Contrary to claims by provincial authorities, over 50% of the total population of Laos’ Bolikhamsay province still live in abject poverty - less than one dollar per day per capita - twenty-two years after the founding of the province.
Moreover, the destruction of forests for slash and burn farming still covers more than 60% of the total land area, causing concern that tribal people will return to opium poppy cultivation. Bolikhamsay declared itself opium-free in mid 2005.
Listen to our Laos Today report for more details.