Lovely Lao Ladies

The end of the year and indeed the decade is upon us. Everybody's promotional calendars are being distributed, including Beer Lao, the national beer of Laos.

Here's a link to Beer Lao calendars of the past below. You can click on the pictures to enlarge them.

Beer Lao Calendars thoughout the Decade

Thailand and Viet Nam still Hoping for More Tourists

Both Thailand and Viet Nam are facing a decline in tourist arrivals this year. Both of these articles label the global economic situation as the main reason that tourists are staying away.

First, the story from Thailand:

Inbound tourism is expected to decline 34 per cent this high season, due mainly to the economic crisis.

The article goes on to state:

"Another important factor is that our political problems and the ongoing chaos now disturb tourists," Sa-ngium Ekachot, vice president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents.

Next, Viet Nam:

Many representative offices of foreign tourism companies in Ho Chi Minh City have closed over the past year because of declining arrivals.

But with the global economic slump taking its toll on the local tourism industry, the number of representative offices has decreased gradually. Last month, there were just 16 left in the city and only half of them could be contacted.

Overall arrivals in the first 11 months were recorded at 3.4 million, down 12.3 percent from the same period last year, according to the Vietnam National Tourism Administration. There were sharp declines in many markets, with South Korea down 21.4 percent, China 19.4 percent and Japan 8.9 percent.

But, the question is what other factors (in addition to the political problems ond ongoing chaos mentioned in the article from Thailand) are having an effect on the tourism industry?

This probably isn't helping:

Luxury beach resort in Thailand using picture of Scottish beach to promote area

Viet Nam Wins, Sai Gon Roars

Football (a.k.a. soccer) is big in Asia just like the rest of the world. So, the Gold Medal for football is the highlight of the Southeast Asia Games. Tonight Viet Nam defeated Singapore 4 - 1 to advance to the final match where they will meet the team from Malaysia.

Vietnam crush Singapore in a heart-breaking game

After the victory, the streets were filled with people celebrating, most on motorbikes. Click below for a short video clip. You might want to decrease the volume level first though.



Strangely enough, a heavy highly unseasonal rain storm occured later on at around midnight.

Happenings in Southeast Asia

Anybody who is travelling to Thailand thesedays should be sure to keep an eye on the political situation for the rest of this month and into the new year. The next wave of demonstrations/rallies has begun.

Thousands stage new rally in Bangkok

Also, tourists are still having trouble with King Power Duty Free Shops. This time it's in Phukket, a resort island in Southern Thailand.

"There have been several allegations of a scam operating out of King Power shops at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. In what also became worldwide news reports, the shoppers, all tourists, were accused of shoplifting, then forced to ‘negotiate’ a settlement in order to catch their departing flights."

Alleged Aussie perfume thieves out on bail in Phuket




Also, don't forget that the SEA Games have started in Vientiane, the capital of Laos. As a result the town is full of athletes and vistitors, so you may have trouble finding a room, quiet place to eat, etc, if you're visiting there. The Sea Games will end on December 18th.


The SEA Games open in Laos

The Official SEA Games in Laos website

Long Live the King

Today, December 5th, the birthday of HM King Bhumipol Adulyadej, Rama IX is celebrated throughout Thailand. The day is also celebrated as Father's Day. The world's longest-reigning monarch, the King was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the United States on December 5, 1927 and has witnessed 15 coups, 16 constitutions, and 27 changes of prime ministers during his reign.

His Majesty's birthday address

Thai King urges peace on birthday