From 21 to 23 May 2025, H.E. Mr. Thongsavanh Phomvihane, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), paid an official visit to the Kingdom of Thailand, at the invitation of H.E. Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand. The visit is part of the 75th anniversary celebration of Thai-Lao diplomatic relations this year.

During the visit, the two Foreign Ministers held discussions during which they reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the long-standing bilateral relations as close neighbours. They also took this opportunity to follow up on the Official Visit to Thailand by H.E. Mr. Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister of the Lao PDR, in February 2025.

Key highlights are as follows:

1. Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in addressing transboundary challenges, particularly narcotic drugs and online scams.

2. They reaffirmed their commitment to closer cooperation on the sustainable management of the Mekong River, with a focus on flood and drought prevention and addressing water pollution in tributaries flowing into the Mekong.

3. The Ministers underscored the significant potential of logistics connectivity between the two countries and the broader region, in line with the Lao PDR’s land-linked strategy. A joint working group will be set up to develop a Thailand–Lao PDR Logistics Master Plan, as agreed by the two Prime Ministers. The Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA) was tasked to take the lead in drafting the plan.

4. Both sides expressed strong support for enhancing infrastructure development to promote connectivity as part of the overall logistics master plan between the two countries. Key projects include the construction of the Thailand - Lao PDR Friendship Bridge Number 5 (Bueng Kan-Bolikhamxay) which both ministers will attend the final casting ceremony next month; the upgrading of National Road No. 12 (R12) linking Thailand, Lao PDR and Viet Nam; construction of a new railway bridge between Nong Khai Province and Vientiane linking the Thai–Lao and Lao–China railway networks; and a possibility of extending the railway from Vientiane (Khamsavath) Station to Vientiane Station. These projects will greatly enhance the efficiency of logistics of the whole region.

5. The two Ministers discussed the potential utilisation of Savannakhet Airport to serve passengers traveling to and from Mukdahan Province in Thailand, with a view to increasing traffic and fully maximising the airport’s capacity. Both sides will further explore this idea.

6. Minister Maris reaffirmed Thailand’s continued support for human resource development in the Lao PDR, including the provision of more scholarships in areas of strategic importance and the expansion of the network of Thai–Lao Friendship Schools along the border.

During the visit, Minister Thongsavanh paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, who received him on behalf of the Prime Minister of Thailand.

Minister Thongsavanh and his spouse also visited Loei Province, where they paid their respects at Phra That Si Song Rak, a symbol of Thai–Lao friendship dating back over four centuries. They also visited the Huai Hong Khrai Royal Development Study Centre, which serves as a model for the Huay Son–Huay Sua Agricultural Development and Service Center in Vientiane, as well as the Royal Park Rajapruek, where former President Bounnhang Vorachith of the Lao PDR officially handed over the replica of Xiengthong Temple in Luang Prabang to the international garden section within the Royal Park in 2006.