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...

Southeast Asia Unites to Combat Climate Change-Induced Water Scarcity

Climate change, the long-term shifts in temperature and weather patterns has left the Southeast Asia region especially vulnerable, where the issue has often escalated...

Xesap Area Named National Park to Boost Conservation

A new decree has upgraded the Xesap protected area in Salavanh and Sekong provinces to national park status. This change aims to protect the...

USAID Pledges USD 15 Million to Aid Persons with Disabilities in Laos

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is set to provide Laos with up to USD 15 million to improve the lives of...

EU, ASEAN Team Up in Education to Address Global Challenges

In a landmark discussion hosted by the European Union (EU), ASEAN, and leading scholars from both regions convened to enhance cooperation in education and...

Vientiane Steps Up Efforts to Protect Phou Phanang Conservation Area

Vientiane authorities are intensifying efforts to re-designate the Phou Phanang National Conservation Area to improve its management and prevent land encroachment. The Vientiane Department of...

Vientiane Capital to Tackle Persistent Flooding Issues

In response to the persistent flooding in Vientiane Capital during the yearly rainy season, local authorities have begun to implement comprehensive measures to mitigate...