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...

Top Laotian Times News Stories of 2022

The Laotian Times revisits the top news stories of the year 2022. With the country opening up after over two years following the Covid-19 pandemic,...

Authorities Warn Against Extreme Cold Weather in Laos

The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology in Laos has said that the country is likely to experience colder temperatures between 29 December and January...

China to Cancel Covid Quarantine Requirement for Inbound Visitors

Taking a major step towards easing its border restrictions, the government of China will allow inbound travelers to enter the country without Covid-19 quarantine...

Princess Sirindhorn of Thailand Treated for Heart Condition

Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand has been diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat (heart arrhythmia), according to a statement issued by the Royal Household...

Laos Scraps Covid Vaccination Proof and Test to Enter the Country

Lao Prime Minister's Office announced that COVID-19 vaccination proof and Rapid Antigen Test (ATK) for unvaccinated travelers would no longer be required to enter the...

New MRC Report Calls for Collective Action on Plastics Pollution

The Mekong River Commission (MRC) is sounding the alarm on the growing challenge of macroplastics, urging its four Member Countries to establish a joint,...