The Rebirth of Casino Town Boten, Laos | Borderlands | Full Episode

[@HealeyWE]

As an Editor - Asia for Casino Life Magazine, I have visited a dozen or more casino border towns in SE Asia .. Laos border casino towns as well as Cambodia-Vietnam, Cambodia-Thailand, and Sihanoukville. In recent times the building boom in Sihanoukville has run into difficulties, with quite a few empty, partially built casinos, much like Boten. The advantage some of the other border casino towns have are that they're at busy border points, so travel is constantly in and out. Bavet & Poipet (Cambodia) casinos will survive due to the traffic. The Golden Triangle (Myanmar & Laos) casinos will survive due to the other illicit activities. Hopefully Boten will bounce back sometime in the coming years, but it will be a challenge. Thank you CNA for the various reports on SE Asia casinos.

[@周雄开]

As a Chinese, I visit Laos and it's really a beautiful country, and I am sorry that we make such kind of disaster in Laos and hurt local people. In China, such kind of dirty investment also in Cambodia. Really sorry for that.

[@Lottie100]

You are a very good person yourself. It's not very often that people realize what damage their own people have caused to others and apologize.

[@billnikola2463]

In Fiji to

[@hieppham8717]

It's not common Chinese , It's communist Chinese and the CCP whom behind all this gabbages.

[@周雄开]

@@xingliu8506 不是，也有很多山东，东北的黑社会！

[@pbrninja19]

Thank you for this sentiment. I think it's OK. Most people's government do a lot of shameful things, mine included. Hopefully we can become better as time goes on.

[@chamilravindatennekoon8]

From what I read the Casinos in this town were closed by the Chinese government when Chinese government officials got too involved in gambling. There is another notorious town in Laos bordering China and Thailand the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (GTSEZ), a sealed-off gambling town that centres on the Kings Romans Casino, run by the notorious Chinese gangster Zhao Wei

[@ปัจจัย-ป8ธ]

This is quite sad to see the forest destroyed just earn money to buy food and "extra" things in life. I'm Thai and I don't want Laos to go the same road as Thailand where we just want money and wealth. We just need to realize that both of our countries can live a normal live without having to compete with any nations. We can produce our own food, medicine, and shelter which is enough for human to survive and live happily. I hope the best for our future.

[@brennanwn]

This is so true. Quite Sad

[@bchow6504]

absolutely , ASEAN coutries can support each other with varieties of goods .

[@petechiengkhamphet7346]

I agree Asian country should live in harmony with anothert without dominating other

[@shadowblitzo123]

Nah

[@michaeltse321]

100 years ago where I live in the UK was a forest. Most towns and cities in the world have to destroy nature for humans to live. The only choice is to limit the number of humans on earth at any one time otherwise nature will have to continue to be destroyed to make room.

[@jasonlucas2328]

I heard horror stories that happened in the special economic zones in Cambodia and Myanmar. People were forced to commit phone scams. If a person failed to make the quota, his situation would be from bad to worst. I heard that a person was bounded and forced to sell blood every day until he died. Before he died, his organs were harvested for profit. Women's fate was much worse. I hope the horror doesn't happen in Laos.

[@frankcastle7863]

Not only phone scam, force prostitution, kidnap ransom & illegal organ trade happened aswell chinese crime syndicate did alot bad things in southeast asia.

[@tupolevi]

@@frankcastle7863 err.. you live down there?

[@SpookySatori]

Already happening thanks to the Chinese

[@ajz2436]

@@SpookySatori Not a goodlook when you label an entire society like that. Most of the Chinese people there are just business owners or gambling addicts. However, there are a few that engage in illict activity but they're Chinese fugitives exiled from China.

[@bchompoo]

It's true. I also heard similar stories from former scammers who escaped. There are Chinese gangsters who powers the money behind this.

[@jmjalaron9763]

Hello CNA Insider! I'm from the Philippines and I've just subscribed to your channel. (literally just a few seconds ago) I have watched your documentary under “Borderlands” that features Tawi-Tawi, a border between the Philippines and Malaysia. It's a very informative yet heartbreaking documentary for me. Thank you so much for all the hardwork and efforts you put in to create such amazing and impactful shows. This is my second documentary for today. I hope to see more interesting episodes of “Borderlands”.

[@bennygpc1200]

@dkd da "MAYBE" HE ALSO NEEDS VIAGRA wkwkwk

[@darkfan4706]

Wow! The building facades look like mid priced hotel/casinos from 80s-90s Reno and Vegas. Also, the structure and location of the one cabaret reminded me of the bar in "From Dusk Til Dawn".

[@petechiengkhamphet7346]

Thank you CNA for eyes opening documentary. I was born in southern Laos left the country in late 70's, I love to make comment but I have to keep it to myself I afraid it might rub someone the wrong because I plan to visit the old country sometime

[@KathyXie]

40:07 that guy nailed it, this kind of developing will bring Chinese business and Chinese workers, it will create some low pay jobs but many if not most of the local people will let behind at their own, the cost of living will eventually increase, making it even harder for locals.

[@fuzicast]

I hope the locals own some of the land. that's the only way they can benefit once property values go up.

[@alexandredupont1966]

@@fuzicast soon they will be pushed out of the cuty just like what happened in Cambodia

[@khliaw2157]

I travel through this border town way back in 2006 and have seen the changes from a small tiny custom office to the latest huge development. Am trying to get back to the town again in the coming months. Now there is one more big town to go to in Laos.

[@hokechew]

How do you get there? By car only?

[@khliaw2157]

Just drove there again to Boten on 13 jul… Lots of Chinese operating restaurants. Mostly coming from Fujian… you feel like in any Chinese town

[@khliaw2157]

Can see that trade between China and Laos is growing with the huge trucking custom complex both in Mohan and Laos

[@lucca_lee]

I traveled to Chiang Sean (a small town in Thailand) last year I spoted tall buildings in lotus shape across Meakong river in Laos side, totally in the middle of nowhere that complex look very huge from the distrance probaby as big as Boten.

[@chafidwahyu7250]

There are 360 businesses in the city and 96% of it are owned by the chinese. So, what's the advantage of this project to the local? 😅

[@uzziake]

They can work there, and the businesses pay taxes to the government, how idiotic do you have to be to think that a business must be owned by the locals to have any benefit ? If that was the case every country would forbid foreign investment

[@jackzhou4813]

Locals are employed in the service industry and construction industry workers there.

[@seanyao7425]

So what’s your proposal? Bright ideas are always welcome. Come on, don’t be shy. You can help the locals with your wisedom.

[@bchompoo]

​@@uzziakeyou don't know the chinese way of doing business.

[@Wilko11]

With the new Chinese built fast passenger train/freight train line from Boten to Vientiane finished last year, things will likely change quickly for good or bad in Laos.

[@unitedfreetailaovoiceschan7616]

This was so sad story, Thank you so much CNA for eyes openner to outside world and voices of concerned....Appreciated.

[@maxattack5772]

Developing is sad in your words. Well, I guess you have plans to send those families some food and clothes so they don't have to exchange their land (trees) for jobs and moneym

[@Ashokkumar222-4]

Nice Documentary. Video and music excellent. Thanks.

[@user-nn7eu8oe1c]

Been enjoying the cna insider documentaries lately 😁

[@speedzero7478]

I like Laos a lot. I hope they can achieve great things while still maintaining their own identity and protecting the environment. Great people and great culture there, beautiful country.

[@therock8224]

I've visited Boten twice; once in 2013 when the place was a ghost town, and again in 2018 when they were in the middle of a building frenzy. The roads leading into town on the Lao side are atrocious. While Thailand has a strategy to build 4-lane roads to every border crossing, and indeed, the road connecting with the 4th Thai-Lao friendship bridge 225km away from Boten is 4-lanes on both sides, the Boten side is basically a track by comparison. The border crossing at the Thai-Lao border is also WAY bigger than the one on the China-Lao border. With the volume of traffic, especially trucks, they really need to expand the border crossing and make sure there are at least 4 lanes of traffic, 2 in each direction, with shoulders and a median barrier for safety. When I was there the second time, the road near the border was basically a dirt track, requiring 4wd! On the Chinese side, everything looks neat and tidy.

[@Wilko11]

The Chinese built fast train from Boten to Vientiane was started last year. It's also used as a major freight train line. Boten should change now pretty rapidly, for good or bad.

[@therock8224]

@@Wilko11 Yeah I know. I was there recently and also used the train.

[@clinton9938]

I was in Boten for 3 days doing market survey... year 2010 December, winter... very cold Back then there were about 70,000 labourers working the rail line.

[@orakelgottes]

Why China has more control in Laotian land than the Laotian people? My guess is that the Laotian ruler(s) are indebted to China through gambling, receiving bribes, or they are under any threat or pressure for different kinds of reasons

[@nickycchua]

Gambling is illegal in China, however they export this business to most third world countries creating so callled Special Economics zone, LOL Special economic zone for illegal activities.

[@Davyjones5454]

Why Chinese government don’t allow Casino in China, but allow their company to build them in their countries ? They should build it inside China, as it will be even more successful and profitable.

[@therock8224]

Exactly. Makes no sense whatsoever, although they do allow casinos in Macau and several years ago were mulling them in Hainan, which never happened.

[@Davyjones5454]

Paperism Laotian is not allowed to gamble in the Casino. It’s mainly set up for Chinese tourist.

[@Davyjones5454]

The Rock Right. They should allow in Hainan, as it’s a resort Island and isolated from mainland. Why allow all the money to go out of instead just keep in Hainan Island.

[@Pat_KraPao]

These countries make their own laws. And their laws allow casinos. What don't you understand about that?

[@johnson-cao]

Macau has the casino. Do you know? And why Chinese investors here? Ask your government! The intention to attracting foreign investment is all country doing that. What’s the points? If your have fundamentals of industry, they may have interest for manufacturing, if not, the only fast way to attract is tourists which is less environmentally friendly. Do you know? So you know how many provinces in China is eager to have a license to open casinos? But they cannot have one.

[@Yvonmoua]

This land belong to China and no more for Laos because Laos leaders already got money under table from China.

[@pataidee1115]

And from Vietnam also.

[@Yvonmoua]

@Andrew Lee This land is belonging to China for 99 years, Laos gov. have any right to get back until the contract is gone man!

[@beranikotor7197]

tourists pay using "online pay" "online pay" went straight to tourists country of origin. owner of tourists attraction places only pay based on invoiced to them. there is no currency exchanged, this is what makes the country poorer.

[@bennygpc1200]

@@harmag1585 HaHaHa You Nailed it on His Skull 👍

[@johnson-cao]

Berani Kotor your kind of knowledge is so strange. By your logic, we speak English, that we are British or Americans? It’s only the way of transactions. Of course, the government will probably lost control over taxation. also, you upload many videos to KZbin here, while data is stored in USA, how do you say?

[@sayfolman7752]

What you expect china own 97% why laos have 3%

[@hollandaiseballon9647]

They do that also in my country!they build bussiness to bring more chinese..more cheaper most of theme from countryside of china.

[@paulmatencio774]

China first. Lao will not be allowed

[@chafidwahyu7250]

which country ?

[@bchompoo]

We're all going under a secret Chinese colonial movement.

[@jejujetta]

I believe your title is incorrect. The only countries that shares its border with Cambodia is Vietnam, Thailand, and Laos...not China.

[@CNAInsider]

Hi 강타리! Thanks for pointing out our mistake, we've corrected it!

[@PP-vf1kx]

MouaSPY ...if the virus don’t do the damage,the casino will suck them dry

[@bldomain]

@@PP-vf1kx Laotian are not allowed to gamble, only Chinese tourist can. Same goes for South Korea where only tourist can gamble. In Singapore local people have to pay S$100-200 if they want to gamble but it is free for tourists. In Malaysia everyone can gamble except Muslims.

[@jnguyen7615]

North Laos is China

[@bldomain]

@ivan tan Yes that is correct heehee

[@therock8224]

I think there were certainly some Thai gamblers coming to Boten back in the day, but the vast majority (probably 90%) were Chinese.

[@stp8061]

Hope Lao young generation have more eduacated, so they can help themselves.

[@paulmatencio774]

They sooner have to learn chinese to be admitted in this casino. China first, nothing for Lao people here. That's a pity I speak Lao, Thai and Vietnamess and do I have to learn Chinese to go back to Laos beautiful country of my childhood, country where I grew up.

[@lutetiumiodide1505]

im a student here and like they said education doesn't matter its all about the connection you have with the government

[@Jason.cbr1000rr]

@@lutetiumiodide1505 no not the government (laps government barely exists 😄).. you just have to be rich and have being rich comes with many luxuries and connections. Thats all. I know cos i have rich family there. Rich over there is everything. You rule. And you are in the elite class. Just own a new landcruiser or lexus lx 200k usd and youre in the club 😆 and servants/helpers. Its cool if youre humble.

[@vanmalaphongsavan1331]

Thank you for sharing, As human rights watched it is great CNA Insider

[@happyface96]

I like the documentary structure. Switching from diferrent perspectives at key parts.

[@dantran1058]

Hope Laos can be better, long overdue!

[@Birdylockso]

Only China is making any effort to invest. Sure, one can blame China for being selfish, but it is clearly a win-win for Laotian people. The only judgment would come from the non-poverty city-dwellers who have access to internet and a computer.

[@ilhamsombong4106]

Watched then I found Chinese people come to this town, built business and let laotian works. It's smells like you guys the landlord become slave to foreigner. Sad fact from One Belt One Road project for Laos.

[@vatsanasayvongsane9686]

You're absolutely right I totally agree with you. Very sad that they don't even realize that

[@martinma9546]

@@vatsanasayvongsane9686 Cause no one besides Chinese investing in that part of the world...

[@xiongnu6373]

Chinese dont come, laos be poor forever.

[@hjhabiby136]

Because no one wants to invest in Laos, who else will? Where is U.S? Europe?

[@uzziake]

Like how chinese were slave to foreigners during their development ? That's how it is, you start small and then you become richer and then you don't need foreigners, China did it too

[@mingology7767]

I wish many prosperous and successful years to come for Boten and all its people…

[@marcowang247]

Just been to the share border few months ago, I'm pretty sure Boten is a town in Loas. The title shall be revised!

[@CNAInsider]

Hi Marco Wang! Thanks for pointing out our mistake - we've corrected it! And what was your experience in Boten?

[@therock8224]

@@CNAInsider I have been to Boten twice. The most recent time was July 2018. The place is booming, but no casinos are planned to my knowledge. That was the past. The future is some sort of duty free town with high-rises and a high-speed railway station rising out of the jungle.

[@xXKanekoxIwasaki]

Wow! $19/day. People here in the US need to watch and appreciate what they have.

[@kevinclarke3661]

AMP our cost of living is much higher than your so $19 is ok for you but a struggle just like in western countries

[@xXKanekoxIwasaki]

@@kevinclarke3661 dude, I live and own my company in San Francisco Bay area. Each of my employee made an average of $30 an hour and I feel bad, I wish, I can pay them more.

[@kevinclarke3661]

@@xXKanekoxIwasaki Good on you for paying that hope your company does well plenty of others though pay a pitance to workers

[@thaiav8r]

$19 a day is considered generous in Laos. I was in Luang Prabang recently, Laos KIP was so devalued and everything were so expensive for local Laotians. I asked the waiter at my hotel how much he earned in a month. The answer was 2 million KIP or around $120. Very sad indeed. Laos is a net importer country. Goods in Laos are mainly imported from either Thailand or China.

[@mkommany43]

thankyou very muh to making this clip so can learn and know,some thing i did not know before,again thanks

[@theintun8927]

cna is now really covered the world view.

[@kallepikku4991]

Funny to see this video. I was in Boten last year. Great frontier town. Full of wonders which made SE-Asia so unique back in the good old days before smart phones. Definitely not for your average instagram kids and KZbin whiners. Those kids can go to Bangkok and Ibiza with the rest of the tourists.

[@iandann8788]

interesting vid ,thanks .I have now lived 20 years in Thailand ,it's a bit different here

[@sanjose101ful]

20 years from now. This town appears to be in China on google map . China sneaky way to grasp land

[@therock8224]

I wouldn't be surprised, and it wouldn't be the first time. Go to Muse on the Chinese-Myanmar border. Originally, the Shweli river demarcated the border between the two countries, but sometime in the 60s, Burma "gifted" some territory to China, that was on the Burmese bank, which is now the Chinese border city of "Jiegao". It's in this small city that Chinese and Burmese people and vehicles mingle, but Burmese vehicles are prohibited from entering Ruili, the neighboring city just across the river.

[@Pat_KraPao]

These western countries are the sneakiest.

[@martinma9546]

@@therock8224 U r so wrong, by clarifying the Chinese-Burmaness border, PRC gave up a big chunk of land to Burma, now part of Kachin state, if you go look up the old ROC map, they are still claiming it. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_territorial_disputes#Ongoing_disputes_involving_states_outside_the_UN

[@therock8224]

@@martinma9546 Actually, yes, that is true. BUT it wasn't the PRC which gave up the land, because the PRC was only founded in 1949. It was the imperial Chinese government that gave the land to the British. The tiny piece of territory that Burma gave to China which is now Jiegao, was handed back in the 60s. You were right about Kachin but don't accuse me of being wrong when I am so right about Jiegao.

[@benwilliams4699]

Funny you should say that. I visited Boten 20 years ago and only today looked into how the village turned out. Boten was a village to the truest extent. A dirt main street with wooden single storey buildings. Not a bar nor a 7/11. Not even a town by most standards.

[@peterneo4632]

Keep it up.CNA insider

[@muyun9525]

Ore Huiying lady recorded So many important things👍

[@haha-eg8fj]

It only takes 2 hours to get home in Pi Mai and San told the reporter he was working far from home and was not used to it.😂

[@henrysehgal658]

Thank You for this eye-opener.

[@paulmatencio774]

Please open more your eyes and tell me what do you see. Have you ever been in Laos? Do you believe that what the chinese are doing is for Lao people. China first and business first, all money will go back to China. Lao people may even not be admitted in.

[@paulmatencio774]

@@datamagic7214 Laos is a beautiful country.

[@paulmatencio774]

@@datamagic7214 Sorry I am not Chinese, therefore I don't speak Chinese. However I fluently speak Lao, Thai and Vietnamese. I understand what Lao and Thai pople were saying in this documentary. Why in English because this documentary is in English. I have no problem with fair investment. I am wondering if this Investment will benefit Lao people . This is upmost for Chinese companies and chinese tourists. Money spent by chinese tourists and gamers will go back to China. I believe that as usual, just a small percentage of the benefit will go to Lao. My opinion is this is not a fair investment.

[@paulmatencio774]

By the way, I am a French Spanish

[@paulmatencio774]

@@datamagic7214 I remember a long time ago, a Lao politician has been invited to visit Singapore, what she said about Singapore was very interesting and totally in sync with Lao culture if I am not mistaken. She said Singapore was a beautiful city but it is was a city wihout saouls.

[@ashleyt5264]

What a fascinating and well-done documentary. Now that the high speed railway is operating, it will be interesting to see how Boten looks moving forward.

[@dantran1058]

Money is Yuan and time is Beijing's time? Wow

[@joeawk]

I doubt the video reflect the truth about Boten. The development are not for the Laotians. They are for online gaming operators n fellow CHINESE. The Laotians are a secondary part of the whole. Main beneficiary are the landlords n government officials. At least many Laotians now have jobs where they previously don't.

[@Strolchie49]

I hope this doesn't backfire once China builds something in that propotion they usually take over the land and country, Laos people would be at a loss and Chinese having the best jobs I hope for the Best Laos people

[@lijun5464]

Those kind of document is always negative, intend to portray a bad Chinese image. To be honest, the special economic zone of Boten town in Laos was setup by Laos government, and why this video does not mention this background firstly. The casinos were setup not by Chinese, but by private companies, and they kidnapped Chinese gamblers and was notorious when it was crushed down. Now the special economic zone was granted to a Chinese private company to develop, but not for casinos.... Most Laos common people are actually benefiting from this because it will bring them lots of opportunities.

[@bchompoo]

Four years forward and everybody knows who really benefits from these casinos. Go browse other videos. They said there were lots of chinese gangs operating around these casino doing business like scamming, prostitution, and worst of all human trafficking.

[@edwardlomaseng9120]

I'm 1/2 Chinese I don't agree with them. They used up most of their's resources from raw materials to foods. They smart by send their's ppl to high resources with raw material ,land n foods. They built airport n railways by push most Africa's countries in to more debts so they can take over. Love n respect from San Diego CA USA

[@junweiwong4873]

What bout US develope to the world?selling weapon or start to war?past 50 years u know how many bombs that US bomb this Laos country

[@xiongnu6373]

Jealous of China. Lol

[@xiongnu6373]

@@junweiwong4873 he just a dumbass and a jealousy of China success to the world. He also need to stop using his 1/2 mutt lol...

[@wanlispace]

傻逼！

[@bchompoo]

I agree. I live in a country where we have lots of chinese people and I'm also a chinese descendant. I don't think new chinese investors coming in my country (and nearby countries) have so much ethics like old chinese in my country. Nowadays more and more people near the boders are lured to work in the companies funded by mainland chinese, in the casinos along the boders. The work includes scamming and forced prostitution. It's a growing regional problem.

[@elizabethgordon2701]

If chinese stay there and live there they are not lao in the future they will take that land because they are living already there as year would pass they will claim that territory like what they did in xinjiang and tibet trust me they will claimed it and leaving locals nothing

[@niamtxiv]

China already imported millions of Chinese into this small nation. Sickening

[@elizabethgordon2701]

@MouaSPY that is very concern on laos why they are sending there population there then then the locals if they cannot find jobs or even an earned for living they no had choice but to leave the place then chinese will take over they will multiply and claimed that territory as there own look at what happend to natives and indegenous tribes when modern people came to there land they kick all the indegenous tribes in the mountain and take over the place

[@bldomain]

@@elizabethgordon2701 This is what Europeans did to Canada, US, Australia and New Zealand. In fact the British once had an Empire.

[@bldomain]

@@elizabethgordon2701 This is what Europeans did to Canada, US, Australia and New Zealand. In fact the British once had an Empire.

[@elizabethgordon2701]

@@bldomain thats correct you will be native in your own land easy to crash out and disregard when time pass

[@asdf3568]

I was there like 11 years ago. It certainly grew since then.

[@peterg7120]

Quick money, full of vices

[@TheAllanskyShow]

i pity this place. the mountains are flattened and many ANIMALS AND PLANTS ARE KILLED. Lao people get no chance to be part of this palce. this is simply an invasion of china in laos

[@scottymsu6063]

RIP Boten people... Nothing left now

[@esronpyc8419]

Sound like you were there. Maybe you can bring some development 2 SMOKY MOUNTAIN in your own country .

[@malibumondsg74]

Laos giving away land without a dispute or conflict ... salute!!

[@johnson-cao]

Money naturally pursuit profit. You can see that Thai people also perform in the video. Why you say things with so ironic tones? When you see China conquer an inch of land?

[@malibumondsg74]

Johnson Zhi Qiang Cao The Chin win, i am a chinese singaporean but i choose not to communicate with chin. becos they are stronger.. they win. full stop. an am not proud of being considered chinese, so am Asian Singaporean.

[@therock8224]

@@johnson-cao Very strange that Thai entertainers would want to move to Laos to be slaves of Chinese. They have far wider economic opportunities in Thailand, such as in Pattaya.

[@johnson-cao]

The Rock we are not in the Stone Age, your point of view is so strange. You maybe did not get the full video, they work there why said slaves?

[@therock8224]

@@johnson-cao Why can't Chinese build a decent toilet? Chinese vilages look like something out of the stone age. People living like they are still in the 15th century. Why hasn't modern life caught up with them? In Thailand, villages are relatively modern...sure, some still have old wooden houses but people have electricity, working toilets, TV and internet. They also have motorcycles and cars.

[@daneiltomo3726]

What laos need is factory,agricultural development not casino.

[@rockysolid7762]

It's true, Laos doesn't need casinos, but the government issued licenses to operator to lure investment initially which other downstream investment will come along, later they can change their economic model when they are rich enough though it will take a longer time, nevertheless the visitors to the casinos are mostly Chinese

[@ttemp2631]

then go ahead with factory,agricultural development. Who is stopping you? Factories and ,agricultural developments do not drop from the sky!

[@juliusj7641]

Casinos bring a bad social society especially to the local peoples there.

[@henryputra292]

@@ttemp2631 youtup

[@henryputra292]

@@ttemp2631 8i

[@raelpeligrino]

Are we talking of Boten, Laos? Cambodia doesn't share a border with China 🤔

[@CNAInsider]

Thanks for pointing out our mistake - we've corrected it!

[@raelpeligrino]

@@CNAInsider no worries. Keep doing great content. Borderlands is a great docu 😊

[@paulmatencio774]

Of course Cambodia is sharing the border with China since Laos is now just a Chinese province

[@user-it3rq9qs5n]

These highway systems have been used for the military to travel quickly. Germany’s auto bond and the US interstate system were developed for the military.

[@joehalliday6081]

Your fantasy

[@alfaeco15]

From communism to gambling, Marx Capital needs a new chapter.

[@zamansyed86]

Beautiful documentary and very well presented . Im from Pakistan and we need to have a similar fashion border town between China and Pakistan because gambling is illegal in Pakistan . A neutral town on border can create alot of opportunities . I wish it can happen .

[@bonasianbadabio8203]

There is a city in China named Macau and it’s legal to gamble there but the rest of the country is illegal to gamble.

[@newton18311]

What Loas needs is for America to clear all the mines and bombs they left behind. Love People from Loas From a Brit

[@newton18311]

@D Redman If Americas had kept its nose out of other countries there would not have been a War.

[@phanatxanamane4303]

I am thinking of moving to Boten to start an Artists' Colony.

[@walterhighwood3209]

33:39 'Her Mandarin is not good '....Well, dear 老板, how about learning some basic Lao phrases, instead of expecting from them to speak Mandarin ? These Chinese are not much different from the Americans who think everyone in this world speaks English 😑😅.

[@sunnyneemitt8160]

I'm not surprise by that Thai Lesbian praising the great thing about Chinese she did not realize Laos people that own the land give them an opportunity to be there in the first place, VERY SAD AND UN_EDUTIONAL MINDSET""""

[@ncken987]

Chinese try to takeover some country land but using business as cover.

[@AlohaPanda]

Yup, gonna be all the way down Asia pretty much, but I’m half Chinese, I still don’t agree with what they are doing. They are trying to take over the world pretty much and it’s sad.

[@dtac_10_29]

At least they are not bombing the backyards.

[@zhehaoshen3635]

Capitalism

[@vincenttan6303]

16:50, correct me I am wrong, but those properties are meant for Chinese? Don't China already have enough ghost towns?

[@XanderKua]

Actually the thing about the ghost towns in china is mostly blown out of proportion by journalist, you can check out an article by forbes revisiting the so called ghost town( Kangbashi City) which has in recent years successfully populated, that said its hard to tell weathet Boten will be as successful as Kangbashi

[@zhaecha8882]

Today you hired the Chinese to work for you in your company and tomorrow the Chinese asking you out of your company and the comings years that company belongs to the Chinese. What do you think about his story ? You let them in or you let your self out lao people?

[@alexandredupont1966]

Yeah they should look at what happened in Sihanouktown, Cambodia

[@Birdylockso]

Hasselblad and Mamiya medium format cameras! Old-school coolness. Not afraid of being robbed in the "borderlands?"

[@jeremyfielding2333]

The price of these cameras is going up and up, but to a Laos thief they are probably worthless.

[@Birdylockso]

@@jeremyfielding2333 , good point, but they DO look fancy (and worth a lot) to a Laos thief. I guess the real issue is that the thief most likely would not have a connection to pawn it off.

[@johnnyhs_ngnng5554]

Laos was a very quiet and remote country, the population was small. The people were poor. They depend on China for supply of medicines, food and other essential products. There was hardly any skyscrapers in Laos , let alone the casino. But when I saw the video clip shows they have changed tremendously. Now they have skyscrapers, casino, modernly and Sexily dressed pretty girls and handsomely dressed men with coats and types. The world is kept on changing and so is Laos. There is a saying “ Monkey see monkey do” is not wrong.

[@dannyhughes4889]

Signing a contract to commit suicide if one can't settle a gambling debt ?????????? Sounds like Organ Harvesting could be involved as what would a loan shark gain financially from a suicide without 'conditions'?

[@CWai-vf3ol]

NO PAIN NO GAIN. Chinese people wen thru the same process, being displaced or separated from their family, but they are able to achieve modernity within a generation. It is easy to say "let's do it in organic ways" from the photographer's prospective. She is living a decent life already. The Chinese development provides choices to the Laos. Like everyone else, Laos wants a better live for their kids and themselves.

[@khounchailinlavong6089]

Maybe when I go back to laos have to see this

[@KhoaTang293]

Hopefully, Laotian can keep their identity together or their identity would be ceasing from existence from the incoming immigrants (Chinese).

[@alexandredupont1966]

Just like in Cambodia and Sihanouktown, locals can't afford to pay rent so they're pushed away from their own city

[@seanyao7425]

Sure. Chinese investments are always evil as hell. I’m sure most locals would just want to keep their peaceful and quiet life. Or they can wait for the selfless and generous ones ( obviously nit the Chinese) to help them. 真不知道是傻还是坏。。。

[@alexandredupont1966]

@@seanyao7425 Don't you have a nuclear power plant to fix ? Yeah this will push locals out of their own lands. Neocolonialism at its finest.

[@therock8224]

Wow, so the developers flattened the whole landscape to create a flat town surrounded by mountains. Typical Chinese method of building new cities out of nowhere, I guess.

[@johnson-cao]

The Rock how much you know the developing and balance the nature. On your mind, keep all original is the nature. And may I ask which city is born so huge? Take an example, new capital for Indonesia, they are going to build an new capital to replace Jakarta instead and another example is Myanmar new capital, which one is born so large and which one do not need new land? Why Laos need have to stay still without the development?

[@therock8224]

@@johnson-cao A stupid thing to say. Development is not always a good thing. The Lao people should be able to decide what they want; not big corporations who take their land for their own greed and selfish interests. That's the ONLY reason Chinese corporations are interested in developing Laos - to MAKE MONEY.

[@johnson-cao]

The Rock 👍I totally agree with your idea, yes, not so called development is good . The same thing happens ion China for a lot of old places have been crushed to dusts, and the mock up we’re built, but it’s should be decided by the people who live there.

[@Birdylockso]

@@therock8224 , it seems the locals also enjoy the prosperity that came with it. Just because you are already out of poverty, doesn't mean that people shouldn't. Give them a chance to enjoy computers and internet, like you and I are doing.

[@therock8224]

@@Birdylockso They can enjoy computers and the internet all they want, but it will destroy their traditional ways beyond recognition. I'm already seeing the impact that is having in various Asian countries, Laos included, when comparing societies 15-20 years ago to now. Back then, school students read books. These days they're lucky to even read a comic book. They're constantly glued to their phones, have no interest in the outside world and rarely play outside anymore. You don't develop for "development's sake". Traditional cultures are very happy the way they are, it is ignorant and hypocritical of you to dictate how they should live. Let them decide. I can assure you most would prefer living the way they do. It's when there is a mass migration of people to the cities that real poverty occurs, not when people have land to farm on in the countryside.

[@vajraloka1]

Just make it and alternative to Chiang mai which is over crowded. I'm in chengdu would love to see Laos.

[@jinglebell9107]

I like the music theme of this video, some kind of ethnic. May I know the title of the music? Love the video too.

[@jakez5702]

Not normally a fan of expansionists but from what I saw in this video, most people of all backgrounds are happy to have China come and develope there. It bring more business, higher wages, more jobs, more opportunities. When the Chinese left in 2011 it was devastating for them. China doesnt own the land but it is more of an investment which is welcomed in most countries

[@ashamon99]

The ccp town to exploit every single Lao as much as possible. 97% Chinese owned and operated. Where is the money and business opportunities for the locals?

[@atonementpreset]

This place will be called Boten, China in 20 years. Modern colonialism. Sneaky indeed.

[@joek7031]

How is this sneaky? It a buisness and development. No one stealing the land.. wtf

[@jackzhou4813]

According to your statement, China is now the world's factory, and are the Chinese people the slaves of other developed countries? Because the Chinese try to produce products for these countries, but they get a meager income. Is Vietnam a slave to the United States, Japan and South Korea? Because Vietnam used to be a closed country, but now he has accepted foreign capital investment and has become a slave to the capital country.

[@user-it3rq9qs5n]

Yes, These highway systems have been used for the military to travel quickly. Germany’s auto bond and the US interstate system were developed for the military. China can easily invade.

[@n92]

China ... let me tell you something.. Don't approach the Burmese borders thinking that you would have an easy time like you have in Laos and Cambodia. Myanmar is big, diverse and comprises of many different ideologies. Our diversity is our biggest strength.. Many in the past have tried to conquer but failed miserably. You won't be any different. Take note of that. Never attempt.

[@cobidbeksin5200]

Lol. Kokang area and the Wa state are practically Chinese and filled with Casinos and hotels for Chinese just like the video above.

[@n92]

@@cobidbeksin5200 those are lost lands from the past. We don't count them in.

[@-baccarat5602]

I was born in southern Laos left the country in late 70's

[@nextwhere]

Well done👍

[@thailaoder]

Come on Lao people why you let your govt sale your own land to Chinese investors and destroying your beautiful landscapes mountains 😢😢😢😢

[@johnson-cao]

33:00, everyone is striving for better life.

[@damjanm3585]

Maybe it will be also beneficial for the Laotian communist party.

[@Kylelongwest]

You are a well-known television company. Get the title right. Boten is not in Cambodia

[@CNAInsider]

Hi Kyle009 00! Thanks for pointing out our mistake - we've corrected it!

[@Steveinthailand]

We should also take into account the amount of North Korean refugees who were trafficked into massage parlor prostitution in Boten before being able to pay their way to Seoul via Bangkok

[@sf6695]

Where did you get that info from?

[@Steveinthailand]

@@sf6695 I lived in Laos

[@gamedemo6589]

BS!

[@dragonv7863]

they will not make good money there, hopefully, in a few years that will be abandoned.

[@johnson-cao]

Dragon V what your contribution to improving the Loas? And the world?

[@cameronset-chan8409]

Yep, so true. They will have to pack and leave.

[@therock8224]

Dragon, chances are it will be abandoned or never finished. The That Luang project near Vientiane, the Laotian capital is Chinese backed. Now the roads and buildings are decaying...very few people moved in there. Boten could end up being the same.

[@IndividualExistence]

any update on this place during this time of pandemic?

[@59Wanders]

I was there early of the year and businesses are in operation but no more casinos.

[@vincentlee24]

not even a tree 🌲in this city

[@goldenwindkoo2344]

And it was built from the forest!

[@Birdylockso]

It's still a small town, surrounded by forests. You can go to the woods in less than half an hour. What more do you want?

[@sugarspice6948]

A vast area of forest destroyed for the sake of so called development… all in exchanged for an ugly town, which only benefits the Lady Boys while many of the locals are still suffering, if anything doing far worse than they used to be… a tragic scene in my opinion.

[@mika520sueanne]

very similar to Bavet, Cambodia with myself having lived there for almost half a year, if you know, you know....

[@trianglestomache6353]

China and China business people invest in laos and build infrastructure and laos workers get jobs and money and the improved infrastructure means more tourists can come in easily so Chinese business earn money and Laos workers earn money and Laos government get more tax..........................but only the usa government and other green eye jealous people, eg some of those making negative comments here , get furious and angry that everybody involved is happy and improving their lifes.

[@abgd3678]

And soon Laos will be part of China!

[@yellowrain3601]

Its always dusty looking, dirt must float everywhere in that area

[@willyong7901]

Sihanouville. Boten. Where next ?

[@johnwalk123]

First Cambodia now lao? Wtf the Chinese wants

[@bennygpc1200]

@dkd da i think vietnam is not poor but still develop country

[@therock8224]

Good point Clarence, but actually, the Chinese came to Laos first before Cambodia. However, due to Vietnamese influence and being a fellow Communist country with an almost identical political system to China, Laos has obstacles that Cambodia doesn't face. That's why the Chinese are now taking over Cambodia; sure, they're still coming into Laos, but there's a greater balance of power - you also have tons of Thai, Korean and Vietnamese investment. In Cambodia it's mostly Chinese and unlike the Laotians, the Cambodian government and people look down on Vietnamese.

[@Failedcyborg]

I have been to this little corner of the world before, interesting

[@Failedcyborg]

Oh right and the visa was 120USD at the gate and I had to bribe another 20ish to get through, so roughly 150USD interesting day thinking back

[@joeawk]

An overseas Chinese does not easily know Chinese Vulture business mind. Afraid that despite your research, you could not touch the reality of the casino operators and the town. It is like slash n burn type of business n within that, many activities other than gambling happened. No, they came, conquered and when the environment no longer suit, they abandon and moved on. It most likely was due to government clampdown or if they happened during the pandemic, it was due to no business. Running cost is high to the casino. No waiting for upturn by slash n burn operators.

[@allenduckburgermizmowitz7157]

China is building lots of Macau the casino sets over and over alongside the silk road from Burma to Boten while not creating even one Hong Kong the finance set in its maritime routes from Shanghai to Shenzhen.

[@daryldaryl913]

Dealing with CCP or criminal elements of China is never a good idea.