(April 8, 1998) One of the most powerful and enigmatic leaders in Laos has been removed from the head of the country’s biggest firm.  After building up the military development firm Bolisat Phakhana Khet Phoudoi, General Cheng Sayavong is now directing the National Tourism Authority as it gears up for Visit Laos Year 1999.

(April 6, 1998) Thailand’s economic crisis is raising questions over the energy exporting hopes of neighbouring Laos  As two giant turbines begin to roar in the middle of the jungle, Laos is starting to become the "battery of Asia." Last week the $280m Theun-Hinboun dam began producing electricity for neighbouring Thailand, the first of what Laos hopes to be as many as 21 dams spanning this poor landlocked country.

(April 4, 1998) A report yesterday by the US-based International Rivers Network warns that thousands of villages are being affected by the dam but are unlikely to be compensated.

(March 1, 1998) A concession agreement for the Nam Ngum II project was signed by the government of the Lao PDR and the Shlapak Group Co, Ltd on March 17 at the Lao Hotel Plaza.

(March 1, 1998) The World Bank spoke openly for the first time this week about its strong commitment to the Nam Theun 2 hydro-electric dam in Laos and vowed it would not drop the project because of pressure from the public outside the country.