Anti-Trafficking Push: Laos marked World Day Against Trafficking in Persons with a ceremony calling to “Eradicate and Eliminate Transnational Human Trafficking Networks,” highlighting forced marriage, online sexual exploitation, prostitution, surrogacy and labor abuse, and pointing to the 2026–2030 action plan. Child Protection Deal: The Laos Ministry of Education and Sports signed a five-year cooperation with Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City education institute to roll out ERA Kids, aiming to strengthen early sex education and prevention of sexual abuse for ages 3–5. Human Resources Draft Review: The Central Party Theoretical Council reviewed a draft resolution on developing high-quality human resources, citing gaps in skills, digital literacy, foreign language ability, and creativity. World Horticulture Expo Prep: Laos launched preparations for the 2026 World Horticulture Expo in Thailand and the 2027 event in Japan, setting up subcommittees and timelines. Cybercrime Crackdowns: Police detained 1,044 suspects linked to online scams, illegal gambling and telecom fraud in July, including a major Vientiane raid and operations in Boten and Champasak. Farmland Compliance Checks: Laos-related enforcement news from abroad shows how farmland violations are being screened at scale, with large areas flagged for deeper field investigations. Diplomatic Ties: Laos and El Salvador established diplomatic relations, expanding Laos’ network to 154 countries.