Programs and Events

U.S. Ambassador Patricia Haslach’s Trip to Pakse

Ambassador Patricia Haslach chats with four students from Champasak Province National University in Pakse following her speech on the risks posed by ATS drug addiction.

U.S. Ambassador Patricia Haslach visited Champasak Province on 9 May 2007. In the provincial capital of Pakse, the Ambassador spoke on the risks ATS (Amphethamine Type Stimulants) drug addiction to an assembly of more than 1,100 university and secondary school students gathered at the Provincial Cultural Hall. Ambassador Haslach was accompanied by H.E. Soubanh Srithirath, Minister of the President’s Office and Chair of the Lao National Commission for Drug Control (LCDC), and Mr. Leik Boonwaat, Country Representative of the U.N. Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Her speech marked the launch of a nationwide education campaign by the LCDC, supported by the Narcotics Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy, to reach thousands of youth in 17 provinces. The education campaign covers the risks of ATS drugs, addiction prevention, and treatment for addicts. This national drug education campaign will involve printed education materials, television and radio spots, music, and promotional sport contests. The Ambassador was hosted by Mr. Somsanith Bouthivong, the Vice Governor of Champassack Province, other senior provincial officers, and administrators from the Champassack National University.