Laos to close all discotheques nationwhide !!!

Date: Jul 25, 2009

Laos to close all discotheques nationwhide !!!

Date: Jul 25, 2009

Lol, a tiger without fangs. Another law that the government can't enforce. Just like their big rant about corruption within the government. After all it said and done, it only sounds good on paper.

Date: Jul 25, 2009

I don't know what are the government people thinking? it seems that all the teenager's problems will be effectively solved if Gov orders to close all disco. i think Laos is too close with her friendly N.korea, i am concerned about Laos is going to be like N.korea. thats sad right?
if the Ministry of culure wants the lao people to protect the culture, just don't advertisting beerlao anywhere, if all disco shutdown and all night club close early at the night, i think beerlao won't sale very good and our GDP rate won't reach 7% as expected this year.

Date: Jul 25, 2009

This is something that should have been thought through thoroughly because it has socio-economic implications. blankstare

Date: Jul 25, 2009

Anonymous wrote:

I don't know what are the government people thinking? it seems that all the teenager's problems will be effectively solved if Gov orders to close all disco. i think Laos is too close with her friendly N.korea, i am concerned about Laos is going to be like N.korea. thats sad right?
if the Ministry of culure wants the lao people to protect the culture, just don't advertisting beerlao anywhere, if all disco shutdown and all night club close early at the night, i think beerlao won't sale very good and our GDP rate won't reach 7% as expected this year.

Yes, it s because you dont know what government officials are thinking, that is why.
And i also dont know which points you have in mind that Laos is closed to N.Korea? in which sense? This gov' action is far from what you brough to point similarity of Laos and N.Korea....
I am not agree with you neither criticize this action, but i think it is better than doing nothing to protect culture.... since the ministry already put it in their plan, what we can do is to cooperate and see the outcome.

Date: Jul 25, 2009

The government would like to go back to the forest back in 50 years.

Date: Jul 25, 2009

To protect Lao culture is to close all discos in the country ?
I don't know how do they think, but to do so, will have nothing to protect Lao culture. I totally disagree with this idea.

To all readers, let's post your suggestion how to protect Lao culture.

Date: Jul 25, 2009

Anonymous wrote:

Discotheques face nationwide shut down
The government plans to shutdown discotheques nationwide after finding out these entertainment venues are degrading the values associated with Lao culture, according to a senior official from the Ministry of Information and Culture.
Mass Culture Department Director General, Mr Sipheng Vongpanya said on Wednesday the Minister of Information and Culture had signed a notice to all cultural officials nationwide to shut down discotheques around the country.
However, the ministry would compromise in the capital as the city is a gathering place for foreign tourists. In Vientiane, authorities will allow one discotheque in each district to remain open.
The authorities hope to ensure the closure of unlicensed discotheque venues by the end of the year.
In Laos, there is a differentiation between the definition of discotheque and nightclub.
The ministry only allows establishment of nightclubs, defined as those venues which stage a live musical band.
Discotheques, on the other hand, are defined as those venues at which music is usually provided by DJ's playing recorded music. The styles found there are usually western electronic music and associated dancing, seen as encouraging immorality.
The discotheques also typically had limited lighting, against the requirements of Lao nightclub regulation, he said.
According to the Ministry of Information and Culture, establishment of discotheques is illegal in Laos.
However, several business people have opened discotheques in Vientiane using the Lao-style night club licenses after finding that the demand for such entertainment service had been increasing.
Mr Sipheng said the discotheque owners who wanted to keep their entertainment venues open must agree to host live music bands in accordance with the regulation on entertainment venue management.
He said the ministry made the decision to shut down discotheques in the country because it wanted to protect Lao culture.
The move came after officials found that a number of teenagers used discotheques as a place to engage in illicit love affairs.
He also said the discotheques were places where young people practice unacceptable behaviour.
If the authorities allowed them to continue, the younger generation would be influenced by unacceptable foreign culture.
Mr Sipheng expressed confidence the ministry would carry on its policy, although it could face strong opposition from owners of discotheques in Laos.
“We keep close eyes on local authorities to enforce the notice, if they have problems with business people, the ministry will take responsibility over people's complaints,” he said.
He said the ministry had urged local authorities to host meetings with owners of discotheques first so as they can get informed about the government policy and to ensure sufficient time to transform their own entertainment venues into new businesses by the end of this year.
“If they fail to transform their discotheques into new businesses or Lao style night clubs, they will be ordered to shut down,” he told Vientiane Times.
By Ekaphone Phouthonesy
Vientianetimes

Lao gov need to put their worries in the right place. Look at Japan, South Korea,and other countries through out South East Asia that have discotheques they do not complain or worry that the is a major problem to their culture. What the gov need to do is to enforce rule & regulations for the owners such age limit from 18 up , hours of operation, capacity for the facility, and it should be in a none residential area.

Date: Jul 25, 2009

what's a stupid idea. no country in the world do like this. in contrast, less tourists, less income and lao will prosper as we've always been.

DEATHEP · Senior Member

So the Ministry of Culture defines nightclubs by more lighting and a live band? Wow...

Laos2beLaos · Senior Member

Something has to be done. Young people should concentrate in studying for the country's future instead of burning money in the place like that.

Laos2beLaos · Senior Member

Anonymous wrote:

I don't know what are the government people thinking? it seems that all the teenager's problems will be effectively solved if Gov orders to close all disco. i think Laos is too close with her friendly N.korea, i am concerned about Laos is going to be like N.korea. thats sad right?
if the Ministry of culure wants the lao people to protect the culture, just don't advertisting beerlao anywhere, if all disco shutdown and all night club close early at the night, i think beerlao won't sale very good and our GDP rate won't reach 7% as expected this year.
Beer Lao company is smart. How many bottles you drink before you can say I have enough or get drunk?

Destined · Senior Member

i agree with the government on this one our youth should be doing more positive things and regulating these disco techs will help

these are my opinions thats all. i hope they do. do this

lao will not be like neighboring countries business should come before pleasure
i would rather have lao economy be built on hard work and business rathern then pleasure and entertainment.

when you work hard then you can play smile

but cannot be the other way around play first then work

Date: Jul 26, 2009

These stupid move will cause alot of young people unemploy
why don't just comply with all reguration that you have

Date: Jul 26, 2009

Believe me JAPAN young people already lost their ROOT being japanese, I saw documents about japenese and the way they are from BBC reporter....because of WESTERN LIFE STYLE influenced them. Do not say Asean countries, South Korea, Japan are safe....from this sort of activities. I visited LAO many time and saw WHAT LAO GOVERNMENT saw....it's a WORRY indeed. If Discotheque allow to open in LAO in the future there must be new REGULATIONS for them. Do not allow young Lao to be in these areas as I HAVE SEEN .....too many of them. For those people who stated that's stupid idea to close these activities, you are not totally right. If a government does not see this harmful side of this kind of businesses to it young people then that government has a problem, and the culture of a people will be gone like JAPAN check BBC documents about JAPAN CULTURE and JAPAN YOUNG PEOPLE. It's a difficult decision for LAO to balance things out and keep the country safe.

Date: Jul 26, 2009

Absolutely right for taking action, nothing can be done without lossing something.

- Beerlao? closing nightclub wont make them corrupted, on the other hand you have no worry for them, let it be duty of Beerlao manager. In addition, GPD increase doesnt mean whole society equally getting better, all economist know this.

- Unemployment? gosh there are hundred ways to create jobs for our young Laotian, unless they are not lazy. As you know what kind of job people do in the night club e.g........ furthermore the harmful things are many crimes, taking up drug, raping and fighting.

This is not stupid idea, if you understand the purpose.

ban nok · Senior Member

I like the parts about teenage illicit love affairs and low lighting, wish they would explain in greater detail, perhaps whith some explicit details or even some photos or diagrams. Some maps to help find these horrendous dens of iniquity also.

Scandalous behavior and public displays of imorality by sex starved young teenage hussies.

Lai Duh!

Date: Jul 26, 2009

good! shut them down so young lao can become jobless.

Destined · Senior Member

this is not the only job that young lao can do, if these are shut down they there will be other opportunites come on people dont put all your hopes on these night clubs.

is night clubs the only jobs lao kids have? or will have ?
NO

there will be more jobs and because of this lao will think of other ways to make money besides these types of business.

im not saying that viengchan should discontinue or bann all night clubs im jus saying this is a good idea and when our economy and government become more strong then open up night clubs wich are regulated and ran properly instead of having loose business and bad things going on in there.

we want people to see lao is strong and can maintain our dignity instead of turning into neighboring countries.

Date: Jul 27, 2009

My 1st reaction was also negative on this issue. I think its a kind of impulse but reading other responses made me think twice. I think destined made a very good point. shutting down discos who dont comply with the government regulation is just a way to show them that they are serious. disco pub is indeed one of the places where people, especially the youth can be negatively affected. They may have a misconception that when they are in such place its ok to loose control or to engage in something that is not socially or culturally acceptable to many because everybody else in there is doing it. And there are no rules, sooner we will observe many engaging in prostitution, drug use, poor performance in school, abusive drinking spree and other vices.

This should be taken as a challenge to disco operators and government as well to think of a better way to improve entertainment and leisure activities in Laos without compromising the culture and future of Laos. There are many other business opportunities that can provide jobs for the youth

Date: Jul 27, 2009

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

I don't know what are the government people thinking? it seems that all the teenager's problems will be effectively solved if Gov orders to close all disco. i think Laos is too close with her friendly N.korea, i am concerned about Laos is going to be like N.korea. thats sad right?
if the Ministry of culure wants the lao people to protect the culture, just don't advertisting beerlao anywhere, if all disco shutdown and all night club close early at the night, i think beerlao won't sale very good and our GDP rate won't reach 7% as expected this year.

Yes, it s because you dont know what government officials are thinking, that is why.
And i also dont know which points you have in mind that Laos is closed to N.Korea? in which sense? This gov' action is far from what you brough to point similarity of Laos and N.Korea....
I am not agree with you neither criticize this action, but i think it is better than doing nothing to protect culture.... since the ministry already put it in their plan, what we can do is to cooperate and see the outcome.

Do you think i support this idea? actually this idea is really good and it is probably helping Lao people to protect the culture, but I don't know why does Ministry of culture plan to like this? what's wrong with their mind? and how many educated people work there? i heard that those '' hua Bou han working in the Ministry office, is it true? for example" Vice Minister of Ministry of Lao culture and information, Mr Bouangeun Saophouvong, he writes song and singing very well, he has a great voice which was number 1 in Lao Pdr after 1975. it's not easy sir. for example" how to control the bird flu in Laos, don't let spread more more? just kill all chicken that's all? yes just kill the chickens in the farm and then what's hapening later? and bird flu won't occur again?? I hope you and some posters here do understand what my point is.

Regard

Date: Jul 27, 2009

I'm not so sure if they ( The PDR) do the ritght thing for the local economy, this coming December we will host the SEA-GAME, This is one of the biggest games in SouthEast Asian nation. and visitors will be floating in from the East,West, North, South, for the Game, so if i'm a governor of Vientiane i would take a look around City and create a special zone to open 24 hours for those who want to hang out at night after the game you know what i'm saying.by doing it, not only a local resident can gain from income but city of Vientiane also increase the Tax revenue too. but if they decide to close all the Bars aroud the country that would be very bad for Business and who do you think will gain?? acrose the river town,( NongKhai) that's it..

Date: Jul 28, 2009

For those who never been to Laos won't understand and seen some of what those officials have seen. I've been to Lao several occasions. It's true that some of those places I've been are mainly fill with teenagers by the US law, those are under age crowds. The high school crowds as compare to the US. If the Lao government don't do anything about it, sooner the Lao society will go down the toilet believe me. The next generation will fill with dumb pot head, alcoholic, drugs, and etc. These crowds should be doing homeworks, and concentrate on studying. Some of the posters here make it sounds like all Laos have is nightclub and Disco bars. It's rather childess to think like that. The negative impact far outweight the positive in this kind of business. It only creates ill behaviors when people that young enter these places. I like the idea of Lao government wanting to minimize the number these kind of places to open in a single district, Laos has way too many of these. And the law has to be enforce, only the legal age are allow. I believe by doing these, thing will improve.

khonthakek · Guru

Laos wants big discotheques ,discotheques just more high tax to the Gov, eveything will be fine, discotheques can open overnight if they pay enought the local government. discotheques that we have now are not modern and can't control well by the local police. i think Laos gov is welcome to an investor who interesting in opening a discotheque in Laos. big one and nice one...

Date: Aug 9, 2009

it is ridiculous. it curtails the freedom to just have fun dancing at the clubs, and very narrow minded....

http://eye-in-the-blue-sky.blogspot.com/2009/08/ancient-siam-around-thailand-in-day.html

Date: Aug 9, 2009

well, since these places will be closed then what and where can i have
fun at night ? i plan to visit laos in december coming.

thanks in advance.

Date: Oct 6, 2009

Anonymous wrote:

Lol, a tiger without fangs. Another law that the government can't enforce. Just like their big rant about corruption within the government. After all it said and done, it only sounds good on paper.

         You seem to know them pretty well. It is true about the corruption
         in Lao. I was there when they first came in. Everybody came into
         Vientiane with only 1 backpack. Look at them now...........

Kwanjai · Veteran Member

I think the reason why the lao government close disco is because they believe, most foreigner see Laos as a second Thailand looking for Galee Lao at clubs. And also the two country are similar it is obvious that outsider will say Laos and Thailand are the same anyways. In there mind it is prostitute,drugs and money because Thailand screw there reputation up along time ago and now Laos is a new paradise for them and Isaan is the gate and capitol of finding wifes and galee thai and lao isaan.

I say please teach the Laotian in Laos about this and keep our tradition and cutlure strong and please don't turn Laos into Thailand as sex capitol.

Date: Oct 7, 2009

Very interesting that the government want to protect Laos culture by shutting down the discotheques nationwide but allow the Chinese to build more casinos and porno stores.

Date: Oct 7, 2009

RE: Laos to close all discotheques nationwide !!!

Date: Oct 7, 2009

Closing down discotheque is not going to protect Lao culture . Preventing illegal Vietnamese and Chinese to come in Laos is more protecting Lao culture than closing discotheques.

Date: Oct 7, 2009

RE: Laos to close all discotheques nationwhide !!!

Kwanjai · Veteran Member

I think Laos should do an evening dining Bars where people can hang out and have some fun at least. This bars should be unique and up dated modern look to it since we are kind of lack on design and Laotian form of structure design.

Date: Oct 8, 2009

Anonymous wrote:

Disco is just a small comercial business to earn money. So closed down is doesn't matter.

Casino is the most important. We earn lots lots of money from Gambling. So we can have enought money to donate to schools and temples to shut their mouth's up!!!

Oh !!! I think the government wants to protect Lao culture only and never mention about making more money. Well, sorry misunderstood then how 's about the owner of the discotheques and the employees ? what are they are going to make a living ? Should they converse their discotheques to small casinos or what ?

Date: Oct 8, 2009

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Disco is just a small comercial business to earn money. So closed down is doesn't matter.

Casino is the most important. We earn lots lots of money from Gambling. So we can have enought money to donate to schools and temples to shut their mouth's up!!!

Oh !!! I think the government wants to protect Lao culture only and never mention about making more money. Well, sorry misunderstood then how 's about the owner of the discotheques and the employees ? what are they are going to make a living ? Should they converse their discotheques to small casinos or what ?

I think Lao government should encourage those disco-clubs to turn them into restaurants...and keep employ those young people.

Date: Oct 8, 2009

Anonymous wrote:

Very interesting that the government want to protect Laos culture by shutting down the discotheques nationwide but allow the Chinese to build more casinos and porno stores.

To close all discotheque in Laos to protect Lao culture? Wrong idea sir Mr. Lao Governments. If you want to protect Lao culture,you better close Lao-Vietnam and Lao-China borders to stop Vietnamese and Chinese smuggling in to Laos. These people who's changing Lao culture, not discotheque.

Date: Oct 8, 2009

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Very interesting that the government want to protect Laos culture by shutting down the discotheques nationwide but allow the Chinese to build more casinos and porno stores.

To close all discotheque in Laos to protect Lao culture? Wrong idea sir Mr. Lao Governments. If you want to protect Lao culture,you better close Lao-Vietnam and Lao-China borders to stop Vietnamese and Chinese smuggling in to Laos. These people who's changing Lao culture, not discotheque.

And invite american and lao-american back to LAO so lao people can keep lao's culture....american democracy can help lao people to keep lao's culture? Look at what young americans called their farther or their leaders..." ass hole, bastard...

Date: Oct 9, 2009

RE: Laos to close all discotheques nationwide !!!

Date: Oct 9, 2009

To protect Lao culture is to control the illegal Vietnamese and Chinese coming in Laos. Soon Laotian will be the minority of our own country . Every where you go in Laos there will be plenty of Vietnamese and Chinese and more and more Laotian are leaving Laos and go to Thailand or the first world countries and looking for jobs because Laotian could not find jobs in Laos but million Vietnamese and Chinese are working in Laos that will not protect Lao cultures by shutting down discotheques only make more Laotian losing their jobs.

Date: Oct 9, 2009

If the government really want to protect Lao culture then stop all the Internet , stop the people from watch Thai TV , Thai lakorn, Vietnamese and Chinese movies and ban all Lao women use the make up and wearing jeans and any foreign fashion. Also stop import exotic cars or any cars and using the horses like the old days and also isolated Laos from the other foreign influences in Laos.

Date: Oct 9, 2009

Shutting down discotheques is not going to protect Lao culture but making Laotian losing more jobs.

Date: Oct 9, 2009

RE: Laos to close all discotheques nationwhide !!!

Date: Oct 9, 2009

Anonymous wrote:

If the government really want to protect Lao culture then stop all the Internet , stop the people from watch Thai TV , Thai lakorn, Vietnamese and Chinese movies and ban all Lao women use the make up and wearing jeans and any foreign fashion. Also stop import exotic cars or any cars and using the horses like the old days and also isolated Laos from the other foreign influences in Laos.

You're straight as an arrow. Sooooo..unrealistic?

Date: Oct 10, 2009

To close all discotheque in Laos to protect Lao culture? Wrong idea sir Mr. Lao Governments. If you want to protect Lao culture,you better close Lao-Vietnam and Lao-China borders to stop Vietnamese and Chinese smuggling in to Laos. These people who's changing Lao culture, not discotheque.

And invite american and lao-american back to LAO so lao people can keep lao's culture....american democracy can help lao people to keep lao's culture? Look at what young americans called their farther or their leaders..." ass hole, bastard...

Well, any body call their fathers like that they must be mentally sick or have been abused by their own fathers and they are not normal children . For their leaders who are corrupted and selling the country and betray the people so he is not only to be called ass hole and bastard but the horn devil as well. Lao are always protecting Lao culture in every where on earth . Closing down the discotheques and allow the Chinese to build more casinos and porn stores in Laos are not protecting Lao culture but destroying Lao culture. Chinese would not allow to build casinos in their own main land because they know that would destroy their own local Chinese people. But they are allow to open discotheques in China.

Date: Oct 10, 2009

Time has changed so Laos could not go back in the stone age.

Date: Oct 13, 2009

RE: Laos to close all discotheques nationwide !!!

Date: Oct 13, 2009

RE: Laos to close all discotheques nationwhide !!!

Date: Oct 13, 2009

RE: Laos to close all discotheques nationwide !!!

NangDarling · Senior Member

RE: Laos to close all discotheques nationwhide !!!

Date: Oct 14, 2009

NangDarling wrote:

if, they are worring due to young teens now a day. it's all came down to parenting bottom line.

making the law to ban all students