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...

Philippines Halts Search After Over 200 Killed in Typhoon Kalmaegi as Super Typhoon Fung-wong Nears

By Laotian Times and AFP - Rescue work was suspended and preemptive evacuations began Saturday as Typhoon Fung-wong bore down on the Philippines, days...

Laos Launches Emergency Response After First Polio Outbreak in Nearly a Decade

Laos has confirmed its first polio outbreak in almost ten years, with three cases reported in Savannakhet Province, prompting an urgent nationwide vaccination campaign. The...

Maldives Begins ‘Generational Ban’ on Smoking

AFP - The Maldives began implementing a smoking ban Saturday on anyone born after January 2007, becoming the only nation with a generational prohibition...

Laos Explores Eco-Friendly Business Through Waste Management

Urban waste in Laos is increasingly being seen as a source of business and innovation. That was the focus of a seminar held on 30...

Contamination Detected in Popular Thai Herbal Inhaler, Nationwide Recall Issued

On 28 October, Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determined that Hong Thai’s popular Formula 2 herbal inhaler failed safety tests due to contamination,...

Laos Expands Agricultural Exports to China Amid Stronger Bilateral Cooperation

Laos and China have agreed to enhance product quality, technology transfer, and market access for Lao farmers, while pledging to strengthen plant quarantine systems...