Health & Environment

Health Ministry Finds More Than 180 Illegal Beauty Centers, Orders Nationwide Re-Inspection

The Lao Ministry of Health has ordered a nationwide re-inspection of private medical and beauty facilities after finding 183 beauty centers performing medical procedures without a license. Health Minister Baikham Khattiya disclosed the findings on 7 October at the 2nd Ordinary Session of the 10th National Assembly, where lawmakers questioned...

The Photographer Who Speaks for Laos’ Forests

In the forests of Laos, observation comes before words for Souksamlan “Toun” Laladeth. That idea...

Slope Collapse Hits Workers’ Camp at Pak Beng Hydropower Project in Northern Laos, No Casualties Reported

A section of hillside collapsed beneath a workers’ residential camp at the Pak Beng...

Nam Theun 2 Fund Approves LAK 343 Million for Forest Restoration in Khammouane

The Nam Theun 2 Development Fund approved more than LAK 343 million (USD 15,300)...

African Swine Fever Disrupts Pork Supplies, Beef Prices Rise in Vientiane

The pork shortage is putting pressure on Vientiane’s meat markets as African swine fever...

Xaysomboun Identifies Four Companies Over Unauthorized Gold Mining

Authorities in Xaysomboun Province have identified four companies allegedly involved in unauthorized alluvial gold mining and processing during inspections this year, according to provincial...

African Swine Fever Spreads Across Laos, Leaves Thousands of Pigs Dead or Culled

African swine fever has spread across Laos, with 11,369 pigs dead or culled since the outbreak began in Xayabouly Province in June. The virus has...

Timor-Leste Moves to Join Cluster Munition Ban at Vientiane Conference

Timor-Leste has taken a formal step toward joining the Convention on Cluster Munitions, signing a declaration of accession in Vientiane on 15 September during...

Laos Warns of Lasting Toll at Vientiane Meeting as Cluster Munition Use Rises Worldwide

Laos is hosting the Convention on Cluster Munitions’ Third Review Conference 16 years after it hosted the First Meeting of States Parties in 2010,...

Xayabouly African Swine Fever Outbreak Kills 5,400 Pigs, Poses No Risk to Humans

The African Swine Fever has spread across six districts of Xayabouly Province since the beginning of the outbreak in June, provincial authorities reported. The disease...

Vietnam-Backed Bauxite Project in Laos Moves Toward 2028 Production

A major bauxite project in southern Laos is moving closer to production, with Lao and Vietnamese officials now turning their attention to the environmental...