Health & Environment

Trendy ‘Squishy’ Toys Suspended in Laos Over Chemical Safety Concerns

Laos has ordered the immediate suspension of the import and sale of Squishy toys nationwide after authorities warned that some may contain hazardous chemicals that pose health risks, particularly to children. The Ministry of Industry and Commerce issued the order on 28 July, instructing provincial industry and commerce departments across...

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...

Laos Turns to Public-Private Partnership to Tighten Product Quality Controls

Laos has launched a new state-backed company to inspect and certify the quality of...

Mother and Children Hospital Equipped to Handle Difficult Pregnancies by 2018

Expectant mothers who experience a 'difficult pregnancy' will no longer have to seek medical facilities across the border into neighboring countries anymore. A 'difficult pregnancy'...

Prime Minister Urges Unity to Tackle Illegal Drug Trade

Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith has implored for Lao citizens to unite in an effort to join the global fight against the illegal drug trade. Monday,...

16 Human Trafficking Cases Reported in 5 Months

Despite the spotlight that has illuminated the dark world of human trafficking the past decade, the crime of bartering people against their will is...

Vaccinations Mandatory by Law in 2018

Under the government’s policy to provide effective health services, children and expectant mothers will soon be required to be vaccinated by law. Parents and...

Seatbelts Now Compulsory on Vientiane Roads

While regulations on seatbelt use have existed since 2013, the law has rarely been enforced. Recently, however, Vientiane residents have begun receiving fines from...

The Paris Climate Agreement and How it Affects Laos

Before June 1st, the average citizen in any given country was probably unaware of the Climate Change Conference that took place in Paris in...