On 24 June 2026, Mrs. Eksiri Pintaruchi, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, in her capacity as Co-Chair of the Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) under the Thailand - Laos Joint Boundary Committee (JBC) (Thai Side), co-chaired the inauguration ceremony of Special Boundary Pillar No. 3-18, commemorating the 75th Anniversary of Thailand - Laos Diplomatic Relations, with H.E. Mr. Anoupab Vongnorkeo, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao PDR and Co-Chair of the SOM under the Thailand - Laos JBC (Lao Side), at the Huai Kon - Namngeun Border Checkpoint, located between Nan Province, Thailand and Sayabouly Province, Lao PDR. The ceremony was attended by representatives from the relevant agencies and local communities from both countries.

Following the signing of the Agreement on Mutual Boundary Survey and Demarcation between Thailand and Laos in 1996 and the subsequent establishment of the JBC as the primary mechanism for boundary affairs, both sides have completed the land boundary survey and demarcation of 677.50 kilometres, with 211 boundary pillars constructed. Originally constructed in 2003 and officially recognized by the JBC in 2007, Boundary Pillar No. 3-18 stands as one of the accomplishments of the Joint Survey Team under the Thailand - Laos JBC. Both sides have agreed to designate it as a Special Boundary Pillar to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of Thailand - Laos Diplomatic Relations — a landmark occasion that reflects the enduring and close relationship between the two countries.

The ceremony serves as a symbol of close cooperation and good-neighbourliness between Thailand and the Lao PDR, particularly in the area of boundary and border management, and underscores the Ministry's proactive role in advancing boundary survey and demarcation efforts with neighbouring countries, based on international law and geographical expertise. Such endeavors contribute to strengthening border security, promoting border area development and enhancing the sustainable well-being of local communities on both sides.