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...

On the Frontlines of Crisis: Why Health Workers Need Urgent Protection and Funding

On World Humanitarian Day, 19 August,  Pio Smith, UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency’s Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific,...

Mines Advisory Group Wins 2025 Hilton Humanitarian Prize

On 13 August, Conrad N. Hilton Foundation announced that the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) will receive the 2025 Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize, with...

Vientiane Authorities Report Over 135 Hectares of Illegal Mining

Vientiane authorities have revealed that illegal mining activities across the capital cover over 135 hectares, far exceeding legal limits.  Of eight companies operating in the...

World Elephant Day: Laos’ ‘Land of a Million Elephants’ Now Home to Just 500-1,000

On 12 August, the world marks World Elephant Day, a day to raise awareness about the urgent need to protect these majestic creatures. In...

International Youth Day 2025: Young People Driving Change in Laos

UNFPA - International Youth Day 2025, observed annually on 12 August, is a time to acknowledge the vital role of young people in shaping...

Laos Unleashes Over 130 Million Disease-Reducing Mosquitoes After Global Dengue Surge

On 9 August, Laos officially launched the deployment of the World Mosquito Program (WMP) Wolbachia method, releasing over 130 million Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes to reduce...