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...

Bokeo Seafood Inspection Reveals Formalin Use, Crackdown Follows

Authorities discovered the presence of formalin, a hazardous chemical derived from formaldehyde, in frozen seafood during an inspection on 8 April at several markets...

Volcano in the Philippines Sends Ash Miles Into the Air

AFP - A volcano in the central Philippines erupted early morning on 8 April, sending a plume of ash 4,000 meters into the sky...

Bus-Rapid-Transit Road Rushing to be Completed Before Lao New Year

Vientiane is committed to completing the construction of the Setthathirath Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) road just before the Lao New Year, according to Bounyavat...

Unseasonably Cool Start to Laos’ Hot Season Surprises Locals

It’s an unexpectedly cold beginning of the hot season in Laos, with temperatures ranging between 13 and 35 degrees Celsius. Despite the heat that...

Rain Complicates Recovery in Quake-hit Myanmar as Death Toll Rises

AFP - Rain is compounding misery and presenting new hurdles for relief efforts on 6 April in Myanmar, where state media reported the death...

Laos Commemorates Mine Awareness Day, Fights the Legacy of War

Each year on 4 April, the world observes International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, a day dedicated to raising awareness...