The Thai elections last week were the subject of lively discussions in Laos, both online and in real life. Many merchants in Laos depend on the stability of the Thai baht and people are seeing reforms being actively promoted now by the new government.
"I notice people discussing this on Facebook as soon as I scroll through my feed," a woman from Vientiane told Radio Free Asia, preferring to remain anonymous for personal safety. "I noticed people were cheering for the 'Move Forward' party and I was rooting for it too."
Thailand's two largest opposition parties, Move Forward and Pheu Thai, heavily defeated the country's opposing military leadership in the May 14 elections. The result points not only to a desire for a change of government, but also to political reforms after nearly two decades of military dominance, including two coups in 2006 and 2014.
Several Laotians told Radio Free Asia that they hope for political stability in Thailand, which will lead to more tourism from Thailand, as well as a more favorable exchange rate between the Lao kip and the Thai baht. The kip has continued to weaken against the baht in recent times, making it more expensive to import raw materials and food from Thailand.
Rising inflation hit the already impoverished Lao economy hard.
Author of the article: Ekaterina Antonova
