of going to LAOS
oh, yeah, keep this in mind:
Visiting Laos MAY put your life at risk.
If you plan to go to Laos,
Avoid crowds in public places.
Avoid standing near unattended bags or belongings.
Avoid night clubs.
Avoid public transportation.
Now here is a tidbit from the Vientiane Times, which proclaims itself the Gateway To Democracy
Thursday, January 25 2:25 PM SGT VientianeTimes.com
Laos Says Explosion Was Result Of Business Dispute
VIENTIANE (AP)--An explosion at a border immigration checkpoint
that injured 11 Thai tourists was the result of a "business
dispute" between two men, and police are planning to arrest
them, Lao state-run radio said Thursday.
The blast occurred Wednesday outside the immigration office at
the foot of the Friendship Bridge over Mekong river, which connects
Laos with the Thai province of Nong Khai. Diplomats and officials
said Wednesday the explosion was caused by a bomb.
The
Lao National Radio also hinted that it was a bomb without explicitly
saying so.
"At 4 p.m. (Wednesday) some passengers
were hurt by an explosion on the Lao side of the Friendship Bridge.
Following a police investigation, it appears that this was the
result of a continuSince last March, at least nine unexplained
bombings have rocked Laos' capital, Vientiane, killing at least
one woman and injuring dozens of people. No one has claimed responsibility
and Laos's secretive communist government hasn't identified any
suspects or offered any explanation.
Observers say the bombings could have been the work of anti-government rebels, dissidents in the ruling party or disgruntled government workers.
In other words, everybody is pissed off.