Cross-border crime crackdown: A U.S.-led operation shut down scam networks across Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar, taking down over 1 million online accounts and freezing millions in crypto; 63 people were arrested, with assets held for forfeiture proceedings. Regional trade & rail: China-Laos Railway freight kept climbing in Jan–May 2026, reaching 15,506 cross-border trips (+12.6% y/y), with Laos-linked volumes topping 10 million tons this year. Japan–Laos investment push: Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone urged bigger Japanese investment in clean agriculture, manufacturing, renewables, infrastructure and logistics during talks in Tokyo. Cybercrime warning: A report flags Laos as part of a wider transnational cybercrime ecosystem in Southeast Asia, urging stronger cybersecurity and public protection. Diplomacy & media ties: Cambodia and Laos agreed to strengthen information-sector cooperation, including media capacity building and steps against fake news. High-level Laos–Myanmar engagement: Lao Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane met Myanmar’s President U Min Aung Hlaing, discussing ways to deepen Myanmar–ASEAN relations. Public service note: Laos sent condolences to the Philippines after a deadly earthquake and to Thailand over the death of Princess Bajrakitiyabha.