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./. 

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