Health & Environment

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...

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...

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...

MRC International Conference Attracts Hundreds Eager for Action

On the heels of the historic UN Water Conference in New York, the Mekong River Commission (MRC) wrapped up its International Conference on Monday...

LOCA Celebrates Electrifying Milestone: 115 EV Taxis, 440,000 KM Served

LOCA, a leading provider of eco-friendly transportation, proudly announces the expansion of its electric taxi fleet to 115 vehicles. Since the pilot program launch...

MRC Secretariat Chief Cites Progress Amid Troubling Trends in Annual Address

On Monday, in his second State of the Mekong Address, the top executive of the Mekong River Commission described how – despite meaningful progress...

Authorities Counsel Forest Fire Offenders in Vientiane

Last week, the Vientiane Province government counseled 65 locals who were caught burning forest land in Phou Phanang National Bio-Diversity Conservation Area to reeducate...

ASEAN Vows Support in Tackling Cross-Border Haze Pollution

During his visit to Thailand on Thursday, ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn pledged to assist in addressing the transboundary haze pollution that is affecting...

Thailand Uses Helicopters to Fight Mountain Wildfires

BANGKOK (AP) — Thai authorities used helicopters Thursday to try to contain a fire that overnight engulfed two mountains on largely undeveloped forest land...