Methanol Poisoning Case in Vang Vieng: Laos says it still can’t determine blame or the cause of death for six foreign tourists who died in 2024 after drinking methanol-tainted alcohol, pointing to families’ refusal to allow autopsies; officials confirm excessive methanol was found in “Tiger Vodka,” while charges have been laid against a distillery owner and hostel staff for selling hazardous products and related offenses, but without homicide or manslaughter charges. Diplomatic and Public Backlash: Australia says it is “deeply frustrated” and has summoned Laos’ ambassador after reports of what it calls lenient charges; travel warnings have been raised, with concerns also tied to lack of transparency in the justice process. Global AI Governance Push: In Shanghai, 29 countries including Laos signed the agreement to establish the World AI Cooperation Organisation (WAICO), with Xi Jinping urging AI development as a “symphony” of international collaboration and pledging training and cooperation support for developing members. Regional Diplomacy: ASEAN foreign ministers’ meetings are underway in Manila, with Laos among member states, as regional energy security and broader dialogue with partners like China, Russia, and the US are on the agenda.