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...

Widespread Floods Hit North, Central, and Southern Laos

Residents across Laos are battling severe floods as days of heavy rains are compounded by tropical storm Mulan, which has been pummeling the northern...

New Virus Detected in China Spread by Shrews

A new virus believed to be spread by shrews has affected nearly three dozen people in eastern China, according to a new report. The virus,...

Cambodia to Inspect Vietnamese Noodles for Banned Substance

Cambodian officials are to test instant noodles produced in Vietnam for Ethylene Oxide and will recall products containing the banned substance. Vietnam's Trade Office in...

Thailand Implements Penalty for Failure to Wear Seatbelt

Wearing a seatbelt in the rear of a vehicle will now be mandated in Thailand for passengers, with the regulation taking effect in September...

Dengue Patients Sleep in Corridors, Meeting Rooms as Vientiane Hospitals Run Out of Beds

The number of dengue fever cases across Laos could reach more than 20,000 this year, with the outbreak already pushing hospitals to their limits. A...

Vientiane Mayor Visits Flooded Communities in Vientiane Capital

Mayor of Vientiane Capital, Mr. Atsaphangthong Siphandone, visited flood-affected communities in Sikhottabong District on Monday, ordering local authorities to try to resolve the problem. Floodwaters...