Climate & Water Security: Scientists warn a supercharged El Niño is likely to bring record heat, drought, and then heavy storms across East Asia, raising risks for farmers, fishermen, and already-stressed services. Regional Energy: An IEA report says the Iran war is a “wake-up call” for Southeast Asia’s energy security, with calls to diversify supply routes and sources as import bills could surge. Cross-border Cooperation (Laos–China): Laos and China signed agreements for seven Mekong-Lancang Special Fund projects worth US$3.31 million, spanning HR development, agriculture, water, public health, and poverty reduction. Education & Skills: China will provide 3,000 scholarships and training opportunities for Lao students and officials under the “Thousand and Ten Thousand Program,” aiming to expand digital and AI-ready capacity. Media Policy Prep: Laos’ Party media commission held a seminar ahead of the first National Media Conference, reviewing progress and drafting updated guidance through 2030. Diplomacy & Security: Russia is set to host ASEAN leaders in Kazan (June 17–18), with energy security expected to feature prominently. Environment (Thailand–Mekong basin): Northern Thai residents staged a “peace walk” over polluted rivers, citing heavy metals linked to upstream mining. Energy Supplies (Thailand–Laos): Thailand will keep its refined oil export ban in place, with limited shipments to Laos continuing amid Strait of Hormuz volatility. Laos–Russia Nuclear: Russia and Laos signed an agreement on peaceful nuclear energy cooperation, paving the way for feasibility work toward a Russian-designed plant.