Literature of Laos families: Lao-Tai (Tai-Kadai); Mon-Khmer (Austroasiatic); Hmong-Mien (Miao-Yao), and Sino-Tibetan (primarily Tibeto-Burman). As an inland crossroads of Southeast Asia the political history of Laos has been complicated by frequent warfare and colonial conquests by European and regional rivals. As a result, Laos today has cultural influence from France, Thailand, China, Vietnam, Burma, and Cambodia. Traditionally literature is held high regard in Lao society. Lao literature spans a wide range of genres including religious, philosophy, prose, epic or lyric poetry, histories, traditional law and customs, folklore, astrology, rituals, grammar and lexicography, dramas, romances, comedies, and non-fiction. Lao thematic elements frequently combine the
1963 Southeast Asian Peninsular Games 1963 Southeast Asian Peninsular Games The 1963 Southeast Asian Peninsular Games was cancelled, as the designated host Cambodia was not able to host the event due to unsettling in-country conditions, and a disagreement with the International Amateur Athletic Federation. The 3rd SEAP Games then passed to Laos as hosts, but they begged off the 1965 event citing financial difficulties and hosted the 2009 Southeast Asian Games decades later. Malaysia stepped in. The 1965 Southeast Asian Peninsular Games was held in Kuala Lumpur with around 1,300 athletes and officials taking part. By then, the SEAP Games Federation had gained another member