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 Crack Down on Illegal Forest Activity in Oudomxay

In Oudomxay Province, a report has emerged indicating that 674 cases of forest encroachment, forest destruction, and forest fires were recorded in 2024.  Across the...

Ministry of Health pilots text message vaccine reminders for childhood immunizations

On 30 January, the Ministry of Health celebrated the start of a 12-month pilot that will see text message (SMS) reminders sent to parents...

Laos Steps Up Efforts to Eliminate Schistosomiasis by 2030

The Lao Ministry of Health is ramping up efforts to wipe out schistosomiasis, a water-borne parasite that affects thousands of people living in riverside...

Laos, UNFPA Discuss Milestones in Country Program Meeting

On 28 January, the Lao government and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) held an annual review and planning meeting, sharing progress in the...

MRC Secretariat Welcomes New Leadership

Busadee Santipitaks has officially taken on her role as the first female and fourth Riparian Chief Executive Officer of the Mekong River Commission (MRC)...

More Than 250 Bangkok Schools Close Over Air Pollution

Bangkok, Thailand AFP - More than 250 schools in Bangkok were closed on 23 January due to pollution, authorities said, as officials urged people to...