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...

Laos Faces ‘Water Scarcity Crisis’ Amidst Climate Change Challenges

Climate change, a pervasive global challenge, has not spared Laos, exacerbating economic difficulties in the country, as highlighted by Sengphasouk Xayavong, Deputy Director of...

Regional Partners Cooperate to Enhance Disaster Monitoring, Response in ASEAN

The Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat and the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) have agreed to deepen their...

Laos Mandates Graphic Health Warnings on Cigarette Packages to Combat Smoking Epidemic

The Lao Ministry of Health has mandated that 75 percent of all cigarette packages must feature graphic health warning images by December this year....

New Vaccination Drive Aims to Protect Lao Children from Measles, Rubella

The Lao Ministry of Health is launching a vaccination campaign against rubella and measles, from 20 to 31 May. The project aims to promote...

Man Arrested in Khammouane Province for Illegal Consumption of Endangered Species

Authorities in Khammouane Province arrested Phaiboon Thammavong on 15 May after he posted a collection of photos on his personal Facebook account depicting the...

Global Plastic Treaty: A Chance to Turn the Tide?

Plastic has revolutionized our lives, offering convenience and durability. However, its ever-growing presence is choking our environment and threatening public health. The United Nations Environment...