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...

Wild Elephants from China Wander Near Lao Border 

Wild Asian elephants in Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve have been spotted wandering along Laos' northern border after a 17-month cross-country journey. A herd of more...

MEM and the Carbon Trust Promote Energy Efficiency As Campaign in Laos

The Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM) and the Carbon Trust, an international climate consultancy, have joined forces to raise awareness of energy efficiency...

Mekong and Mississippi River Leaders Strengthen Cooperation, Meaningful Exchange

The agencies representing two of the world’s most important rivers have agreed to deepen a bilateral partnership, in which they share their lessons learned...

Representatives from Laos Attend Sydney Energy Forum

Laos has sent representatives from the energy sector to participate in the Sydney Energy Forum, held in Sydney, Australia from 12 to 13 July.  Indo-Pacific...

Savannakhet Authorities Destroy Smuggled Pork

Authorities and in Savannakhet Province have destroyed some 9,000 kilograms of smuggled pork that originated in Vietnam. The pork was smuggled into Laos hidden inside...

United States and Norway Commit USD 9.1 Million in Support for UXO Clearance in Laos

The governments of the United States of America and Norway have committed more than USD 9.1 million to the clearance of unexploded ordnance (UXO)...