Mr Mexay Khambounhouang.

From street boy to successful businessman

Many people say that everyone has their own special talent despite their background, whether in construction, agriculture, or some other area, while some are lucky enough to find success in the business world. 
Children from impoverished backgrounds find that rising above poverty is extremely difficult, but Mr Mexay Khambounhouang from Luang Prabang, who was a homeless child with no prospects in life, made the jump and today he is a successful businessman.
Mr Mexay talked about his life of poverty as a street child to this reporter, saying that his parents separated when they were young. This made him an orphan, and many days he could not find enough food to eat.
“But just because we are born into a poor family does not mean we can place blame for our lot in life and, more importantly, I don’t think we should accept a state of poverty inherited from our parents,” he said.
“It’s much better to have a dream to make progress in life and to become rich in the future, and not just accept what fate has thrust upon us.”
“Everyone has reasons for the way they respond to situations, and for some people their response keeps them enslaved to poverty. But those who are determined to carve out a better life can leave poverty behind and find riches if they work hard enough.”
Mr Mexay also said it was better to fight and die on the battlefield than to sit back and accept fate. There is no point in punishing your parents for the life they gave you, or railing against heaven and earth for your bad luck, he said. If you fight and don’t die, you stand a better chance of being successful.
It was this attitude to life and unwavering determination that led Mr Mexay to become a businessman, with interests both in Laos and other countries. Today he owns the Ananta Hotel, Branch 1, Branch 2, and Branch 3. He also has plans for other schemes, involving a market, a school, agriculture, and other areas of development.
His three Ananta Hotels in Luang Prabang are attracting more and more customers each year, both from abroad and within Laos. Beyond Laos, he has business interests in food, real estate, and rental properties.
Located in the heart of Luang Prabang, the hotels are in a prime location because they are next to the morning market and other places of interest to visitors.
Mr Mexay said he wanted to promote tourism by focusing on young children, soldiers, police, merchants, street vendors, and night eaters.
Finally, he had a message for young people who are discouraged, advising them to fight, saying “Let’s fight, fight, and don’t be disheartened.”

By Phetphoxay Sengpaseuth
(Latest Update September 21, 2022)