On 29 - 30 April 2026, Ms. Suchada Maktara, Deputy Director-General of the Department of ASEAN Affairs, joined the Thai delegation led by H.E. Mr. Suchart Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, on an official visit to the Lao PDR. The visit was aimed to strengthen cooperation in addressing transboundary haze under the CLEAR Sky Strategy, as well as enhance broader environmental cooperation.

The Thai delegation paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister of the Lao PDR. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to jointly addressing transboundary haze, as well as promoting cooperation in clean energy to respond to the energy crisis and enhancing logistics connectivity between Thailand and the Lao PDR. In addition, the delegation had a meeting with H.E. Mr. Linkham Douangsavanh, Minister of Agriculture and Environment of the Lao PDR. Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in several key areas, including rainmaking, air quality monitoring systems and reporting platforms using satellite technology, the application of traceability systems, carbon market cooperation, capacity building in forest fire suppression, and the use of hotline communication channels under the CLEAR Sky Strategy.

The delegation also visited Luang Prabang Province and met with Mr. Bounleuam Manivong, Secretary of the Luang Prabang Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Luang Prabang Provincial People’s Council, along with relevant officials of Lao PDR. They discussed environmental management policies and the conservation of the Luang Prabang World Heritage Site.