Labour Migration Watch: Laos warns jobseekers not to use unauthorized brokers for South Korea recruitment, stressing the official Employment Permit System and warning of penalties for training centers that share personal data. Trade & Logistics: DHL Express adds a new daily Shanghai–Bangkok freighter link, citing shifting trade flows between China and Indochina and aiming to boost capacity for regional supply chains. Regional Connectivity: China–ASEAN trade rose 18.2% in H1 2026, with intermediate goods up 24.5%, while Guangxi–Vietnam freight now runs daily—electronics and machinery south, tropical fruit north. Cross-Border Compliance: Singapore’s MTI says firms transshipping via Singapore must accurately declare country/region of origin amid a US “Great Transshipment Scam” push using AI enforcement. Agri-Food Supply: Laos and Bangladesh agree to expand trade and initiate labour cooperation, including an MoU to facilitate recruitment of Bangladeshi workers in Laos. Climate Resilience: SEADRIF reports progress expanding disaster risk insurance in Lao PDR, including renewed USD 16m sovereign parametric coverage and fast payouts. Energy & Industry Policy: Thailand tightens data-centre rules to protect the power grid and water resources while adjusting electricity tariffs for large users.