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
Malaysia at the 2009 Southeast Asian Games Malaysia at the 2009 Southeast Asian Games Malaysia competed in the 2009 Southeast Asian Games held in Vientiane, Laos from 8 to 18 December 2009. Malaysia competed in 21 of the 25 sports consisting 197 male and 151 female athletes, 154 male officers and 28 female officers. Dr. Ramlan Abdul Aziz, the Director General of National Sports Institute was the Chef de Mission of Malaysia. The contingent won 40 gold medals, 40 silver and 59 bronze to finish fourth in the medal standings. Excellent performance was shown by the men football team whom won the gold medal after 20 years