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 Braces for Extreme Heat During New Year Celebrations

Laos is on alert for extreme hot weather during the Lao New Year celebrations, with some areas expected to reach 43 degrees Celsius, according...

Laos plans to open its first aquarium in Vientiane

Laos is moving forward with plans to develop its first aquarium, following the signing of an agreement to study the project’s feasibility in Vientiane. The...

Air Pollution, Extreme Heat Raise Health Concerns Across Laos

Laos is facing a double challenge as hazardous air pollution coincides with a period of extreme heat, prompting authorities to issue nationwide health warnings. Air...

Illegal Fuel Factory Shut Down in Vientiane as Sulfur Levels Surpasses Standard

Authorities have dismantled an unlicensed fuel operation in Vientiane Capital after inspectors discovered it was producing fuel from plastic waste and used engine oil,...

Wild Elephant Raids Isan Restaurant Multiple Times in Thailand

A wild elephant in Thailand has repeatedly raided a popular Isan restaurant near Khao Yai National Park, with three incidents reported within less than...

Over 16,000 Fire Hotspots Recorded Nationwide as PM 2.5 Blankets Laos

Laos recorded 16,395 fire hotspots in the first three months of 2026, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE), producing PM 2.5...