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...

Asia-Pacific Leaders Gather to Tackle Climate Change at UN Forum

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) opened its 79th session in Bangkok today, with global and regional...

Lao Govt Continues School Lunch Program for Underprivileged Kids

The World Food Program, in cooperation with the provincial government of Phongsaly will continue their school lunch delivery project, aimed to help provide lunch...

Authorities Report Over 61,000 Unemployed Workers in Laos

The latest unemployment figures in Laos stand at more than 61,000 due to an economic recession plaguing the country. The President of the Lao...

Helpline Services for Youth Launches at Laos-China Railway Stations

The Lao Youth Union (LYU), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the Laos-China Railway (LCR) launched counseling helpline materials at all railway stations...

Inflation Limits Lao Families’ Recovery From COVID-19, Says New World Bank Report

While economic activity has recently picked up in Laos, the rising cost of living is having a widespread negative impact, with poorer families most...

Houaphanh Authorities Grant Lao Citizenship to Unauthorized Migrants

Unauthorized migrants in Et District, Houaphanh Province have been granted Lao nationality by the provincial authorities to preserve their rights as Lao citizens. Some...