All posts filed under: News & Updates

Lao American returnee organizes first official Vientiane International Half Marathon

It’ll be three years since Thouni Seneyakone permanently moved back home to the cozy capital of Vientiane. Almost a decade ago, we were just nimble freshmen at the University of Minnesota, learning the art of planning cultural events as board members of the Lao Students Association. From Laos to Minnesota at the age of 10 and now back to Laos as an adult, it’s been a journey that’s come full circle. “Returning to Laos to work and live here has always been my goal.” On a typical day at sunrise, you can catch an energetic Thouni and her running group ‘Team We Run’ jogging along the streets of Vientiane. An avid runner and sports enthusiast, Thouni and friends formed Events for Good, a socially-conscious sports event planning company based in Vientiane, which focuses on “organizing sporting events to promote healthy, active lifestyles and raising funds to help local communities.” This March 6th, Thouni is organizing the Vientiane International Half Marathon, the first in the capital city to be backed by many big supporters, including the Lao government. More than 500 local and international runners …

Welcome back to Laos, Secretary John Kerry

Secretary John Kerry has landed in Laos for a few days. Thanks to the dedicated advocacy efforts of Legacies of War, led by Channapha Khamvongsa, the momentum around the UXO issue in Laos is in a media frenzy. If you’ve been following the U.S. Embassy Vientiane’s Facebook page, Secretary John Kerry has returned to Laos in efforts to improve U.S.-Laos diplomatic relations on the clean-up efforts as well as other development issues. This is ahead of the ASEAN Summit in California next month and the Obama Administration’s pivot to the region towards the end of 2016. What does the ASEAN Summit have in store for a Laos in transition, politically and socially, this year? Read up and chime in below. — From Department of State: Remarks With Lao Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong Before Their Meeting Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Government House Vientiane, Laos January 25, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: Well, thank you, Mr. Prime Minister. I’m very happy to be back. I have been a here a number of times through the years and we appreciate very …