Commune Reform Push: Lao Party General Secretary Thongloun Sisoulith urged the country to complete the establishment of 621 communes by 2027, saying the new grassroots units must quickly become fully operational to deliver services, implement Party policies, and strengthen local governance. Railway Logistics Upgrade: Laos-China Railway operator LCRC launched regular baggage and parcel transport on the Lao section by adding a dedicated baggage car to K12, aiming to more than double capacity and improve service for growing demand. Media Modernisation: Laos is preparing for its First National Media Conference, with officials saying the event will update the policy framework and drive digital transformation and higher journalism standards; separate Vietnam-Laos training also focused on AI tools and mobile journalism for Lao media staff. ASEAN Sci-Tech Cooperation: In Vientiane, ASEAN’s science-technology-innovation advisory meeting backed regional work on innovation, space science, and an AI-in-healthcare action plan co-led by Laos and the Philippines. Cybercrime Warning: INTERPOL flagged a sharp rise in cybercrime across Asia-Pacific, with phishing and AI-enabled scams growing fast, urging stronger cooperation and cyber resilience. Scam Crackdowns Regionally: Thailand reported major scam suppression results, including tens of thousands of arrests and asset seizures, and noted many Thai victims were linked to gangs operating from Cambodia and Laos.