Government policies are not the only basis of the changes that are taking place in Laos. As in other parts of Southeast Asia, people of Laos are moving from villages into towns to seek employment and a better life. Although this is a movement that is
8 Stuart-Fox
now primarily affecting ethnic Lao, it is also likely to affect ethnic minority families in the future as differences in standards of living increase between the provincial cities along the Mekong and rural areas. Considerable internal migration is already taking place within provinces as families move to district and provincial capitals (Bounthavy and Taillard 2000, p 50-57).
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