Laos Research Articles

The Impact of Stagflation on Small and Medium –Sized Enterprise Performance in Champasak Province, LAO PDR

This study investigates the impact of stagflation on SME performance in Champasack Province, Lao PDR. Utilizing data from 450 SME’s owners, acquired via structured questionnaires, the research employed the structural equation modeling technique for data analysis. The result showed that stagflation have positive impact and significant on marketing management capability, Consumers, and SME performance. According to Marketig management capability has a positive impact and significant on Consumers, but its negative impact and significant on SME performances, and Consumers has a positive impact and significant on SME performances. The insights derived from this research provide essential directives for SME managers striving to business survival in economic uncertenty. Therefore, Medium-sized and small-sized enterprises in ten districts of Champasack Province, Lao PDR, need to effectively develop their marketing management capability to stimulate consumer spending during periods of stagflation. This will lead to a continuous improvement in SME performance and high business survival during the period of stagflation.

Factor influencing Secondary School Students’ Decision to Study for a Bachelor's Degree at Champasak Province, Lao PDR

This research is a study on the factors that influence the decision of high school students to study for a bachelor's degree in Champasak province, with the purpose of studying the factors that influence the decision to study for a bachelor's degree in Champasak province. A questionnaire survey method was used to collect data from 410 students from 9 districts and 1 city in Champasak Province, Laos. A logistic regression model was used to analyze the data. The research results show that factors influence the decision of high school students to attend Champasak University in Champasak Province. There are a total of nine important factors that affect the decision to choose Champasak University. First of all, there is the problem of the Lao ethnic group. Second, religious beliefs, especially Buddhism. In addition, parents' scholarship support, family members' educational level, parents' occupation, household monthly income, major in marketing, and access to university courses all affect enrollment decisions. Finally, students' expectations about job opportunities after graduation have a positive effect on their decision to enroll in Champasak University, which indicates the importance of providing education in accordance with the needs of the labor market.

Water Level Prediction and Forecasting Using a Long Short-Term Memory Model for Nam Ngum River Basin in Lao PDR

The process of implementing neural networks in a computer system is known as deep learning. In this study, a deep learning model, namely long short-term memory (LSTM), was established to predict and forecast water levels for stations located at the Nam Ngum River Basin in Lao PDR. Water levels are predicted and forecasted based on the rainfall and water level data observed at previous time steps. It is proposed that the optimal sequence length for modeling should be determined based on the threshold of the correlation coefficient obtained from the water level and rainfall time series. The trained LSTM models in this study can be considered fair and adequate for water level prediction, as NSE values from 0.5 to 0.7 were mostly obtained from the model validations in the testing periods. The results showed that the autocorrelation and cross-correlation analysis did help in determining the optimal sequence length in an LSTM model. The performance levels of the LSTM model in forecasting future water levels in the Nam Ngum River Basin varied; the forecasted water level hydrographs for the Pakkayoung station generally corresponded with the observed ones, while the forecasted water level hydrographs for the other stations deviated significantly from the observed hydrographs.

The Impact of Fiscal Policy on Economic Growth in Lao PDR

There has been various studies research on the Impact of the Fiscal Policy on Economic Growth by testing the Wagner’s Law and Keynes theory. This study holds two objectives, the first objective is to review a performance of the implementation government expenditure, and second objective is to test on the government expenditure contributes to the economic growth in the Lao PDR. To reach these two objectives, this study applies two methodologies. The first methodology is descriptive approach to respond for the first objective, and second methodology is bound testing approach and vector error correction approach to respond for second. This study is applied for time series data in terms of annual data from 1981 to 2014 in all models. The source of the data is mostly the website of the Asia Development Bank (ADB) year 2016. The results of the first methodology shows that the performance of the government expenditure continued increase rapidly, especially in 1986, 1997 and policy changed in 2012-2013 in terms of current expenditure for salary and capital expenditure directly affected to real Gross Domestic Products growth. The results of the second methodology shows that the Keynes theory and Wagner’s Law are significant and satisfied for the Lao economy in the long run. It meant that government expenditure has directly contributed RGDP, and vice versa. However, in the short run are not significant and unsatisfied in any lag.

Implication and Chemical Composition of Ancient Green Glass from Hong Nang Sida Temple in Champasak, Lao PDR

In southern part of Laos, once prospered under the Khmer Empire in the past, lots of ancient cultural heritage including Hong Nang Sida temple is still preserved. In this study, the chemical compositions, chromaticity and occurrences for five ancient green glasses excavated from Hong Nang Sida temple by Korea Heritage Agency were analyzed, and their implication was examined. As a result, all glasses showed some differences in hue, size, weight and shape, however, the compositions of flux, stabilizer and colorant revealed large differences. These have been identified as potash, soda and lead glass based on their composition. Considering the diversity of composition, it is interpreted that the production location and period of each glass was different. Meanwhile, if it estimates the inflow route reflecting the characteristics of glass, may be possible to infer regional or international exchanges in Laos at the time. This will be important data for understanding not only the ancient glass of Laos but also the glass artifacts technology and trade of Southeast Asian countries in the Khmer Empire cultural sphere.

Development of a training course to enhance the morality and ethics of student teachers at Champasack University, Lao People’s Democratic Republic

The objective of this research was to develop a training course for enhancing morality and ethics of student teachers at the Faculty of Education, Champasack University, Lao PDR. This mixed-method research utilized a three-phase research and development process. Phase 1 involved the analysis of relevant documents and research to obtain basic information for the training course development. Interviews were conducted with nine executives and teachers, and a questionnaire was administered to 369 participants, including executives, teachers, and undergraduate students from four departments. Phase 2 focused on the development of the training course, which was accomplished through the action research of two cycles, targeting 16 third-year student teachers from the four departments. In Phase 3, the quality of the training course was verified through a meeting of seven experts. The findings revealed that during Phase 1, there was a need to develop a training course for morality and ethics enhancement in all aspects: responsibility, volunteering, unity, and discipline with PNImodified of 0.28, 0.27, 0.25, and 0.23 respectively. In Phase 2, 80% of the students passed the predetermined criteria. There was a notable difference in the test results before and after the training, with a statistical significance level of .05. The training content activity received a highest level of satisfaction (X̅ = 4.69, SD = 0.48). For Phase 3, the quality verification process and comprehensive course improvement identified ten components: (1) rationale, (2) principles, (3) goals, (4) objectives, (5) content structure and duration, (6) activities, (7) training methods, (8) media and equipment, (9) measurement and evaluation, and (10) expected outcomes.

The Participatory strengthening for tea production in Paksong district, Champasack Province, Lao PDR

The Participatory strengthening for tea production in Paksong district, Champasack Province, Lao PDR

Evaluating the Changes in Vietnam’s Influence on Laos’ Diplomatic Attitude Towards China Under BRI Using GDELT

This article evaluates the extent to which Laos’ diplomatic preferences towards China have been influenced by Vietnam's attitudes towards China over the ten years (2014-2023) since the Belt and Road Initiative (hereafter BRI) was implemented. As a small state in the Southeast Asian region, the Lao People's Democratic Republic’s (hereafter Laos) diplomatic choices are influenced by both extra-regional powers and sub-regional power structures. Vietnam, as a sub-regional power, has successfully influenced Laos’ diplomatic policy towards China several times in the past. China’s BRI provides Laos with more flexibility in its diplomatic choices between China and Vietnam. This paper tests the above hypotheses based on the GDELT database. It is assessed that since the BRI was proposed, the Laos’ diplomatic attitude towards China has maintained a rising trend in a spiral. Laos has gradually become more independent in its diplomatic choices, while Vietnam’s influence over it has weakened modestly. Therefore, it can be considered that Vietnam’s attitude towards China does not currently pose a sufficient threat to Laos’ diplomatic attitude towards China.

Exploring Reasons and Perspectives Behind Decisions to Forego Hospital Births Among Remote Rural Populations in Bokeo Province, Lao PDR

Maternal mortality remains high among marginalized rural populations in Laos. Remote mountain villages in Bokeo Province typify persistent health access divides facing minor subgroups amidst infrastructure gaps and scattered habitation. This study explores complex drivers behind shunning hospital births using focused rural ethnography. Between October and November 2023, this qualitative study interviewed 40 participants including pregnant women, postpartum women, and their relatives across 5 villages in Bokeo Province regarding barriers to hospital births. Open-ended discussions aimed to elucidate motivations and barriers embedded in their decision to avoid formal delivery care, despite mortality awareness. Transcriptions from Lao were translated to Thai, maintaining cultural nuances. Thematic analysis identified patterns in women’s attitudes and barriers to hospital childbirth. A collaborative coding process revealed constraints on access, affordability, and autonomy, explaining why vulnerable groups often forego hospital births despite risks. The result founded that prohibitive transportation deficiencies including impassable roads, exorbitant driver fees and unreliable conveyance options were primary obstacles. Prohibitive direct and indirect costs compounded struggles for impoverished families. Restrictive traditions persisted among certain ethnicities. Discrimination fears and hospital foreignness also provoked wariness among a minority. Multidimensional geographical, financial and sociocultural barriers intersect to obstruct rural groups from accessible emergency obstetric care in Laos. Infrastructural strengthening, financial protection and public education can relieve these pronounced constraints denying the marginalized realization of maternal health rights.

Reaching the unreached through building trust: a mixed-method study on COVID-19 vaccination in rural Lao PDR

IntroductionThe global COVID-19 vaccine rollout has been impacted by socioeconomic disparities and vaccine hesitancy, but few studies examine reasons for changed attitudes. In Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), a...

Association between children's feeding practices and the nutritional status of children 6–23 months in Lao PDR: Evidence from the Provincial Household Survey 2022

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the association between children's feeding practices and the nutritional status of children 6–23 months in Lao PDR.MethodThe study is based on the latest Provincial Household Survey 2022 (PHS 2022). The WHO's guidelines were used to define nutritional status. If height‐for‐age (HAZ), weight‐for‐height (WHZ) and weight‐for‐age (WAZ) z‐scores were below −2, children were considered stunted, wasted and underweight, respectively. Minimum meal frequency (MMF) was considered if breastfeeding children consumed soft foods two times per day for infants 6–8 months and three times for children 9–23 months, and that nonbreastfeeding children consumed solid, semisolid, soft foods or milk feeds four times for children aged 6–23 months the previous day. A child was regarded to have a minimum dietary diversity (MDD) if they had consumed foods from at least five of the eight main groups the previous day. Minimum acceptable diet (MAD) was considered if children aged 6–23 months had at least the MMF and the MDD indicators in the previous 24 h.ResultsThere was a significant (p < 0.05) positive relationship between MAD and stunting among children aged 6–23 months. Regarding the predictors of MMF, MDD and MAD, the probability of MDD and MAD increased with the child's age, whereas MMF decreased. We found that the higher the mother's education, the probability of their children attaining MDD, MMF and MAD increased. A significant negative relationship was observed among children living in rural areas with MMF, MDD and MAD. Our analysis also found that children who were not currently breastfed were less likely to meet MMF, MDD and MAD compared with children who were currently breastfed.ConclusionInterventions for infant and young child feeding (IYFC) in Lao PDR, with a particular emphasis on rural households, mothers with little to no education, and new parents, should be targeted for future nutrition interventions to increase optimal feeding practices among the children.

Fast Finance and the Political Economy of Catastrophic Dam Collapse in Lao PDR: The Case of Xe Pian-Xe Namnoy

In the dark of a July night in 2018, a 5-billion-cubic-metre torrent of muddy water crashed through rooftops and ripped through the downstream villages of southeast Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). An auxiliary "saddle" dam had collapsed in the US$1.02 billion Xe Pian-Xe Namnoy (XPXN) Hydropower Project that was still under construction and had just reached financial contractual close five years prior, in 2013. In the aftermath of the collapse, official state narratives pointed to extreme weather conditions and "unforeseen" construction and engineering miscalculations, viewing soil conditions as the primary culprit. This paper examines the financial dimensions of dam failure and introduces the term "fast finance": financier-driven timelines that have drastically expedited and shortened the legal, social, and pre-construction processes involved in hydropower dam projects to the detriment of dam safety, due diligence, and local participatory input. Extreme weather and anthropogenic climate change are not sole explanatory factors in the XPXN dam disaster. This paper highlights the also significant role of financial and political interests as contributing factors in dam safety and failure alongside extreme weather. The paper challenges conventional "natural disaster" framing of dam collapse by bringing into focus ex-ante political decision-making, financial engineering, and construction planning prior to dam construction to highlight the ways in which the XPXN catastrophe also had anthropogenic and "unnatural" contributing factors. Fast finance encompasses the role of temporality and the responsibility of state-business actors in ex-ante financial and infrastructure decisions that conclude with catastrophic outcomes. The article examines the re-engineering of contemporary dam finance through a case study of Lao PDR and argues that issues of financial engineering should be examined alongside other forms of civil, mechanical, structural, and hydrological engineering in the analysis of dam disasters. The temporal logics of financial actors—particularly the financialized logic of fast finance—has displaced the public-good-producing logic of patient capital. Financial logics shape and condition other forms of engineering and construction and are central to considerations of dam safety and accountability. Naturalizing discourses around extreme weather and aging dams deflect from the financial decisions and policy action, or inaction, of state-business actors to prevent dam collapse.

Disparities in incidence and mortality of hematologic cancers in Southeast Asia: A 2020 analysis.

e23291 Background: Hematologic cancers (HCs) in Southeast Asia (SEA), a diverse population of over 680 million, are still understudied. Data from the 2020 Global Cancer Observatory (GCO) was used to estimate the incidence and mortality of HCs in the region to provide direction for effective disease control and improve population outcomes. Methods: The International Agency for Research on Cancer’s publicly available GCO data aggregates global cancer incidence and mortality. We report cumulative incidence rate (CIR) and cumulative mortality rate (CMR) defined per 100,000 people, and weighted average age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) and age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) in 2020. Data for Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL), Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL), Leukemia, and Multiple Myeloma (MM) in the world, in SEA, and in the 11 individual SEA countries are presented. Results: The table presents CIR, ASIR, CMR, and ASMR of hematologic cancers in SEA compared to overall global data. CIR, ASIR, CMR, and ASMR were higher for males than females in SEA. For NHL, CIR was highest in Singapore (18.8), Thailand (10.2), and Brunei (9.6) and lowest in Myanmar & Cambodia (3.6), and Timor-Leste (2.7). ASIR trends were parallel albeit differences were smaller. CMR was highest in Singapore (6.2) and Thailand (5.9) and lowest in Timor-Leste (1.5). ASMR was highest in Brunei (4.5) and lowest in Timor-Leste (2.0). For leukemia, CIR was highest in Singapore (11.1) and lowest in Myanmar (3.1) and Timor-Leste (2.6); ASIR was highest in Singapore (8.9) and lowest in Myanmar (3.2) and Timor-Leste (2.9). CMR was highest in Singapore (5.2) and lowest in Myanmar (2.6) and Timor-Leste (2.3). ASMR was highest in Lao PDR (4.7) and Vietnam (4.5), and lowest in Singapore (3.1) and Timor-Leste (2.9). For MM, CIR was highest in Singapore (4.1), ASIR was highest in Brunei (2.4) and both are lowest in Myanmar (0.4). CMR was highest in Singapore & Thailand (1.8) and lowest in Myanmar (0.35); ASMR rates were similar. For HL, CIR was highest in Brunei Darussalam (1.8) and Singapore (1.4) and lowest in Myanmar (0.2). ASIR trends were similar. CMR was highest in Vietnam (0.26) and lowest in Singapore (0.1) and Myanmar (0.08). ASMR trends were similar. Conclusions: Despite lower regional average incidence and mortality, significant intra-regional variations exist reflecting disparities in the management of HCs. In addition, while data suggests lower disease burden in SEA, mortality rates are still comparable and in some cases worse than the global average. More work is needed to investigate HC epidemiology in SEA to inform cancer control in the region and improve its blood cancer outcomes. [Table: see text]

The model and role of Migrant Health Volunteers (MHVs) in Disease Prevention and Control (DPC) along Thailand’s border with Myanmar, Lao PDR and Cambodia

This study aims to synthesize the model and the role of migrant health volunteers (MHVs) in DPC, supporting public health operations and promoting migrant access to health services along the Thai border with Myanmar, Lao PDR, and Cambodia. The study areas comprised six Provinces. The MHVs subjects included 75 people and stakeholders engaged in border health work included 84 people. The tools included a questionnaire and interview guide. Data were collected through both group and individual interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. Two models were the paired working model involved an individual MHVs co-worker between Thailand and public health volunteers in neighboring countries with different names such as MHVS buddy, Xiao (friendship), and Xiao Sukkhapap (health friendship), and the specific MHVs workgroup model, they were residing together as a community and mainly classified according to the characteristics of the MHVs. Two MHVs’ roles were the first, to operate and support the work of public health officials in disease surveillance and DPC were found at level 5 (mean = 12.85, SD = 2.86). The activities comprised acting as a health dam to prevent Communicable Diseases (CD), an event report, a co-worker with the Surveillance Rapid Response Migrant Team (SRRMT), and a campaign to provide knowledge and facilitate coordination between the government and the hard-to-reach ethnic minorities group at village and district levels. The second role involved promoting access to medical care for migrant workers found at level 4 (mean = 28.52, SD = 8.02). The activities were to facilitate and coordinate channels for accessing health care services, conduct home visits, and enable communication. MHVs are essential to DPC within the migrant worker community and strengthen support for health personnel for surveillance and DPC at border areas.

Flood susceptibility mapping leveraging open-source remote-sensing data and machine learning approaches in Nam Ngum River Basin (NNRB), Lao PDR

Frequent floods caused by monsoons and rainstorms have significantly affected the resilience of human and natural ecosystems in the Nam Ngum River Basin, Lao PDR. A cost-efficient framework integrating advanced remote sensing and machine learning techniques is proposed to address this issue by enhancing flood susceptibility understanding and informed decision-making. This study utilizes remote sensing geo-datasets and machine learning algorithms (Random Forest, Support Vector Machine, Artificial Neural Networks, and Long Short-Term Memory) to generate comprehensive flood susceptibility maps. The results highlight Random Forest’s superior performance, achieving the highest train and test Area Under the Curve of Receiver Operating Characteristic (AUROC) (1.00 and 0.993), accuracy (0.957), F1-score (0.962), and kappa value (0.914), with the lowest mean squared error (0.207) and Root Mean Squared Error (0.043). Vulnerability is particularly pronounced in low-elevation and low-slope southern downstream areas (Central part of Lao PDR). The results reveal that 36%–53% of the basin’s total area is highly susceptible to flooding, emphasizing the dire need for coordinated floodplain management strategies. This research uses freely accessible remote sensing data, addresses data scarcity in flood studies, and provides valuable insights for disaster risk management and sustainable planning in Lao PDR.

The Micro-Learning Activities via Metaverse Platform: The Outcomes of Students’ at Pakse Teacher Training College, Lao PDR

The Micro-Learning Activities via Metaverse Platform: The Outcomes of Students’ at Pakse Teacher Training College, Lao PDR

Malaria epidemiology, surveillance and response for elimination in Lao PDR

BackgroundLao PDR has made significant progress in malaria control. The National Strategic Plans outline ambitious targets, aiming for the elimination of Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax malaria from all northern provinces by 2025 and national elimination by 2030. This article presents an overview of malaria epidemiology, surveillance, and response systems in Lao PDR, emphasizing experiences and achievements in transmission reduction.MethodsData on surveillance, monitoring and evaluation systems, human resources, infrastructure, and community malaria knowledge during 2010–2020 were systematically gathered from the national program and relevant documents. The collected information was synthesized, and discussions on challenges and future prospects were provided.ResultsMalaria control and elimination activities in Lao PDR were implemented at various levels, with a focus on health facility catchment areas. There has been significant progress in reducing malaria transmission throughout the country. Targeted interventions, such as case management, vector control, and community engagement, using stratification of control interventions by catchment areas have contributed to the decline in malaria cases. In elimination areas, active surveillance strategies, including case and foci investigation, are implemented to identify and stop transmission. The surveillance system has facilitated timely detection and response to malaria cases, enabling these targeted interventions in higher-risk areas.ConclusionsThe malaria surveillance and response system in Lao PDR has played a crucial role in reducing transmission and advancing the country towards elimination. Challenges such as importation, drug resistance, and sustaining support require ongoing efforts. Further strengthening surveillance, improving access to services, and addressing transmission determinants are key areas of focus to achieve malaria elimination and enhance population health in Lao PDR.

Case Report: A case of disseminated cutaneous listeriosis following appendicitis from Lao PDR

Background Listeria monocytogenes is a food-borne pathogen that is a rare cause of bacteraemia and meningitis in immunosuppressed patients, and carries a high mortality rate. Cutaneous manifestations of listeriosis are rare, and are usually associated with direct inoculation of the skin. Case A 41-year-old woman who initially presented to a hospital in Laos with appendicitis was diagnosed with disseminated listeriosis with cutaneous involvement. Intra-abdominal pathology probably contributed to bacterial bloodstream invasion. Initial treatment with meropenem was switched to ampicillin based on best practice, however our patient died 5 days after diagnosis. Conclusions This case highlights listeriosis as an important cause of mortality in low- and middle-income countries, exacerbated by poor availability of laboratory diagnostics and ineffective empiric antibiotic regimens. Improvements in food hygiene, surveillance, and increased laboratory capacity are important strategies to reduce rates of infection and clinical outcomes.

Impact evaluation of a cash-plus programme for children with disabilities in the Xiengkhouang Province in Lao PDR: study protocol for a non-randomised controlled trial

IntroductionMore than 170 countries have implemented disability-targeted social protection programmes, although few have been rigorously evaluated. Consequently, a non-randomised controlled trial is being conducted of a pilot ‘cash-plus’ programme implemented...

Increased farmer willingness to pay for quality cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) planting materials: evidence from experimental auctions in Cambodia and Lao PDR

AbstractVarietal turnover is a major mechanism for farmer adaptation to rapidly changing environmental and market conditions. Understanding factors related to varietal turnover is critical for safeguarding food security in the face of increasingly rapid changes to production contexts. Preference elicitation methods like experimental auctions reveal farmers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for seeds with different characteristics. We engaged farmers growing cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) across a wide geographic scope in Cambodia (n = 321, 4 provinces) and Lao PDR (n = 391, 5 provinces) in modified second-price experimental auctions to determine WTP for three cassava seed classes: farmer-produced planting stems of an undescribed variety, farmer-produced planting stems of an elite variety with lower susceptibility to Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD), and virus-free tested planting stems of the same elite variety. In Lao PDR, mean auction bids for a bundle of 20 planting stems were 0.54, 0.92, and 1.40 USD for farmer, elite, and elite tested stems, while in Cambodia the analogous mean bids were 0.58, 0.77, and 1.16 USD, respectively. A significantly higher WTP associated with elite variety and tested stems in both countries was influenced by both geographic location (province) and individual socioeconomic farmer characteristics. In Lao PDR this included lower WTP of women, higher WTP of ethnic minorities, and, for improved stems, lower WTP of farmers with increased cassava growing experience. In Cambodia fewer socioeconomic variables affected WTP. Our results indicate significant increases in WTP for clean planting materials and new varieties, supporting market-based clean seed approaches as a component of regional control strategies for the CMD epidemic currently threatening a global agri-food value chain.