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...

Mekong River Monitors Report Preliminary Observations on Dam Impact  

Two hydropower projects along Southeast Asia’s most important river have had measurable, but moderate, impact on water flow, sediment and fisheries, according to preliminary...

Vientiane Capital Floods Again Following Heavy Rains

Several districts in Vientiane Capital have seen flash flooding after heavy rains swept across Laos yesterday evening. The heavy downpour in the early hours of...

Which Dams Are Releasing Water in Laos?

As monsoonal rains drench Laos and rivers continue to rise across the country, several hydropower projects have been forced to release water. Where are...

Over 18,000 Dengue Fever Cases in Laos

Dengue fever infections across Laos have reached 18,043 cases since January, including 17 deaths, according to the Ministry of Health. The Center of Information and...

First Successful Breeding of Endangered Tortoise in Laos

The Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife (LCTW) has successfully bred the endangered Indotestudo elongata tortoise for the first time after a years long effort...

Vientiane Municipal Officials Admit Failure to Manage Flooding

Vientiane municipal officials have admitted that flooding in Vientiane Capital occurs due to blocked drains which have not been cleared because of budget constraints. Head...