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...

Dead Fish in Xe Don River Spark Questions Over Official Investigation

Authorities in Salavanh province have attributed the mass death of fish along the Xe Don River to extreme heat, but the explanation has drawn...

Laos Air Quality Improves as Rain Clears Weeks of Smog

Air quality across Laos has improved significantly following weeks of hazardous smog, with recent rainfall helping to clear the PM2.5 pollution that had gripped...

Laos Launches New Climate Project to Support Vulnerable Communities in Northern Laos

Laos has launched a new climate adaptation project in the north, targeting vulnerable groups including ethnic communities, women, youth, and people with disabilities across...

Laos Air Quality Improves After Crisis, But Pollution Risks Remain

Air quality across Laos has started to ease after two weeks of heavy pollution, but health risks remain following recent forest fires and ongoing...

Thailand Reports Melioidosis Cases in Northeast Regions near Laos

Thailand has recorded 732 melioidosis cases and 23 deaths between 1 January and 16 April, as health authorities continue to monitor the spread of...

Ministry Warns of Dangerous Haze Blanketing Laos

Laos is experiencing a severe air quality crisis, with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment issuing a nationwide alert over hazardous levels of air...