Cambodia breaks ground on its highest skyscraper

Date: Jan 30, 2008

Cambodia to have twin skyscrapers and far ahead Laos

Date: Jan 30, 2008

Its so good for Cambodia, they deserve it. Years of civil war and genocide have finally been turned around.

Date: Jan 30, 2008

good for Cambodia

it would be nice if laos had some, but there really is no need for any at this moment.

chiip · Guru

putting every eggs in the same basket...Nice building but i don`t think laos needs this kind of skyscrapers...

Date: Jan 30, 2008

The one who posted this may feel envious.

It may be a good sign of development but not in the case of Laos. I would love to see no such kind of high building in Vientiane capital in the foreseeable future. Before having skyscrapers in the city, there should be sufficient infrastructure in place like water suppy and capable fire brigade and etc.

The development should be widely spread in major cities in order to avoid the overcrowded population in the capital.

Date: Jan 30, 2008

I think Lao government want taller building in the capital, read this news !

The government will allow the construction of taller buildings and increase the density of building spaces in urban Vientiane this year.

Director General of the Housing and Urban Planning Department, Dr Somphone Deth-oudom, said the height of buildings in the capital would increase from 20m to 26m from the ground level. Areas that are far from cultural heritage sites would allow for taller buildings.

“We are in the process of passing new regulations from the government for land use in Vientiane, covering 189 villages,” he said. “Low buildings in urban areas are not an economical use of large spaces.”

Dr Somphone said the new regulations would increase the density of buildings to suit the land spaces in urban districts. Currently, buildings are spread out, and there are large areas of open space, and built-up urban areas have low density, in comparison to Hanoi and Bangkok.

This situation will mean higher costs for infrastructure development, and the new regulations will improve land use to match the reality of the country’s development process.

“It is not economical to build small buildings in large spaces in urban areas,” he said. “In urban Vientiane, there are only 300,000 people, but the city is spread across a large area with many smaller houses and buildings. This is a problem that needs to be addressed, but we will ensure that our city will not be quite as densely built as other countries.”

Vientiane’s reputation amongst tourists is that of an Asian village- a good place to relax.

Dr Somphone explained that his department planned to develop the capital to be as liveable as possible, with minimal pollution and few road accidents.

The new regulations will be implemented this year, and land use systems will again be re-organised. Last year, the department passed two regulations for construction management and levels of urban planning.

The new construction law is currently being drafted, to ensure the country has its own laws in this area, without having to rely on the laws of donor countries.

The law will facilitate investment of foreign countries to Laos.

“We will try to build human resource to respond to the growth of the economy,” Dr Somphone said.

“In our department, we are building database system on urban planning to collect information nationwide. This will make it easier for investors, and will give us a clear urban plan to enable effective implementation.”

Dr Somphone added that his department was researching regulations and structures to make Vientiane an urban district, which will include 192 villages.

Urban standards will include facilities such as electricity, water supplies and roads, and will not encompass areas used for agriculture.

By Vientiane Times
(Latest Update January 4, 2007)

Date: Jan 30, 2008

The one who posted this may feel envious.

It may be a good sign of development but not in the case of Laos. I would love to see no such kind of high building in Vientiane capital in the foreseeable future. Before having skyscrapers in the city, there should be sufficient infrastructure in place like water suppy and capable fire brigade and etc.

The development should be widely spread in major cities in order to avoid the overcrowded population in the capital.

--------------------

Excuses and excuses...if laos has to wait to get all infrastructures in place before she can erect one tall skycrapper then I would say it would be a long long wait.
Just have one built and all those things needed will come together then you will see that it is not unfeasible.

Date: Jan 30, 2008

hotel-image-for-INTERCONTINENTAL%20PHNOM%20PENH-w080-129689.jpg

The current tallest building in Phnom Penh

Date: Jan 30, 2008

Actually, why should Laos follow Cambodia? I don't understand the point. The tall building has nothing to do Lao people life, at all. It depends on the owner of that building.

If the tall building will make Lao people, especially people in the rural areas being happy, then we have something to talk.

Although, it could be partially true that would mean that the level of invesment is growing when we see the tall building. But then, it is not what we want and it will be built.

Lao government always urges foreign investors to do business in Laos. As we have seen many projects are on the way. For time being, the investors definitely would not be stupid to build the tall building, say 100 stories in Laos. If built, they will be the losers as nobody would come so much to stay.

As we have heard about Beung That Luang Project. I think there the tall buildings would be built, no doubt.

Date: Jan 30, 2008

I believe there is no need for Lao to have building taller than 20 storages because the tiny population of Lao. Many Europe countries like Finland or Sweden did have very hight buildings. Another reason is that Lao still has plenty of lands not like Hongkong example.

Date: Jan 30, 2008

Anonymous wrote:

Actually, why should Laos follow Cambodia? I don't understand the point. The tall building has nothing to do Lao people life, at all. It depends on the owner of that building.

Why not follow Cambodia? The Lao government currently learns its lessons fro China and Vietnam. Cambodia has a liberal democratic government, and I'm pretty much politically like that. But that's just me.

I would agree that Laos has no need for skyscapers at the moment. Things are going to slow to build anything grand.

But I would like to see a Business district some day in Vientiane, Savannakhet, Pakse, you know, the Mekong cities. Hopefully away from Central Vientaine, if any skyscrapers are to be built.

I hope, unlike Bangkok, that Vientiane doesn't become a huge gorilla city, where the culture, jobs, influence, is all packed into that city.

Date: Feb 6, 2008

[UNDER CONSTRUCTION SITES IN PHNOM PENH]
(1) River Palace 31 - 31 floors

(2) Canadia Bank Headquarter - 32 floors, construction reach halfway

(3) Camko City Phase 1 - 10 apartment buildings and with about 15-20 floors each

__________________

Date: Feb 7, 2008

i dont agree with all of you ....we are laospeople need to have a tall building we do . we need it .. we really do .... every country does ok.. guys . i think your opion is wrong please considering onemore time and your mind will be clear ...... thanks ....i love laos

Date: Feb 7, 2008

Anonymous wrote:

i dont agree with all of you ....we are laospeople need to have a tall building we do . we need it .. we really do .... every country does ok.. guys . i think your opion is wrong please considering onemore time and your mind will be clear ...... thanks ....i love laos

For what exact purpose? There are barely any Private owned enterprises, large ones at least, to ever rent out such a space. Laos and the Lao government doesn't even have the skills to build such a building unless it was a foreign investment such as the ones in Cambodia by Korean companies.

I would only agree to skyscapers being built if there was a good purpose and if there were companies and firms to rent out the space. Maybe in 2010 when the stock market hits, we'll see some grand construction of such buildings.

I would only see these buildings in a business district somewhat away from the main city, for the purpose of perserving the charm Vientiane has, and other cities such as Savannakhet and Pakse.

Date: Apr 24, 2008

Another new building is constructed in Phnom Penh

http://www.decastle.net/index.html

Date: Apr 24, 2008

Wow! It was nice building, where was it, In cambo huh?
Well, I don't think laos need that big buildding, but it's nice to have it. Since laos population is not so crowded I think we still have alot of space, so don't mind for the bigger building.

The better way is bring more investor to laos and then it will happen one day.

It's my 2 cents!

Date: Apr 24, 2008

i dont thnk that looks nice to have one big building surrounded by a lot of small houses if u have a big building it must be surrounded by other big buildings just my opinion thnks.

Date: Apr 24, 2008

nice. combodia will have alot of casino in the future.

Date: Apr 24, 2008

Wow! I mean is very nice to hear that for the Cambo neighborhood.
I hope they will have alot of customer from laos as well. Did you know laos poeple like to gamble too? hahahahaha.
I am not surprise for the new casino, so dont we have one in laos?

Date: May 9, 2008

new high buildings project in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, called Pharos Mekong, by BK Global Korea Co., Ltd

Date: May 9, 2008

If some countries proposed to build high building in Laos, I am sure the Lao government will give a greenlight. The problem is, Laos is now not yet a place for investment.

LAO SPY · Senior Member

Probably, Cambodian people would never complain as some of us did.

Date: May 9, 2008

Yeah! i agree that why do we need such a tall building because we still have planty of land, In Brunei people are very rich and it's said to be one of the richest countries in the world and they don't need the tall building i think. In capital city of Brunei there is no such tall building like over 10 storeys.

Date: May 15, 2008

what year laos will have one like that.

Zak · Senior Member

LAO SPY wrote:

Probably, Cambodian people would never complain as some of us did.

That is true. It made me giggle a bit.

Cambodia had its set back because of the Khmer Rouge. I'm so glad their on their feet now. Phnom Penh is a beautiful Royal city, I totally adore the Royal Palace.

Date: May 17, 2008

work hard deserve good things, that's the way is it.

Date: Jun 16, 2008

New Project in Phnom Penh

[Gold+Towers+(Yonwoo+Inc.).jpg]

Date: Jun 18, 2008

Date: Jun 18, 2008

Cambodia breaks ground on its highest skyscraper

4 hours ago

PHNOM PENH (AFP) — Cambodia on Wednesday broke ground for what will be the country's highest skycraper, a 52-storey tower slated to become the "landmark" of the low-rise capital Phnom Penh.

The one-billion-dollar International Finance Complex (IFC) is being backed by South Korea's GS E&C company and is expected to be completed in 2012.

The project is being hailed by Cambodia's leaders as a symbol of the country's galloping economy, which has averaged 11 percent growth over the past three years.

"IFC is the highest building in the history of Cambodia's capital and is a symbol of the economic growth in Cambodia," said Deputy Prime Minister Sok An.

Kevin K.R. Kim, the Korean firm's CEO, said the project will contribute to the development of Cambodia and become "the landmark of Phnom Penh city."

The site, located near the Tonle Bassac River, includes plans for offices, 275 serviced apartments, a convention centre, an international school and six-high-rise apartment buildings accommodating 1,064 units.

The Southeast Asian nation in March broke ground on the country's first skyscraper, a 42-storey tower.

Cambodia has climbed back from decades of civil unrest to emerge as one of the region's most vibrant economies, marked by an unprecedented building boom that is radically changing the face of this once-sleepy capital.


People pass a model of the International Finance Complex in Phnom Penh which will be Cambodia's highest building

http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hW1GhcNUjJjOm9fuGJ2tTRbcvTvA

Date: Jun 19, 2008

sopheaktr · Veteran Member

Date: Jun 30, 2008

Who care!!! We, Lao People/Country should be proud of what we have now.
Who care which Countries has the Tallest Building. They have well go for them.

sunnybounxeoui · Veteran Member

this is the complete naga casino in phnom penh. it is an amazing complex, by night colourful lights and laser beams come out all over phnom penh and the building. it is a metropolis for gamblers

Date: Jul 3, 2008

sunnybounxeoui wrote:

this is the complete naga casino in phnom penh. it is an amazing complex, by night colourful lights and laser beams come out all over phnom penh and the building. it is a metropolis for gamblers

Sunngbounxouie, are you related to Alexandra Bounxouie?

sunnybounxeoui · Veteran Member

no, but for some reason my parents said that we have close connection with alexandra. so i am not sure :S

Date: Jul 3, 2008

Thank you for your reply.
You have the same last name as hers, i thought you're related or something.
I'm Alexandra fan in USA.

Date: Jul 12, 2008

I think Laos should focus much more on infrastructure building, like roads and watersupplies. You hear this good news from cambodia about skyscrapers, we're actually also building roads and creating better infrastructure. The reason why Cambodia is growing is because we're the replacement market for Vietnam. If you haven't heard, the Vietnamese economy is overheated, so pretty soon Cambodia will be on the official roster of emerging markets. Also, theres an emerging middle class in Cambodia that fuels domestic consumption. The first two western style malls proved to be very popular with consumers.

sopheaktr · Veteran Member

River Palace 31 in Phnom Penh
http://www.riverpalace.net/

Date: Aug 6, 2008

Hi everyone,

I'm cambodian. I go through all the posts in this blog, and I gree with some of you that developing your country has nothing to do with tall building. Actually, I'm not so proud of my country having new skyscrapers because most people in rural area are still in poor living condition. Like some of you said, instead of building skyscraper, we should focus on rural development like telecommunication, water supply infrastructure etc...

Date: Aug 16, 2008

but dude, we have to admit that we are far behind our neighboring countries, especially cambodia that just finished the war 12 years ago. Cambodia had one most the most destructive war in the world, killing field and why they are rihcer and more develop thatn us. We should ask ourself why?

Please dont think that talking is nothing, every thing must go through discussion first then if we all well understood, somethings will changed.

sopheaktr · Veteran Member

Building on Vattanak Bank offices to start

Written by Nguon Sovan
Wednesday, 13 August 2008

VATTANAK Bank plans to launch construction of a US$100 million headquarters on Monivong Boulevard next week, said one of the bank’s key investors on Tuesday.

Construction is scheduled to finish in 2011, said Chhun Leang, the mother of Sam Ang Vattanak, Vattanak’s executive director who is out of the country.

The 33-storey, 8,000 square-metre-headquarters opposite the railway station will also contain space for rent as offices or retail, she said.

Pa Socheat Vong, deputy governor of Phnom Penh, told the Post on Tuesday that the new building is good for the city, but warned that it will bring more traffic jams if it does not comply with architectural plans.

The capital is experiencing an unprecedented building boom that includes another massive bank headquarters - the Canadia Bank skyscraper, also on Monivong Boulevard.

“It shows the progress in the banking sector,” said Pa Socheat Vong.

BruceLao · Veteran Member

Thongsai wrote:

but dude, we have to admit that we are far behind our neighboring countries, especially cambodia that just finished the war 12 years ago. Cambodia had one most the most destructive war in the world, killing field and why they are rihcer and more develop thatn us. We should ask ourself why?

Please dont think that talking is nothing, every thing must go through discussion first then if we all well understood, somethings will changed.

Here is the comparison between Laos and Cambodia in economical strength:

Cambodia

GDP (purchasing power parity):	$25.9 billion (2007 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate):	$8.604 billion (2007 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:	9.6% (2007 est.)
GDP - per capita (PPP):	$1,800 (2007 est.)

Laos

GDP (purchasing power parity):	$12.65 billion (2007 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate):	$4.028 billion (2007 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:	7.5% (2007 est.)
GDP - per capita (PPP):	$2,100 (2007 est.)

Date: Aug 16, 2008

i am not agree on constructing high building in Laos. high building doesn't show the world that it is developing .

Laos has donchan tallest building in Laos, but its look really urly,nothing to compared to combodia.we hope that building our own style, design by Lao...not chinese tama de...

Date: Aug 20, 2008

Bruce comparison looks great.

But it does not count and exclude the amount that corrupted by our lao governent, that is y the money could not reach people hands.

I went to cambodia last fews month as a tourist, i was amazed of this war country turn in to peacful and more develop and us? are they better than us? I said no, buy why we are far behind our neighboring countries?

Foreigner influence on our governeent, that is y they can not do what they want? who can answer this question with true conscience of lao people?

Date: Aug 23, 2008

Hey loapeople army,

let reply to his question, because u r the only one in this forum who work for the gernement.

Date: Aug 23, 2008

the first thing we needs is wider and cleaner street, then the city drainage system, ( don't you see every raining season the water always overflow.) and the public transportation system. Who care about taller buiding.

Date: Aug 24, 2008

wow. that building will really stand out in phnom penh. i have been there twice already and i have never seen big tall buildings in the capital except for their main mall, the Sorya Mall, which if i remember it right has 9 storeys. I have been to the Talat Sao Mall in Vientiane, how many storeys does it have? I forgot. It must be 5 levels?

http://eye-in-the-blue-sky.blogspot.com/

Date: Aug 25, 2008

Tall and big buildings are sign of development. When u go abroad to developing and developed country you will see hundreds of tall buildings.

As someone said we have to care about raining season. Well it is mean that we cant do anything.

progress people has to be rational. we have to find out our mistakes, accept it and correct it accordingly.

Date: Aug 25, 2008

You better read the following posts carefully. Most of those building will finished in 2011. Lao must be hurry or we will stay behind others for ever.

BruceLao · Veteran Member

Thongsai wrote:

Bruce comparison looks great.

But it does not count and exclude the amount that corrupted by our lao governent, that is y the money could not reach people hands.

I went to cambodia last fews month as a tourist, i was amazed of this war country turn in to peacful and more develop and us? are they better than us? I said no, buy why we are far behind our neighboring countries?

Foreigner influence on our governeent, that is y they can not do what they want? who can answer this question with true conscience of lao people?

I posted the comparison of Cambodian and Laotian economy just to let our folks know far behind we are in terms of GDP. As you can see, our GDP is barely half of theirs. In a reference to rampant corruptions in Laos, I already mentioned on my other post. If we want deterrence, then we need to have an effective jurisdiction system in place. Any corrupt officials must be brought to trial regardless of their ranks and let the court takes over the adjudicatory decision for any appropriate punishment allowable by law.