Vietnam, China investors are nipping at Thailand's heels in Laos.

(From The Nation (Thailand))

Byline: The Nation.

Thailand is in danger of losing its investment advantage in Laos to China and Vietnam, as those two countries are currently in favour with the Lao government.

"It would be very surprising for China and Vietnam to be preferred over Thailand as trading partners by the Lao government. Thai investors think of Laos before Burma when deciding on investments," said Charas Suthikulbutr, chairman of the Phayao Chamber of Commerce.

Although Thailand ranks as the biggest investor in Laos, China and Vietnam are the second- and third-largest. Laos receives financial support from China to help develop its domestic infrastructure, and social and military support from Vietnam has earned that country priority consideration. …