Cambodian Labour Shock: Thailand’s economy is feeling the aftershocks of a Cambodian worker exodus after last year’s border conflict, exposing how hard it is to rebuild migrant labour fast enough for agriculture, construction, manufacturing, tourism and services. Trade Compliance Crackdown: The US alleges a “Great Transshipment Scam” where Chinese exporters route goods through third countries to dodge tariffs; Singapore’s MTI says firms must accurately declare origin and comply with local rules. Origin Rules Tighten Across the Region: Laos is also warning workers against unauthorized South Korea job brokers, as recruitment should run through the official Employment Permit System. Rare Earth Risk for Laos: China’s Mengkang rare earth venture in Laos has been suspended after regulatory shifts, highlighting how policy changes can quickly stall extractives. Lao-Linked Connectivity: China-ASEAN trade rose 18.2% in H1 2026, with more intermediate-goods flows; freight trains between Guangxi and Vietnam now run daily, supporting regional supply chains. Logistics Push: DHL Express added a new daily Shanghai–Bangkok freighter flight to strengthen China–Indochina trade lanes. Disaster Insurance for Laos: SEADRIF reported progress expanding disaster risk insurance, including renewed sovereign parametric coverage for Laos. Food Franchises Enter Laos: Korean brands keep rolling in, with Ediya Coffee and Paris Baguette opening in Vientiane’s KokKok Mega Mall.