A high-rise building in Bangkok collapsed following an earthquake in Myanmar, trapping many migrant workers, primarily from Myanmar. The disaster has resulted in 13 confirmed deaths and 118 missing individuals. The building, part of a project by China Railway 10th Bureau and Italian-Thai, was under construction for Thailand's state audit agency. The incident highlights the precarious conditions faced by migrant workers in Thailand, who often work in risky industries with limited protections. Rescue operations are ongoing, with efforts to find survivors amid the rubble.

Laos' ambitious infrastructure projects, including a high-speed railway and expressway connecting Laos and Vietnam, are stalled due to funding issues amid the country's significant debt burden. The railway, intended to link Vientiane with the Vietnamese seaport of Vung Ang, and the expressway to Hanoi, face financial hurdles as Laos struggles to attract investors. The Lao government, heavily indebted to China, is seeking new partners after Petroleum Trading Lao Public Company withdrew from the railway project. Discussions with South Korea for technical assistance are ongoing, highlighting the potential economic benefits of these projects in reducing logistics costs and enhancing connectivity.

The ASEAN summit in Vientiane faced criticism from international media due to stringent local reporting restrictions, limiting journalists to official venues and preventing street interviews. The Lao government's control over media access and delayed briefings were highlighted, contrasting with prompt updates from other ASEAN member officials. The summit's discussions included regional issues like the South China Sea disputes, with notable input from visiting leaders such as Antony Blinken and Anwar Ibrahim. Laos' low ranking in the World Press Freedom Index underscores the challenges faced by journalists covering the event.