Poacher killed, Elephant as well

What a sad story:

A shootout between a gang of poachers and elephant handlers in Laos left one man and one pachyderm dead, news reports
said Tuesday.

The gang allegedly attacked the mahouts at midnight on August 9 in Hinheup district, Vientiane province, in an attempt to slaughter four elephants for their ivory and body parts, district governor Chanpaeng Douangphachan told the Vientiane Times.

Chanpaeng said the poachers fired upon the mahouts, sparking a brief shootout before the elephant minders fled and informed authorities. When police arrived at the scene they found one dead poacher and one dismembered pachyderm.

"From our initial investigation, we have learnt how the poachers worked together as a gang. We are quite positive that the details we have about the dead man will lead us to tracking down his friends," Chanpaeng said.

Useful information for Expats in Laos

Ok, I think its time enough to share some information for other people who want to move to Laos.
1. J&C Real estate is strongly recommended. They also offer a welcome package. Rents for a house are between 500 USD and 2000 USD
2. The best medical service is a the french clinic that belongs to the embassy (but is not at the same location).
3. Motobike rent is around 70.000 KIP a day
4. There are some supermarkets with nearly everything you need. Phimphone next to Joma Coffe shop, another Pimphione, the citimart next to the shell gas station, but also have a look on the M-Marts and the supermarket at the ITECC.
5. Walking the dogs: Is best done on the riverside close to the presidential palace and in the That Luang area.
6. Jogging: Join the locals in the morning at Patu Xai.
7. Cinema: There is no cinema with western movies.
8. DVD: You get the everywhere.
9. German food: Luckily no German Restaurant, although Khop Chai Deau has pork leg.
10. Driving a car: You need a driver licence. Driving within the city is quite safe (and slow).
11. English News(papers): Vientiane Times and Laovoices.com

Any more questions? Ask me.

From Beer Lao to Bear Lao

Please read my article on Expat-Advisory about the Laos Bears - Luang Prabang Rescue Centre at Tat Kuang Si

http://www.expat-advisory.com/articles/southeast-asia/laos/luang-prabang/dont-miss-bear-lao

We need rain in Laos

It"s not only me sweating like crazy the whole day, it's more seriously about the farmers: They desperately need RAIN!

Rice seedlings in fields all around the country are struggling to grow as rainfall continues to be erratic, a problem which may impact on this wet season's rice production.

Only some are more lucky, if they can afford modern technology:

And while farmers with modern irrigation systems have little cause for
concern, this luxury is limited to a select few.

I am following a discussion on Laofab, about wether it's good or not for farmers to rent their fields to companies and make some extra money.

Getting dangerous in Vientiane?

Read this today:

There are 151 road accidents in Vientiane Capital in this month, decreased by almost 20 per cent as compared to the month before, said Head of the Vientiane Administration Office, Mr. Khamphong Boutdavong.

Meanwhile this month sees a change in number of criminal incidents. Hundred and seventy-five criminal incidents are recorded in this month, increased by 31 per cent from last month.

Hmm. is the World Cup a reason? Or economy? People here easily blaming Vietnamese for burglary, but in Vietnam they blamed the Cambodians and in Cambodia it was always the Vietnamese. So what?

I guess it's just normal that a growing city attracts every kind of people. Like criminals. Thats a price development has to pay.

Welcome to my home

Best service for new expats in Laos

Before we moved to Laos we were looking for a reliable real estate service to find a new home. We found J & C real estate, and that was the best that happened to us. Stephan and Cameron, who are running the company, are not only real estate agents, they give you a full service.
That starts with a welcome package: They take you around town (Vientiane), show you were the doctors are and the schools, the supermarkets and the best restaurants. In a one day trip you will see the most important things for living (and some sightseeing as well).
We also found a nice house, although moving in May isnt the best time since most expats are leaving in June and July, so the selection of houses was quiet small. Anyway, we (they) found a great place for us.
We also got perfect service regarding the move of our dogs from Vietnam: J&C provided us the necessary documents, like the import permit for the dogs. at immigration, with this documents everything went find and easy.
When I was looking for a insurance for my car, J&C also provided us with a good offer, as well as for our house content. The company always gives you a lot of helpful advice.
Last but not least the give you on hand a bunch of documents, from snakes in Laos to "How to cross the border to Thailand on the friendship bridge".

If you consider moving to Laos, call J&C real estate. You will not regret it.