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...

Laos Mask Mandate Still Unclear

Despite fully reopening to tourists in May, Laos has yet to fine-tune its mask mandate. The unchanged official stance on masks could be unwittingly...

Families in Laos Face New Economic Challenges as Impact of Covid-19 Recedes

While the negative impacts of Covid-19 appear to be receding, households in Laos are facing new economic challenges, according to the World Bank. Results from...

Seeing the Unseen: The Crisis of Unintended Pregnancy

Op-ed in line with the launch of UNFPA’s State of World Population Report 2022.  Mother and daughter, Liza and Agnes, who live in the small...

Laos Records Over 6,000 Cases of Dengue Fever in First Half of 2022

Laos has recorded more than 6,000 cases of dengue fever in the first half of 2022, with eight deaths attributed to the virus. Monday's data from the Center for...

Happy Balloons Popular as Party Drug in Laos

Nitrous oxide balloons have emerged as a popular new party drug at entertainment venues in Laos. During a recent National Assembly Session, the new Deputy...

MRC: Maximize Advantages and Minimize Impact of Hydropower Projects

The Mekong River Commission (MRC) has urged the six countries along the Mekong River to maximize the advantages of hydropower projects while minimizing their...