Flood Watch: Laos issued heavy-rain warnings for Aug. 18–21, urging people across eight provinces to prepare for flash floods, landslides, and urban flooding as thunderstorms and very heavy rainfall are forecast. Flood Impacts: Prolonged rain has already hit Khammuan and other areas, with thousands of families affected, productive land inundated, and roads/bridges flooded or damaged. Wildlife Crime: Laos seized nearly 1.8 tonnes of suspected ivory and a black panther remains in a Bolikhamxay raid, highlighting ongoing pressure on wildlife trafficking. Mekong Fisheries: Australia-backed FishTech Plus begins across Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam, aiming to reconnect rivers and restore inland fisheries by improving fish passage. Boten SEZ Oversight: Prime Minister Sonexay ordered tighter management of the Boten Special Economic Zone, including land-use review, better oversight, and coordination with EDL for stable power supply. Urban Transport Governance: Vientiane held a dissemination meeting on a draft agreement for parking management and BRT operations under the Vientiane Sustainable Urban Transport Project, seeking safer, clearer rules for a growing city. Tourism Promotion: Laos signed public-private deals to modernize tourism marketing, push digital tools, and promote Lao cultural identity through souvenirs.