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Lao People's Democratic Republic [Laos]
General Information
Area: 236,800 sq km (91,400 sq miles).
Population: 5,297,000 (UN estimate 1999).
Population Density: 22.5 per sq km (1999).
Capital: Vientiane. Population: 555,100 (1997).
GEOGRAPHY: Laos is a landlocked country bordered to the north by China, to the east by Vietnam, to the south by Cambodia and to the west by Thailand and Myanmar. Apart from the Mekong River plains along the border of Thailand, the country is mountainous, particularly in the north, and in places is densely forested.
Government: People’s Republic since 1975. Gained independence from France in 1953. Head of State: Khamtai Siphandon since 1998. Head of Government: Prime Minister Boungnang Volachit since 2001.
Language: The official language is Lao, however many tribal languages are also spoken. French, Vietnamese and some English are also spoken.
Religion: The Laos-Lum (Valley Laos) people follow the Hinayana (Theravada) form of Buddhism. The religions of the Laos-Theung (Laos of the mountain tops) range from traditional Confucianism to Animism and Christianity.
Time: GMT + 7.
Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz.
Communications:
Telephone
Restricted IDD available. Country code: 856. Outgoing international code: 00.
Mobile telephone
GSM 900 network operator in the area is Lao Shinawatra (website: www.laotel.com). No widespread coverage as yet, although access to the Thai mobile telephone system may be possible in Vientiane and border regions.
Fax
Facilities may be available in large hotels in urban areas.
Internet
Internet cafes are located in the major towns.
Press
English-language dailies in Laos include the Vientiane Times.
BBC World Service and Voice of America frequencies: From time to time these change.
BBC (website: www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice):
Voice of America (website: www.voa.gov):
Passport/Visa
| | Passport Required? | Visa Required? | Return Ticket Required? | | British | Yes | Yes | Yes | | Australian | Yes | Yes | Yes | | Canadian | Yes | Yes | Yes | | USA | Yes | Yes | Yes | | OtherEU | Yes | Yes | Yes | | Japanese | Yes | Yes | Yes |
PASSPORTS: Passport with at least six months remaining validity required by all.
VISAS: Required by all.
Visas are issued on arrival at Vientiane International Airport, Pakse Airport, Friendship Bridge, or Luang Prabang Airport for a stay of 15 days, on presentation of a passport, passport-size photo and fee of US$30. If entering Laos through any other international checkpoint, it is necessary to obtain a visa in advance.
Types of visa and cost: Tourist, Business, Visit and Transit: €23 (or double if applicant does not have prior authorisation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) (single-entry) or US$30 if obtained on arrival.
Validity: For use up to two months after issue. Tourist visa: 15 days. Business visa: 30 days. Transit visa: maximum seven days for stay in Vientiane only. Multiple entry: Available from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Consular Department.
Application to: Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy) or an officially recognised tour operator. A visa valid for Laos can also be obtained from travel agencies in Bangkok (Thailand) or on arrival (see above).
Application requirements: (a) Two passport-size photos. (b) Two signed and completed application forms. (c) Valid passport. (d) Fee payable by cash or cheque. (e) Authorisation given by the Minister of Foreign Affairs in Laos, (the applicant can also get this authorisation by contacting any travel agency that has signed a contract with the Lao Tourism Authority). (f) Return or onward ticket and documents for next destination. (g) Proof of sufficient funds such as a bank statement showing a minimum of US$400 or evidence of a life insurance policy. (h) Contact of person or organisation based in Laos or a confirmed hotel reservation. Business: (a)-(h) and, (i) Officially endorsed letter of invitation from Laotian company. (j) Letter from sponsor.
Working days required: Applications to Laotian Consulates should be made as far in advance as possible.
Temporary residence: Enquire at nearest Embassy or Consulate.
Money
Currency: Lao Kip (Kip) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of Kip5000, 2000, 1000, 500 and 100.
Currency exchange: Thai Bahts and US Dollars are the easiest currencies to exchange. They are also widely accepted in shops, markets and hotels in Vientiane and Luang Prabang.
Credit & debit cards: Major credit cards are accepted in the more upmarket hotels and tourist-oriented restaurants. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.
Travellers cheques: Limited acceptance. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in US Dollars or Thai Bahts.
Currency restrictions: The import and export of local currency is prohibited. There are no restrictions on the import or export of foreign currency, but amounts greater than US$2000 must be declared.
Exchange rate indicators
The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Lao Kip against Sterling and the US Dollar:
| Date | May ’02 | Aug ’02 | Nov ’02 | Feb ’03 | | £1.00= | 11075.50 | 11558.8 | 12018.6 | 12101.1 | | $1.00= | 7600.00 | 7600.00 | 7600.00 | 7600.00 |
Banking hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1200 and 1330-1730.
Duty Free
The following goods may be imported into Laos, from countries not bordering Laos, without incurring customs duty:
500 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 500g of tobacco; 1 bottle of spirits; 2 bottles of wine; perfume for personal use; personal jewellery up to 500g.
Public Holidays
Oct 12 2002 Day of Liberation. Dec 2 National Day. Jan 1 2003 New Year’s Day. Jan 6 Pathet Lao Day. Jan 20 Army Day. Feb 1 Chinese New Year. Mar 8 International Women’s Day. Mar 22 Day of the People’s Party. Apr 13-15* Lao New Year (Pi Mai). May 1 Labour Day. May 16 Birth of Buddha. Jun 1 Children’s Day. Jul 13 Khao Pansa (Buddhist Fast begins). Aug 13 Lao Issara (Day of the Free Laos). Oct 5 Bouk ok Pansa (Buddhist Fast ends). Oct 12 Day of Liberation. Dec 2 National Day. Jan 1 2004 New Year’s Day. Jan 6 Pathet Lao Day. Jan 20 Army Day. Jan 22 Chinese New Year. Mar 8 International Women’s Day. Mar 22 Day of the People’s Party. Apr 13-15* Lao New Year (Pi Mai). May 1 Labour Day. May 4 Birth of Buddha. Jun 1 Children’s Day. Jul 2 Khao Pansa (Buddhist Fast begins). Aug 13 Lao Issara (Day of the Free Laos). Sep 23 Bouk ok Pansa (Buddhist Fast ends). Oct 12 Day of Liberation. Dec 2 National Day
Note: *Variations may occur.
Health
| | Special Precautions | Certificate Required | | Yellow Fever | No | 1 | | Cholera | Yes | 2 | | Typhoid and Polio | 3 | N/A | | Malaria | 4 | N/A |
1: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers coming from infected areas.
2: Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is not a condition of entry to Laos. However, cholera is a serious risk in this country and precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination, as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness. See the Health appendix.
3: Typhoid may occur. Poliovirus transmission has been interrupted, but complete eradication is not yet certain.
4: Malaria risk exists throughout the year in the whole country, except in Vientiane. The malignant falciparum form is prevalent and is reported to be highly resistant to chloroquine.
Food & drink: All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid dairy products that are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Pork, salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
Other risks: Hepatitis A and E occur; hepatitis B is highly endemic. Dengue fever, diphtheria, tuberculosis and Japanese encephalitis occur. Some vaccinations may be advised. Liver fluke (opisthorchiasis) is present; travellers should avoid eating raw or undercooked fish.
Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information, consult the Health appendix.
Health care: Any treatment must generally be paid for in cash. Health insurance is essential and should include cover for air evacuation.
Travel - International
AIR: The national airline of Laos is Lao Aviation (QV) which serves the international routes from Vientiane to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), Bangkok and Chiang Mai (Thailand), Phnom Penh (Cambodia) and Kunming (China). Thai International flies from Bangkok; Vietnam Airlines flies from Hanoi.
International airports: Vientiane (VTE) (Wattai) is 4km (2.5 miles) from the city (travel time – 20 minutes). Facilities include bank/bureaux de change, bars, post office, restaurants and car hire.
Departure tax: US$10; children under two years of age and transit passengers are exempt.
RAIL: There are no railways in Laos, but the Thai system stretches from Bangkok via Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai on the Laos/Thailand border. A ferry and a bridge links the Lao side of the Mekong, 19km (12 miles) east of Vientiane.
ROAD: It is possible to enter Laos from Thailand at Nong Khai over the Friendship Bridge. Other border crossings include Chiang Kong (Thailand)–Houei Xay (Laos) in the north; Mukdahan (Thailand)–Savannakhet (Laos); Chong Mek (between Pakse and Ubon Ratchathani); Nakorn Phanom (Thailand)–Tha Kek (Laos) and Jouay Kone (Thailand)–Xaingnabouri (Laos). It is possible to enter Laos by road from Vietnam either at Lao Bao or at the new border post of Lak Xao near Vinh. Laos can also be entered from China, from Mengla in Yunnan province to Luang Nam Tha. Overland travel to Cambodia and Myanmar is not feasible owing to security risks. Internally, the road link between Vientiane and Luang Prabang to the north has been upgraded.
Travel - Internal
AIR: Domestic air services run from Vientiane to Houayxai, Luang Nmatha, Luang Prabang, Oudomxai, Sam Neua and Sayabouti in the north and Pakse and Savanakhet in the south. Private charter flights are also available through Westcoast Helicopters.
RIVER: The Mekong and other rivers are a vital part of the country’s transport system. The choice is between irregular (and very basic) slow ferries and exciting but noisy and hazardous speedboats. Both services run from Vientiane to Luang Prabang and Luang Prabang to Huay Xai. Ferries often depart early in the mornings and can take several days, whilst speedboats run more regularly and take approximately eight hours for each leg of the journey. Times and prices alter according to demand. Private jet boats can be hired from Lao River Exploration Services. For further details, contact Lao National Tourism Authority (see Contact Addresses section).
ROAD: Traffic drives on the right. Many of the roads have been paved in recent years, including the main highway from the Thai border at Savannakhet to the Vietnamese border. However, few main roads are suitable for all-weather driving. In the north of the country, there is a road link between Vientiane and Luang Prabang, and from Vientiane to Nam Dong and Tran Ninh. Bus: Services link all major towns and cities. Buses can vary from the more traditional type to the converted pick-up truck. Car hire: It is not recommended to hire cars in Laos as driving standards are low. However, it is possible to hire cars with a driver through hotels or tourist agencies. Asia Vehicle Rental Co Ltd in Vientiane can help visitors with all their rental needs (tel: (21) 217 493 or 223 867; fax: (21) 217 493; e-mail: avr@loxinfo.co.th; website: www.avr.laopdr.com). Documentation: International Driving Permit recommended, although it is not legally required.
URBAN: There is a mixture of old and metered taxis in Vientiane that can usually be located at Wattay Airport, the Friendship bridge and the Morning market. Taxis can also be hired for approximately US$20 per day. Converted motorcycles, known as tuk-tuks or jumbos, are available in all major towns and cities and are perfect for shorter journeys around town. Bargaining is expected. Motorcycles and bicycles can be hired for the day in Vientiane and Luang Prabang.
Note: Travel outside Vientiane should be prearranged with a tour company.
Accommodation
HOTELS: There are good hotels and guest-houses in Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng, but facilities are sparse elsewhere. Local village hostels are available, but with few amenities. For more details of prices and location, contact a tour company with experience in Laos.
CAMPING: There are no facilities for camping in Laos.
ECOLODGES: Laos is eager to promote ecotourism and visitors can stay in specially constructed ecolodges in either Laopako, one hour and 30 minutes from Vientiane, on the Nam Mgum river or the Boat Landing in Luang Namtha province.
Introduction
Until 1988 tourists were not allowed access to Laos, but the country has now opened up and it is perfectly feasible to travel all over the country, preferably with a recognised tour company. The number of tourists is expected to continue increasing over the next few years.
Vientiane & Northern Laos
VIENTIANE: One of Asia’s most relaxed and quiet capital cities, Vientiane is nestled in fertile plains on the banks of the Mekong River. Many buildings reflect the country’s past links with Europe, such as the old French colonial houses and the capital’s Victory Monument, which bears a striking, if somewhat rococo, similarity to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. An important national monument is the 16th-century That Luang (Royal Stupa) that symbolises Buddhist and Lao union. Other interesting sights include the Lao Revolutionary Museum; Wat Ho Prakeo, a former royal temple; Wat Sisaket, one of the capital’s oldest temples; Wat Xieng Khouang (Buddha Park), situated 24km (15 miles) south of the city and displaying fascinating Buddhist and Hindu structures.
XIANG KHOUANG: Xiang Khouang province in the northeast of the country is characterised by lush green mountains and Karst limestone. The capital, Phonsavan enjoys a favourable climate being at an altitude of 1200m (3937ft). The unusual Plain of Jars is accessible from the city and offers the mysterious sight of hundreds of stone jars, some weighing up to six tonnes, scattered over the landscape. The jars are over 2000 years old and legend says that they were used to ferment rice wine in the sixth century in order to celebrate a victory in battle. Some 52km (32 miles) north of Phonsavan, visitors can enjoy bathing in two hot springs; Bo Noi and Bo Yai.
LUANG PRABANG: This ancient royal city has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. Located between the Mekong and Khan River, it is the cultural and religious centre of the country, boasting 32 large temple complexes. Wat Xieng Thong is one of the most impressive temples, decorated with coloured glass and gold. Testament to the fact that it had been the royal capital until 1975, the royal palace there contains fine artwork and gifts made for former kings. Nearby, in the town centre, visitors can ascend Mount Phousi for a panaromic view of the city and surrounding rivers. Also worth seeing is the Palace Museum, (the former royal palace) easily recognisable by its golden spired stupa, which houses an impressive collection of artefacts from old rulers of the Kingdom of Lane Xang.
Excursions: Close by is Ban Phanom Village, famous for its weavings, which offers the opportunity to visit a traditional community and to purchase bargain-priced silk and embroideries. Around 25km (16 miles) along the Mekong river lie the fascinating Pak Ou Caves, that can be easily reached by speedboat from Luang Prabang. The two caves, Tham Ting and Tham Phun, are full of Buddha images that have been left there over hundreds of years by worshippers. Further downriver is the small village of Ban Xang Hai, famous for its production of rice whisky. Also worth seeing are the Kuang Si Waterfalls, situated 30km (19 miles) from Luang Prabang. Visitors can swim in the lower pools.
LUANG NAMTHA: Situated in the far northwest of Laos, Luang Namtha province is a mountainous region, with areas of tropical rainforest and over 39 ethnic minority groups. An ecotourism project for the region has been proposed by UNESCO. Muang Xing is a small town on the river plains which used to be an outpost for an ancient southern Chinese empire. A number of guest-houses can offer hiking trips starting from here.
Southern Laos
KHAMMOUANE: Khammouane province is accessible from Vientiane by bus. The region is currently being explored for its potential as a place for ecotourism, and its amazing limestone formations, caves, rivers and jungle make it a unique environment. Its capital, Tha Kek, is a good place to reach other sights, such as the Tham Xieng Lap Caves and the That Skihotabang, a stunning stupa built by King Nanthasen in around the tenth century.
SAVANNAKHET: Within easy reach by bus from Khammouane is Savannakhet province. Positioned between Thailand and Vietnam, the province acts as a useful trading junction between the two. Most of the town’s architecture is French colonial, including a large Catholic church, although there are several buddhist temple buildings worth seeing such as Wat Sainyaphum. It is possible to walk the Ho Chi Minh Trail, a former clandestine route used by the North Vietnamese Army to transport military gear to South Vietnam. The trail was bombed by the USA during the Vietnam war and parts of this devastation can still be viewed. However, the trail must be seen with a guide as large parts of the route still contain unexploded bombs.
CHAMPASSAK: Pakse, captial of Champassak province, is easily reached by air from Vientiane. Pakse is home to many ethnic minority groups, much of the Bolaven Plateau and the famous, although relatively unvisited, Wat Phu temple. Wat Phu was constructed around the fifth century on a mountain top near fresh spring water by the Khmer Hindus, who went on to settle their empire at its former capital – Ankor Wat (Cambodia). There are breathtaking views across the Mekong valley from the temple. The complex can be reached by chartered boat along the Mekong river. Other excursions worth making are to the Bolaven Plateau, where visitors can enjoy elephant riding and trekking, and to Sii Pan Dan (Four Thousand Islands), where islands are formed during the rainy season on the Mekong river. There is the opportunity to see spectacular waterfalls and the endangered irriwaddy dolphins.
Sport & Activities
Wildlife: Laos’s pristine landscape hosts a variety of flora and fauna, including rare primates, mammals and birds. Freshwater dolphins can be found in the Mekong river. There is still some unexploded ordinance in the countryside, and official advice should be taken about which areas to avoid.
Trekking: Travellers can head to the hills independently or take part in locally organised guided tours.
Mountain biking: The lack of cars makes cycling a good proposition. Terrain can be difficult, however, and there are not many roads. Visitors are advised to bring their own bicycles, though there are some for hire in the larger towns.
Social Profile
Food & Drink: Rice, especially sticky rice, is the staple food and dishes will be Indo-Chinese in flavour and presentation. Lao food can be found on the stalls in the markets. There are several fairly good French restaurants in Vientiane, catering mainly for the diplomatic community. Baguettes and croissants are normally eaten for breakfast.
Rice whisky, lao lao, is popular and there are two brands available. The beer is also good.
Nightlife: There are several discotheques in Vientiane that tend to have live Lao bands. Most large hotels will have their own nightclubs.
Shopping: The markets in Vientiane and Luang Prabang (about 40 minutes by air from Vientiane) are worth visiting. Silk, silver jewellery and handmade shirts are good buys. Although the majority of shops have fixed prices, bartering is still advisable for antiques and other art objects. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1600; Mon-Sat 0900-2100 (private shops).
Special Events: The majority of festivals are linked to Buddhist holidays. The following is a list of events taking place in 2003:
Feb Magha Puja (anniversary of a speech held by the Buddha), nationwide; Têt and Chinese New Year. Apr 13-15 Pi Mai (celebrations for the new lunar year), nationwide. May Visakha Bu-saa (Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death), nationwide. Aug Haw Khao Padap Din (Festival of the Dead) nationwide. Oct 1-11 Ok Phansa Boat Race Festival, Vientiane. Dec Pha That Luang Festival (processions of monks receiving alms and floral votives; fireworks and music), Vientiane.
Social Conventions: Religious beliefs should be respected. Lao people should not be touched on the head. Handshaking is not that usual, Lao people greet each other with their palms together and a slight bowing of the head. Take care when discussing politics and related subjects in conversation so as not to cause offence. Shorts or revealing clothes are not always acceptable. Tipping: Practised modestly in hotels and restaurants.
Business Profile
Economy: Laos is one of the world’s poorest countries, and its predominantly agricultural economy operates almost entirely at subsistence level. Rice, the main crop, is grown in several different varieties; other crops include maize, cassava, pulses, groundnuts, fruits, sugar cane, tobacco and coffee. Though little known outside the region, Laotian coffee is highly rated among connoisseurs and is now the country’s single largest export commodity. The country has considerable, though largely untapped, reserves of tin, lead and zinc, as well as iron ore, coal and timber. Industry is mostly concerned with processing raw materials, principally timber and food; textiles and basic consumer goods are also produced. Development is hampered by chronic shortages of skilled labour and foreign exchange, and the Laotian economy relies heavily on foreign aid: traditionally this has come from Japan and Scandinavia and more recently Thailand, Taiwan and Australia.
Economic reforms began in the early 1990s and included an extensive programme of privatisation. These initially attracted the support of the IMF but the Government’s failure to meet successive financial targets led to a withdrawal of the Fund’s support in 1998. Compounded by the regional financial crisis, the economy was in serious difficulties by the beginning of 1999 with 100 per cent annual inflation, a collapsed currency value and a desperate shortage of foreign and domestic currency. Since then, a mild recovery has taken place but the economic prospects are still uncertain. Laos is a member of the Asian Development Bank and the Colombo Plan, which promotes economic and social development in Asia and the Pacific.
Business: Punctuality is appreciated. Lightweight suits, shirt and tie should be worn. English is not spoken by all officials and a knowledge of French will be useful. Business cards should have a Laotian translation on the reverse. Best time to visit is during the dry season, from November to April. Office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1200 and 1330-1730.
Commercial Information: The following organisations can offer advice: Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, BP 4596, Sihom Road, Vientiane (tel/fax: (21) 219 223; e-mail: ccilcciv@laotel.com); or Ministry of Finance, Luang Prabang Road, Ban Phonxang, Vientiane (tel: (21) 412 401; fax: 412 415).
Climate
Throughout most of the country, the climate is hot and tropical, with the rainy season between May and October when temperatures are at their highest. The dry season runs from November to April.
Required clothing: Lightweights and rainwear, with a sweater for winter and upland areas.
History and Government
History: Laos was occupied during the fourth and fifth centuries AD by Chinese people from the north. It was subject to strong Indian influence from the eighth century onwards and adopted Buddhism. For 200 years from the early 11th century, Laos was part of the Khmer Angkor Empire. It was during this period that the Lao people, who originated in Thailand, invaded the area and displaced the previously dominant Chinese. However, there is some evidence that the Mongol empire had some influence over events in the region in the late 13th and early 14th centuries, probably in alliance with the Angkor kingdom. Following the collapse of the Khmer empire, the independent kingdom of Lan Xang, which dates back to 1349, was established as a single entity bounded by Siam (Thailand), China to the north, Vietnam and the Mekong river, occupying roughly the same territory as modern-day Laos.
Populated by a mixture of ethnic Laos, Thais and various hill tribes, the Lan Xang empire lasted for three centuries while fighting off successive invasions from Vietnam, Siam (Thailand) and Burma. Internal power struggles in the 18th century were exploited by its neighbours, notably Siam which finally conquered Vientiane in 1779. The city was later destroyed by the Siamese and the remains of Lan Xang absorbed into Siam. The 19th century was a period of political turmoil in which rival powers with shifting alliances fought for control of the territory. The Siamese were the dominant power until the arrival of the French, who had already established a firm grip in neighbouring Vietnam, in the 1870s. Laos then became part of French Indo-China which lasted until the 1950s, with the exception of a brief period of Japanese occupation during World War II.
Full independence was achieved in 1953 under the rule of King Sisavang Vong. The monarchy was opposed by former nationalist guerrillas organised into the Laotian Patriotic Front (LPF) whose fighters, the Pathet Lao, formed an alliance with the Viet Minh (later Viet Cong) nationalists in neighbouring Vietnam, to expel the residual French, and later to counter US influence in the region and the regimes supported by them. Despite repeated efforts, both before and after the communist takeover in 1975, the Chinese failed to exert any significant influence over the country. Indeed, after 1975, Laos became dependent on military and economic assistance from Vietnam, China’s enemy. In the late 1980s however, tension between China and Laos at last began to ease: diplomatic relations (which had been severed in the late 1970s) were restored in December 1987, and cultural and bilateral trade agreements signed.
A steady improvement has been maintained since then. Relations with Thailand and with the West have followed a similar pattern. Since 1988, there has been greatly expanded commercial contact between Thailand and Laos and the political relationship has improved. The dominant political figures in Laos since independence have been the veteran General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (the LPRP, whose armed wing is the Pathet Lao), Kaysone Phomvihane, and Prince Souphanouvong (the ‘Red Prince’). The activities of the country’s main opposition movements, the right-wing pro-royalist United Lao National Liberation Front and the United Front for the National Liberation of the Lao People, have been confined to minor armed rebellions from bases among the northern hill tribes (the cause of a series of minor bomb attacks in Vientiane during 2000 has yet to be discovered).
Souphanouvong retired from all his posts in March 1991, heralding a period of major political and economic reform. A new constitution was adopted in August 1991 under which elections for a new National Assembly took place in December 1992. A period of economic reform began as Laos sought to emulate the changes effected by its larger neighbours. The country’s relative isolation and lack of resources stalled this process to some extent but since the mid-1990s it has made steady progress. Several regional economic co-operation agreements have been reached with Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, and Laos has also attended ASEAN summits as an observer and is hoping to join in the near future. In March 1996, changes in the upper echelons of the regime promoted Khamtay Siphandone, one of the few remaining veterans of the original Pathet Lao leadership, to the position of president and head of the LPRP politburo in place of the retiring Phoumsavanh.
Elections to the National Assembly took place in February 2002: a single non-partisan, though government-approved, candidate joined the remaining members, all of whom belong to the LPRP.
Government: Laos has a 109-member legislature, the Sapha Heng Xat (National Assembly), members of which are elected for five-year terms and must (with the odd exception) belong to the ruling Lao People’s Revolutionary Party. The assembly elects an executive president, also for a five-year term. The president appoints a prime minister and council of ministers.
Copyright © 2003 Columbus Publishing Ltd.
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