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...

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....

Lao Villagers Remain at Risk from Air Pollution Depending on Region

Eight villages from seven different provinces in Laos had their air quality tested and have experienced either good, moderate or slightly harmful levels of...

As Air Pollution Worsens, Bangkok Residents to Work From Home

Authorities in Thailand have advised residents of Bangkok to work from home and wear respirator masks outdoors amid rising air pollution. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt...

UK Ambassador to Laos Witnesses Handover of Two Moon Bear Cubs

British Ambassador to Laos, Mr. John Pearson, joined Free the Bears during the rescue of two moon bear cubs last week. Free the Bears, with...