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...

ASEAN Accepts Mutually Recognized Covid-19 Vaccination Certificates

ASEAN Member States have collectively recognized a COVID-19 vaccination certificate to be applied in Southeast Asia. Health Ministers of ASEAN countries endorsed the decision...

Giant Freshwater Stingray Caught in Northern Cambodia

A giant freshwater stingray was captured in the Mekong River last week in Cambodia's northern province of Stung Treng. The 180-kilogram ray was accidentally caught...

Ancient Denisovan Tooth Found in Laos Cave Illuminates Migration History

The discovery of an ancient tooth in a cave in Northern Laos this week is helping scientists understand the migration patterns of early hominins,...

Loca Transforms Taxis Into Electric Cars By 2030

Loca is transforming all taxis into electric cars by 2030 and installing EV charging stations across the country. The number of electric car users in...

Vietnam to Build New Public Park in Vientiane Capital

Vietnam has agreed to support Laos in the construction of a new public park that will be located in Vientiane Capital. The decision to build...

USAID Deepens Partnership with Lao PDR

Isobel Coleman, Deputy Administrator (DA) for Policy and Programming for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), visited Laos on 13-14 May 2022....