Pha Luang News Today

(Repeats story first published on May 16 for wider distribution. This story is part of a series, "The Bat Lands.") By Ryan McNeill, Deborah J. Nelson, Allison Martell and Michael Ovaska

FEUANG DISTRICT — Deep through the forests of this landlocked Southeast Asian country, China has built a state-of-the-art high-speed railway. The link is…

"The Laos-China railway corridor has greatly benefited Laos in numerous ways, particularly the government's effort to develop its economy and upgrade the living standard of the people," wrote an unidentified official from the Lao embassy in Washington in an email to Reuters. Some scientists say the rail line is worrisome because development along its once-remote trajectory is accelerating tree loss and bringing humans into closer contact with bats.

"The Laos-China railway corridor has greatly benefited Laos in numerous ways, particularly the government's effort to develop its economy and upgrade the living standard of the people," wrote an unidentified official from the Lao embassy in Washington in an email to Reuters. Some scientists say the rail line is worrisome because development along its once-remote trajectory is accelerating tree loss and bringing humans into closer contact with bats.

After seeing over 45,000 tourists since the country reopened its borders in May last year, Feuang district is expecting more than 100,000 tourists in 2023, said the district’s governor.