Fighting crime Lao style

The National Library of Australia has begun subscribing to Khwamsangop: Siang khong pongkan khwamsangop pasason, a Lao national newspaper, issued by the Ministry of National Security for the past 11 years. It reports on law enforcement agency investigations and prosecutions of crime and security matters. Stories cover provincial and district news, as well as VIP and foreign affairs related news. Some of the 20 pages are in colour. An interesting piece from the 13-17 April 2009 issue discusses vehicle accidents in Viengchan (image below). Figures for the first quarter of 2009 include 930 vehicles damaged (373 seriously damaged), 325 people injured, 63 seriously injured, and 60 fatalities. This is very informative about the real state of traffic safety in Viengchan.

[This post is provided by the National Library of Australia as part of our Book Zone feature. For further information on the featured publications contact Saowapha Viravong at [email protected]]