Parliamentary Diplomacy: Cambodia is urging parliaments worldwide to take a bigger role in safeguarding peace as it prepares to host the 2nd Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (Aug. 26-28), framing the meeting around solidarity, international law, and peaceful conflict resolution. Border Tensions & Civilian Impact: Cambodia continues pressing Thailand over new military bunkers and power-grid expansion in disputed border areas, while ASEAN observers inspected damaged civilian facilities in Preah Vihear’s Techo Morakot—where Cambodia says Thai F-16 strikes, artillery, cluster munitions, and drones hit a health center and school. Health Policy: Cambodia is hosting the 9th Asia-Pacific Parliamentarians’ Forum on Global Health (Aug. 11-13) on universal health coverage amid climate change and AI, with the Health Minister stressing UHC as a social contract and the First Lady distributing Health Equity Fund cards to underprivileged families. Skills & Youth Employment: The government launched a 2026-2030 National Strategy on Startup Development and rolled out TVET 1.5M vocational scholarships and stipends, including 1,150 scholarships at RPITSE across multiple skill tracks. Mine Action Warning: Cambodia’s mine action authority warned that fresh Thai incursions are reintroducing unexploded ordnance hazards in areas previously cleared, threatening years of demining gains. Agritourism Push: Tourism and Agriculture ministries signed an MoU to develop agritourism and ecotourism hubs and link local farms to visitor demand. Security & Governance: A senior US defense official told regional allies to invest more in their own defense, stressing Washington wants “partners, not protectorates,” while also reaffirming continued US engagement in Asia. Trade & Regional Ties: Cambodia and Laos continued high-level parliamentary engagement ahead of Lao National Assembly President Dr. Xaysomphone Phomvihane’s funeral, underscoring traditional special ties.