Seemingly promising situation that comes to nothing

Thu, 61, is a housewife and completely dependent on her husband. He is 66 and works as a construction worker. They struggle to make ends meet and their healthcare expenses take up much of their income. Thu says: "My daughter has no problem giving us money, but her husband does not seem too pleased to support us. So I don’t feel happy taking it. Sometimes my son-in-law asks my daughter behind our back why we keep borrowing money from them." In order not to bother their daughter and her family, the old couple ask other people in their circle. But who can lend them money constantly? Growing up during the war, Thu used to be a farmer and then ran a small business. Neither she nor her husband has pensions, and their savings are not enough for retirement. "When I was in my 30s, I saved hundreds of millions of dong. But suddenly I became sick and my situation became serious. I spent most of my savings at that time. Now I have less than 20 million left. Our life is so unstable now." … [Read more...] about Seniors’ struggle to cope without pension or savings

The Association of Vietnamese in Malta will contribute to developing friendship and cooperation between the two countries. The Association of Vietnamese in Malta was established on August 14, debuting its executive committee. Vietnamese in Malta. Photo: Vietnamese community in Malta Speaking at the ceremony, Vietnamese Ambassador to Italy Duong Hai Hung expressed his pleasure to join and witness the establishment of the Association of Vietnamese in Malta, an important event in the life of the Vietnamese community in that country. The ambassador affirmed the policy of the Vietnamese Party and State to pay attention to Vietnamese abroad. Guidelines and policies aimed at Vietnamese abroad have been increasingly improved, especially Politburo Conclusion No. 12 on work related to Vietnamese expatriates in the new situation. Ambassador Hung said the association will gather the Vietnamese community in Malta, and protect their legitimate rights and interests. It … [Read more...] about The Association of Vietnamese in Malta established

Cooperation between Hanoi and Vientiane remains an example of the long-standing and special relations Vietnam-Laos. Hanoi and Vientiane have been taking steps to bolster economic ties during the Vietnam-Laos 2022 Solidarity and Friendship Year. Overview of the “Hanoi-Vientiane Cooperation for Development” investment, trade, and tourism conference. Photo: The Hanoi Times At the investment, trade, and tourism conference titled “Hanoi-Vientiane Cooperation for Development” on August 10, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Nguyen Manh Quyen noted the cooperation between Hanoi and Laos’ provinces in general, and with Vientiane in particular, have been progressing in all spheres, including priority fields of economy, healthcare, education, agriculture, military, and people-to-people exchange. Echoing Quyen’s view, Vice Director of the Hanoi’s Department of Planning and Investment Nguyen Ngoc Tu added since 2004, Hanoi has been funding several projects to … [Read more...] about Hanoi – Vientiane bolster economic ties

Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN said, Vietnam backed continued efforts of the League of Arab States to re-launch serious peace negotiations based on a two-state solution. Addressing the UN Security Council Open Debate on July 25, themed “The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question”, the diplomat said together with the international community, Vietnam is deeply concerned about the serious developments in the region, especially the recent escalating tensions and violent clashes in and around the Old City of Jerusalem. She stressed that Vietnam strongly condemns all acts of violence that have caused the vast loss of lives, disruption of culture and livelihoods of civilians, and posed a serious threat to regional and international peace and security. “It is essential for all parties to exercise self-restraint, strictly comply with the UN Charter and international law, including the international humanitarian and … [Read more...] about Vietnam welcomes two-state solution for Israel-Palestine conflict

The floods have hit the four provinces of Xayaboury, Huaphan, Luang Prabang, and Vientiane, with at least 10 districts affected, according to the Lao Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism. In some areas, roads were flooded and water and electricity supplies cut off. In Xayaboury province, local authorities declared a state of emergency on August 12 after the Houng River overflowed its banks, swamping riverside villages and partially submerging houses. More than 10 villages in five districts of the province were affected. The province's Deputy Governor Phetthixay Sounvilay was quoted by local media as saying that some 600 military personnel have been called in to assist with the relief efforts. In Vientiane province, the Xong River in Vangvieng district overflowed its banks, inundating local communities and resorts at a tourist hotspot. Some bridges were damaged. Local authorities in Huaphan and Luang Prabang provinces are bracing for similar situations, including … [Read more...] about Floods affect thousands in northern Laos

It began to rain around 3 p.m., and roads in several districts were inundated soon after. The heavy rain knocked open a manhole cover at the intersection of Tran Hung Dao and Huynh Minh Dat streets in District 5, causing floodwaters to form a whirlpool . A motorcyclist who inadvertently drove through the flooded manhole was knocked over but people in the area rushed to help. Thu Phuong, a 56-year-old woman selling refreshments near the intersection, said it wasn’t the first time that the manhole had been lifted up by heavy rain. "Many people from the drainage company have come to fix it. However, it still gets pushed open by the force of water pressure and becomes extremely dangerous for people driving by," she said. Pedestrians cross a flooded section of Bui Vien Street in District 1. Cars turned on their headlights after it became dark and visibility became poor. … [Read more...] about Saigon traffic descends into chaos after year’s heaviest downpour