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...

Saving Lives while Building Trust: How Laos Assistance is Transforming Medical Care in Laos

When a 3-year-old girl with a skull fracture was rushed to a Lao hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic, there were no other options. The...

Vientiane Residents Demand Action Amid Ongoing Water Shortages

Many households in Vientiane are struggling with water supply issues, including shortages and low water pressure. Residents are growing increasingly frustrated, as water disruptions...

Authorities Detect Harmful Chemicals in Fruits at Houaphanh Market

Authorities in Houaphanh Province discovered hazardous chemical substances in fruits sold at a market in Aed district on 13 March. During an inspection, provincial officials...

Plastic Waste Piles Up in Vientiane, Residents Demand Action

Pictures of plastic waste piling up surfaced on Lao social media in early March, as Vientiane residents voiced their frustration on Facebook over the...

Fortified Rice Project Launched to Help Reduce Malnutrition in Laos

On 6 March, the Government of Laos and the United Nations country representative signed off on a project aiming to strengthen large-scale food fortification...

Samitivej Hospital Expands Pediatric Care with New Children’s Hospital

Bangkok’s Samitivej Hospital has officially opened its newly expanded International Children’s Hospital at the Samitivej Srinakarin location, marking a key milestone in its commitment...