(HBO) – A month ago, Le Thi Hai Thien, Vice Chairwoman of the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Association’s chapter in Hoa Binh, was among those who welcomed a working delegation of Laos to the province. During which, she had a warm reunion with Sunthon Saynhachac, former Lao Ambassador to Vietnam.


Le Thi Hai Thien, Vice Chairwoman of the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Association’s chapter in Hoa Binh (fourth, from right, at the Vietnam – Laos people’s friendship festival in Vietnam.

 Thien grew up in Thailand but has a special affection for Laos, as both her mother and brother became "Uncle Ho’s soldiers” and fought in the country during the war. Upon returning to Vietnam, she wished to connect Vietnamese, who once lived in Laos, and to foster friendship between the two nations.

 In 1997, with the approval of Hoa Binh authorities, she founded the Association of Vietnamese Expatriates in Laos and Thailand (later became the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Association in Hoa Binh).

 Thien said "despite changed name, concerted efforts from members of the association always aim at strengthening national solidarity and people-to-people diplomacy.”

 No matter how busy she is, Thien always spends organizing get-togethers and musical-cultural shows on special occasions such as Laos’ traditional New Year and the Year of Vietnam – Laos solidarity and friendship 2017.

 In 2012, she was one of 50 Vietnamese representatives joining 50 Lao delegates in a series of activities held in both Vietnam and Laos to welcome the Year of Friendship.

 With her fluency in Lao language and understanding about the cultural and spiritual life, customs and habits of Laos, Thien actually worked a "bridge” between the Vietnamese and Lao delegates during their activities in Laos and Hoa Binh province.

 In 2014, the association was bestowed with a certificate of merit by the Prime Minister for its contributions to the success of the Vietnam – Lao friendship year.

 Currently, as a member of the standing board of the provincial Union of Friendship Associations and Vice Chairwoman of the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Association’s chapter in Hoa Binh, Thien is nurturing initiatives to propel forward operations of the union and the association as well./. 

Related Topics


Spreading the emulation movement to build new rural areas

The emulation movement "Hoa Binh joining hands to build new-style rural areas” has been widely spreading, becoming a driving force that motivates the localities to renew rural landscapes and improve the material and spiritual lives of the residents. In this movement, the people play a central role-both as the main implementers and direct beneficiaries of its outcomes.

Hoa Binh Newspaper embraces digital transformation

In response to the global digital revolution, Hoa Binh Newspaper is transforming itself into a modern and multi-platform media hub, blending cutting-edge technology with a restructured newsroom and a new generation of tech-savvy journalists.

Inter-generational self-help club transforms community care in Hoa Binh province

Hoa Binh province’s Association of the Elderly recently held a conference to review the project on expanding the inter-generation self-help club model until 2025.

Hoa Binh health sector launches “Digital Literacy for All” campaign

In a move to implement Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW, issued on December 22, 2024 by the Politburo, which targets breakthroughs in science-technology development, innovation, and digital transformation, the Hoa Binh provincial Department of Health has issued a plan to roll out the "Digital Literacy for All” campaign within the local health sector.

An Nghia Commune is trying to achieve the standards of the advanced new rural areas

An Nghia Commune (Lạc Sơn District) is one of the communes that achieved the tha standard of the national new rural area in 2018. Entering a new development phase, the commune is now trying to meet the criteria for the advanced new rural development. With the strong political will and the public consensus, the commune is gradually overcoming the challenges to reach this goal, aiming for the sustainable development.