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...

Health Officials Issue Heatwave Warning in Thailand

Health authorities in Thailand have issued a warning regarding the heatwave sweeping the country this week leading to maximum temperatures as high as 50...

Student Contest Reveals Mekong Innovation in River Monitoring 

The Mekong River Commission (MRC) on Monday announced the winners of its first-ever River Monitoring Technology Competition for university students. The competition was held...

Fishermen in Pakse Rescue Woman Trying to Attempt Suicide

On Tuesday, a young woman attempted to take her own life by jumping off the Laos-Japan Bridge in Champasack Province.  This is the latest in...

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...