Health & Environment

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 have fallen by 12,000 over the past three years. Across the border in Laos, officials are tracking a similar pattern among young people, though on a smaller scale. Thirteen of Thailand’s 77 provinces now record more...

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...

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...

Students Join That Luang Lake Cleanup as part of ‘Keep Lao Clean’ Campaign

Plastic waste at That Luang Lake has drawn renewed attention after primary school students joined a cleanup activity as part of a broader push...

Mekong Heart Project Treats First Children at Mahosot Hospital

The Mekong Children’s Heart Care Project has treated its first children with congenital heart disease at Mahosot Hospital in Vientiane, marking a major step...

Laos, Australia Develop New Teacher Resource to Support Inclusive Education

The Lao Ministry of Education and Sports, with support from Australia through the BEQUAL program, is preparing to release a new Teacher Support Pack...

Vietnam-Backed Aluminum Project in Sekong Advances Toward 2028 Launch

A major aluminum smelting project in Sekong Province is expected to produce up to 1 million tonnes of aluminum annually once fully operational, with...

Hungary Advances Wastewater Project in Vientiane, Extends Scholarships for Laos

Hungary has moved forward with key development support for Laos, reviewing progress on a major wastewater treatment project in Vientiane and confirming continued scholarship...

Russia-Funded Rehabilitation of Mittaphab Hospital Reaches 53 Percent Completion

The rehabilitation of  Mittaphab Hospital, also commonly known as a 150-bed hospital in Vientiane, has reached 53 percent completion, according to recent project updates. The...