"For most Laotians, I doubt much has changed in the last 40 years, " says Fullbrook.

CNN: CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE

Much of that money, in turn, could be used to fund additional development schemes for ordinary Laotians.

ECONOMIST: But have the right lessons been learned?

Laotians whisper over coffee about who they believe is behind the explosions.

ECONOMIST: Laos and the mysterious bombs

The Sixth ASEAN summit in Hanoi was days away, and the Laotians had just discovered that their president, Khamtay Siphandone, was not invited.

CNN: CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE

Moreover, few Laotians have traditionally been addicted to the stuff.

ECONOMIST: An opium ban is a mixed blessing

By 1974 he had brushed off the Laotians who were ambushing his mule-trains, and by 1982 he had escaped the Thai air force, which was bombing his camps on the border.

ECONOMIST: Khun Sa

Culturally the Laotians and Thais are close.

CNN: CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE