Vietnam sends journalist to jail

Date: Oct 13, 2008

Why this couple still think they are Prince&Princess of Laos

Date: Oct 13, 2008

what is your purpose to post and ask this question?

khonthakek · Guru

i googled and found out some information on Prince soulivong at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soulivong_Savang

Biography

Soulivong Savang was born at the Royal Palace in Luang Prabang to Crown Prince Vong Savang and Princess Mahneelai of the Kingdom of Laos. After the communist revolution, some members of the Royal Family died while in communist 're-education' camps. Prince Savang escaped from captivity in Laos with his younger brother Prince Thayavong Savang in 1981, arriving in France as refugees. Those members of the Royal Family who did not escape were genocidally murdered or died of ill-treatment [1] [2].
Soulivong Savang attended the University of Clermont-Ferrand in France and also obtained a law degree. He has been working to bring "social and charitable reforms" for the people of Laos and the return of a constitutional monarchy to Laos to benefit the people. His Uncle Prince Sauryavong Savang is currently head of the Laotian royal family and acts as regent to his nephew.
In September 19, 1997, Soulivong Savang and his Uncle Prince Sauryavong Savang initiated a Royal Lao Conference in Seattle, United States. Over five hundred Lao exiles and representatives of the Hmong, Kmu, Mien, Thaidam and all ethnic minority community attended. This conference was to establish the Lao Representative Abroad Council.
In September 19, 1999, second conference was held in Montreal, Canada to followup the progress of LRAC work and help each others which is focus on non-profit organization to support the local community and worldwide such as community development, social service provider, education and job development to bridge the community self-sufficiency to promote cultural activity and charity support to become good citizens in country they livein. some of the goal and mission are the vision of the majority objective how the Lao_oversea can help and support the education and economic development in their motherland in the eyes of the 21st century.
The world conference of the Lao Abroad council was successfully acknowledge and complete dialogue among the Lao refugee concern. This organization is not and was not focus on the political activity like some media has been said. Our goal is to have re-united All Laotian Abroad and inside Laos to work for better understanding toward development of the country and to show the new generation to come most effectively educated and there will be their responsible leadership tomorrow.
On November 10th, 2007, the Prince married Princess Chansouk Soukthala. The ceremony, which took place in Canada, was overlooked by 800 guests.
Soulivong Savang works along with other members of the Lao Royal Family such as Prince Sauryavong Savang, Prince Mangkra Souvannaphouma and Prince Thayavong Savang to establish a constitutional monarchy in Laos.

paris_vientiane · Guru

they just respect their tradition and history.

If they have a prince/princess tittle, why should they forget it?

As long as they don't ask for more political power or rights than any lao citizen, i see nothing wrong with that.

In many countries, there are still king/queen... They don't have any political power any more, because their contry became democraty, but they are still strong cultural leaders, and this is clearly a good thing.

Lan_Xang · Guru

They are not a King or Queen. He is the crowned Prince.

He is heir to the throne. He is not a King yet. There is nothing wrong having nobility title. He should proudly display it. He is a Prince to Khone Lao that still believe in tradition. Believe it or not, he still has to go to work, pay the bills, and feed his family. He visited Khone Lao in USA, CANADA, and Australia when he could. I have see him twice and up close when he visited USA few years ago.

Date: Oct 13, 2008

The war finished long time ago, lao governemtn should allow them to go back to their home country. Is that a good idea?

Date: Oct 13, 2008

Lao government should allow the Princes and Princesses to go back to work for the benefits of Lao people. They should work for free for the benefit of Laos and for the unity of the nation.

Date: Oct 13, 2008

The current political regime is best suitable for Laos... we have achieved rapid and sustainable economic growth like never before....and people is living in unison...

Date: Oct 13, 2008

We dont need prince and princess anymore but bring democracy and the right to vote who we want to choose as a president. And plus communist its look like laos not going to move any faster or modernizing any faster with this current gov. running the country. oh and plus if the current gov. wants to help out its people then at least listen to some of there idea not just other or one idea it can go a long way of acheiving goals. smile

Date: Oct 13, 2008

WHY NOT?

There are still more Lao who wants Laos to have King and Queen, I love seeing these couple go back home and become our King again!!!!!

Date: Oct 13, 2008

we don't need them any more, please stay away , the young generation did not know any thing about their honour. In the past they didn't do any thing to help lao peole, just stay inside their house and asked and brouth the french and American to Lao s and killed our people. our poor was because of them, so far they payed the tax to the foriegn Government and didn't do any for Lao people, no bo dy support them to come to Laos again.

Lao young generation.

BruceLaoMan · Senior Member

Anonymous wrote:
The current political regime is best suitable for Laos... we have achieved rapid and sustainable economic growth like never before....and people is living in unison...

I have no problem to agree with you on that, but it would be interesting if you would also make a hypothetical analysis base on 30 years of effort of rebuilding the country. For example, assuming that communist didn’t rule Laos and it was the other side who continued to govern the country without civil war since 1975. Would economical progress and technical advancement be in the same level, worse, or better? I know it’s useless to make the assumption, but just for the heck of it. To me, without communism taken over Laos, I highly doubt my chance of being in the United States is possible and I also wonder what I would be if I were still living in Laos today. Honestly, I think we all should just let go of the past, let it fade away and allow the newer generation to carry on the important task to rebuild the Great Kingdom of Laos. Our country had its fate and destiny and now it is time for unity; it’s time get rid of animosity. It’s never been too late to live in harmony. We Laotian need social cohesion, cooperation, ambition, education and strong determination in order to move forward in the 21^st century.

Date: Oct 13, 2008

We still need them for the sake of unity, pride and tradition. They don't have to enjoy any political power just to represent Laos in diplomatic field and religion.

Lan_Xang · Guru

Why does some supporters of communist government or just simply against Laos royal house automatically think of politic when the word of King or Prince of Laos is mentioned. I don't think becoming absolute monarch in Laos again is on the Prince agenda.

Date: Oct 13, 2008

It’s time get rid of animosity.

Correction for you: It's time to get rid of animosity, bigotry and injustice.

Zak · Senior Member

Anonymous wrote:
Lao government should allow the Princes and Princesses to go back to work for the benefits of Lao people. They should work for free for the benefit of Laos and for the unity of the nation.

That "Prince's" mother, a former CROWN Princess herself, daughter-in-law to the late King Sri Savang Vatthana owns and operates a small hotel in Luang Phrabang. If Prince Soulivong had any true ambitions to make Laos better, he would just pack his things and go to Laos to do real work.

I believe the country does NOT need a royal family. They can keep their stupid titles, but no money whatsoever, unless earned by them, should be directed to them.

The government should let them in, to reconcile things and make it clear there will never be a monarchy again. There is no need.

No more revolutions, no more fighting, just simple and on-going reforms by the government is all the country needs. Revolutionaries do exactly what the old regimes do, become inefficient, take money, and get nothing done.

Date: Oct 13, 2008

Anonymous wrote:

It’s time get rid of animosity.

Correction for you: It's time to get rid of animosity, bigotry and injustice.

You are an idiot. Don't you think he know to use the word "to" he might type too fast and omitted it. Go get life nobody here ask for your fukking correction. It gets annoyed after a while. Especially for a little petty thing. Ahole

Date: Oct 13, 2008

Yes, why didn't he correct those who need correction? what a stupid ass professor here.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

It’s time get rid of animosity.

Correction for you: It's time to get rid of animosity, bigotry and injustice.

You are an idiot. Don't you think he know to use the word "to" he might type too fast and omitted it. Go get life nobody here ask for your fukking correction. It gets annoyed after a while. Especially for a little petty thing. Ahole

Date: Oct 13, 2008

As long as they don't ask for more political power or rights than any lao citizen, i see nothing wrong with that.

it is very wrong when ........this is on the place.... .................... and the return of a constitutional monarchy to Laos

this some of us call political, other would call whatever they want.
my2cent

Date: Oct 14, 2008

BruceLaoMan wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
The current political regime is best suitable for Laos... we have achieved rapid and sustainable economic growth like never before....and people is living in unison...

I have no problem to agree with you on that, but it would be interesting if you would also make a hypothetical analysis base on 30 years of effort of rebuilding the country. For example, assuming that communist didn’t rule Laos and it was the other side who continued to govern the country without civil war since 1975. Would economical progress and technical advancement be in the same level, worse, or better? I know it’s useless to make the assumption, but just for the heck of it. To me, without communism taken over Laos, I highly doubt my chance of being in the United States is possible and I also wonder what I would be if I were still living in Laos today. Honestly, I think we all should just let go of the past, let it fade away and allow the newer generation to carry on the important task to rebuild the Great Kingdom of Laos. Our country had its fate and destiny and now it is time for unity; it’s time get rid of animosity. It’s never been too late to live in harmony. We Laotian need social cohesion, cooperation, ambition, education and strong determination in order to move forward in the 21^st century.

Well, since every political systems all are good upon each country's situation, but for Laos.. the current system is considered best suitable which witnessed by many aspects of Delopment such as 1. first: potical stability, it is vital for national development, if you dont have stability in society, how the FDI will flow into your country,. second: 2. people living in unison, we are living in Peaceful lives, although our GDP is relatively small compared to our neighbors, that is because of the past foreign invasion destroyed and limits such as no direct access to the sea...which pose dificulty in development.
3. it is now the time for communist countries to grow smooth, now the prominent figures of rapid development China and Vietnam are our great friends...'4. If we look back to our history, you would know that we really need unity, and only our current regime have achieved that...

Date: Oct 14, 2008

My question is would you willing to kiss your Prince $princess. IF HE ORDER YOU !

Anonymous wrote:

what is your purpose to post and ask this question?

Date: Oct 14, 2008

Anonymous wrote:

My question is would you willing to kiss your Prince $princess. IF HE ORDER YOU !

Anonymous wrote:

what is your purpose to post and ask this question?

you are such the jeolous person without no brain.555555

Date: Oct 14, 2008

I will wait and see how thing gonna happen.

Date: Oct 14, 2008

The prince should come and run a political party in lao.

This is the 21 first century, only a few country remail communist like lao, and that is why the government can do any thing thy want, without thinking of people interest.

Bring democracy to lao!!!

Date: Oct 14, 2008

This is a proof that you are not perfect for omitting the minor thing. Go eat the dung.

Zak · Senior Member

Anonymous wrote:

Well, since every political systems all are good upon each country's situation, but for Laos.. the current system is considered best suitable which witnessed by many aspects of Delopment such as 1. first: potical stability, it is vital for national development, if you dont have stability in society, how the FDI will flow into your country,. second: 2. people living in unison, we are living in Peaceful lives, although our GDP is relatively small compared to our neighbors, that is because of the past foreign invasion destroyed and limits such as no direct access to the sea...which pose dificulty in development.
3. it is now the time for communist countries to grow smooth, now the prominent figures of rapid development China and Vietnam are our great friends...'4. If we look back to our history, you would know that we really need unity, and only our current regime have achieved that...

1: That maybe true, but usually such stability cannot be something from the government. It should be a social thing, such as in Japan. If it was from the government, it means there is tyranny. Such as China and Burma.

2: Unison is something, but when there is a problem, are people willing to speak up? Bickering and fighting on a small scale leads to progress, where a standstill leads no where.

3: Both countries offer cheap labor and large population. Explain how Cuba and North Korea are doing, since neither offer such cheap labor. Both China and Vietnam are not Communist, nor is their market even Socialist.

4: That I can agree with. But then again, its the same people in power that kept on disrespecting the coalition governments of the 50s, 60s, and early 70s. So what's their strategy?

Is it "Let's make it super hard for Laos to prosper, so when we take over we will look good no matter what we do!"

I'm not an anti-communist, nor am I a communist. I am not anti-Laos at all, nor am I pro-royalist. If I was living in the 50s and 60s, I would have been loyal to the neutralist regime.

A hundred or so years ago, a Patriot was defined as someone that loved their country SO MUCH that they were willing to criticize it so that it can be fixed. I don't blindly agree with policies in my home country of the U.S., I don't see why I should blindly agree with anything else. Question it, think about it, and we will find good results that way.

khonthakek · Guru

i don't think that the Lao government does agree with some opinion here, because it is over for the kingdom of Laos and never be in the future. I think Laotian people in Laos don't want the king .

Date: Oct 15, 2008

Zak wrote: 1: That maybe true, but usually such stability cannot be something from the government. It should be a social thing, such as in Japan. If it was from the government, it means there is tyranny. Such as China and Burma.

2: Unison is something, but when there is a problem, are people willing to speak up? Bickering and fighting on a small scale leads to progress, where a standstill leads no where.

3: Both countries offer cheap labor and large population. Explain how Cuba and North Korea are doing, since neither offer such cheap labor. Both China and Vietnam are not Communist, nor is their market even Socialist.

4: That I can agree with. But then again, its the same people in power that kept on disrespecting the coalition governments of the 50s, 60s, and early 70s. So what's their strategy?

Is it "Let's make it super hard for Laos to prosper, so when we take over we will look good no matter what we do!"

I'm not an anti-communist, nor am I a communist. I am not anti-Laos at all, nor am I pro-royalist. If I was living in the 50s and 60s, I would have been loyal to the neutralist regime.

A hundred or so years ago, a Patriot was defined as someone that loved their country SO MUCH that they were willing to criticize it so that it can be fixed. I don't blindly agree with policies in my home country of the U.S., I don't see why I should blindly agree with anything else. Question it, think about it, and we will find good results that way.

well,,..For the case of Japan, you may ask Japanese people whether they still wanted their King...

Our current govt is doing very good now, we are moving to right direction, althought it has nt fully beared fruit. just look forward, we will be prosperous...

Date: Oct 15, 2008

not today ane for ever.................be smarter

Date: Oct 15, 2008

Anonymous wrote:

not today ane for ever.................be smarter

I believe that Laos will be prosperous in the next decade under brilliant leadership of current regime...

khonthakek · Guru

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

not today ane for ever.................be smarter

I believe that Laos will be prosperous in the next decade under brilliant leadership of current regime...

in the next decade, i hope it s not 99 years later

Zak · Senior Member

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

not today ane for ever.................be smarter

I believe that Laos will be prosperous in the next decade under brilliant leadership of current regime...

Only if the regime is flexible and transparent. I mean, look at this article. If the Lao government was like this, do you really believe they can be prosperous if the people are treated like this?

I don't believe a free market without free rights, and the right to exercise them can exist. I'm sure it can in China, but do you really want that?

Most people in Japan don't care about the Royal family. There is no strong love for him such as there was in Thailand. Its unfair to say that a Royal family brings social unity, because it obviously didn't in the 50s, 60s, and 70s in Laos.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7671079.stm

Vietnam sends journalist to jail

A court in Vietnam has sentenced a journalist to two years in jail for his reporting on a major corruption case.

Nguyen Viet Chien, 56, insisted he was innocent minutes before judge Tran Van Vy delivered the verdict.

Another journalist who had pleaded guilty was deemed to have served out a suspended sentence and freed.

The case has attracted criticism from abroad, with one human rights group calling it "revenge" against daring journalists revealing state corruption.

Two former police officers who were also on trial on related charges received respectively a year in jail and an official warning.

The case relates to a corruption scandal in Vietnam's ministry of transport that first came to light in 2006.

Both journalists vigorously pursued the story, which claimed several high-level scalps, but their reportage was later condemned by authorities as inaccurate and harmful.

Date: Oct 16, 2008

lao ppl ,, please remember in last 40 years ago what going on with lao nothing ...............i mean nothing , we don't need king or queen what ever you want to call them , we should take advance  , when we have the opportunity, but not now ppl wake up and get alive
                           thank you
                                        ps -------no old idea please
                                            let get to the nent generation   ---thank you againt

Date: Oct 16, 2008

Anonymous wrote:

lao ppl ,, please remember in last 40 years ago what going on with lao nothing ...............i mean nothing , we don't need king or queen what ever you want to call them , we should take advance  , when we have the opportunity, but not now ppl wake up and get alive
                           thank you
                                        ps -------no old idea please
                                            let get to the next generation   ---thank you againt

chiip · Guru

tell them to go to hell ! I do not want to crawling or kneeling before them anymore, think how the lao monachs nibbled the lao national budget and how many children a king has ? thirty ? fifty ?.. I`m sick of them !

Date: Oct 16, 2008

Only if the regime is flexible and transparent. I mean, look at this article. If the Lao government was like this, do you really believe they can be prosperous if the people are treated like this?
I don't believe a free market without free rights, and the right to exercise them can exist. I'm sure it can in China, but do you really want that?
Most people in Japan don't care about the Royal family. There is no strong love for him such as there was in Thailand. Its unfair to say that a Royal family brings social unity, because it obviously didn't in the 50s, 60s, and 70s in Laos.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7671079.stm

Roma didnot build in oneday, US took almost 300 years to reach it current point... China took 59 year to reach it current point...

Laos too, although Laos will take time to prosper, but Laos will prosper for sure, soon or sooner...

Date: Oct 16, 2008

Anonymous wrote:
You stupid idiot US becomes superpower since the end of world war ii.
Roma didnot build in oneday, US took almost 300 years to reach it current point... China took 59 year to reach it current point...

Laos too, although Laos will take time to prosper, but Laos will prosper for sure, soon or sooner...

Date: Oct 16, 2008

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
You stupid idiot US becomes superpower since the end of world war ii.

U stupid Idiot and low IQ calculation... just stand in your f stupid point.. no neutral stance..

Date: Oct 16, 2008

Idiot the US have proper before the world war even began got. you have no brain and low IQ.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
You stupid idiot US becomes superpower since the end of world war ii.

U stupid Idiot and low IQ calculation... just stand in your f stupid point.. no neutral stance..

Zak · Senior Member

chiip wrote:

tell them to go to hell ! I do not want to crawling or kneeling before them anymore, think how the lao monachs nibbled the lao national budget and how many children a king has ? thirty ? fifty ?.. I`m sick of them !

That practice is outdated and was stopped by the last King.

Its both unfair to say that the regime didn't go anywhere, and its unfair to say this regime did anything for 20 years after the war. Why? Let's see:

First, the last regime was a coalition government which kept breaking down because many sides, royalist, neutralist, communist, did not respect the government! It broke down, over and over, with many PMs, governments, factions, cabinets, etc.

Because of that fact, ANY regime after the war would have been seen as better than the old regime. ANY.

And because they were a constitutional monarchy, what could the royal family do? Nothing. The successive governments never promoted the monarchy like Sarit's regime did in Thailand, so we're left to blame the finger on them.

But thats not to say that the Royal family COULD have tried to do something.

Date: Oct 16, 2008

unity. not seperation.

i am for anything that will bring our people together.

and i am against everything to divide our people evenmore then what we are today.

together we will move foward seperated we will only fall.

just remember we are all lao

which ever government runs lao i hope its for the best of its people and our race....

i do have hope in teh current government. slowly it is changing for the better.

i for one usually dont think of the governmetn as much but the economy. because with money brings power.

Date: Oct 16, 2008

Anonymous wrote:

Idiot the US have proper before the world war even began got. you have no brain and low IQ.

Seems like you are living in such developed country but it doesnt help upgrade you but very low manner and got brainwashed... plus, u seems not clearly knowing your country's history.. it is a shame...

Laos2beLaos · Senior Member

Would you rather see Vang Pao and his 11 gang control Laos? That was exactly what they tried to do in June 2007 if U.S. Agents did not arrest them first. They tried to make another 9 11 happen in Laos, can you see? do you watch the news all over TV?

-- Edited by Laos2beLaos at 16:58, 2009-01-20