Myanmar-ASEAN Diplomacy: Naypyidaw rejected ASEAN’s push for Aung San Suu Kyi’s unconditional release and said a special envoy is unnecessary, while also warning of “countermeasures” against discriminatory treatment. UN Accountability: UN investigators say Myanmar’s military has intensified airstrikes on civilians ahead of elections, using drones and motorised paragliders and “double-tap” attacks that hit schools, hospitals and displacement camps. ICRC Under Fire: A coalition of civil society groups accused the ICRC of letting its Aug 3 meeting with Suu Kyi be used for junta propaganda. Thailand Talks, Water Pollution: Thailand and Myanmar signed a 3-year terms-of-reference for a joint working group to tackle transboundary river pollution tied to rare earth mining in Shan State, but implementation is limited by lack of full control in the area. Refugees and Rohingya Politics: Malaysia’s move to seek Myanmar’s return of 5,000 Rohingya refugees is framed as politically sensitive ahead of elections, with ASEAN’s 5-point plan still the official route. Naypyidaw Legitimacy Moves: Min Aung Hlaing’s Thailand visit coincided with Suu Kyi being allowed to meet an ICRC official, with photos released by Naypyidaw. UK Court Case: Myanmar’s former ambassador to Britain, Kyaw Zwar Minn, went on trial in London over trespass at a diplomatic residence after being sacked for opposing the 2021 coup.