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...

Thailand Classifies Cannabis Flowers as Controlled Substance for Medical Use Only

On 24 June, the Thai Ministry of Public Health officially announced a new regulation that classifies cannabis flowers as a controlled herbal substance, aiming...

Local Authorities Tighten Grip on Gold Mining in Houaphanh Province

Local authorities in Houaphanh’s Xiengkhor district have issued an official order permanently banning the issuance of gold ore mining permits in all forms. The...

Laos, South Korea Launch Medical University Project in Vientiane

Laos is establishing the first infrastructure for the University of Health Sciences (UHS) in Vientiane Capital, aiming to advance the medical sector through human...

Toxic Thailand Rivers Pinned on Myanmar Mines

By Chayanit Itthipongmaetee and Sally Jensen/AFP - A sprawling new mine is gouged into the lush rolling hills of northeast Myanmar, where civil war...

Indonesia Province Pushes Vasectomies to Curb Poverty Amid Regional Population Shift

Late April, Indonesia’s West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi announced a birth control initiative encouraging men from low-income households to undergo vasectomies in a move...

Laos Celebrates International Day of the Midwife with Renewed Commitment to Maternal Health

On 18 June, Laos joined the global community in celebrating the International Day of the Midwife, honoring the vital role midwives play in safeguarding...