Methanol Poisoning Fallout in Laos: Laos authorities have charged a distillery owner over the deaths of six foreign tourists, but families and Australia say the punishments are too light and that the investigation was mishandled; officials also pointed to a lack of autopsies as a reason they couldn’t prove the cause. Public Security Crackdown: A Vientiane Capital raid dismantled a major online gambling and telecom fraud network, arresting 589 suspects and seizing thousands of computers and phones, with investigations continuing to identify masterminds. FAO Agriculture Plan for Laos: The FAO and Laos launched a 2027–2031 Country Programming Framework to guide agriculture, rural development and climate-resilient food systems as Laos prepares to graduate from LDC status in November 2026. Russia–Laos Diplomacy: Russian FM Sergey Lavrov met Laos’ deputy PM and foreign minister on the sidelines of ASEAN meetings in Manila, praising regular bilateral contacts and discussing trade, investment and humanitarian cooperation. Regional Crime Warning: A UN report estimates Asia-Pacific scam losses at up to $114.1 billion in 2025, highlighting how networks in Laos and neighboring countries are adapting with AI and global recruitment. Luang Prabang Hydropower Progress: The Luang Prabang Mekong Hydropower Project has reached about 72% completion, aiming to strengthen regional energy security.