A crewman on a small Lao river boat checks his smart phone while hauling construction materials from China to Luang Prabang, Laos, April 23, 2014. The construction materials are shipped to Chaeng Saen, Thailand, then trucked to Chaeng Khong and put on smaller boats to continue the journey to Laos. Trade with China is an important part of the economy in northern Thailand. Chinese and Lao boats haul passengers and freight north from Thailand to China. China also uses river to ship to Thailand and then goods are sent by truck to deep water ports in Thailand for shipment around the world. [Photo/icpress.cn]