Rubber and the National Construction Discourse and Modernization of Laos PDR under the Context of the Transition from a Socialist State to a Post-Socialist State

Abstract

         The objective of this article is to study the history of the rubber plantation policy and changes of rural communities in Laos PDR under the rubber plantation policy by using qualitative research methods.

         The study indicated that the phenomenon of rapid expansion of rubber plantation in Laos PDR is due to the opium planting reduction policy, shifting cultivation and the adjustment of the agricultural structure into commercial production with the aims to liberate the country from poverty. Due to Laos PDR still be a developing country therefore, the government uses a policy to allow the foreign investors to concession rubber plantation. However, this policy affected to the people, most of them are ethnic groups and communities in those area that used to use the area for their livelihood.