Health & Environment

Thailand’s HIV Cases Pass 550,000, Laos Reports Rising Infections Among Young People

Thailand has recorded 557,993 cumulative HIV cases, health authorities say, even as new infections have fallen by 12,000 over the past three years. Across the border in Laos, officials are tracking a similar pattern among young people, though on a smaller scale. Thirteen of Thailand’s 77 provinces now record more...

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

Laos has ordered the immediate suspension of the import and sale of Squishy toys...

Laos Eyes State Fuel Stations as Future EV Charging Hubs

Laos is exploring plans to turn state-owned fuel stations into electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging...

Lao Government Suspends Mining Company Over River Pollution in Vang Vieng

The Lao government has ordered Daochalearn Mineral Processing Sole Co., Ltd. to immediately suspend...

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...

Vientiane Launches Flat-Fare Bus Services Amid Fuel Crisis

Vientiane authorities have announced a temporary expansion of discounted public bus services to ease the impact of the ongoing fuel shortage, offering commuters a...

Vientiane Pet Owners Prepare for Change as Major International Vet Clinic Closes

Pet owners in Vientiane are facing a shift in animal healthcare options as Animal Doctor International, one of the city’s few international-standard veterinary hospitals,...

Pakse Launches Free Bus Service Amid Fuel Shortage

Authorities in Pakse have introduced a temporary free public bus service to help residents cope with ongoing fuel shortages and rising fuel prices affecting...

Drinking Water Prices Rise in Vientiane from 18 March

The price of 18-liter bottled drinking water in Vientiane is going up from 18 March, with the Vientiane Capital Drinking Water Association announcing an...

Two Moon Bear Cubs Seized from Wildlife Traders in Luang Prabang

Two Asiatic black bear cubs, just two months old, are recovering at a Luang Prabang wildlife sanctuary after law enforcement confiscated them from illegal...

Thakhek’s Mekong Riverbank Protection Project Advances Toward Mid-2026 Completion

A Mekong riverbank protection project in Thakhek, Khammouane Province is progressing toward completion, reaching over 60 percent completion, official reports The project is a part...