Laos Gambling Crackdown: Laos has handed 130 Thai nationals back to Thailand after a crackdown on online gambling and scam operations in Vientiane, with officials saying initial checks found no trafficking victims or people forced into the work; the group will face Thai legal action. Regional Film & Culture: Busan’s Asian Cinema Fund picked three international co-productions for 2026 support, including projects led by directors Jakrawal Nilthamrong (with Laos among minority roles) and others, highlighting cross-border creative ties. Disaster Risk Insurance: SEADRIF says it is expanding disaster risk insurance across Southeast Asia, including renewed USD 16 million sovereign parametric coverage for Laos and faster payouts after disasters. Digital Week in Vientiane: Laos Digital Week 2026 is set for Oct 21–25 in Vientiane, with forums on e-government, AI, cloud, blockchain and digital workforce training. Border Security: Vietnam and Laos carried out a joint patrol along the shared border to inspect markers, clear routes and coordinate action against smuggling, trafficking and illegal entry. War Remains Recovery: Laos is included in a wider regional effort to recover and identify martyrs’ remains, with Laos reported among the recovered sets so far.