Relations between Laos and Thailand have recently reached a new milestone with the decision to allow Vientiane Lao students to spend the equivalent of their degree in Thai language. For decades, this issue was a non-negotiable between the two countries. Until recently, the Lao Students could enroll in universities in Thailand and that from the master in a course taught in English and eligible for scholarships.
Beyond Thai-Laotian context, this decision marks a turning point indicative of the pragmatism of the Lao current direction, which intends to transform this landlocked country in large continental shelf of Southeast Asia connecting southern China to the Gulf Thailand. With several infrastructure projects in the pipeline, collectively called Asean Connectivity and the construction of a railway line at high speed between Kunming and Vientiane, Laos strives to link its provinces of the north with the south and southern China with Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.
In this concern for the future, the government also sent its best students in universities abroad. According to figures from the World Bank last year, with 7.5%, Laos has recorded the highest growth rate in the world after China. These impressive results - unprecedented in the history of the country - are the result of economic reforms and efforts to better integrate into the local economy.
Within the next five years, Laos is also hoped the group out of least developed countries and join the World Trade Organization (WTO). Displaying unusual confidence, power Laos opens to the world and especially its neighbors. Since its entry into ASEAN (Association of Asian Nations South-East) in 1997, Laos has intensified its relations with China, Thailand and Vietnam in establishing strong economic ties.
The improvement with China dates back to the 80s and has continued to confirm until now, Beijing strengthening an outstanding presence in the country over the last six years by investing heavily in infrastructure projects . Recently, China has also strengthened the defense capability of the Lao military by providing military equipment and trainers.
Relations between Laos and Thailand as they are much improved over the last two years with the repatriation of Hmong refugees settled in Thailand, a topic which poisoned relations between the two countries for nearly thirty years [Part of this minority continues of being oppressed or being chased, Laos because of its ties with the U.S.
Army during the Vietnam War]. This dark chapter is finally closed. On both sides of the border, authorities are now working quietly together to overcome their old disagreements. After the death in January of its historic enemy, Gen. Vang Pao, leader of the Hmong resistance, the power returned Lao language with the Hmong diaspora, including the community living in the United States, inviting him to return his homeland.
Thailand has taken great care not to ruin this new relationship of trust with Laos. The border security forces have received special instructions for the fight against human trafficking, particularly in the border provinces of Nakhon Phanom and Nong Khai. The authorities have asked the movie stars and song to behave properly and in compliance with the norms and values of the Laotian culture [often looked down upon by the Thai elite].
Thailand can not afford to be angry with Laos at a time when its relations with Cambodia remains uncertain [border disputes led to the beginning of February armed clashes]. Laos is preparing to host the 9th Asia-Europe summit in November 2012, the largest diplomatic event since its independence.
In 2004, the country had hosted the first ASEAN summit. Made known to the public, Laos was the first country to propose in 2005 to organize the great summit of the EAS [East Asia Summit brings together 16 countries to date], but had not finally been appointed. The ability to host more than thirty Asian and European officials in Vientiane, however, awakened the national pride of the Laotians by making their country the focus of the international community and not just a nation of bums . 
Beyond Thai-Laotian context, this decision marks a turning point indicative of the pragmatism of the Lao current direction, which intends to transform this landlocked country in large continental shelf of Southeast Asia connecting southern China to the Gulf Thailand. With several infrastructure projects in the pipeline, collectively called Asean Connectivity and the construction of a railway line at high speed between Kunming and Vientiane, Laos strives to link its provinces of the north with the south and southern China with Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.
In this concern for the future, the government also sent its best students in universities abroad. According to figures from the World Bank last year, with 7.5%, Laos has recorded the highest growth rate in the world after China. These impressive results - unprecedented in the history of the country - are the result of economic reforms and efforts to better integrate into the local economy.
Within the next five years, Laos is also hoped the group out of least developed countries and join the World Trade Organization (WTO). Displaying unusual confidence, power Laos opens to the world and especially its neighbors. Since its entry into ASEAN (Association of Asian Nations South-East) in 1997, Laos has intensified its relations with China, Thailand and Vietnam in establishing strong economic ties.
The improvement with China dates back to the 80s and has continued to confirm until now, Beijing strengthening an outstanding presence in the country over the last six years by investing heavily in infrastructure projects . Recently, China has also strengthened the defense capability of the Lao military by providing military equipment and trainers.
Relations between Laos and Thailand as they are much improved over the last two years with the repatriation of Hmong refugees settled in Thailand, a topic which poisoned relations between the two countries for nearly thirty years [Part of this minority continues of being oppressed or being chased, Laos because of its ties with the U.S.
Army during the Vietnam War]. This dark chapter is finally closed. On both sides of the border, authorities are now working quietly together to overcome their old disagreements. After the death in January of its historic enemy, Gen. Vang Pao, leader of the Hmong resistance, the power returned Lao language with the Hmong diaspora, including the community living in the United States, inviting him to return his homeland.
Thailand has taken great care not to ruin this new relationship of trust with Laos. The border security forces have received special instructions for the fight against human trafficking, particularly in the border provinces of Nakhon Phanom and Nong Khai. The authorities have asked the movie stars and song to behave properly and in compliance with the norms and values of the Laotian culture [often looked down upon by the Thai elite].
Thailand can not afford to be angry with Laos at a time when its relations with Cambodia remains uncertain [border disputes led to the beginning of February armed clashes]. Laos is preparing to host the 9th Asia-Europe summit in November 2012, the largest diplomatic event since its independence.
In 2004, the country had hosted the first ASEAN summit. Made known to the public, Laos was the first country to propose in 2005 to organize the great summit of the EAS [East Asia Summit brings together 16 countries to date], but had not finally been appointed. The ability to host more than thirty Asian and European officials in Vientiane, however, awakened the national pride of the Laotians by making their country the focus of the international community and not just a nation of bums .
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