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...

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...

Dangerous Dining in Rural Laos: The Catastrophic Consequences of Curious Cuisine

Although the consumption of wildlife is a time-honored tradition in Laos, as well as many other parts of the world, in an era of...

Cambodia Not Likely to Offer Monkeypox Vaccinations

Cambodia's health ministry has said it will not be commencing a vaccination campaign against the monkeypox virus unless World Health Organization (WHO) guidance deems...

Officials in Sekong Province Warn of Vietnamese Dam Release

The residents of Sekong have been advised to prepare for changes in water levels in the Xe Khong River due to the release of...