In 2002 the Lao Institute for Cultural Research of the Ministry of Information and Culture received a grant to conduct a social-impact analysis of increased mobility along the newly constructed Xiengkok - Muang Sing Road (between Myanmar-Lao border and the Lao-China border), or locally known as Route 17B, and its implications for increasing vulnerability to HIV transmission and substance abuse amongst highland communities affected by the road. The study was conducted in three townships?Muang Sing, Muang Long and Xiengkok in Luang Namtha Province.

On 8 June 2004 the Lao Institute for Cultural Research, in collaboration with the Office of Information and Culture of Luang Namtha Province organized a workshop in Muang Sing to share the results of the study with local government officials and relevant organizations in the these townships. The workshop saw constructive discussions on emerging challenges brought about by infrastructure development such as road accidents, environmental damages, and reduction of agricultural land, and increased greater recognition on the need for more concerted collaboration among different constituencies in addressing these challenges.