On 1–2 October 2026, H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, paid an official visit to the Lao PDR and co-chaired the 23^rd Meeting of the Joint Commission (JC) on Bilateral Cooperation between Thailand and Lao PDR with H.E. Mr. Thongsavan Phomvihane, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao PDR.

This 23^rd JC between Thailand and Lao PDR was the first one in five years, in which the two sides agreed to further advance bilateral cooperation in the following three areas;

(1) Political and Security: The two sides agreed to maintain regular exchanges of high-level visits and advance bilateral mechanisms, strengthen security and safety along the border, particularly at the provincial level, as well as enhance cooperation in addressing transnational security threats such as drug trafficking and online scams. In addition, both sides agreed to expedite the implementation of outcomes under the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) including the joint survey and demarcation of the boundary.

(2) Economic and Connectivity: The two sides agreed to increase trade and transport facilitation in order to achieve the bilateral trade volume of USD 11 billion by 2027, accelerate the integration of Thailand’s connectivity with Lao PDR both in terms of infrastructure and facilitation of regulation in order to increase the transport of passengers and goods from Thailand to Lao PDR and the wider region. Both sides also reaffirmed their partnership on energy security, including through cooperation under the ASEAN Power Grid, in response to growing global energy uncertainties.

(3) Social and Development: Thailand reiterated its support for the Lao PDR’s smooth graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in November 2026.  The two sides agreed to further deepen cooperation to enhance the well-being of their people and foster closer people-to-people ties through key initiatives, including through the 3rd Thailand - Lao PDR Development Cooperation Programme (2026 – 2029) of TICA, as well as collaboration in education, healthcare and tourism. Both sides also agreed to enhance cooperation in addressing environmental challenges, particularly transboundary haze (PM2.5) and water management.

On this occasion, the Deputy Prime Ministers and Ministers of Foreign Affairs of both sides witnessed the signing and exchange of the following documents;

1. Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of Friendship Cities between Nan Province and Luang Prabang Province.

2. Exchange of work plans for the construction of boundary pillars between Thailand and Lao PDR, and for the survey and demarcation of the boundary along the Hueang River, between the Department of Treaties and Legal Affairs of Thailand, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, and the Office of the National Boundary Committee, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Lao PDR.

3.Announcement of the Financial Assistance Agreement on the Construction of Chiangman - Luang Prabang Bridge Project, Lao PDR, between the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (Public Organization) (NEDA) and the Ministry of Finance of the Lao PDR

During the visit, the Deputy Prime Minister also paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister of the Lao PDR (then), to discuss ways to further  advance all-dimensional cooperation and exchange views on regional issues, as well as cooperation under the Mekong subregional frameworks.

In addition, the Deputy Prime Minister visited key transport and logistics connectivity points between Thailand and the Lao PDR, including: (1) the Vientiane Logistics Park, where discussions were held on ways to enhance the efficiency of transportation between the two countries; and (2) the construction site of the Chiangman - Luang Prabang Bridge, which will increase trade, transport, and tourism connectivity between Nan and Luang Prabang.