Thailand Versus Laos

Thailand and Laos are similar in many ways but also very different. Thai is understood by many Laotians because of the heavy influence Thailand has in the region. Thai television shows, music and movies dominate the airways in Laos. I often saw Laos people listening to Thai music or watching the latest TV drama. The biggest difference between Laos and Thai is the level of poverty, Laos is much poorer than Thailand. You also do not see any chain stores of any kind in Laos, no McDonalds no 7/11s anywhere. Laos is a communist country so gas stations and many other stores seem to be controlled nationally. Another thing I was surprised at was the lack of farang male and Lao female relationships. Thailand you see male farang holding hands, hugging and kissing Thai girls everywhere but in my 12 days in Laos I only saw a farang with a Lao girl 2 times and one of those times the girl was a sex worker.