On May 30, 2024, Maris Sangiampongsa, Thailand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, paid an official visit to Laos PDR at the invitation of Saleumxay Kommasith, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao PDR. The visit of the Thai Foreign Minister marked the further strengthening of ties and bilateral relations between Thailand and Laos. Both the leaders held a bilateral meeting and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the friendship and the Strategic Partnership for Growth and Sustainable Development between Thailand and the Lao PDR.
Thailand established diplomatic relations with Laos in 1950. Thus, 2025 will mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between countries. During the recent visit of the Thai Foreign Minister of Laos, both countries highly valued the longstanding relations and cooperation between the two countries which have been enhanced with regular exchange of visits by senior leaders of the two countries, and Lao-Thai cooperation mechanisms at central and local levels.
Regarding connectivity, both countries expressed satisfaction with the progress of numerous ongoing projects. They welcomed the signing of a financial assistance agreement between Thailand’s Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA) and the Lao PDR Ministry of Finance for the improvement of National Road No. 12 (R12) across Khammouane Province, from Thakhek at the Thai-Lao border to Napao at the Lao-Vietnam border, which occurred the same day. The construction is set to begin this year, enhancing transport connectivity between Thailand, Lao PDR, and Vietnam. Both Foreign Ministers also looked forward to the start of cross-border rail service from Nong Khai Province in Thailand to the newly constructed Vientiane (Khamsavath) station in the heart of Vientiane, officially opened by Prime Ministers of both countries in October 2023. The two Foreign Ministers also explored the potential role of the private sector in developing the transportation system between the two countries, including dry ports and distribution centers at the Thai-Lao borders and along key transportation routes, which will attract investment and stimulate local economic growth in Lao PDR. In terms of tourism cooperation, both parties committed to closely collaborating to support Visit Laos Year 2024 and Thailand’s “Six Countries, One Destination” initiative to promote the region as a single tourism destination. On the issue of transboundary haze pollution, the Thai Foreign Minister reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to continue working closely with Lao PDR to develop the capacity of relevant agencies for forest fire control and share best practices to reduce agricultural burning. Regarding development cooperation, Thailand pledged to support UNODC’s Alternative Development (AD) project by constructing a learning and training center on coffee cultivation as an alternative to opium in Hua Phan Province of Lao PDR, aiming to create jobs and improve the quality of life for the local population.
The two Foreign Ministers also discussed the implementation of the outcomes of their leaders’ discussion which took place when Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisi paid a visit to the Lao PDR in October 2023 at the invitation of Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister of the Lao PDR. Both sides then reaffirmed their commitment to working closely to advance their bilateral cooperation in all dimensions, to establish regular exchange of high-level visits between the two countries, and to strengthen cooperation in security, economic, development, and people aspects. On economic cooperation, both sides agreed to strive to achieve the bilateral trade target of 11 billion US dollars by 2025 through various measures, such as better trade facilitation, expansion of cross-border networks of SMEs, and promotion of economic activities between border provinces of both countries. Both sides agreed to expedite the process to start the construction of a new railway bridge over Mekong River at Nong Khai – Vientiane border crossing as early as possible by 2026 to support the cross-border rail freight growth between Thailand – Laos – China.
The Thai Prime Minister had also expressed his confidence and full support for the Lao PDR’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024. Thailand and Lao PDR will cooperate closely to strengthen ASEAN unity and cohesiveness, and maintain ASEAN’s central role in maintaining regional peace, stability and development amidst international uncertainties.
