On our way to Bangkok

But last Friday there was a signing ceremony for over $2MM in USG-funded UXO clearance work that Mines Advisory Group will do in Khammouane Province. The US has funded two MAG projects in Khammouane.

There I am front and center looking goofy as MAG's country director, Jo, and Dr. Maligna, director of the Lao UXO National Regulatory Authority shake hands after signing the two MOUs approving the projects.

The first, funded by the State Department, is a clearance project in partnership with a French NGO called Triangle. MAG will clear the land, and Triangle will work with villages in the area to create sustainable fruit orchards to produce for local consumption and export to France.

The second, funded by the USDA, is a school and food security project. MAG will clear around schools, and in areas for irrigation, paths, and paddy fields. The second part of the project will see International Relief and Development (IRD) provide lunches to school children and rations to take home, provided students have a certain level of attendance on a monthly basis. There will be added incentive for female students.

I will be in Khammouane next week to visit MAG's operations there.

Oh, and our friends Tom and Goht had a baby girl today at Samitivej so we will see them and their daughter Mali Isabel tomorrow after Katherine's checkup.