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...

Attapeu to Restore 8,800 Hectares of Forest in 2026 Amid Rising Environmental Pressures

Attapeu has launched an ambitious plan to restore over 8,800 hectares of forest in 2026, aiming to increase forest coverage and address growing environmental...

Lao Authorities Link Cassava Factory Wastewater to Xe Don Fish Deaths

Lao authorities have concluded that wastewater released from a cassava starch factory in Salavanh province caused the recent mass fish deaths along the Xe...

Fish Deaths Spread Along Xe Don in Champasak as Water Tests Raise Concerns

Local communities have reported several fish death cases along the Xe Don River in Champasak, with similar incidents previously recorded upstream in Salavan, raising...

While Exports Flow, Low-income Families Bear the Heat of an Uneven Grid

Additional reporting by Simmavanh Vayouphack When temperatures climbed above 40°C across many parts of Laos this summer, Lao Friends Hospital for Children on the outskirts...

Laos, Thailand Step Up Fight Against Cross-Border Haze

Laos and Thailand are stepping up efforts to tackle cross-border haze pollution, with new focus on forest fires, agricultural burning, and rising PM2.5 levels...

A Mekong Body Partners with Singapore on Climate, Water Security

One of Southeast Asia’s most vital river systems now has a new ally: Singapore, whose water technology and innovation could help the Mekong region...