Health & Environment

Laos Gives Unlicensed Beauty Clinics Until November to Obtain Permits Amid Weak Oversight Concerns

The Ministry of Health has ordered unlicensed medical and beauty facilities across Laos to obtain official permits by 30 November, but the directive has raised questions over its delayed public release and how authorities will enforce the deadline. The Ministry issued the directive on 29 May but did not publicize...

Flooding Hits Over 60,000 in Khammouane as Rivers Rise Above Danger Levels

Flooding has affected more than 60,000 people across all 10 districts of Khammouane province...

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...

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...

Authorities Green Light Lao Dance Sport Federation

The Ministry of Education and Sports in Laos has officially recognized the newly-established Lao Dance Sport Federation to promote competitive dancing in Laos. Before the...

Laos to Plant Over 3 Million Trees for Arbor Day Next Month

Laos will plant over 3 million seedlings nationwide to celebrate the Arbor Day on 1 June. The country plans to plant about 3,484,000 seedlings...

Lao Health Ministry, UNFPA Invest in Sexual Reproductive Health Rights for Workers

Through a partnership between UNFPA and the Ministry of Health, factory workers in several parts of Laos have access to discreet counseling on sexual...

Vientiane Capital Calls on Residents to Minimize Water Use During Dry Season

Vientiane residents have been advised to limit their usage of water as the city experiences increasing water shortages. During the dry season, residents in Vientiane...

Houaphanh Sees Mass Death of Fish Near Nam Sam 3 Dams Hydropower Plant

Mass deaths of fish have been reported in Houaphanh Province due to the release of toxic chemicals from the construction site of the Nam...

Fire Incidents Cost Vientiane Capital LAK 760 Million in Four Months

Vientiane Capital has reported economic damages of about LAK 760 million or over USD 40,000 due to fire-related incidents from January to April. Lieutenant...