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V-GREEN Partners With Local Authorities And Businesses In The Philippines To Advance Large-Scale EV Infrastructure


MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 May 2026 V-GREEN, the global charging infrastructure development company, has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with the Provincial Government of Bataan and Clean Fuel, one of the leading independent fuel companies in the Philippines, to expand EV charging and battery swapping infrastructure in high-traffic areas across the provinces of Bataan and Cavite. These initiatives support V-GREEN’s long-term goal of delivering a more convenient ownership experience for both electric car and electric two-wheeler users, helping accelerate EV adoption in the Philippines.

Representatives of V-GREEN and the Bataan Provincial Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop EV charging and battery-swapping infrastructure in the Philippines.
Representatives of V-GREEN and the Bataan Provincial Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop EV charging and battery-swapping infrastructure in the Philippines.

Under the MOU, V-GREEN and the Provincial Government of Bataan will collaborate on the planning, deployment, and operation of a province-wide EV charging network. This network will cover one city and 11 municipalities, positioning Bataan as a leading model for EV adoption in the Philippines.

Specifically, V-GREEN targets the deployment of 600 charging stations and 1,200 battery swapping stations across Bataan. The company will be responsible for the supply, installation, operation, and maintenance of the charging network, while the Provincial Government of Bataan will facilitate permits, endorse strategic locations, and coordinate with local government units.

In parallel, V-GREEN has also signed an MOU with Clean Fuel to explore the development of EV charging stations at high-traffic fuel stations in Dasmariñas, Cavite.

As one of the leading independent fuel companies in the Philippines, with a network of more than 100 stations across Luzon, Clean Fuel also shares V-GREEN’s vision of promoting greener mobility and enhancing the customer experience. The collaboration will focus on identifying suitable locations and the potential integration of EV infrastructure into Clean Fuel’s existing retail network, making charging more convenient by allowing users to charge at familiar stops along their journeys.

The new agreements lay important groundwork for VinFast’s upcoming launch of electric scooters in the Philippines, ensuring battery swapping infrastructure availability from day one. At the same time, the expanded charging network will continue enhancing convenience for existing VinFast electric car users, contributing to a more comprehensive electric mobility ecosystem in the country.

Representatives of V-GREEN and Clean Fuel signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to expand EV charging infrastructure across key high-traffic areas in the Philippines.
Representatives of V-GREEN and Clean Fuel signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to expand EV charging infrastructure across key high-traffic areas in the Philippines.

Hon. Jose Enrique S. Garcia III, Governor of Bataan, said: “This collaboration reflects our commitment to advancing sustainable mobility in our province. By working with V-GREEN, we are building the foundation for an EV ecosystem that promotes innovation, strengthens environmental responsibility, and prioritizes long-term development.”

Mr. Nguyen Anh Quynh, Global CEO of V-GREEN, said: “Expanding EV infrastructure requires both scale and accessibility. Through our partnerships with government and private sector stakeholders, we are building a charging network that supports real-world usage and makes electric mobility more practical for Filipino drivers.”

V-GREEN was founded by VinFast founder Mr. Pham Nhat Vuong, with the goal of investing in and developing charging infrastructure systems to support VinFast’s global expansion, with the Philippines identified as one of its key markets. By expanding infrastructure at both the national and local levels, V-GREEN continues to reinforce its pioneering role in making EV charging and battery swapping more accessible, widespread, and practical for Filipino consumers.

Hashtag: #V-GREEN

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

ICEX’s Audiovisual From Spain premieres three new short films at Cannes as part of its ‘Where Talent Ignites’ campaign

Films directed by Carla Simón, Turbo (Pau López and Gerardo del Hierro), and Nicolás Méndez connect cinema, fashion, music, animation, and design

CANNES, France, May 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Audiovisual From Spain, the internationalization initiative of ICEX Spain Trade and Investment, premiered three new short films at Cannes as part of the 2026 edition of the Where Talent Ignites campaign.

FLAMENCO
FLAMENCO

 

Presented on May 17 during the Cannes Film Festival, the three films expand the campaign’s international narrative by connecting Spanish audiovisual creation with fashion, music, animation, design, dance and contemporary visual culture.

The films are now available globally at: https://spainwheretalentignites.com

The three productions bring together internationally recognized Spanish talent across multiple creative disciplines:

  • Flamenco, directed by Carla Simón and starring Rocío Molina, revisits flamenco through a contemporary cinematic lens. Produced by Mamma Team, the film also features Niño de Elche, Dolores La Agujeta, Carmela Greco and Ángeles Toledano.
  • La Llama, directed by Turbo (Pau López and Gerardo del Hierro), explores Spanish creativity and design through animation. Produced by White Horse and Apartamento, the film features character design by Jaime Hayon, music by Yerai Cortés and vocals by La Tania.
  • La Tarara, directed by Nicolás Méndez and produced by CANADA, moves through the worlds of fashion and cinematic storytelling, starring Ingrid García-Jonsson, Bárbara Lennie and Lucas Catalán, with special appearances by Rossy de Palma, Eugenia Silva, Milena Smit, Arón Piper and Miguel Bernardeau.

Together, the three films reflect a cross-disciplinary vision of contemporary Spanish creativity and reinforce Spain’s growing international presence across audiovisual and creative industries.

“The international visibility of Spanish audiovisual talent is experiencing an exceptional moment,” said Elisa Carbonell, CEO of ICEX Spain Trade and Investment. “Through initiatives such as Where Talent Ignites, we want to continue strengthening Spain’s global positioning by connecting audiovisual creation with other creative industries and showcasing the diversity, innovation and international potential of Spanish talent.”

The Cannes premiere takes place during a year of strong international momentum for Spanish audiovisual creation, marked by major festival selections, awards recognition and growing global attention toward Spanish filmmakers, creators and production companies.

Following Cannes, the films will continue their international circulation as part of the 2026 Where Talent Ignites campaign and will also be presented during the Spanish Film Showcase in Mexico City, taking place from May 27 to 31 at Cinépolis cinemas, alongside additional international festival and industry screenings throughout the year.

Watch the films:
https://spainwheretalentignites.com

Press materials:
https://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/1CZ5QuzNSEs9k8J41MR1UPZpbkNpsnM08

About Audiovisual From Spain – ICEX
Audiovisual From Spain is the international brand created by ICEX Spain Trade and Investment to promote Spanish audiovisual talent, content and industry capabilities at major global markets, festivals and professional events.

Media Contact
Eva Herrero – MadAvenue
eva@madavenue.es

 

LA LLAMA
LA LLAMA

 

LA TARARA
LA TARARA

 

FLAMENCO FILM FRAME
FLAMENCO FILM FRAME

 

LA LLAMA FILM FRAME
LA LLAMA FILM FRAME

 

LA TARARA FILM FRAME
LA TARARA FILM FRAME

 

 

MEXC Launches AI Strategy, Advancing Its End-to-End AI Trading Ecosystem

VICTORIA, Seychelles, May 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — MEXC, a pioneer in 0-fee digital asset trading, has completed a comprehensive AI product upgrade with the official launch of the industry’s first fully free and open trading agent: AI Strategy. This marks the evolution of MEXC AI from a decision-support tool into an autonomous trading agent capable of understanding user intent and independently executing trades, creating a complete end-to-end trading workflow.

MEXC Launches AI Strategy, Advancing Its End-to-End AI Trading Ecosystem
MEXC Launches AI Strategy, Advancing Its End-to-End AI Trading Ecosystem

In traditional trading, every step, from identifying opportunities to executing trades, requires manual involvement, making the process both time-consuming and highly susceptible to emotional decision-making. MEXC AI Strategy redefines this workflow. Users simply express their ideas, while the AI handles intent analysis, strategy generation, continuous market monitoring, and automated execution. MEXC AI Strategy offers three key highlights:

Generate Complex Strategies with Natural Language

Users no longer need quantitative trading expertise or coding skills. By simply chatting with MEXC AI, they can create personalized trading strategies tailored to their own preferences. The system supports not only common technical indicators, but also complex conditional strategies across multiple platforms and data sources. For example, users can set instructions such as: “Go long when ETH breaks out of a bilateral pattern, with an 8% take-profit target,” or “Go long when Elon Musk posts on X and the token price rises.” The AI can automatically understand the intent and generate the corresponding strategy.

Real-Time Social Media Monitoring to Capture Opportunities Faster

In news-driven markets, information asymmetry often determines profit and loss. MEXC AI Strategy can monitor real-time signals from social platforms such as X, continuously tracking influential figures and market sentiment. Strategies can be triggered within seconds after relevant events occur, helping users seize market opportunities at the earliest possible moment.

24/7 Automated Market Monitoring, Free for Everyone

Powered by integration with leading AI models, MEXC AI Strategy continuously monitors and executes trades around the clock, allowing users to stay active in the market without constantly watching charts. The feature is also fully open and free to use, enabling anyone to access AI-powered automated trading with zero barriers to entry.

For detailed guides and FAQs, please visit MEXC Learn.

With this latest upgrade, the MEXC AI product ecosystem has become even more comprehensive. The platform’s Smart Chart displays AI-powered price predictions, probability-of-rise indicators, and upcoming event alerts directly beneath candlestick charts, transforming market analysis that users previously had to piece together themselves into structured, actionable insights. The AI Consultant provides personalized recommendations based on users’ actual portfolio positions, while AI Strategy converts users’ market views directly into executable strategies and automated orders. Together, the three features cover the complete trading workflow: from discovery to analysis and finally to execution.

Vugar Usi, CEO of MEXC, said:

“Zero-fee trading removed the cost barrier to trading, while MEXC AI is removing an even more critical barrier: execution. While much of the industry focuses AI capabilities on professional infrastructure, MEXC has chosen to start from the real workflows of everyday traders, truly understanding user intent and helping them execute more efficiently. The goal of MEXC AI is to ensure that every opportunity users recognize can actually be captured, delivering on our promise of “Infinite Opportunities.”

In the first quarter of 2026, MEXC AI-related features recorded approximately 140,000 daily active users, while cumulative quarterly active users surpassed 1.04 million, reflecting growing market demand for AI-powered trading assistance tools. Users can now log in through the official MEXC website or app to experience the latest MEXC AI landing page.

About MEXC

MEXC is the world’s fastest-growing cryptocurrency exchange, trusted by more than 40 million users across 170+ markets. Built on a user-first philosophy, MEXC offers industry-leading 0-fee trading and access to over 3,000 digital assets. As the Gateway to Infinite Opportunities, MEXC provides a single platform where users can easily trade cryptocurrencies alongside tokenized assets, including stocks, ETFs, commodities, and precious metals.

MEXC Official Website X TelegramHow to Sign Up on MEXC

 

ICEX’s Audiovisual From Spain premieres three new short films at Cannes as part of its ‘Where Talent Ignites’ campaign

Films directed by Carla Simón, Turbo (Pau López and Gerardo del Hierro), and Nicolás Méndez connect cinema, fashion, music, animation, and design

CANNES, France, May 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Audiovisual From Spain, the internationalization initiative of ICEX Spain Trade and Investment, premiered three new short films at Cannes as part of the 2026 edition of the Where Talent Ignites campaign.

FLAMENCO
FLAMENCO

 

Presented on May 17 during the Cannes Film Festival, the three films expand the campaign’s international narrative by connecting Spanish audiovisual creation with fashion, music, animation, design, dance and contemporary visual culture.

The films are now available globally at: https://spainwheretalentignites.com

The three productions bring together internationally recognized Spanish talent across multiple creative disciplines:

  • Flamenco, directed by Carla Simón and starring Rocío Molina, revisits flamenco through a contemporary cinematic lens. Produced by Mamma Team, the film also features Niño de Elche, Dolores La Agujeta, Carmela Greco and Ángeles Toledano.
  • La Llama, directed by Turbo (Pau López and Gerardo del Hierro), explores Spanish creativity and design through animation. Produced by White Horse and Apartamento, the film features character design by Jaime Hayon, music by Yerai Cortés and vocals by La Tania.
  • La Tarara, directed by Nicolás Méndez and produced by CANADA, moves through the worlds of fashion and cinematic storytelling, starring Ingrid García-Jonsson, Bárbara Lennie and Lucas Catalán, with special appearances by Rossy de Palma, Eugenia Silva, Milena Smit, Arón Piper and Miguel Bernardeau.

Together, the three films reflect a cross-disciplinary vision of contemporary Spanish creativity and reinforce Spain’s growing international presence across audiovisual and creative industries.

“The international visibility of Spanish audiovisual talent is experiencing an exceptional moment,” said Elisa Carbonell, CEO of ICEX Spain Trade and Investment. “Through initiatives such as Where Talent Ignites, we want to continue strengthening Spain’s global positioning by connecting audiovisual creation with other creative industries and showcasing the diversity, innovation and international potential of Spanish talent.”

The Cannes premiere takes place during a year of strong international momentum for Spanish audiovisual creation, marked by major festival selections, awards recognition and growing global attention toward Spanish filmmakers, creators and production companies.

Following Cannes, the films will continue their international circulation as part of the 2026 Where Talent Ignites campaign and will also be presented during the Spanish Film Showcase in Mexico City, taking place from May 27 to 31 at Cinépolis cinemas, alongside additional international festival and industry screenings throughout the year.

Watch the films:
https://spainwheretalentignites.com

Press materials:
https://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/1CZ5QuzNSEs9k8J41MR1UPZpbkNpsnM08

About Audiovisual From Spain – ICEX
Audiovisual From Spain is the international brand created by ICEX Spain Trade and Investment to promote Spanish audiovisual talent, content and industry capabilities at major global markets, festivals and professional events.

Media Contact
Eva Herrero – MadAvenue
eva@madavenue.es

Photo: https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/afs_flamenco-1.jpg
Photo: https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/afs_la_llama-1.jpg
Photo: https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/afs_la_tarara-1.jpg
Photo: https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/afs_flamenco_film_frame-1.jpg
Photo: https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/afs_la_llama_film_frame-1.jpg
Photo: https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/afs_la_tarara_film_frame-1.jpg
Logo:  https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/where_talent_ignites_logo-1.jpg

LA LLAMA
LA LLAMA

 

LA TARARA
LA TARARA

 

FLAMENCO FILM FRAME
FLAMENCO FILM FRAME

 

LA LLAMA FILM FRAME
LA LLAMA FILM FRAME

 

LA TARARA FILM FRAME
LA TARARA FILM FRAME

 

China Automotive Systems Began Volume Shipment of EPS Systems to a Global Automaker in Europe

WUHAN, China, May 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — China Automotive Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CAAS) (“CAAS” or the “Company”), a leading power steering components and systems supplier in China, today announced that the first batch of electric power steering (“EPS”) models for a global automaker’s European division has been shipped from the CAAS’ factory. This EPS steering model will be featured in two new vehicle models in Europe, with more vehicle projects to follow. Annual sales volume is expected to reach approximately 300,000 units.

CAAS’ senior management team and key project members hosted celebration on-site to jointly witness this milestone moment. From project initiation to volume shipment during the past two years, the CAAS team leveraged their strong technical capabilities and meticulous engineering work, earning high recognition from this global automaker. Despite the strict technical and quality requirements, the CAAS team completed a total of 66 DV/PV tests, 65 of which were approved by the customer on the first attempt; the software also underwent 11 major upgrades; along with our state-of-the-art production line powered by eight modern manufacturing technologies, including seamless integration of Manufacturing Execution System (MES) with Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV), computer vision Poka-Yoke, and 100% autonomous robotic inspection.

Mr. Qizhou Wu, Chief Executive Officer of CAAS, commented, “We are proud of entering another major OEM’s supply chain as we make strides in broadening our customer base and geographic reach. We remain laser-focused on pursuing our global mission of ‘providing intelligent chassis system solutions for global automakers’. EPS products are one of our advanced steering products in an expanding product portfolio to meet the diverse needs of both passenger and commercial vehicles on a worldwide scale.”

About China Automotive Systems, Inc.

Based in Hubei Province, the People’s Republic of China, China Automotive Systems, Inc. is a leading supplier of power steering components and systems to the Chinese automotive industry, operating through its sixteen Sino-foreign joint ventures and wholly owned subsidiaries. The Company offers a full range of steering system parts for passenger automobiles and commercial vehicles. The Company currently offers four separate series of power steering with an annual production capacity of over 8 million sets of steering gears, columns and steering hoses. Its customer base is comprised of leading auto manufacturers, such as China FAW Group, Corp., Dongfeng Auto Group Co., Ltd., BYD Auto Company Limited, Beiqi Foton Motor Co., Ltd. and Chery Automobile Co., Ltd. in China, and Stellantis N.V. and Ford Motor Company in North America. For more information, please visit: http://www.caasauto.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains statements that are “forward-looking statements” as defined under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date of this press release. Our actual results may differ materially from the results described in or anticipated by our forward-looking statements due to certain risks and uncertainties. As a result, the Company’s actual results could differ materially from those contained in these forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those described under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 22, 2026, and in documents subsequently filed by the Company from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any of these factors and other factors beyond our control, could have an adverse effect on the overall business environment, cause uncertainties in the regions where we conduct business, cause our business to suffer in ways that we cannot predict, and materially and adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. A prolonged disruption or any further unforeseen delay in our operations of the manufacturing, delivery and assembly process within any of our production facilities could continue to result in delays in the shipment of products to our customers, increased costs and reduced revenue. We expressly disclaim any duty to provide updates to any forward-looking statements made in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For further information, please contact:

Jie Li
Chief Financial Officer
China Automotive Systems, Inc.
jieli@chl.com.cn 

Kevin Theiss
Awaken Advisors
+1-212-510-8922
Kevin@awakenlab.com 

Thai Officers Seize 130 Kilograms of Ivory at Mekong River Bound for Laos

Thai authorities seized over 150 kilograms of ivory and animal remains in Nong Khai during a wildlife smuggling operation bound for Laos. 16 May 2026. (Photo: Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation)

On 16 May, Thai authorities seized over 150 kilograms of ivory and animal remains along the Mekong River in Nong Khai, stopping a cross-border smuggling attempt into Laos’ capital Vientiane.

According to Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, officers found abandoned sacks on the riverside containing 22 pieces of cut ivory weighing 130.9 kilograms and unidentified animal skeletal remains weighing 29 kilograms, all packed and ready for a boat crossing into Laos. 

The police couldn’t identify the suspects. 

The raid was linked to the arrest of a 50-year-old Lao woman on the same day in Loei Province. The evidence, one live monitor lizard alongside two bags each of chopped monitor lizard and suspected wild boar meat, indicates both operations share a single cross-border trafficking network.

Thai authorities promptly shared details of both incidents with Lao counterparts through a joint emergency wildlife communication channel, pushing for both sides to go after the people funding the operation.

The Nong Khai raid is part of a wider problem along the Mekong, according to Thailand’s wildlife conservation authority. Earlier in January 2026, officers in Bueng Kan Province stopped a long-tail boat coming from Laos and found 55 ivory tusks weighing 169 kilograms in plastic bags left on the riverbank. Two local men, aged 18 and 21, were arrested after being paid THB 200 (around USD 5.70) per bag to carry the goods ashore. 

Both now face charges of possessing protected wildlife products and smuggling.

Under Thai law, anyone caught handling ivory without a permit faces up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to THB 1 million (around USD 30,600), or both.

Alliance Laundry Systems to Expand in Laos as Laundromat Demand Grows

A picture of Alliance Laundry Systems' manufacturing and research facility in Chonburi, Thailand. (Photo by ALS)

Alliance Laundry Systems (ALS), a provider of commercial laundry equipment in Asia-Pacific, says Laos is becoming one of its growing markets in the region as more businesses and consumers adopt modern laundromat services.

The company said they have supported numbers of laundromats in Laos since the end of 2025, with most operations currently based in Vientiane. ALS representatives said demand has increased over the past two years as more Lao entrepreneurs explore laundromat businesses modeled after those in neighboring Thailand.

Speaking during a media visit to the company’s manufacturing and research facility in Chonburi, Thailand, Sales Director for Southeast Asia at ALS, Sukree Kirai, said Laos has shown positive growth despite being a smaller market compared to some neighboring countries.

“So, for the last two years I have contributed to start ups in Laos,” he said. “The feedback is good, because a lot of Laos people come from the northeast of Thailand. So, they saw a lot of laundromats there.”

He added that many Lao workers and visitors in Thailand have become familiar with self-service laundromats, making it easier for the business model to expand into Laos.

“The laundromat opened in Laos has never closed. The one that was open like 2-3 years ago is still open. So that’s why we see the opportunity there,” he said.

ALS said it plans to continue promoting its services in Laos, with future interest in expanding beyond Vientiane into cities such as Pakse and Luang Prabang.

Laos Market Still Developing

Senior Sales Director Asia-Pacific at ALS, Eddie Tay, said Laos remains in an early development stage for modern laundromat businesses, but consumer familiarity continues to increase.

“I think Laos is still at a stage where consumers are becoming more familiar with laundromat services,” he said. “We have seen how the business model developed in Thailand, and we believe some of those ideas can also work in Laos.”

Tay said different Southeast Asian countries are adopting laundromat services at different stages, with Thailand currently serving as one of the region’s more established markets.

ALS also sees potential growth from sectors such as hospitality and healthcare as tourism and service industries continue developing across the region. 

Thailand Factory Supports Regional Expansion

The comments came as ALS opened its enhanced manufacturing facility and STAR Lab research center in Chonburi, which serves as a production and export hub for the Asia-Pacific region, including Laos.

Managing Director for Asia-Pacific at Alliance Laundry (Thailand) Co., Ltd, Ben Dobbs, said the facility focuses on commercial-grade equipment designed for long-term operational use.

“For more than 118 years, Alliance Laundry Systems has built our reputation on quality, reliability, and continuous innovation in the commercial laundry industry,” Dobbs said.

“Our Thailand factory demonstrates how we translate these strengths into smart, efficient solutions that address real operational challenges while delivering long-term value and quality for investors and businesses.”

The 27,000-square-meter factory includes manufacturing systems using German-engineered machinery, along with product testing and development facilities under ALS’s STAR Lab.

According to ALS, the facility produces commercial laundry equipment designed to support energy efficiency, reduced water usage, and longer machine lifespans.

Among the products highlighted during the media tour was Stax-X, a stacked washer-dryer system developed for small business owners and compact laundromat operations. The machine is available under several ALS brands, including Speed Queen, Huebsch, IPSO, and Primus.

The company said it continues working with Laos and regional distributors to provide technical support, maintenance services, spare parts access, and business planning support for operators across Southeast Asia.

More About Alliance Laundry

Currently, Alliance Laundry has laundry solutions available under four respected brands, sold and supported by a global network of select distributors. ALS serves approximately 150 countries with a team of more than 4,000 employees. The brands include Speed Queen®️, Huebsch®️, Primus®️ and IPSO®️.

Together, they present a full line of commercial washing machines, dryers, and ironers (with load capacities from 20–400 lb. or 9–180 kg.) and support service. Customers can also experience the superior wash and fabric care of commercial-grade laundry equipment in their home through the legendary Speed Queen®️ washers and dryers.

For more information, visit www.alliancelaundry.com

Officials Link Pig Farm Wastewater to Mass Fish Deaths in Vientiane Province

A picture of the authority from Agriculture and Environment checking and testing water quality at Nam Cheng river. (Photo by Agriculture and Environment News)

Authorities in Vientiane Province have identified untreated wastewater from a pig farm as the primary cause behind the mass fish deaths reported along the Nam Cheng river in Viengkham and Phonhong districts earlier this month.

The incident occurred after heavy storms and rainfall between 7 and 8 May, when residents observed and reported the water turning dark black and muddy, accompanied by a strong foul smell, while large numbers of fish were found dead as well. 

According to findings released by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Inspection on 11 May, officials conducted field inspections together with relevant departments to collect water samples from three locations.

Laboratory analysis found that water quality levels had exceeded national environmental standards. As a result, pH levels reached between 9 to 11, indicating highly alkaline and toxic conditions unsuitable for fish. 

Dissolved oxygen levels also dropped below standards for sustaining fish and other aquatic species.

Officials pointed out the polluted water contained large amounts of waste, which consumed oxygen in the stream as it broke down. This caused the water to smell bad and left fish and other aquatic animals struggling to live. 

Following on-site inspections, officials identified the most likely source of pollution was wastewater discharged from the Zhang Weixing breeding and commercial pig farm project, according to the official Facebook page of the Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Environment.

According to the page, untreated pig waste overflowed from the farm’s final wastewater pond after heavy rainfall and flowed directly into Nam Tao Reservoir before entering the Nam Cheng river.

In response, the Vientiane provincial authorities have temporarily suspended the pig farm’s operations while authorities review its environmental management systems.

Officials also announced additional measures, including expanded water quality monitoring, inspections of businesses operating along the river, environmental risk assessments, and legal investigations into those responsible for the pollution and environmental damage.

Second Major River Pollution Case in Weeks

The Nam Cheng pollution case comes just two weeks after another major fish death incident was reported along the Xe Don River in Salavanh and Champasak provinces.

On 2 May, Lao authorities concluded that wastewater discharged from the Khounmeexay Khongsedone Cassava Starch Factory caused hundreds of fish deaths after untreated wastewater was released directly into the river.

Officials said the pollution significantly reduced oxygen levels in the water, while pH levels reached 11.3, making conditions impossible for fish to survive.

Authorities later suspended the factory’s operations as legal and environmental investigations continued. Residents living near the river were also advised not to consume dead fish or use river water until conditions returned to safe levels.