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...

Huge Fire at Chemical Storage Tank in Thailand Kills One and Injures 4

BANGKOK (AP) — At least one person was killed and four others were injured after a huge fire broke out at a chemical storage...

Laos Launches Forest Carbon Credit Initiative to Combat Climate Change

In a move to combat climate change, the Lao government, in partnership with AIDC Green Forest, is launching a forest carbon credit initiative (REDD+)...

Water Supply Factory in Luang Prabang Announces 35-Day Closure, Sparking Residents’ Outcry

As per the initial announcement by the Water Supply State Enterprise Luang Prabang, the Namkhan water factory in Phanom village will undergo a temporary...

Vientiane Capital Grapples with Water Crisis, Residents Demand Action

Many households in Vientiane Capital are currently grappling with water supply-related issues, including outages and low pressure. The problem stems from technical difficulties with...

Midwives: Heroes on Frontlines of Global Climate Crisis 

Statement from UNFPA Executive Director Natalia Kanem Right now, around the world, millions of lives are in the hands of midwives. Whether they are wading...

Sumatran Orangutan Becomes First Wild Animal Seen Using Medicinal Plant to Treat Wound

A Sumatran orangutan has become the first wild animal seen self-medicating with a plant to heal a wound. The male orangutan, named Rakus, had sustained...