Overall, the economic development in Laos in the past 30 years has shown good results, with per capita income rising from $80 in 1976 to about $500 in 2006.
However, the wealth is concentrated in the hands of roughly 20% of the population who lives in urban areas, whereas the other 80% who lives in the rural areas falls deeper and deeper into poverty, resulting in discord within families, alienation between husbands and wives, and increased domestic violence.
The socio-economic development imbalance has likewise affected the psychological state of Lao children.
Listen to our Laos Today report for more details.