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...

Over 15,000 Cambodians Evacuate Following Fake Catastrophic Flood Prediction

A Cambodian politician's prediction of a catastrophic flood prompted more than 15,000 panicked Cambodians to evacuate their homes and gather at a farmhouse south...

Asian Elephant Gives Birth to New Baby in Laos

Mae Ping, an Asian elephant who had been pregnant for 22 months, finally gave birth to a calf at the Mekong Elephant Park in...

Cambodia Bans Talc Powder Imports Over Asbestos

Cambodia has temporarily halted imports and distribution of talcum powder products after asbestos was discovered in several brands of baby powder. Khmer Times reports...

Japan Donates Vehicles and Rescue Equipment to Help Flood-Stricken Laos

The Japanese government has provided vehicles to the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare as part of efforts to tackle widespread flooding across the...

Investing in Ethnic Midwives to Protect Maternal Health, UNFPA

Op-ed in line with UNFPA’s report.  Vida is a 28-year-old midwife from the Akha community who is proud of her role in ensuring women in...

Must Smuggled Food Be Destroyed? Perhaps It Could Go to the Needy

Police and provincial authorities in Laos have the authority to inspect and seize all illegal goods along the border, but why has food been...