Health & Environment

Health Ministry Finds More Than 180 Illegal Beauty Centers, Orders Nationwide Re-Inspection

The Lao Ministry of Health has ordered a nationwide re-inspection of private medical and beauty facilities after finding 183 beauty centers performing medical procedures without a license. Health Minister Baikham Khattiya disclosed the findings on 7 October at the 2nd Ordinary Session of the 10th National Assembly, where lawmakers questioned...

The Photographer Who Speaks for Laos’ Forests

In the forests of Laos, observation comes before words for Souksamlan “Toun” Laladeth. That idea...

Slope Collapse Hits Workers’ Camp at Pak Beng Hydropower Project in Northern Laos, No Casualties Reported

A section of hillside collapsed beneath a workers’ residential camp at the Pak Beng...

Nam Theun 2 Fund Approves LAK 343 Million for Forest Restoration in Khammouane

The Nam Theun 2 Development Fund approved more than LAK 343 million (USD 15,300)...

African Swine Fever Disrupts Pork Supplies, Beef Prices Rise in Vientiane

The pork shortage is putting pressure on Vientiane’s meat markets as African swine fever...

Fish Deaths Spread Along Xe Don in Champasak as Water Tests Raise Concerns

Local communities have reported several fish death cases along the Xe Don River in Champasak, with similar incidents previously recorded upstream in Salavan, raising...

While Exports Flow, Low-income Families Bear the Heat of an Uneven Grid

Additional reporting by Simmavanh Vayouphack When temperatures climbed above 40°C across many parts of Laos this summer, Lao Friends Hospital for Children on the outskirts...

Laos, Thailand Step Up Fight Against Cross-Border Haze

Laos and Thailand are stepping up efforts to tackle cross-border haze pollution, with new focus on forest fires, agricultural burning, and rising PM2.5 levels...

A Mekong Body Partners with Singapore on Climate, Water Security

One of Southeast Asia’s most vital river systems now has a new ally: Singapore, whose water technology and innovation could help the Mekong region...

Dead Fish in Xe Don River Spark Questions Over Official Investigation

Authorities in Salavanh province have attributed the mass death of fish along the Xe Don River to extreme heat, but the explanation has drawn...

Laos Air Quality Improves as Rain Clears Weeks of Smog

Air quality across Laos has improved significantly following weeks of hazardous smog, with recent rainfall helping to clear the PM2.5 pollution that had gripped...