Health & Environment

Heavy Rainfall Blamed for Rare Earth Reservoir Breach in Houaphanh

Heavy rainfall caused a reservoir used by a rare earth mining company to breach in Houaphanh Province on 2 November, sending more than 1,000 cubic meters of muddy water into nearby waterways, provincial authorities said. Officials inspected the site in Thabpheung village, Xamneua district, on 4 November to assess the...

Laos Turns to Community Support as Young People Face Rising Mental Health Pressures

Mental health challenges often go unnoticed in Laos, where people experiencing anxiety and emotional...

Rare Earth Ponds Burst in Houaphanh, Villages Halt River Use Pending Inspections

Village authorities along the Nam Vaen and Nam Xam rivers have told residents to...

Researchers Find New Yellow-Snouted Venomous Snake in Laos’ Vang Vieng

Researchers have found a new kind of venomous snake living in caves in Vang...

Vientiane’s Shared E-Bikes Return Amid Parking, Licensing Concerns

Red electric bikes bearing the “Laos Shared E-Bike” logo have reappeared across Vientiane, raising...

Young Lao Chess Team Wins 12 Medals from Singapore

Laos continues working to develop chess among younger generations.  A group of young Lao players has returned from Singapore with 12 medals after gaining international...

Laos Moves to Update Electricity Law for Energy Sector Shift

Laos is moving to update its electricity sector as the government prepares to adopt a revised Electricity Law aimed at supporting a greener, more...

Laos Gives Unlicensed Beauty Clinics Until November to Obtain Permits Amid Weak Oversight Concerns

The Ministry of Health has ordered unlicensed medical and beauty facilities across Laos to obtain official permits by 30 November, but the directive has...

Flooding Hits Over 60,000 in Khammouane as Rivers Rise Above Danger Levels

Flooding has affected more than 60,000 people across all 10 districts of Khammouane province as continued heavy rain pushes several rivers  above danger levels,...

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...

Trendy ‘Squishy’ Toys Suspended in Laos Over Chemical Safety Concerns

Laos has ordered the immediate suspension of the import and sale of Squishy toys nationwide after authorities warned that some may contain hazardous chemicals...