What are your thoughts on the sale of imitation sinh?

There are many imitation Lao-style skirts currently on sale both in markets and online. The government has warned that it is illegal to make and sell imitation sinh, saying the skirts should be hand-made in Laos to be considered genuine, but they are popular because they are so cheap. Vientiane Times asked some women for their thoughts on this situation.

Ms Vadsana, an employee in Xaythany district, Vientiane: I’ve seen imitation sinh for sale in most markets around the country and online. I also see them on sale during festivals and at tourist sites. I don’t think they should be sold in Laos because we can make better quality and more attractive sinh than those that are mass produced. It’s affecting the price of genuine Lao sinh. I also don’t think it’s appropriate to import copied products to sell at tourist destinations because overseas visitors should buy authentic Lao products, especially those made by hand and not copied or made in other countries. Lao people should set an example to foreigners living here by using locally made products. I’d like everyone to join forces to tackle this issue and promote locally made products.
Ms Manivan, a vendor in Attapeu province: I haven’t heard about a government warning and I’ve already bought machine-made skirts at Khuadin Market, where there are loads on sale. I’ve bought lots to sell here in Attapeu because women like them. But in the future I will comply with the directive. I think the authorities should keep a check on wholesalers and others involved in the trade, including importers, because they are the ones who sell the largest volume. The authorities should carry out checks on all vendors at markets, to protect consumers. If possible, imitation sinh should be banned in Laos, because weaving is a job for Lao women. We should protect our cultural traditions and support women who earn a living from making sinh.
Ms Sor, a resident of Xayaboury province: I bought a skirt a few months ago but I didn’t know it was a copy because the vendor mixed it in with handmade sinh. I realised it was an imitation when I started to wear it. Of course, handmade skirts are more expensive, but their quality makes them more valuable. The authorities should strictly monitor importers and carry out regular checks of wholesalers to protect Lao handicraft producers.
Ms Noy Kongpanya, a resident of Vientiane province: As we know, Lao weavers have excellent skills and many of the things they make are better than items made in other countries. It’s true that since imitation skirts have been on sale the prices paid for sinh have been volatile. Many weavers have stopped making them because they cannot sell them. I want the authorities to do more to resolve this issue as soon as possible. Lao people and expats living here should support us and buy more Lao goods because this will expand the range on offer and help to improve quality. All Lao people should give this careful consideration, to protect our heritage and ensure that our creativity can flourish.

By Lamphone Pasanthong
(Latest Update March 17, 2022)