Ever wonder what people in Laos were smoking in the 1960s as they cruised around in their new Mazdas?
Well here is the answer. Consulate cigarettes, for one, a brand from England.
Then there were “Sam Dao” or “Three Stars” cigarettes. While the package states that the tobacco is “U.S.A. Blend,” this was actually a German company.
Then we have Phaxeun. I can’t read the Lao text, so I’m not sure where it comes from, but the packaging suggests that, like “Sam Dao,” it was a Western brand which had been given a Lao name.
And then finally there was at least one Lao brand of cigarette – Muang Thong.
This is awesome… Where did you find these ads from?
Those lao words on 3 Stars box are sale slogans… Here is the translation.. “Above the sky, there will be stars… During the day will always have shinning ray as partner.. Wants to smoke the best cigarette…Must be cigarette brand.. Sam Dao (3 Stars).. hahahah It is the closest translation I can come up with… funny as heck!!
Above Phaxeun box..”Moist throat.. Fresh heart after smoke Phaxeun.. Freshly.. Cleary..When you smoke Phaxeun”
Hope that helps!!
Thanks a lot!!! “Fresh heart after smoke. . .”!!! You have to love that!!
These come from a newspaper called Xat Lao. You can find more information about it here:
http://asiapacific.anu.edu.au/newmandala/2007/03/17/xat-lao/