Health & Environment

Trendy ‘Squishy’ Toys Suspended in Laos Over Chemical Safety Concerns

Laos has ordered the immediate suspension of the import and sale of Squishy toys nationwide after authorities warned that some may contain hazardous chemicals that pose health risks, particularly to children. The Ministry of Industry and Commerce issued the order on 28 July, instructing provincial industry and commerce departments across...

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 Turns to Public-Private Partnership to Tighten Product Quality Controls

Laos has launched a new state-backed company to inspect and certify the quality of...

Luang Prabang Plans to Attract 4 Million Tourists by 2025

The province's five-year tourism plan hopes to attract 4 million tourists by 2025. Currently, at its midway point, Luang Prabang has seen 1.1 million...

Samakkixay District Governor Warns Confiscation of Stray Cows on Roads

The Governor of Samakkixay district in Attapeu province has issued a notice mandating residents to keep their pets and livestock under control or face...

US Environmental Affairs Official to Visit Laos, Thailand, and Indonesia

US Acting Assistant Secretary for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, J.R. Littlejohn will travel to Laos, Thailand, and Indonesia from 19-24 June. In...

Expanding Cyber Scam Hubs Target Southeast Asia’s Vulnerable Workers

Industrial-scale cyber scam hubs are increasing across Southeast Asia, with workers from various countries being tricked into forced labor, and working in “prison-like” conditions. In...

Electric Cooking on Rise in Laos, Bringing Benefits to Air Quality and Climate

Traditional unimproved cooking methods using charcoal and wood biomass lead to household air pollution that impacts human and environmental health, disproportionately affecting women and...

Laos, Australia Partner on River Basin Management

Australia and Laos have been cooperating on water resources management for nearly two decades. Key milestones in recent years include the Sekong Groundwater Management...