The Vietnam Association in the Lao capital Vientiane on May 3 raised funds in support of victims of a fire that engulfed the city 's central market, Thong Khan Kham, on March 26.

The Vietnamese community in Laos has collected a total of 12,450 USD to help the victims stabilise their lives.

According to Nguyen Van Tu, the association’s president, the fire destroyed many stalls, including 40 belonging to Vietnamese people.

Thong Khan Kham is one of Vientiane's most renowned marketplaces and sells everything from fresh produce to baskets, clothing and tools.-VNA