2005-2006

China’s Aid Flows Downstream to Laos

   By Qian Xiaofeng

The Lao National Cultural Hall, built with Chinese financial support.VIENTIANE -- In the centre of Laos’ leafy capital, just two blocks from where the Mekong River marks the border with Thailand, stands the Lao National Cultural Hall, a gleaming, modern structure trimmed with gold paint. Outside, a banner portrait advertising a concert by the South Korean pop star, Kangta, shows how the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, one of the world’s five remaining communist countries, is quietly opening to the outside world.

On the Trail of Khmer Antiquities

   Photo Essay by Khem Sovannara

Some 1.4 million tourists trooped to the Angkor Wat complex in 2005 alone. While the temple complex is well-guarded now, looting continues from Cambodia's other ancient sites. Heritage Watch says demand is driven by collectors and big auction houses that do not check enough about the origins of the antiquities they buy.SIEM REAP, Cambodia — The huge statues at the entrance of the Bayon temple in the Angkor complex here exude an air of strength, in contrast to other statues in the other temples and sites that have arms hacked off, or heads missing.

Bayon was the last state temple to be built in the 13th century at Angkor Thom, on the banks of the Siem Reap river here in north-west Cambodia. The Bayon is home to 200 huge faces carved on more than 40 towers, among other images.

Saffron-clad Monks Go Green

   By Ung Chamroeun

Monks and villagers are one in presenting good wishes and longevity to this tree.ODDAR MEANCHAY, Cambodia - In this north-western Cambodian province, a group of monks banded together to form a forest community, carrying out inspections to make sure there is no felling of trees or poaching.

In the capital Phnom Penh, the Association of Buddhism for the Environment (ABE) created a website, www.sanghanetwork.org, to discuss environmental protection activities that monks are carrying out in the Mekong region. Over in Prasat Sambo district in Kompong Thom, a young monk has set up a library on the environment in his pagoda.

Drug Trade Finds A Way

   By Anucha Charoenpo

Amporn Romyen, a volunteer with the probation department of the Justice Ministry, says this bank of the Mekong River is among the places where boats unload metamphetamines from Laos.NONG KHAI, Thailand - For the most part, Ban Khok Suak in Tambon Phraphutthabaht in Sri Chiang Mai district is a typical farming village in the Thai north-east.

Most of its inhabitants grow cabbages, tomatoes and chili. But one thing sets it apart from the typical north-eastern farming village: it lies along the Mekong River. This is mostly a good thing since it allows villagers to fish and use the mighty river for transportation.

Dreams Draw Lao Workers to Thailand

   By Manivone Luangsombath

The Thai-Lao border calls to migrants and others who yearn for better opportunities in life.SAVANNAKHET, Lao PDR — Lod is all of 18 years of age, but bears the scars of having been beaten up and tortured by her employer over in Thailand. Like many young women who end up in similar situations, she had been drawn across the border by visions of bringing home more money, new appliances, and sending her siblings to school.

Balancing Heritage and Development in Luang Prabang

By Sutthida Malikaew*

LUANG PRABANG, Lao PDR - Duangsavan Boupha, a native of Luang  Prabang, has lived in the same house she was born in more than 60  years ago. She inherited the 72 year-old house from her grandparents.  Her daily routine begins early each morning with the traditional  distribution of alms to Buddhist monks, as is the custom here.

Hoi An Lives with Tourism Pains

By Sutthida Malikaew

HOI AN, Vietnam -  “More people come to Hoi An, but I can sell less,”  Kim Chi, owner of an art gallery in this central Vietnamese town,  says in a bored tone.

Burmese Tsunami Victims Try to Move On

By Myat Soe*

PHUKET, Thailand - Naing Naing, a 20-year-old Burmese migrant worker,  is tired of hearing the government of Thailand's repeated promises of  catering to the needs of the disaster victims.

Surrounded by Big Lakes, But Short of Water

Yang Qing

With Er'hai, there would be no Dali.
In ancient times, Er'hai lake in Yunnan, China was known as Xi Er'he, Yeyu River, Yeyu Pool, Er'he, Kunmichuan and Kunming Pool. Legend has it that people began to live near the lake after the hot sea cooled and marine life started to grow. It is said that Er'hai came into being after a volcanic eruption. The volcano's mouth of the volcano closed to form a pot, and water filled this pot. Then, organisms began to appear. 

Mr. Myo Zaw

Editor, Beauty Magazine