Health & Environment

Nam Song Turns Muddy in Vang Vieng Without Rain

The Nam Song River in Vang Vieng District turned muddy on 15 October, raising concerns among residents who noticed the unusual change despite no reported rainfall. The river is normally clear, and the absence of rain has left residents questioning what caused the discoloration. However, the cause has not been...

Health Ministry Finds More Than 180 Illegal Beauty Centers, Orders Nationwide Re-Inspection

The Lao Ministry of Health has ordered a nationwide re-inspection of private medical and...

The Photographer Who Speaks for Laos’ Forests

In the forests of Laos, observation comes before words for Souksamlan “Toun” Laladeth. That idea...

Slope Collapse Hits Workers’ Camp at Pak Beng Hydropower Project in Northern Laos, No Casualties Reported

A section of hillside collapsed beneath a workers’ residential camp at the Pak Beng...

Nam Theun 2 Fund Approves LAK 343 Million for Forest Restoration in Khammouane

The Nam Theun 2 Development Fund approved more than LAK 343 million (USD 15,300)...

Laos Launches New Initiative to Preserve, Enhance Traditional Medicine Production

On 20 January, the Institute of Medicine and Traditional Medicine under the Ministry of Health signed a new agreement with the Chanthabouly District Young...

Laos Faces Severe Blood Shortage as Only Five Provinces Meet Donation Targets

Laos has long been grappling with a blood donation shortage. In 2024, several provincial branches of the Lao Red Cross failed to meet their...

Recent Cold Snap Damages Coffee Plantations in Champasack

On 14 January, the Department of Agriculture and Forestry of Champasack Province reported significant damage to coffee plantations in Pak Song district caused by...

Laos Adopts Satellite Technology to Boost Carbon Credit Potential

Laos is leveraging satellite remote sensing technology to calculate carbon stocks across nine forest areas in the country totaling 170,556 hectares.  The objectives of this...

New Drug Rehabilitation Centre in Vientiane 40 Percent Complete

Construction of a new treatment and rehabilitation centre for individuals with addiction to illegal substances in Phonhong district, Vientiane province, is now 40 percent...

Houaphanh’s Nam Xang River Turns Red Due to Iron Ore Wastewater Discharge

On 12 January, an overflow of wastewater from an iron ore washing reservoir in Viengxay district, Houaphanh Province, turned the Nam Xang River dark...