Spring 2025

Written By Virunee Viravong

Message from the President

Sabaidee and welcome to all members of our Lao Community.

Since taking on the chairmanship following the LAUK AGM last June, I have been trying to implement a few changes to the Lao Association in order to keep the community thriving, enhance cooperation and promote 

New Committee

The new committee is comprised of young, enthusiastic Lao first-generation children.

Summary of past activities

  • BBQ on the beach – August 2024

  • Attendance at Lao National Front for Development meeting for Lao Diaspora – November 2024

  • Joint ASEAN societies annual reception – December 2024

  • LAUK Christmas Party – December 2024

  • Meeting with Lao desk office, Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office – February 2025

Pi Mai Party

Thank you to all who came to our LAUK Pimai 2025 party on 12th April.

  • Hosts Kristian and Audette

  • Our speakers Duangmany Gnotsyoudom, Hugh Evans, Sally Sakulku

  • Mor Porn Virasene who guided us through the baci ceremony

  • Dravanh guided us through the Song Nam ceremony

  • Virunee’s band playing live music

  • DJ Loong Oot

  • Traditional dancers

  • Nini and Nunu Front of house

  • All the people who donated prizes and Oliver and Anthony for sourcing

  • Air who prepared the buffet

  • President Linda and the executive LAUK committee; Anthony, Kristian, Nini, Oliver, Sithideth and Virunee

  • Winston Churchill theatre and team for hosting us

In memorium

Sayaphone Khounsombath – February 2025

Dulwich Festival Artists’ Open House

Virunee will be exhibiting some of her artwork alongside fellow members of her tennis club, as part of the Artist Open House event in the Dulwich Festival.

A portion of her artwork will be illustrations of various parts of Lao culture, so if you’re in the area, please go along and visit, and maybe pick up a nice memento of your favourite Lao things.

The festival will be running over 2 weekends in May, and it is free to attend any of the open houses.

Refreshments will be available from the tennis club bar over both weekends, so relax, unwind, and enjoy the best of both worlds – art and tennis!

Dates: 10-11 May, 17-18 May

Location: Old College Lawn Tennis Club, 10 GALLERY ROAD SE21 7AB

More information at: https://dulwichfestival.co.uk/open-house/old-college-lawn-tennis-club-group-show/

Refill, Reuse, Rethink: The Walkthrough Refill Shop in Crystal Palace

Tucked away in Crystal Palace’s Triangle, The Walkthrough Refill Shop is making sustainable living accessible for everyone. Specialising in organic package-free food staples, cleaning products, and personal care items, this little haven invites you to shop with intention and reduce waste. Rebecca started the shop with learned habits of bulk buying from her Lao father and wanted it to be easy for everyone to do.

Bring your own containers or grab one in-store, and fill up on everything from pasta, pulses and spices to washing-up liquid and shampoo. With friendly staff always ready to guide newcomers through the refill process, it’s a welcoming stop for both zero-waste veterans and those just starting their sustainability journey.

By supporting The Walkthrough Refill Shop, you're helping to build a cleaner, greener world. 

Pop in and take part in the refill revolution. A small change in your routine can make a big difference.

Location: The Walkthrough, Jubilee House, Haynes Lane, London SE19 3AN

More information at: www.thewalkthrough.co.uk










Virunee Viravong