds most
recognised beauty brands. Its
a tour that would absolutely
blow the mind of beauty
enthusiasts.
But if cuddly animals are
more your thing, then visit the
Cleland Wildlife Park. Cuddle
a super adorable koala while
youre here. Its one of the few
places in Australia where you
can cuddle the cute animal.
And with spectacular views
of the city, make a day of the
trip by bringing your own
scrumptious picnic.
Want more of Australias
wildlife? Then visit Seal Bay
at Kangaroo Island. Its the
only place in the country
where you can walk on the
beach close to a colony of
endangered sea lions.
Of course, no visit to
Adelaide would be complete
without a trip to Barossa for
its winery tours. Hop onto a
trike from Barossa Unique
Tours and cruise the regions
scenic spots, attractions and
wineries in style. This is
the most exhilarating way
to see the Barossa, which is
located an hours drive north
of the city. The valley is also
home to Lyndoch Lavender
Farm, which features over
90 different varieties of the
flower.
But for an off-the-beaten-
track kind of vacation,
Fleurieu Peninsula is the
place to be. Off Piste 4WD
Tours gives guests a chance
to explore beyond the city
limits through rugged 4WD
tracks throughout Fleurieu
Peninsula. Here, guests
can discover the myriad of
attractions the beautiful region
has to offer.
And while youre at the
Fleurieu Peninsula, take
the Big Duck Boat Tour
to watch whales (July to
September), dolphins and
seals (all year round). Located
at Victor Harbor, the tour is a
spectacular ocean adventure
experience that explores
inaccessible areas of coastline
in 7.3m expedition-style rigid
inflatable boats. While in
Victor Harbor, be sure to also
take a ride to Granite Island on
board the Horse Drawn Tram.
And before you depart
back to the city, dont pass by
the opportunity to discover the
unspoilt beaches, breathtaking
coastlines and pristine
bushland hidden throughout
the region. Its truly a
spectacular place that would
leave your heart gladdened
and memories filled.
Vientiane Times Saturday January 10, 2015 13
Dining Out
Dining in style
Xu Xiaomin, China Daily place in buddhist temples. wu fu bu dai, 35 yuan, features

I
ts elegant dining room
drew Xu Xiaomin in,but
she stayed for the simple,
and delicious, food at
this vegetarian restaurant
with a Buddhist philosophy.
Located on one of the
citys most beautiful and
historical streets, Xinhua
Road, Wu Guan Tang
draws me in with its elegant
interior design. Decorated
in the style of a refined
Chinese traditional home, the
restaurant has a simple yet
elegant color palette like an
old photo, with old wooden
tables, chairs and even hand
written menus, though the
handwriting, to me, could be
Wu Guan, or five reflections,
reminds Buddhists to
think about their moral
achievements before eating.
The restaurant insists on
respecting the original taste
of the vegetable, and does not
do certain cooking methods
such as deep frying.
The signature dish is
the baked potato (20 yuan).
Potatoes cut into slim
pieces are simply cooked
in a box with salt and I also
smell a kind of cheese (the
restaurant includes egg and
dairy products in their food),
the dish is a must-have and
unforgettable. The potato is
very silky and smooth and
will melt in the mouth in a
assorted vegetables such as
carrots and beans wrapped
in bags made of bean curd
skin. The dish is steamed,
and it is a good example of
how to keep the original taste
of the ingredients. It tastes
a little bit salty and you can
smell the hint of fragrance of
the bean curd and vegetables
inside.
My favorite dish is a
seasonal one, a doughball and
green radish soup. Doughball
or mian ge da was a common
dish eaten by local families
when food resources were not
as abundant as they are today.
In winter, having a bowl of 28 Teheranros nasu-don set meal features fragrant stir-fried eggplant and minced pork over multigrain
hot soup with very chewy rice and various side dishes including a salad of baby greens and fruit.
doughballs and very fresh

Homey Japanese
improved to better echo the second. The portion is very pieces of green raddish, is a
elegant environment. small, if you have more than wonderful dining experience
Wu Guan Tang, is actually four diners order two dishes. and is a very pleasant way to

food in Seoul
the name of monks dining The bag of five fortunes, end a light and healthy meal.

Jean Oh, The Korea Herald

REPUBLIC OF KOREA
-- 28 Teheranro, a new
Doughball Japanese restaurant-pub that
soup. opened in October in Seouls
Daechi-dong, specializes in
wholesome and homey meals
that are fortifying yet light.
I want to make food that
others and I want to eat, said
co-owner and chef Kim Gun-
hee.
28 Teheranro represents
Kims second act. After
running a small Japanese
restaurant in Seouls
Gyeongnidan-gil for over three
years, Kim teamed up with her
brother to open a sophomore
effort near Samseong-dongs
Coex.
We work well together,
Kim, 31, said.
The partnership yields a
nice range of rice-centric set
meals like the nasu-don, an
aromatic stir-fry of eggplant
and minced pork over the
eaterys multigrain rice.
The rice, a deep purple
in hue from glutinous black
rice and mixed with various
grains, sends a nod to Kims
childhood.
I ate multigrain rice when
I was young, Kim recalled.
The multigrain rice is
topped with crispy, meaty
28 Teheranro, a new Japanese restaurant-pub, opened in October in
Daechi-dong, Seoul. --Photo Kim Myung-sub The Korea Herald
chunks of eggplant and bits
of pork that have been lightly
seasoned with a miso sauce.
Small side dishes,
including a light salad of
baby greens, dried cranberries
and nuts drizzled with a
sesame seed dressing and a
healthy dessert of orange,
persimmon, cherry tomato and
pomegranate seeds, round out
the meal.
28 Teheranro also serves
up a winter-friendly fish cake
soup set, Kim revealed, which
she recommends enjoying
by taking the boiled egg that
comes with the soup and
crushing the yolk part so that
it blends into the hot broth and
by dipping the fish cakes into
an accompanying mustard and
tsuyu sauce.
In addition to around six
set meals that range from a
warm soba set to a beef rice
bowl set, there are also various
drinks, including two craft
beers on draft and a sweet and
fragrant grapefruit tea.
The repertoire seems to
have already attracted a loyal
lunch crowd craving eats that
are satisfying in taste, portions
and wholesomeness.
28 Teheranro specializes
in more than lunch-friendly
set meals. Also acting as a
gastropub, the restaurant
serves up a la carte eats like
shrimp tempura to pair with
the draft beer.
Plans are to also add cake
to the expanding repertoire.

FOR SALE POWER WHELCHAIR. HIGH

QUALITY AMERICAN MADE.
TELL: 020 5611 6022/Steven 00447710110924
ASKING PRICE $2000usd NEW PRICE 17,000USD
14 Saturday January 10, 2015 Vientiane Times

Lifestyle

Time capsule dating to 1795 contains coins, newspapers

Feature Desk, AP
BOSTON -- Boston residents
in the newly formed United
States valued a robust press
as much as their history and
currency if the contents of a
time capsule dating back to a
decade after the Revolutionary
War are any guide.
When conservators at the
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
gingerly removed items from
the box Tuesday, they found
five tightly folded newspapers,
a medal depicting George
Washington, a silver plaque,
two dozen coins, including
one dating to 1655, and the
seal of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts.
While some of the coins
appeared corroded, other
items were in good condition
and fingerprints could be seen
on the silver plaque.
The capsule was
embedded in a cornerstone of
the Massachusetts Statehouse
when construction began in
1795. It was placed there by
Revolutionary era luminaries
including Paul Revere and
Samuel Adams, governor of
Massachusetts at the time.
The contents were shifted
to what was believed to be a
copper box in 1855 and placed
back into the foundation of the
Statehouse. The box remained
Museum of Fine Arts Boston head of objects conservation Pam
Hatchfield removes a metal lid from a time capsule at the museum
on Tuesday in Boston.
there until it was rediscovered
last year during an ongoing
water filtration project at
the building. The box was
actually brass, according to
conservators.
a valuable commodity at the
time. The trees were used as
ship masts.
Michael Comeau,
executive director of the
Massachusetts Archives and
Commonwealth Museum, said
he has seen the coins offered
for as much at US$75,000,
although given the context
of this particular coin and the
association with Paul Revere
and Samuel Adams, the value
would likely be much higher.
The newspapers were
folded in such a way that the
names of the publications
werent always visible, but
The oldest coin in the
box was a 1652 Pine Tree
Schilling, made at a time
when the colony didnt have
royal authority to create its
own currency. Pine trees were
one might have been a copy of
the Boston Evening Traveller
a newspaper operation that
was eventually absorbed into
the current Boston Herald.
A portion of one of
the papers that was visible
showed a listing of the arrivals
of whaling ships from various
ports to Boston. Conservators
didnt try to unfold the papers.
Pam Hatchfield, the head
of objects conservation for the
museum, removed each item
using a slew of tools including
her grandfathers dental tool.
Hatchfield said the paper in
the box was in amazingly
good condition.
Massachusetts state
Secretary William Galvin
said he expects the items will
be on display at the museum
for a period of time, but that
eventually they will again be
returned to the foundation
to be discovered by a future
generation of Bay State
residents.
Galvin said he didnt know
if modern items might be
added to the foundation.
Comeau said the objects
in the box are a bridge back
in time. This is the stuff of
history, he said.

Pianists true calling rests off-stage

Chen Jie, China Daily
Millions of children and
young adults in China learn
the piano. Some do so for
purely musical reasons, but
others may find it easier to
score points while applying
for higher education, if they
have an activity alongside
to show.
Most talented Chinese
with genuine interest in the
piano either win international
competitions or learn from
renowned masters and
become career pianists, but
few decide to take up full-
time teaching. Wang Xiaohan,
34, is one of them.
He teaches piano at the
middle school attached to the
China Central Conservatory
of Music. Every year, he
presents about 20 onstage
recitals and paints and
composes in his spare time.
On Dec 13, he played at
the Forbidden City Concert
Hall, where he presented a
mixed recital of compositions
by Schumann, Beethoven,
Scriabin and his own Piano
Paintings.
In the early 1980s,
Chinese parents in big
cities started to send their
children to learn musical
instruments. Wang says his
diplomat father spent about
1,700 yuan ($274), manyfold
his salary, and bought a
piano and found a teacher
through advertisements in the
newspaper.
Wang, then 5, learned
from his teacher, who lived
in a small lane, for nearly
six months before turning to
professors Jin Aiping and Li
Qifang at the China Central
Conservatory of Music.
At 10, he won the Xinghai
Cup Piano Competition, the
highest national contest for
children.
He impressed the judges,
including famous pianists
Bao Huiqiao and Zhou
Guangren, and both met
Wangs father to tell him
that Wang should become a
pianist.
Vientiane Times Saturday January 10, 2015 15
Poverty reduction

Three Builds directive brings development to remote villages

Meuangkham and Dengsavath inhabitants have a good community

A
s Laos moves closer to
eradicating poverty by
2020, implementation
of the Partys Three
Builds (Sam Sang) directive has
become instrumental in driving
rural development and improving
villagers living standards.
Navangthong village in Nongbok
district, Khammuan province, is one
of three villages in the district to
adopt the Three Builds directive and
is enjoying the benefits.
The directive was laid down
in the Resolution of the 9th Party
Congress. It spells out how provinces
are to be built up as strategic units,
districts as comprehensively
strengthened units, and villages as
development units.
The Resolution sets an ambitious
goal to reduce the number of poor
families to less than 10 percent of
the total population by 2015 and
advance the country further towards
graduating from Least Developed
Country status by 2020.
Navangthong village is home to
612 people in 100 families and is
located about 25km from Nongbok
district centre.
Everyone in the community is
making progress year by year and
villagers are enjoying better living
standards since following the Three
Builds directive over the past three
years.
Navangthong village Head,
Mr Phasit Vetviengxay, said the
spirit which is a sound base for
moving forward. The people of this
area have been growing rice and
raising animals for many centuries
but now they are learning new
farming methods and producing
more and better crops and animals.
The village covers 438.48 hectares
of land with rice fields on 353.49
hectares, so locals can grow enough
rice for consumption year round.
Recently, the villagers received
help with the construction of a
secondary school at a cost of more
than 500 million kip, to which local
residents contributed 31 million kip.
In addition, the government
has helped with the construction
of roads at a cost of more than 500
million kip, while the Khammuan
Development Project Component 2
provided more than 250 million kip
to build an irrigation channel 680
metres long.
Agricultural production is
particularly important to guarantee
sufficient food for the community,
especially rice, so village officials The Partys Three Builds (Sam Sang) directive is playing an important role in rural development and is helping to change
and technicians have organised living standards for the better.
training sessions on money-saving
farming techniques. to increase year by year with help improved noticeably since the Three rice and raise more animals for sale
Rice yields are now averaging from the many sectors concerned. Builds directive came into force. because they have few opportunities
4.5 tonnes per hectare, so the Village officials are also focusing He recommended that the to learn a vocational skill or do other
villagers have enough rice for their on providing better quality schooling directive be implemented in other work.
own consumption and a surplus for for all children, to improve their villages so that more remote The Lao government defines
sale. job prospects and their chances of communities can enjoy the benefits poverty as not having enough food,
They also farm fish for sale, and getting a higher education. of development and reap the rewards lacking adequate clothing, not having
average annual per capita income Mr Phasit said the community as Navangthong has done. permanent housing or lacking access
has now reached more than 5 was developing year by year Village officials will continue to health, education or transportation
million kip. This figure is expected and villagers circumstances had to help local people to grow more services.

Lao Press in Foreign Languages has a new office at Phonpapao village
Vientiane Times & Le RENOVATEUR
Phonthan Village

Lao Top College

(Phonpapao Village)

(T4)
Kamphaengmeuang (T4) RD
Lao Press in Foreign Languages new office
LAO-ITECC
Phonpapao Village, Unit 32

Sisattanak District
Vientiane, Lao PDR
Tel: 021-336042, Fax: 336041

News room: Tel: 021 336045, Fax: 021 336046

Feature room: 021 336047
IT room: 021 336048
Finance room: 021 336040
16 Saturday January 10, 2015 Vientiane Times

Environment
Philippines optimistic of achieving
zero-illegal logging hotspots
MANILA (Xinhua) -- The Philippine government
expressed optimism on Thursday that it could
meet its target of zero- illegal logging hotspots
by 2016 through continued imposition of the total
log ban.
Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR) Secretary Ramon Paje said
that an evaluation on the progress of Executive
Order No.23, which declares a moratorium on the
cutting and harvesting of timber in the natural and
residual forests nationwide, indicates a positive
trend in its implementation.
As a result of the order, illegal logging
hotspots are now down to 31 from a high of 197
in 2010. We have tightened the noose around
the remaining hotspot areas with support from
law enforcement agencies led by the Armed
Forces of the Philippines, Paje said.
Prior to the issuance of EO No.23, only a
total of 6.4 million board feet (15,104 cubic
metres) were seized by the DENR. But Paje
said that confiscations significantly increased
by 59 percent at 10.28 million board feet as the
governments intensified anti- illegal logging
operations went into full swing in 2012.
The figures dropped by 60 percent in
2013 at 4.1 MMFBM and by 70.5 percent
as of September this year at 1.2 MMFBM,
indicating that illegal logging activities have
slowed down two years after EO No.23 was
implemented, Paje said.
He added the government targets to
eliminate all remaining illegal logging hotspots
in the country before President Benigno S.
Aquino III steps down in June 2016.
Paje said the enforcement of EO No.23
resulted in the filing of 1,370 cases in court and This December 11, 2014 satellite imagery from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
shows the Pineapple Express, a storm front extending from west of Hawaii and aimed directly at
close to 200 individuals declared conviction. California, bringing strong gales and sheets of rain that knocked out electricity, flooded freeways and
toppled trees in Northern California. --Photo AP

US to resume first beef imports

from Ireland since mad cow
LONDON (AP) -- The United
States will permit imports of
beef from Ireland, the first
European Union country
allowed to resume sales since
the mad cow disease scare over
15 years ago, officials said
Monday.
Simon Coveney, Irelands
minister for agriculture,
food and the marine, issued
a statement announcing that
access to the lucrative US
market will be restored after
American authorities inspected
Irelands beef production
systems last year. Authorities
estimate annual exports could
be worth at least 25 million
euros (US$30 million).
The US lifted its ban on beef
from the EU in March 2014,
but inspections are necessary
before exports are allowed
to resume. The European
Commission praised the move,
saying it sent a positive signal
to other EU member states
and that the re-opening of the
market is a welcome first step
to abolish the disproportionate
and unjustified US ban that
followed the onset of the crisis
in the 1990s.
It is now desirable that
the (US) acts expeditiously
to extend the approval to
the rest of the European
Union and to fully bring their
import conditions in line with
international standards, the
statement said.
Mad cow disease, or bovine
spongiform encephalopathy
(BSE), is fatal to cows and
can cause a fatal human brain
disease in people who eat meat
from infected cows.
Cold comfort: US weather
in 2014 not too hot
WASHINGTON (AP) --
On a day when much of the
US struggled with cold, US
meteorologists said Americas
weather in 2014 wasnt really
that bad.
The National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration
announced Thursday that the
US average temperature in
2014 was half a degree warmer
than normal and weather was
less disastrous and drought-
struck than previous years.
While 2014 was warmer than
2013 in the lower 48 states, it
was still only the 34th warmest
on record.
That contrasts with the
experience of the world as a
whole. Globally, it will likely
go down as the warmest year
on record.
Japans meteorological
agency has already calculated
2014 as the warmest year
worldwide. NOAA and
NASA will announce global
2014 figures next week, but
data through November point
toward a new record. The US
is only 2 percent of the worlds
surface and temperatures are
more dictated by weather than
climate, said Pennsylvania
State University atmospheric
scientist Michael Mann.
It was a strange year
for the US, said University
of Illinois climate scientist
Donald Wuebbles. The
extreme warmth and droughts
in the western US and the
extreme cold winter and
cooler summer in the East and
Midwest were largely driven
by blocking patterns at high
latitudes in the Arctic.
Wuebbles said those
blocking patterns meant
warmer Alaskan temperatures
and cold invasions south
like last Januarys deep chill.
It was the 18th straight
year the US was warmer than
the 20th-century average.
Last year there were
eight weather disasters that
caused more than US$1
billion in damage, according
to NOAA. The last five years
that averaged 10 such billion-
dollar disasters.

Nepal preserving Tharus unique

culture through dance performances
CHITWAN, Nepal (Xinhua)
-- In a cool December evening,
young Sushma Mahato, dressed
in typical Tharu attire with
white plain sari, black blouse, a
peacock feather on her hair and
heavy dazzling silver jewelry,
was getting ready for her dance
performance.
Pretty and cheerful,
Sushma climbed the stage at
exactly 7pm. Along with the
other young performers, who
wore the same Tharu costume,
she sang a folk song and danced
and swayed gracefully.
The dancers clapped and
made several turnarounds as
they performed the traditional
Tharu dance, called Jhamta.
The performance was part
of the evening activities at the
Tharu Culture House located at
Sauraha, Chitwan, a hub made
popular by Nepals thriving
wildlife tourism, some 170 km
away from the capital.
I have been dancing here
for the last two years. I miss
dancing only during my exams
or when Im sick. Or else, we
perform all the 365 days in a
year, the 17-year-old Sushma
told Xinhua in an interview.
Sushma said every time
she dances, she feels a sense
of pride for showing a part of
Tharus unique culture.
Our dance is the way of
promoting our identity as an
ethnic group, she said.
The Tharu people belong
to an indigenous group with
its own distinct language,
tradition, culture and lifestyle.
They live mostly in the plains
of Nepals Terai region.
Sushmas mother, 35-years-
old Harlaliya Mahato, is also a
performer in Thegra dance. She
leads 12 other young girls and
dance to the music from drums.
Thegra dance is also known
as harvest dance since it is
usually performed by Tharu
women to thank the spirits for
a good harvest and to pray for
more abundant harvest in the
coming years.
Stick dance is also one of
the major attractions of the
Tharu culture. Here 12 young
boys dressed in T-shirts and
white dhoti make simulated
attack and defense using long
sticks to the sound of drums
and tambourines.
Other dance variations
include the Damphu dance,
Peacock dance, Jhilli dance
and Fire dance, all performed
with intricate steps by energetic
youths.
Actually, every single Tharu
dance has a separate story to
share with the spectators.
Since its opening two
years ago, the Tharu Culture
House has been showing eight
different dances every evening
from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
all throughout the week. The
House has a total of 45 male
and female dancers, most of
them in their teens.
The founder of culture
house, a local of Chitwan,
Giridhari Chaudhary, said their
primary aim is to preserve
and promote Tharu s cultural
legacy.
We also want to contribute
in attracting tourists and helping
the local economy, Chaudhary
said.
Chaudhary paid tribute
to the Tharu youths for their
enthusiasm in promoting their
culture and tradition.
Currently, their special hall
of the House can accommodate
only 350 but because of the
influx of domestic and foreign
tourists, every evening there are
some 50 others who just stand
because of lack of seats.
According to Chaudhary,
80 percent of the people who
watch the performances are
foreigners.
In Chaudharys extended
family of 22, eight are involved
in dancing, including his
children and grandchildren.
In talks with Xinhua, his
daughter-in-law 26-year-old
Sangita Chaudhary said she has
been dancing with her sisters-
in-law and friends since the
opening of the House.
Vientiane Times Saturday January 10, 2015 17
Art & Leisure

Loving MV makes ideal Valentines gift

Sisouphan Amphonephong

F
ollowers of pop
singer Aluna
Thavonsouk will be
well satisfied with
her new super sweet love song
Khoy Houseuk Bab Nun Kub
Jao which has become very
popular on social media.
The new single hit local
radio waves and the YouTube
website, answering the call
from fans who had been
waiting for new material from
the songstress.
Aluna spoke to Vientiane
Times yesterday about the
success of the sweet love music
video featuring her talents and Abin and Aly Shawty encourage fans to join the fun with
those of Mr Abin from First #minlovewithyou.
Modeling and Ms Aly Shawty
after it was completed and
uploaded through social media
and YouTube.
She said she had spent
a long time casting the Aluna Thavonsouk (third right), one of the performers on the MV in a group photo with producer Toh
performers on the music video, (third left) after being interviewed on the television programme Music Boom on Wednesday.
finally settling on the good
looks and voices of Abin and Boom on the Lao Star channel almost two months, spread Running throughout the
Aly Shawty, believing they last Thursday during which she over a three month period, music video is the invitation
displayed the character traits was able to give details of why from casting the lead roles to to loving couples to send
that perfectly matched the the MV had been made and final editing and release. There in photos with captions to
concept of the story, showing how happy she was that it had were many outside locations #minlovewithyou to win prizes
the pure love between the two been so well received. for the shooting, some scenes from the sponsors.
leads and concentrating on the The video she had taking place during the Boat She urges fans to follow
things a boy has to do to show deliberately prepared as a Racing Festival, while other her latest news and activities
his love and everything else he token of love to be given on shoots took place in early as well as musical updates
must do to make his girlfriend Valentines Day, she explained. December on a road near the through her pages on facebook
happy. She said that she was very French Embassy, at Intown (aluna.thavonsouk) and
She believes the storyline happy to have the chance to Restaurant, the Library of Instagram (alunathavonsouk).
in the video transforms the work with Toh from the band the Institute de Francaise, the Producer of the music
scenes of pure love into X-Treme for the first time as Beeline office building and video Mr Toh said he was very
different styles to ensure it will a producer after he assisted on the Landmark Riverside in happy working with Aluna and A scene from the new music video.
strike a responsive chord with her previous single Ladoukan Vientiane. getting a chance to join the
all star-crossed lovers. Thi bormichao, editing and The music video was finally casting of the performers in the the fans to follow. performances at the event to
She said the performers and adding colour to the music completed after spending three video. Aluna, the other celebrate the 1st anniversary of
the producer were invited to be video. days on shooting and one week The loving message in the performers on the MV and Intown Restaurant that will be
interviewed on tv show Music Production of the MV took editing, she added. video is one that Toh urges all the producer will give live held today.

Whats Your Type? Four stars to watch in 2015

SINGAPORE (The Straits Times) --
A typhoon of visual-arts fare sweeps
into town this month with Singapore
Art Week 2015. Visual arts from the
traditional to the contemporary will
be impressively arrayed to draw the
widest range of audiences. On from
17-25 Jan, the much-anticipated nine-
day festival comes packed with award
presentations, lifestyle events, gallery
openings, parties and art tours.
Within the festival, Art Stage (22-
25 Jan) remains the super-storm set to
attract global art collectors, enthusiasts
and locals keen to view the best of
Asian contemporary art as exhibited
by 130 galleries from 29 countries
and 49 cities. Curated art platforms
and accompanying tours have been
expanded to encompass Indonesia and
Russia, as well as showcases for Video
and Modern Art.
Southeast Asia, headlined by five
Singapore artists, Mike H J Chang;
Chong Weixin; Choy Ka Fai; Hilmi
Johandi; and Zaki Razak, explores
biographical sketches as a means of
understanding the regions diverse
artistic practices. The Russian Platform,
designed with an edgy, contemporary
flavour, aims to introduce the
Federations contemporary art to Asian
audiences.
Installations of the Video Platform
will provide a historical overview of
video art from over 40 countries, to
facilitate greater understanding of the
medium. Meanwhile, the Modern
Platform acknowledges the emergence
of Asian contemporary art with localised
KOREA (Korea Herald) -- With his
squealing fans and devilish good
looks, Kim Soo-hyun was the hottest
star in Koreas entertainment scene
in 2014.
As he mulls a comeback after last
years insanely popular TV series
My Love from the Star, the actor
lands on top of The Korea Heralds
list of stars to watch in 2015.
In the K-pop scene, the
formidable popularity of EXO, the
brainchild of K-pop mogul and SM
Entertainment chairman Lee Soo-
man, is expected to grow, earning the
boys another spot on the list.
Based on a survey of 80 experts,
observers and entertainment industry
insiders, conducted by The Herald
Business, the sister paper of The
Korea Herald, here are the four stars
whose name you will be hearing a lot
political and economic trajectories throughout the year.
of individual countries highlighted Whats next for Kim Soo-hyun?
alongside Western masterworks. After a flurry of leading roles
Visitors to Art Stage will be wowed in hit TV dramas Dream High,
by large-scale works serving double- Moon Embracing the Sun, and the
duty as geographical markers. Populist wildly successful My Love from the
British art duo and Turner Prize winners Star, Kim has established himself as
Gilbert & George have five major pieces arguably the most sought-after actor
throughout the fair. Their creations are under 30 in South Korea.
joined by the statuesque figurines of His most recent role as the
Columbian sculptor Fernando Botero
his famous Standing Woman charmingly cynical undercover
makes a star appearance. alien Do Min-joon alongside Jun
Local artist Susann Victor Ji-hyun, who plays the bewitching
presents a monumental work in actress Chun Song-yi, cemented his
the form of hypnotic vermillion celebrity status not only nationwide
chandeliers. Another highlight: but also overseas.
winning entries of the first-ever Art Following the shows explosive
Stage student competition get their success abroad, Kim spent a large
due exhibition space. part of 2014 touring Asia to meet
fans.
The actor wrapped up his
lucrative year by winning Best Actor
at the SBS Drama Awards.
Ten months after his last role,
however, Kim is yet to announce his
next big project.
Though considered for upcoming
TV shows A Scholar Walks the
Night and Doctor Frankenstein,
he ended up declining both parts.
Observers say that 2015 will be a
pivotal year in shaping the remainder
of the actors career.
Kims next move will be to
follow up on his meteoric rise and
carefully select what may be his last
work before his mandatory military
service.
Yim Si-wan: from K-pop idol to
actor
Originally a member of
9-member boy band Z:EA, Yim Si-
wan first demonstrated his flair for
acting in a supporting role in Moon
Embracing the Sun.
In 2014, however, Yim fully
came into his own and enjoyed
massive popularity when he took
up the lead in the critically and
publically acclaimed tvN drama
Misaeng (Incomplete Life).
Portraying the struggles of Jang
Geu-rae, a meek but hardworking
employee in a fiercely competitive
work environment, Yim won over
the sympathies of the typical office
worker in modern Korea.
Amid a flood of offers, Yim, too,
is said to be reviewing his options
before deciding on his next role.
18 Saturday January 10, 2015 Vientiane Times

Whats On
Boun Kong Khao Festival in Phieng Tone Mai Ma Ni Khod Festival Boun Vat Phou
district, Xayaboury province Everyone is welcome to Champassak Festival
attend the Tone Mai Ma Ny
Authorities in Phieng Khod festival in Champassak The annual Boun Vat Phou
district, Xayaboury province. This event features Champassak Festival will
province, will hold the many colourful activities. take place next month.Vat
annual Boun Kong People gather for prayers Phou is an old archeological
Khao Festival this in evening and at night, for site in the south of Laos
month to celebrate a which they dress in white. and is the countrys second
good harvest from their There is also a candlelight World Heritage Site.
wet season rice crop. procession, Lam Siphandone Champassak provincial
Activities will include a and concerts, and almsgiving authorities organise the
religious ceremony and on the morning of the last day. festival, which attracts
shows, as well as a band crowds of visitors from
to entertain festival goers. Laos and overseas. The
Where: Khornphapheng Waterfall in Khong district, Champassak province.
Phieng residents welcome everyone to the festival and also week-long event comprises
When: January 12-13./l
encourage them to visit other attractions in the district. religious ceremonies and
When: January 11 to 16 cultural activities.
When: The festival itself
Where: Somsavan village, Phieng district, Xayaboury province
Pon Bee Sim Festival is on February 3, but the
associated activities start a

Stupa Festival in
week earlier.
There will be a Pon Bee
Where: Vat Phou is
Sim ceremony at the located in Champassak district, about 25 km from the provincial capital
Khammuan province Hongkae village temple this
month. Buddhist devotees
Pakxe.
Getting there: Vientiane residents can take a public bus from the Southern
throughout Vientiane are Bus Station on Kaysone Phomvihane Road in Xaythany district, a distance
Khammuan encouraged to take part of about 700km to Pakxe. From here there is more public transport to
provincial authorities in the event along with the festival site.
are preparing for Hongkae residents and
the annual Phrathat monks.
Activities include games,
Study Lao literature at Vientiane
Sikhottabong Stupa
Festival next month.
entertainment and religious manuscript centre
ceremonies such as Pon Bee Sim, YokYord Xor Far and ordinations.
Built in the 6th When: January 18 to 25 The Vientiane manuscript
century, Phrathat Where: Hongkae village temple, Xaysettha district,Vientiane preservation centre is
Sikhottabong is one open to to visitors and
of the most sacred researchers every day.
places in Laos. Free surgery for cleft lip Anybody who wants to
study and learn more
When: The festival
itself is on February
and palate patients about Lao language,
literature and Buddhist
3, but events will Children and adults with noma or cleft lip and palate are invited teachings should visit the
begin one week to receive free surgery from surgeons at Mahosot Hospital and centre. Entrance is free.
the Netherlands-based Bridge the Gap Foundation. Visitors will benefit if they
ahead.
The reconstructive surgery will help to ease the suffering and have some knowledge of
Where: Mekong disfigurement of poor people with these conditions. Pali and Sanskrit, which
riverfront in When: January 11-24.
form the basis of Lao
Muangsoum village, Where: Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane language.
about 6km south Officially opened in 2004,
of the town of the centre is located at
Thakhaek. Lao Food Festival the Naxon village temple
Activities: Religious ceremonies and trade fair in Pakngum district,
Food items representing 10 provinces and Vientiane will be on Vientiane. It is 49km along
How to get there: Khammuan province is in central Laos, display and sale at the Lao Food Festival at the end of this month. National Road 13 South.
about 300km from Vientiane on Road 13 South. The province Activities include a food exhibition and cooking contest.
has many attractions such as the Tham Pha cave where local The event is organised by the Businesswomens Association in

Exhibition
people have discovered Buddha images. Tham Konglor cave is cooperation with the Lao Womens Union.
When: January 29-31, beginning at 9 am.
also very popular and is noted for the stream that winds its way Where: Vat Chan village on the Mekong riverbank, Chanthabouly
for 7km through the middle. Visitors from Vientiane can take a district, Vientiane. Local and foreign
bus to Thakhaek from the Southern Bus Station on Kaysone visitors have an
Phomvihane Road.
Furniture fair opportunity to view
the photographic
exhibition of
Chinese singing contest Furniture products
are on show at the
traditional baskets of
Laos in conjunction
Lao Furniture Fair
There will be a Chinese singing contest in Vientiane in Vientiane this with Salt, a
organised by China Radio International (CRI) and the week to demonstrate series of works by
Confucius Institute. the ability of Lao Ratsamy Viphakone
producers to create Szafran. The display
Interested candidates should contact one of these
items for the domestic catalogues how salt is produced and packaged in Laos.
organisations on phone number 021 454 515. All and export markets, Where: The Exhibition takes place at La Maison de la
applicants must be 15 years of age or over. They will be and their high level of Culture de Ban Naxay, located in Naxay village, Saysettha
divided into two groups, Lao and Chinese. craftsmanship. district of Vientiane.
Applications close on January 10, 2015. Where: Lao-ITECC, on Khamphaengmeuang Road [T4 Road] When: The exhibition will continue until January 15, 2015.
in Phonthan village, Sisattanak district, diagonally opposite
When: The first selection will take place from January 17 Admission is free.
the Stock Market building.
and 18 with the second round to be held on January 31. When: The fair opens at 2.30pm on January 5 and ends on
The final of the contest will be on February 7.
Where: National Culture Hall
January 11.
Organiser: The Lao Furniture Association. Painting exhibition
Contact: 021 454 515 Contact: 021 720454 People can view
020 56664355 or 020 56529438
an exhibition of fine
artworks provided
The Vientiane Times welcomes
notices from members of the
State bookshop by Ms Olazone
Soukpatumvan, 22,
Many kinds of books are available at the State Publishing and a young artist from
public for announcement on this Book Distribution House. Books including politics, literature the National Institute
page. Any events or functions for kids and adults, story books, social and science books,
notebooks, textbooks, dictionaries, newspapers and Lao and
of Fine Arts, giving
them an opportunity to
open to the general public are foreign magazines. observe and reflect on
The shop also distributes handmade products and office Lao culture, with more than 30 pieces on display.
suitable for publishing. supplies. Where: The Exhibition is being held at the Institute Francaise in
Contact: Where: Setthathirath Road in Xiengyeun village, Chanthabouly
district in Vientiane.
Vientiane and is open to the general public. Admission is free.
When: The exhibition will continue until January 16, 2015.
chanfeature@hotmail.com Open: Monday to Saturday from 8am to 4pm For more details contact: Ms Olazone Soukpatumvan on
Contact: 021 255 071; 212 472-5 or fax: 021 212 472 020 5220 6282.
Vientiane Times
Neymar, Messi help Barcelona
rout Elche 5-0 in Copa del Rey
FC Barcelonas Neymar, from Brazil (left) duels for the ball against Elches goalkeeper Przemyslaw
Tyton during a round of 16 first leg Copa del Rey soccer match at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona,
Spain on Thursday. --Photo AP
MADRID (AP) -- Barcelona
set aside its off-field troubles
and put on a show in which
Neymar, Lionel Messi and
Luis Suarez scored in a 5-0
route of Elche in a Copa del
Rey last-16, first-leg match on
Thursday.
Neymar opened the
scoring from a Suarez cross in
the 35th minute. Suarez scored
his fourth goal this season
when he deftly dribbled past
defender Sergio Pelegrin
before fooling goalkeeper
Przemyslaw Tyton into diving
the wrong way in the 40th.
Neymar was brought down
in the penalty area in the 45th
earning defender Enzo Roco
a yellow card and Messi
coolly converted it, earning a
halftime ovation from fans at
the Camp Nou.
Jordi Alba controlled a
superbly weighted pass from
Clarks focus on good golf before
change from long putter
KAPALUA, Hawaii (AP)
-- Tim Clark plans a return
to Torrey Pines, this time to
compete with his long putter
rather than to make a passionate
protest of the rule to ban them.
Clark has accepted the new
rule outlawing the anchored
stroke required for the putter he
has used for the last 17 years.
This is the last year before
the rule goes into effect, and
Clark isnt about to waste it by
tinkering with a new club or a
new stroke. The South African
wants to play good golf.
That said, he already is
thinking about the change and
hes not willing to share his
solution.
Ive got some pretty good
ideas, but Im not going to
tell you just in case they try
to ban those, Clark said with
Messi to beat Tyton with a low
shot in the 56th, and moments
later Neymar fired a powerful
shot that bounced into goal off
Pelegrins back.
The win eased the tension
at Barcelona in a week in
which sports director Andoni
Zubizarreta was fired, the
appeal against a one-year
transfer ban was lost, and it fell
at Real Sociedad in the Spanish
league.
Elsewhere, Kevin Gameiro
scored a goal and created
another for Sevilla to beat
Granada 2-1.
It was important to win
away even though their last-
minute goal complicates things
for us, I still think its a good
result, said forward Gerard
Deulofeu. Well have to kill
it off at home in the Sanchez
Pizjuan Stadium.
Deulofeu passed to
a laugh. But Ive got a pretty
good handle on it. Im not as
concerned as I was maybe at the
start of last year because Ive
figured something out now and
Ill be fine. But Im not going
to spend my time practicing it
now while Im trying to play
tournaments this year with
what Ive used.
Once they tell me its
done, then its done. Then it will
be easier to change.
He said he will stop at the
Scotty Cameron putting studio
in the San Diego area after
playing at Torrey Pines in the
first week of February, to work
on some putters that fit his
ideas. Otherwise, he sees 2015
as a time to build on a year in
which he won the Canadian
Open and lost in a playoff to
Bubba Watson at the HSBC
Gamerio whose shot rebounded
off the post and landed back in
Deulofeus path for the first in
the 32nd minute.
Granada missed a chance
just before halftime when
midfielder Manuel Iturras
cross pinpointed striker Isaac
Success on the penalty spot,
but Success headed it over the
crossbar.
Gameiro took advantage
of a defensive mix-up in
Granadas penalty area to tap in
Ever Banegas well-placed free
kick in the 53rd.
Lass Bangoura pulled one
back in his Granada debut on
loan from Rayo Vallecano
when his free kick went straight
through the defenders wall in
injury time.
Im happy to have scored
that goal, although Sevilla was
playing very well, Bangoura
said. Weve lost and now well
have to wait for the return leg.
Champions in Shanghai.
Clark is starting his year in
Hawaii at the Tournament of
Champions for the first time in
four years. Its a good spot to be,
and even though he is among
the shortest hitters in golf, the
expansive Plantation Course at
a par 73 doesnt bother him.
Zach Johnson, not known
for his length off the tee,
won last year. Besides, Clark
learned long ago to play to his
strengths. Even though Watson
could hit the ball some 80 yards
longer, when they played a
par 5 in a playoff at Shanghai,
Watson didnt think he had an
advantage because of Clarks
short game.
Part of that short game is
putting, and that part is about
to go through a significant
overhaul.
Saturday January 10, 2015 Sports 19
EPL says Lampard under contract
at Man City, not NY City
LONDON (AP) -- The
English Premier League added
to the mystery over Frank
Lampards status on Thursday
by confirming he is under
contract at Manchester City
and does not have a formal
deal with partner club New
York City FC.
The league statement
came after The Associated
Press on Monday highlighted
the confusion over Lampards
status amid continuing silence
by the teams.
The New York team,
which debuts in Major League
Soccer in March, announced
last July that Lampard signed
a two-year contract, and used
it to promote the sale of jerseys
and season tickets.
Shortly afterward, Man
City said Lampard was
returning to the Premier
League on loan to stay match
fit for his New York debut. Manchester Citys Frank Lampard (centre left) attempts to take the
But the announcement has ball past Sheffield Wednesdays Glenn Loovens (right) during their
been removed from the team English FA Cup third round soccer match at the Etihad Stadium,
website, and City never used Manchester, England on Sunday. --Photo AP
the term loan again.
Lampards seven goals contract is with Man City and with one club.
have been valuable to the he is not on loan. There has been criticism
teams title defence , and when Frank Lampard is in the United States over
City announced on Dec. 31 registered with Manchester Lampards failure to start
that he was staying for the rest City FC until the end of the the MLS season with the
of the season, the team said his 2014-15 season, the league expansion franchise.
contract had been extended. said in a statement. The NYCFC supporters
MLS told the AP that Premier League has sought group, The Third Rail, said it
although Lampard had and received assurances from was outraged by Lampards
not signed a contract with Manchester City that there is prolonged stay in England.
NYCFC, the midfielder had no agreement in place between Many fans, including
one with City Football Group, the club or City Football our members, decided to
the umbrella company for the Group with New York City FC support the team, committed
portfolio of clubs owned by relating to the player. to season tickets, and
Abu Dhabis Sheikh Mansour. The 36-year-old former bought merchandise under
Now the Premier League Chelsea player originally the impression that Frank
has investigated the matter and said he was moving to MLS Lampard would be playing
confirmed that no integrity because he didnt want to for New York City Football
rules have been breached play anywhere else in England Club, not Manchester City,
because Lampards only because I had been so affiliated the group said.
Rusty Roger Federer survives 2nd
round, advances in Brisbane
BRISBANE, Australia (AP) --
Roger Federer was rusty in his
season-opening match at the
Brisbane International, and it
had him in a serious sweat.
The 17-time Grand Slam
winner held his cool to recover
from a set and a break down
and beat Australian wild-card
entry John Millman 4-6, 6-4,
6-3 on Thursday.
The weather was reasonably
mild for subtropical Brisbane,
where Federer lost to Lleyton
Hewitt in the final last year. It
was the hot reception from the
No. 153-ranked Millman that
troubled him for a while.
Im sweating like crazy,
Roger Federer of Switzerland plays a shot in his match against
Federer said. Under a lot of John Millman of Australia during the Brisbane International tennis
pressure. I think I got quite tournament in Brisbane, Australia on Thursday. --Photo AP
lucky in the second set. He was
playing great tennis. a 3-1 lead. But he broke back the next round, after James
It was slow start for the immediately, setting it up with Duckworth beat Jarkko
33-year-old Swiss star, who had classic one-handed backhand Nieminen 4-6, 7-6 (5), 6-3.
a first-round bye. He wasted down the line, and saved three Third-seeded Milos Raonic
four break-point chances in an break points in the next game to had 17 aces and didnt face

Online subscription opening game that lasted seven

minutes before Millman held.
Federer was broken in
After we receive your subscription, a username and password will the 10th game, saving three
be sent to you which will give unlimited access to the newspaper set points before hitting a
swinging forehand volley
every day - including advertisements. You can also access back
too long to surrender the first
issues for up to seven days. Just log in and youll automatically set to Millman, who was
be registered with www.vientianetimes.org.la. Contact Vientiane getting raucous support from a
Times or send an email to: itvtimes@gmail.com parochial, hometown crowd.
Tel: (856-21) 336042, 336048 Fax: (856-21) 336041 The top-seeded Federer
dropped serve to give Millman
keep it on serve.
Thats when things started
to go his way.
First match of the season,
you never know quite what
to expect, said Federer, who
walked on court with 996
career match wins on the ATP
tour 993 more than Millman.
Credit to him for pushing it.
Federer will face another
Australian wild-card entry in
a break point in a 6-3, 6-4
win over Mikhail Kukushkin
of Kazakhstan to set up a
quarterfinal match against Sam
Groth of Australia, who beat
Lukasz Kubot of Poland 6-4,
6-7 (2), 7-6 (3).
The 24-year-old Canadian
has worked hard to improve his
serve, and believes hes ready
to make his breakthrough at the
Grand Slam events.
20 Saturday January 10, 2015
Sports
Lao sepak takraw star heads
to Thailand for training
Sangkhomsay
Bubphanouvong
One of Laos top female
sepak takraw players,
Phonethip Sengphachan from
Savannakhet province, plans
to go to Thailand this year
to further develop her skills
after winning gold medals
at the 10th National Games
in Oudomxay province last
month.
Phonethip takes her training
very seriously so she is planning
to spend three years in Thailand
perfecting her craft.
The provinces team
trainer Mr Vongsavanh
Thongphachan said she has
relatives in Thailand she will
live with who will help and
support her while furthering
her education there.
The 19-year-old comes
from Sounantha village in
Kaysone Phomvihane district,
Savannakhet province, and
recently finished secondary
school.
She began training in sepak
takraw when she was seven
years old and attending primary
school, having learnt about the
sport from watching television.
When playing competi-
tively, she excels in saving
or blocking opponents kicks.
These are talents she hopes to
develop in her home province
after finishing her education
in Thailand, having trained
with both male and female
players in the past.
Savannakhets Phonethip Sengphachan (right) blocks the Police players kick in the womens doubles
final of the sepak takraw event at the National Games in Oudomxay province.
Mr Vongsavanh said
she still has some way to go
before she can be classed an
exceptional player. She is
limited to one kicking style
at present but he expects that
will change during her time in
Thailand.
He was confident that she
will develop many new styles
while there so will come back
to Laos as an even better
player in the future.
She hasnt yet joined the
national team because of her
plans to go to Thailand but she
is much sought after by the
Lao Sepak Takraw Federation
who want her to join.
He said he was hopeful
of supporting her to compete
in the 11th National Games
in Xieng Khuang province in
2017.
He said she is the first
female sepak takraw player
from the province who
plans to pursue a career in
the sport by coaching at the
professional level.
This was the first time
Phonethip had represented her
lagging behind Vasilyev
home province and she was
able to win two gold medals,
in the womens doubles and
womens team events.
At the 10th games,
Savannakhet provinces
sepak takraw teams won
four gold medals, in the
womens doubles, womens
singles, womens teams and
mens singles events. At the
National Student Games in
Champassak province in
February last year, the mens
and womens teams won
three gold medals.
Vasilyev keeps Mini dominance,
Coma tastes first victory
RIO DE JANEIRO (Xinhua)
-- Russian driver Vladimir
Vasilyev kept Minis
dominance in 2015 Dakar
Rally by winning the fifth
stage in car category while
bike defending champion
Marc Coma finally tasted first
victory on Thursday.
The fifth stage, competed
alongside the shores of the
Pacific Ocean, includes
458km special run from
Chiles Atacama desert, the
driest place on earth, to the
coastal stop of Antofagasta.
Vasilyev clinched his first
stage win in 2015 edition
with a time of four hours
19 minutes and 18 seconds,
while his team Mini, the
defending champions last
year, made it five stage wins
in five this year.
Saudi Arabias Yazeed
Alrajhi from Toyota gained
second place in the stage,
to tackle this additional
by only 20 seconds. The
Hummer of American driver
Robbie Gordon was third on
the day with one minutes and
25 seconds further back of
Vasilyev.
The overall standings was
still led by Qatari Nasser Al-
Attiyah behind the wheel of
Mini as the 2011 champion
finished fourth Thursday.
11-time champion Stephane
Peterhansel in a Peugeot
ranked fifth in the stage.
South Africas 2009
champion Giniel de Villiers
failed to finish on the podium
ranking sixth, however he
Vientiane Times
remained the second overall.
Thursday s runner-up Alrajhi
also remained third in the
overall standings.
I hope I did not win
the stage because tomorrow
will be a very difficult stage
and Id like somebody else
to open the stage, said Al-
Attiyah, who leads the overall
standings with an advantage
of 10 minutes 35 seconds.
Friday s sixth stage will
climb up the Pacific coast
towards Iquique, after which
every competitors will have
taken part in a marathon
stage.
The marathon stages,
where drivers cannot use
their assistance teams, are a
particular test of their ability
to independently manage
their mechanics. This year,
cars and trucks, which have
not taken part in a marathon
stage since 2005, will have
difficulty.
I need to think a lot next
week because we also have
the marathon day. Its our
plan to come here and win the
race, but ok, we are leading
and well just try to keep
going like this.
KTMs four-time
motorcycling winner Marc
Coma from Spain claimed
his first stage victory of the
2015 edition, finishing the
run to Antofagasta ahead of
compatriot and overall leader
Joan Barreda on a Honda.
Chiles Pablo Quintanilla took
the third place in the stage.