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Authorities Detect Harmful Chemicals in Fruits at Houaphanh Market

Authorities in Houaphanh Province discovered hazardous chemical substances in fruits sold at a market in Aed district on 13 March. During an inspection, provincial officials and the Food and Drug Inspection team found that various fresh and processed foods, including imported products such as vegetables, hotdogs, meatballs, and fruits, contained formaldehyde and borax. Oranges and apples were found to have the highest levels of these harmful chemicals, which pose significant health risks if consumed.  Excessive exposure to formaldehyde can lead to poor appetite, organ damage, stomach issues, and even fatality. Borax, when ingested, transforms into boric acid before being absorbed by the body, potentially harming the stomach, liver, kidneys, and brain. These chemicals...

Economy

Laos Tackles Bureaucratic Bloat with Major Government Overhaul

As Laos continues to grow and change, the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party has recognized that its government structure isn't keeping pace with the country's fast development. In response, the...

Laos Prepares for 2025 Digital Census with Training Initiatives

On the top floor of the four-story Lao Statistics Bureau (LSB) building, located about 10 kilometers from Vientiane’s city center, a group of trainees focused on their computer screens...

Digital Growth in Laos with Internet Faster by 17.8 percent in Early 2025

The internet and social media landscape in Laos experienced significant growth in 2025, driven by faster internet speeds and increasing mobile phone adoption. According to the State of Digital in...

Most Asian Stocks Drop as Trump Trade Policy Sows Uncertainty

Hong Kong, China AFP-Asian equities mostly fell 5 March as investors fret over Donald Trump's ever-changing trade policies amid increasing concern that his tariffs could send the US economy into...

Laos Seeks Larger Share of Global Cassava Market Amid Growing Demand

Laos is aiming to expand its cassava exports and attract more international customers, especially from neighboring countries, following strong trade in recent years. In 2024, Laos exported over 2.4 million...

Hmong Market Farmers in Tasmania Not Immune to Agriculture Industry Changes

ABC - Farming is what Dee Thao's family is best known for. Members of her Hmong community are familiar to most Tasmanian market-goers looking to buy fresh vegetables on...

Travel

Thailand Waives Re-Entry Fees for Lao, Cambodian, Myanmar Workers During Songkran

On 12 March, The Thai government announced a temporary exemption from re-entry fees for migrant workers from Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar, allowing them to travel home for the Songkran–New Year– festival without additional costs.  Deputy Government Spokesman Karom Polpornklang stated that the exemption applies to those with valid work permits and will be in effect from 1 April to 15 May.  The initiative, the official said, aims to support labor relations between Thailand and its neighboring countries while easing financial burdens for migrant workers who wish to reunite with their families during the festive period.  Karom emphasized that workers who return to Thailand after 15 May will not be eligible for the...

Luang Prabang Earns Global Recognition for Sustainable Tourism

Laos’ popular world heritage town of Luang Prabang has clinched third place in the Green Destinations Top 100 Story Awards for “Destination Management” at the Internationale Tourismus-Börse (ITB) in Berlin, Germany, on 4...

Vientiane Launches Sustainable Tourism Initiative with Innovative Technology for Growth

The Lao government has announced plans to boost tourism in Vientiane Capital with the theme "Vientiane's Sustainable Tourism," The initiative aims to incorporate innovative technologies into tourism management and create new attractions for...

Health & Environment

Authorities Detect Harmful Chemicals in Fruits at Houaphanh Market

Authorities in Houaphanh Province discovered hazardous chemical substances in fruits sold at a market in Aed district on 13 March. During an inspection, provincial officials and the Food and Drug Inspection team found that various fresh and processed foods, including imported products such as vegetables, hotdogs, meatballs, and fruits, contained formaldehyde and borax. Oranges and apples were found to have the highest levels of these harmful chemicals, which pose significant health risks if consumed.  Excessive exposure to formaldehyde can lead to poor...

Sport

Lao Cyclist Returns from Thailand with Strong Performance, Eyes 2028 Olympics

Lao cyclist Phoutthasone Inthamith has just returned from Thailand, where he earned a fourth-place finish in his latest competition. The 45-year-old athlete competed against over 800 participants and now hopes to qualify for...

Audience Invited to Try Martial Arts at Japanese Budo Event in Vientiane

On 25 January, Lao and Japanese martial artists gathered at the Budo Center to showcase the performance disciplines of  Kendo, Aikido, Karatedo, and Judo. The demonstration included a variety of training techniques, fighting...

Politics

Laos Tackles Bureaucratic Bloat with Major Government Overhaul

As Laos continues to grow and change, the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party has recognized that its government structure isn't...

Lao, Chinese Foreign Ministers Discuss Closer Ties, Economic Cooperation

Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on 14 March...

Laos Prepares for 2025 Digital Census with Training Initiatives

On the top floor of the four-story Lao Statistics Bureau (LSB) building, located about 10 kilometers from Vientiane’s city...

Laos Marks International Women’s Day with Call for Women, Girls Empowerment

On 7 March, the Embassy of France, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the United Nations Development Program...

Feature

Success Through a Lens: Lao Photographer Earns Prestigious Award in London

Inspired by his father, 28-year-old Anoukit 'Mon' Kithsavath first picked up a camera as a child. He recalls how his father was always seen with a camera in hand and watching him capture moments through the lens ignited Mon’s passion for visual storytelling. From that moment, he knew photography would be his lifelong career. "I remember just being drawn to the way he handled the camera," Mon recalled. "It wasn’t just about snapping photos; it was about capturing a feeling, a moment that would otherwise be lost." This early connection to photography sparked a passion that would eventually lead him to international recognition. Back in February, Mon received a Highly Commended Award in London. It wasn’t the top prize, but it’s a big nod to the quality of his work. This milestone puts the Lao photographer further on the global stage. For the past five years, Mon has primarily focused on street photography, though he remains uncertain whether to consider it his specialty. “I’m not sure if I specialize in this genre or not, but I enjoy doing it,” he said. His work often explores the connection between the city, its artwork, and its people, reflecting a...

Laos Tackles Bureaucratic Bloat with Major Government Overhaul

As Laos continues to grow and change, the Lao...

Lao, Chinese Foreign Ministers Discuss Closer Ties, Economic Cooperation

Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane met with...

Laos Prepares for 2025 Digital Census with Training Initiatives

On the top floor of the four-story Lao Statistics...

Ex-Philippine President Duterte Arrested for Crimes Against Humanity

AFP -Former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte was arrested on...