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...

Covid Task Force Discontinues Daily Announcements

After two years of daily Covid announcements, the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control has declared the end of its Covid-19 report. Dr. Sisavath...

Rainy Season Begins in Laos

Laos has entered the rainy season after only a brief hot spell, with wet weather ahead for the near future. The Department of Meteorology and...

Investing in Midwives is Crucial for Sustainable Development

As the International Confederation of Midwives celebrates its 100th anniversary, the Regional Director for the United Nations Population Fund for the Asia and Pacific...

Beauty Company Aims to End Forced Haircuts in Thailand

US beauty company Dove, a long-time proponent of body positivity, has launched a campaign to end forced haircuts in Thailand. The campaign aims to...

Japan Donates Clean Water Supply Vehicles to Laos 

Seven provinces in Laos have received trucks for transportation of clean water as part of donations by the Japanese government.  A handover ceremony was held...

Quiet at Laos Border Checkpoints on First Day of Full Reopening

Immigration officials reported a quiet day at international border checkpoints on the first day of Laos' full reopening to tourism. Colonel Saysaming Sivilay, Chief of...