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 Countries Agree to Mutually Recognize Covid Vaccination Certificates

ASEAN countries have agreed to mutually recognize Covid-19 vaccination certificates to facilitate seamless and safe cross-border travel, says the Health Ministry. Malaysia's Deputy Health Minister...

A Splash of Good News for Mekong River Communities

After four years of low flows and drought, there is finally a glimmer of good news for the communities that rely on the Mekong...

Police Warn of Fire Risk as Residents Store Fuels

Residents of Vientiane Capital have been warned against stockpiling petrol in order to illegally trade with unsafe containers, which could result in a fire. Lieutenant...

Laos Sees Over 2,000 Visitors After Full Reopening

Laos has recorded more than 2,000 arrivals at land borders and Wattay International Airport following the country's 9 May reopening. Dr. Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune, Deputy Prime...

Students in Laos See a Difficult Future in the “New Normal”

With the government’s recent decree reopening the country, many in Laos are hoping to pick up where they left off before the pandemic abruptly...

USAID Gives USD 5.6 Million to Address Impact of Covid on Education and Economic Growth in Laos

Isobel Coleman, Deputy Administrator (DA) for Policy and Programming for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has announced USD 5.6 million in...