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...

A New Campaign Sheds Light on the Threats of Wild Meat Consumption

An innovative new campaign launched by WWF puts the spotlight on two serious threats – risks to public health and risks to nature –...

United Nations Says There is No Credible Way to Avoid Climate Change

According to a bleak new UN study, there is "no credible pathway" to keep the global rise in temperature below the critical 1.5°C threshold. Emission...

Cambodia, Vietnam Pave the Way for ASEAN Comeback in Covid Recovery

A Covid-19 recovery index published by Nikkei Asia places Cambodia and Vietnam in 4th and 8th position respectively in a list that features 121...

Legal Abortions to be Made Accessible in Thailand Across 110 Hospitals

In a landmark move, Thailand has now legalized abortions for women who are between 12-20 weeks pregnant.   Starting October 27, pregnant women can legally seek...

Fire Damages Several Houses and Shops in Vientiane Capital

A fire that started in a motorbike repair shop near Soutsaka Institute of Technology in Phonepanao Village, Xaysettha District on Sunday has wiped out...

Singapore Seizes Rhino Horns Enroute from South Africa to Laos

Singapore National Parks Board (NParks) has seized Rhinoceros horns that were smuggled into the country through Changi Airport. The Straits Times reports that officers...