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... kekeke ...
U need to do better research and look at actual STATS (GDPs etc.) Versus what u think or see on TV which is dead Wrong.
Foremost the Middle East is by far Wealthier and more developed than SEAsia (Laos) by far. Just because u see the war torn images on TV means nothing compared to how civilized it is overall. True there are pockets of poorly developed regions but not like SEAsia (Laos) where the entire country is still impoverished. The same applies to the African nations u mentioned.
Simply put, your OIL comes from the Middle East and your GOLD n JEWELS comes from Africa. Practically NOTHING comes from SEAsia, namely Laos. At least Thailand has prostitution ... KEKEKE ...
And I wouldn't call Vientienne developed necessarily either just because it happens to have some modern looking buildings and shops erected by foreign investors/Owners ... kekeke ...