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...

Transport Ministry Orders Changes to BRT Design as Project Faces Safety, Funding Challenges

The Ministry of Public Works and Transport has ordered adjustments to the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, shifting from concrete curbs to painted lane...

EDL-Gen Defends Nam Ngum 1 Dam Amid Flood Accusations

Electricité du Laos Generation Public Company (EDL-Gen) has defended operations at the Nam Ngum 1 hydropower plant following public accusations that water releases from...

Laos Launches National Heart Care Program to Strengthen Pediatric Health Services

Laos has introduced a nationwide program aimed at improving the detection and treatment of congenital heart disease among children, marking one of the country’s...

Vientiane Launches Cervical Cancer Vaccination Campaign for 10-Year-Old Girls

The Vientiane Capital Department of Public Health launched a campaign to vaccinate 10-year-old girls against cervical cancer. Health officials noted that cervical cancer and HPV...

Laos Reports 21 UXO Victims Amid Ongoing Clearance Efforts

The unexploded ordnance (UXO) sector in Laos continues to face significant challenges.  In the first 11 months of 2025, Laos saw 11 UXO accidents, resulting...

China to Tax Condoms After Three Decades in Demographic Policy Shift

After three decades of tax-free status, condoms in China will soon be subject to VAT under a new policy aimed at countering the country’s...