Health & Environment

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 have fallen by 12,000 over the past three years. Across the border in Laos, officials are tracking a similar pattern among young people, though on a smaller scale. Thirteen of Thailand’s 77 provinces now record more...

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...

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...

World Bank Backs Laos in Boosting Education, Health Worker Performance

On 16 January, the World Bank (WB) approved a new project aimed at strengthening the performance of primary education and health workers in Laos...

Former Ban Keun Zoo Reopens as Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre Near Nam Pien Yorlapa

The former Ban Keun Zoo in Vientiane is set to begin a new chapter as a wildlife rehabilitation centre, with operations relocating near the...

Japan Grants USD 18.3 Million for Champasak Hospital Upgrade

Japan has provided grant aid worth JPY 2.865 billion (approximately USD 18.3 million) to support the Project for the Improvement of the Referral Hospital...

Cold Air Mass to Bring Sharp Temperature Drop Across Laos

Laos will experience colder weather across all regions from 8 to 11 January as a strengthened cold air mass from China moves south, bringing...

Laos Finalizes Tiger Recovery Plan After Over a Decade Without Wild Tigers

Lao authorities have completed a National Tiger Recovery Action Plan for 2026–2035, acknowledging that habitat degradation, widespread snaring, and declining prey populations continue to...

Vietnam Introduces Strict Ban on E-Cigarettes, Heated Tobacco Products

Vietnam has imposed strict fines and mandated the destruction of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products under a new government decree as part of its...