Myanmar-ASEAN Diplomacy: Myanmar’s ex-junta chief Min Aung Hlaing arrived in Bangkok for his first Thailand visit as civilian president, seeking re-engagement as Thailand pursues “calibrated re-engagement” with ASEAN; rights groups condemned the red-carpet welcome as “false legitimacy.” Cross-Border Public Health: Laos and Thailand held a joint public health emergency drill in Champasak to test disease surveillance, coordination and outbreak response across border provinces. Flood Risk in Laos: Prolonged heavy rains have triggered flooding and landslide warnings, with Khammuan province already affected; authorities urged round-the-clock monitoring and evacuation readiness. Mekong Hydropower Watch: Satellite imagery indicates construction is underway on Laos’ Pak Beng Mekong dam, reinforcing Vientiane’s push to sell electricity as the “Battery of Southeast Asia.” Digital Laos: Laos is accelerating transport digitalization with an integrated vehicle and transport management system, while also rolling out pandemic preparedness through the ALERT-LAO project. Regional Security & Crime: Thai police say two armed robbers fled to Laos after a Chiang Rai gold shop heist worth about 13 million baht; Laos-linked suspects are among those sought.