Methanol deaths probe: Laos says it still can’t determine who is responsible for the deaths of six foreign tourists in Vang Vieng (Nov 2024), pointing to the lack of autopsies and “insufficient evidence,” even as investigators report excessive methanol in “Tiger” vodka and charges have been filed against a distillery owner for harmful products and illegal business. Vientiane police update: A Vientiane Province Public Security press conference named the victims (US, UK, Danish, and two Australians) and outlined the investigation steps taken at the hospital and hostel, but stopped short of homicide-related accountability. Legal fallout: Australia has summoned Laos’ ambassador and expressed deep frustration over what it calls inadequate charges, while families say they feel left in the dark. Cultural policy push: Laos launched a Lao Cultural Values Promotion Association to preserve heritage and turn culture into “soft power” and a “cultural economy,” with cooperation plans including UNESCO. Women’s Union anniversary: Laos marked the 71st anniversary of the Lao Women’s Union, highlighting women’s roles in politics, culture, and national defense. Japan scholarships: Japan approved a JDS Programme 2026 grant (about US$2.3m) for 21 Lao officials to study in Japan. Border cooperation: Bolikhamxay and Thailand’s Bueng Kan reaffirmed plans to keep the Laos–Thailand frontier peaceful and expand trade and people-to-people links. International diplomacy: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to attend ASEAN foreign ministers’ meetings in Manila (July 19–23). AI governance: China’s WAIC in Shanghai spotlighted the new World AI Cooperation Organization, with Laos listed among founding members. Tourism and culture ties: Vietnam screened “Red Rain” in Vientiane to mark the 49th anniversary of the Vietnam–Laos Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation.