Wildlife & Community Protection: In Cambodia’s Kampong Speu, a community forest in Metta Nature Forest is losing pileated gibbons to suspected poaching, but residents and a monk say they lack rangers or dedicated protection teams, with gunshots sometimes heard near the monastery. Inclusive Health in Laos: Vientiane hosted the Inclusion Champion Awards 2026, spotlighting efforts to make health services accessible without discrimination by gender, age, disability, ethnicity, or status, with awards for HIV/AIDS response, inclusive public health, and community wellness. Buddhist Merit & National Memory: Party and state leaders held an almsgiving ceremony in Vientiane to dedicate merit for late National Assembly President Xaysomphone Phomvihane, linking today’s observance to Lao Buddhist tradition. Education for Disability Inclusion: Laos’ MoES, supported by Australia’s BEQUAL, released Teacher Development Video 29 to help primary teachers spot learning support needs and use classroom strategies for students with disabilities. Cross-border Cooperation: Vietnam and Laos conducted a joint border patrol to inspect markers, clear routes, share security information, and coordinate against smuggling, trafficking, and illegal entry. Regional Ties & People-to-People Links: Bangladesh and Laos agreed to expand trade and start labour recruitment cooperation, plus cultural cooperation and consular steps like easing visa procedures. Culture & Film: A Laos-linked co-production “Rhizome” was selected for Busan’s 2026 Asian Cinema Fund support, highlighting wartime history across Asia. Gambling Crackdown: Laos sent 130 Thai nationals back after a crackdown on online gambling and scam operations in Vientiane, with screening finding no trafficking victims.