Transboundary Water Pollution: Thailand and Myanmar signed a 3-year Terms of Reference to set up a joint working group on water quality for rivers like the Sai and Kok, blamed on unregulated rare earth mining in Myanmar’s Shan State—plans include joint monitoring, data sharing and technical help, but implementation is hard because Myanmar’s government lacks full control in the area. Climate Watch: The UN’s World Meteorological Organization says July 2026 tied with 2024 as the second-warmest July on record, with temperatures 1.47°C above pre-industrial levels and record ocean heat, while extreme heat, heavy rain and cyclones keep emergency teams busy. Floods in Myanmar: Myanmar’s Department of Meteorology and Hydrology issued flood warnings for five townships as river levels continue to rise dangerously, urging residents to relocate. Wildlife & Land Protection: Three forest rangers missing during illegal gold-mining patrols in Thailand’s Thong Pha Phum National Park were found safe after heavy rain and flash flooding stranded them. Conservation Gains: China’s wild Asian elephant population has nearly reached 400, more than doubling since the 1980s, as conservation efforts expand in Yunnan near Myanmar and Laos. Carbon Credits Scrutiny: Civil society groups urged SK Telecom to stop investing in a Myanmar cookstove carbon project, citing human-rights risks and concerns over claimed emission reductions.