Diplomacy in Manila: Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane on the sidelines of ASEAN talks, praising “high level” Russia–Laos ties and regular leader contacts as both sides discussed trade, investment and humanitarian cooperation. Methanol poisoning fallout: Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong pressed Laos for a transparent, serious investigation into the 2024 Vang Vieng methanol deaths of Bianca Jones and Holly Morton-Bowles, saying families “deserve justice” after charges against the distillery owner drew criticism. Human resources push: Laos’ Education and Sports Ministry reviewed a draft resolution on developing high-quality human resources, citing gains in human development and human assets while flagging slow policy rollout, outdated curricula, and gaps in remote-area teacher incentives and skills for a changing labour market. UN crime warning: A UN report says Southeast Asia’s scam economy is expanding fast, with 2025 losses estimated at $88.3–$114.1 billion and criminals using tech and AI to evade enforcement, putting children at growing risk. Climate early action: Save the Children, with EU funding of €4.5 million, is launching a regional effort to help Laos and neighbours turn early warnings into early action against climate-fueled disasters. Gold market cooperation: Hong Kong’s financial services chief visited Lao Bullion Bank and LIPMER after a Laos–Hong Kong MoU to deepen gold market and financial services links. Regional context: A 5.0 quake hit Yunnan, with train delays reported on the China–Laos Railway.