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...

16 Days of Activism 2022 Wraps up with Great Success

The German Embassy, Vientiane, and UNFPA spearheaded an advocacy event last week to wrap up the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). The...

Govt. to Stop Accepting New Iron Ore Extraction Projects

Due to the dip in prices worldwide, the government won't be signing off on new proposals for the survey, extraction, and export of iron...

“Power of No” International Photo Contest Celebrates Winners to Combat Drink Driving in Laos

Hundreds of young adults across Southeast Asia entered an international photo contest centered around the theme “friends don’t let friends drive drunk,” part of...

National Assembly Debates Social Security Card Use

A National Assembly constituent has proposed that the country's social security scheme allow members receive treatment at any hospital in the country, rather than...

Promising Start to Plastic Pollution Negotiations as Countries Show Strong Support for Ambitious Global Agreement

More than 145 countries back calls for strong global rules to stop plastic pollution. WWF warns ‘this is just the first step towards a...

New Wave of Covid Unlikely for Laos, Residents Should Remain Vigilant

Medical experts in Laos say that although case numbers have risen in recent weeks, a new wave may not necessarily be on the horizon. While...