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...

Authorities in Xaysomboun Arrest Three in Illegal Gold Mining Crackdown

Authorities in Xaysomboun have arrested three people and seized heavy equipment during a targeted operation against illegal gold mining in Anouvong district. Provincial authorities and...

Rescuers Pull First Survivor Alive From Flooded Cave in Laos

One of the villagers trapped for more than a week inside a flooded cave in Xaysomboun province was brought out alive on Thursday evening,...

Five Alive, Two Still Trapped in Xaysomboun Cave

Rescuers confirmed on Wednesday that five villagers were found alive inside a flooded mine cave in Long Chaeng district, Xaysomboun province, after a week-long...

Savannakhet Launches Operation Against Illegal Gold Mining, Logging

Savannakhet provincial authorities have dismantled illegal gold mining and logging operations across Phin and Sepon districts, seizing over 47,000 cubic meters of wood and...

Laos Celebrates Coffee and Tea Heritage at ICTD 2026

Laos celebrated its coffee and tea heritage on, marking the opening of the International Coffee & Tea Day 2026 (ICTD 2026) in Vientiane.  The celebration...

Seven Villagers Remain Trapped in Xaysomboun Cave Amid Alleged Illegal Gold Mining

Seven villagers remain trapped inside a remote cave in Xaysomboun province, six days after entering the site, as Lao authorities and international rescue teams...