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...

Lao Red Cross Struggles to Meet Blood Demand Amidst Rising Road Accident Cases

The National Blood Transfusion Center, operated by the Lao Red Cross, is facing challenges in meeting hospitals' demand for blood due to an increasing...

Mekong Day Celebrations Emphasize Cooperation, Conservation Efforts

Representatives from Mekong Basin nations, along with development partners, convened at the Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat to mark the 29th Mekong Day, focusing...

Mekong River Waters Deemed Safe After Swift Response to Sulfuric Acid Spill in Laos

The waters of the Mekong River are now safe after a recent spill of sulfuric acid in Laos has prompted concern along the border...

Southeast Asian Countries Consider Ways to Boost ‘Green Financing’ as Region Chokes on Smog

LUANG PRABANG, Laos (AP) — Senior finance and central bank officials from Southeast Asia and major economies met Thursday, 4 April in the scenic...

Laos Faces Uphill Battle Against Wildlife Hunting, Expert Urges Action

Wildlife hunting remains a significant challenge in Laos, despite ongoing efforts by the Lao government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). According to a wildlife expert, who...

Asian Development Bank Greenlights Funding for Enhanced Healthcare in Lao Border Provinces

In a bid to enhance access to quality healthcare services in Laos border provinces, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a financing package...