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...

Vang Vieng to Undergo Major Urban Renewal with ADB Grant

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has provided USD 1.8 million to support an urban renewal project in Vang Vieng, aiming to transform the popular...

New Building at Mahosot Hospital Opens, Marks Laos-China Cooperation Milestone

A ceremony to inaugurate the new building at Mahosot Hospital took place on 12 October, attended by Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone of Laos and...

Canadian Prime Minister Visits MRC, Marking Historic Milestone in Development Cooperation

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada made an official visit to the Mekong River Commission (MRC) headquarters in Vientiane, Laos, on 11 October, becoming...

Breaking the Silence: A New Era for Mental Health Care, Support in Laos

Mental health in Laos has long been overlooked. Due to the limited educational opportunities and resources related to mental health in the country, the...

Laos and South Korea Deepen Agricultural Cooperation in Key Areas

Laos and South Korea have strengthened agricultural cooperation, focusing on modernizing Laos’s farming sector and boosting ties within ASEAN. On 30 October, South Korea’s Minister...

Lao Red Cross Boosts Blood Services: A Lifesaving Leap Forward

The Lao Red Cross-National Blood Transfusion Service (LRC NBTS) project, implemented by the National Blood Transfusion Institute (NBTI) with support from the Swiss Red...