China-Laos Railway Freight Boom: The China-Laos Railway has moved over 90 million tonnes of cargo since it opened in December 2021, including more than 21 million tonnes of cross-border freight, with daily cross-border services peaking at 23 and per-train capacity rising from 2,000 to 2,800 tonnes. National Assembly Leadership: Mrs. Sounthone Xayachack has been appointed Acting President of the Lao National Assembly and Acting President of its Standing Committee, effective August 18, pending formal approval. Vientiane Transport Planning: Vientiane officials held a meeting to roll out a draft agreement for parking management and BRT operations under the Vientiane Sustainable Urban Transport Project, aiming to standardize rules as the city grows. Cross-border Ties: Vientiane welcomed Thailand’s Nong Khai deputy governor to formally invite Lao leadership to Nong Khai’s 2026 Royal Cup Traditional Longboat Racing Festival. Tourism & Culture Push: Sekong Province will represent Laos as “City of Charm” at the China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning, while the Lao Embassy in Hanoi showcased Lao culture and handicrafts at “Colors of ASEAN Culture 2026.” Crime Update: Two suspects linked to a gold shop robbery in Chiang Rai were arrested in Laos after fleeing across the Mekong.