Health

Trendy ‘Squishy’ Toys Suspended in Laos Over Chemical Safety Concerns

Laos has ordered the immediate suspension of the import and sale of Squishy toys nationwide after authorities warned that some may contain hazardous chemicals that pose health risks, particularly to children. The Ministry of Industry and Commerce issued the order on 28 July, instructing provincial industry and commerce departments across...

Former MRC Chief Anoulak Kittikhoun Named First Lao Head of Mekong Institute

Former Mekong River Commission (MRC) Chief Executive Officer Anoulak Kittikhoun has been appointed Executive...

Laos Turns to Public-Private Partnership to Tighten Product Quality Controls

Laos has launched a new state-backed company to inspect and certify the quality of...

Laos Suspends Vientiane Private Hospital Suspected of Organ Trafficking

The Ministry of Health announced the immediate closure of BLL Hospital after a Taiwanese...

Laos Must Spend More on Healthcare as Costs Rise, World Bank Says

Healthcare in Laos is under growing financial pressure, and the country can no longer...

Vientiane Residents Demand Action Amid Ongoing Water Shortages

Many households in Vientiane are struggling with water supply issues, including shortages and low water pressure. Residents are growing increasingly frustrated, as water disruptions...

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...

Plastic Waste Piles Up in Vientiane, Residents Demand Action

Pictures of plastic waste piling up surfaced on Lao social media in early March, as Vientiane residents voiced their frustration on Facebook over the...

Samitivej Hospital Expands Pediatric Care with New Children’s Hospital

Bangkok’s Samitivej Hospital has officially opened its newly expanded International Children’s Hospital at the Samitivej Srinakarin location, marking a key milestone in its commitment...

Thailand Sets 30-Day Deadline for E-Cigarette Crackdown

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has ordered a swift crackdown on e-cigarette sales, giving authorities a firm 30-day deadline to implement decisive measures. The...

Breaking the Cycle of Gender-Based Violence in Laos

A Silent Crisis Gender-based violence (GBV) is one of the most widespread human rights violations worldwide. In Laos, the statistics mirror global trends—about one in...