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...

Volunteers Clean Up & Raise Awareness After Vat Phou Litter Controversy

A volunteer group made up of teachers, students, and CHAMPA (Cultural Heritage Management, Preservation, and Territorial Attractiveness) Project team members have spoken out about...

Scientists Warn Southeast Asia of Insecticide-Resistant Mosquitoes

A team of Japanese scientists has issued a warning about an increase in insecticide-repellent mosquitoes across Southeast Asia. The team, led by Shinji Kasai, director...

Laos Sees an Increase in Electric Vehicle Imports Across the Country

The country reported an increase in the importation of electric vehicles last year, following multiple hikes in fuel prices. Mr. Thongphat Inthavong, Deputy Minister...

United States to Help Advance Maternal Child Health, Nutrition in Laos

New USAID Initiative to Improve Health and Nutrition Outcomes in Five Provinces. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) launched a new five-year Project...

Lao Friends Hospital for Children Celebrates Eight Years

The Lao Friends Hospital for Children (LFHC) in Luang Prabang celebrated its 8th anniversary on January 27, 2023. The hospital held a ceremony to celebrate...

Laos Approves Regulated Production of Cannabis for Medical Use

The Ministry of Health has issued a Decision approving the production and distribution of hemp, or cannabis sativa L, for medicinal use in Laos....