APEC & AI Cooperation: APEC’s Digital Week in Chengdu spotlighted cross-border AI development, with the SEA-LION open-source model family powering an ASEAN learning chatbot that can answer learners across languages. Digital Infrastructure: China Mobile’s SEA-H2X subsea cable is now in commercial operation, linking Hainan, Songkhla (Thailand), and Hong Kong to boost intra-Asia bandwidth for AI workloads. Thailand Tech Policy: Thailand unveiled its first national Big Data strategy aimed at closing eight structural gaps to build a data-driven economy, while also tightening investment standards for AI data centres. Industry & Trade: Thailand’s industrial output slipped 3.1% in June, while Thailand seeks to conclude an EU trade deal and recalibrates ties with Beijing. Agri & Food Security: El Niño is expected to disrupt Asian agriculture and raise inflation risks, with rice production and prices in the region under pressure. Sustainability & Health: Thailand researchers found bat-linked viruses in commercial fertilizer made from bat guano, urging stronger safety precautions across the supply chain. Business & Media: Bangkok International Content Market 2026 debuted with over THB2.2bn ($65m) in deal value from structured matchmaking and co-production talks.