Laos is spiraling toward a debt crisis as China looms large

Doc67 · Post by **Doc67** » Wed Nov 29, 2023 9:40 am

Spigzy wrote: ↑Wed Nov 29, 2023 9:33 am The drive up through the north of Cambodia & into Laos, aiming for Pakse is tremendous though, if you wanted to do it on a bit of a budget.

I won't even get on a bus to Siem Reap. I like 1-2 hour direct flights, preferably leaving and returning between 9am to 12pm. And costing >$150, all in.

phuketrichard · Post by **phuketrichard** » Wed Nov 29, 2023 10:30 am

I've driven once from Thailand thru Laos ( Luang Namtha, LP< VV, Phonsavan, Vientiane, Pakse, 4,000 island into Cambodia, Great trip
usually thou would exit at Vientiane back to thailand and head to surin and enter at Osmach

RightSaidFred · Post by **RightSaidFred** » Wed Nov 29, 2023 11:34 am

I think Cambodia is heading for bankrupcy in the next 5 years. The property market is bound to collapse with so many vacant units, there is no serious manufacturing or industry in the country (garments are slowly moving to cheaper markets), too many loans have been taken from China to build freeways (paid haha), airports, metros, etc., tourists are not very tempted to come here because of the USD and less attractions than neighbours like Thailand, Vietnam.

Alex · Post by **Alex** » Wed Nov 29, 2023 11:49 am

Spigzy wrote: ↑Wed Nov 29, 2023 9:33 am The drive up through the north of Cambodia & into Laos, aiming for Pakse is tremendous though, if you wanted to do it on a bit of a budget.

Seeing more of Southern Laos is also on my list, but that will have to wait until I retire, I'd really need more time to do that properly. A few nights in Vientiane sipping Beer Lao, on the other hand, are easy to squeeze in.

Stravaiger · Post by **Stravaiger** » Wed Nov 29, 2023 1:40 pm

It's a while since I was in Laos but I took the Kampong Cham - Kratie - Pakse - Savannakhet route, stopping for a few days in each place. Laos has a great laid back vibe.

I have always embraced slow travel, and avoid airports as much as possible. Some bus routes can be rough and certainly take a lot more time but road travel is the way to see a country if you can afford it.

Obviously it doesn't work for weekend getaways.

I'd like to see Vientiane again but from what I'm told it has changed beyond recognition. But where hasn't ?

newkidontheblock · Post by **newkidontheblock** » Thu Nov 30, 2023 10:42 pm

RightSaidFred wrote:I think Cambodia is heading for bankrupcy in the next 5 years. The property market is bound to collapse with so many vacant units, there is no serious manufacturing or industry in the country (garments are slowly moving to cheaper markets), too many loans have been taken from China to build freeways (paid haha), airports, metros, etc., tourists are not very tempted to come here because of the USD and less attractions than neighbours like Thailand, Vietnam.

That’s the point of the Belt and Road Initiative. Bankrupt country, then take over colonization. China city now, China special economic zone named Cambodia, later. Plus the they need living space and people to serve all their retirees. It’s a win-win.

John Bingham · Post by **John Bingham** » Thu Nov 30, 2023 10:49 pm

newkidontheblock wrote: ↑Thu Nov 30, 2023 10:42 pm
RightSaidFred wrote:I think Cambodia is heading for bankrupcy in the next 5 years. The property market is bound to collapse with so many vacant units, there is no serious manufacturing or industry in the country (garments are slowly moving to cheaper markets), too many loans have been taken from China to build freeways (paid haha), airports, metros, etc., tourists are not very tempted to come here because of the USD and less attractions than neighbours like Thailand, Vietnam.
That’s the point of the Belt and Road Initiative. Bankrupt country, then take over colonization. China city now, China special economic zone named Cambodia, later. Plus the they need living space and people to serve all their retirees. It’s a win-win.

Another paranoid opinion without any data to back it up. The Chinese invasion you predicted hasn't happened, the economy is in good shape, so far. Some basket case countries might have borrowed more than they can afford but despite your dismal opinions this isn't one of them.

sigmoid · Post by **sigmoid** » Mon Dec 11, 2023 12:20 pm

Looks like there has not been much progress

World Bank Recommends Fiscal Reforms to Address Laos’ Economic Challenge

https://laotiantimes.com/2023/12/08/wor ... challenge/

The World Bank urged Laos to take immediate steps to stabilize the national economy. With public debt exceeding 100 percent of GDP and a decline in revenue collection, the country confronts economic instability affecting vital sectors.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The proposed policies include enhancing tax collection, reforming the management of state-owned enterprises and public-private partnerships, targeting public spending more efficiently, and addressing the challenge of high public debt. These measures aim to increase government revenue, improve fiscal system equity, and ensure public funds are directed towards critical development areas.

The World Bank also stressed the importance of collaboration with Lao government institutions, specifically the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Planning and Investment.

Spigzy wrote: ↑Wed Nov 29, 2023 9:33 am The drive up through the north of Cambodia & into Laos, aiming for Pakse is tremendous though, if you wanted to do it on a bit of a budget.

As for travelling to Laos, it mostly suits those who are into slow travel, eco-tourism, adventure tourism, bike trips, chilling on the Mekong river, etc., so what Spigzy suggests above is the really the best way to do it if you're in Cambodia: overland to Stung Treng, cross the border and head to Nakasong in Laos, from where you can take a longtail boat to Si Phan Don (4000 Islands), either Don Det or Don Khong. After that, there's Champassak village and Wat Phu, a Khmer complex ruins on the side of a mountain, then Pakse town, which can be used as a base for bike trips around the Bolaven Plateau/Plain of Jars. From there, you have the option of continuing overland/fly to Vientiane, which is hardly worth it, or maybe a domestic flight up to Luang Pabang, heading into Ubon Ratchatani, Thailand, or returning the way you came.

Laos is spiraling toward a debt crisis as China looms large

Re: Laos is spiraling toward a debt crisis as China looms large

Re: Laos is spiraling toward a debt crisis as China looms large

Re: Laos is spiraling toward a debt crisis as China looms large

Re: Laos is spiraling toward a debt crisis as China looms large

Re: Laos is spiraling toward a debt crisis as China looms large

Re: Laos is spiraling toward a debt crisis as China looms large

Re: Laos is spiraling toward a debt crisis as China looms large

Re: Laos is spiraling toward a debt crisis as China looms large

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