On 16 October 2024, H.E. Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, made an Official Visit to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), at the invitation of H.E. Mr. Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister of the Lao PDR. The Thai Prime Minister was also accompanied by H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand.

This visit marked Prime Minister Anutin’s first official overseas visit, underlining the close and enduring relationship between Thailand and the Lao PDR, grounded in the Strategic Partnership for Growth and Sustainable Development. It also coincided with the 75^th Anniversary of the Thailand–Laos Diplomatic Relations this year.

During the visit, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul held a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Thongloun Sisoulith, President of the Lao PDR.

Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in all areas. They agreed to enhance regular high-level exchanges and consultations at all levels, while intensifying cooperation in key areas including transboundary challenges such as transnational crime, transboundary haze, and water resource management, while enhancing economic and transportation connectivity, tourism, and people-to-people relations.

Strengthening Cooperation on Transboundary Challenges

Both Prime Ministers pledged to intensify joint efforts in addressing transboundary challenges affecting their peoples and the wider region. These include the fight against illicit drugs, online scams, and human trafficking.

In addition, both leaders agreed to step up cooperation on environmental issues, particularly haze pollution and water resource management in the Mekong River. The focus will be on developing joint early warning systems and flood forecasting mechanisms, leveraging technological advancements for improved data collection and public alert systems.

Enhancing Economic and Transportation Connectivity

The two sides will enhance cooperation in trade and investment, especially in border areas, to support sustainable economic growth and achieve mutually agreed trade goal and jointly drive road, rail and air connectivity projects. Thailand and the Lao PDR will join hands in becoming Land-Linked countries, acting as bridges to enhance regional transport connectivity.

They welcomed completed connectivity projects that are contributing to increased trade and investment, most notably the 5^th Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge (Bueng Kan – Bolikhamxai), which is scheduled for official opening at the end of the year. The bridge will further increase efficiency of transport between Thailand-Lao PDR and Viet Nam. Both leaders also agreed to expedite ongoing infrastructure projects, including the upgrade of National Road No. 12 (R12), connecting the Thai–Lao border to the Lao–Vietnamese border and the new railway bridge in Nongkhai.

Bilateral trade between the two countries reached over USD 4.8 billion in the first half of this year. Both sides are committed to working towards the trade target of USD 11 billion by 2027.

Both Prime Ministers also agreed to enhance energy cooperation especially in clean energy and collaboration to attract green industry investment.

Promoting Tourism and People-to-People Exchanges

The two sides noted with satisfaction the growing number of tourists travelling between Thailand and the Lao PDR. Thai tourists remain the largest group of foreign visitors to Laos.

They agreed on a shared goal of achieving 3 million two-way tourist arrivals annually, and committed to jointly promoting tourism from countries outside the region. Thailand also reiterated its readiness to continue supporting human resource development in Laos’s tourism sector, including under the Thailand–Lao PDR Joint Tourism Action Plan.

Prime Minister Anutin updated his Lao counterpart on Thailand’s ongoing efforts to peacefully address issues along the Thai–Cambodian border through bilateral mechanisms. He reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to promoting regional stability and development which will benefit all countries in the region.

After their bilateral discussions, the Prime Ministers of Thailand and the Lao PDR witnessed the ceremony to announce deliverables of this visit including:

1. Financial Support on Cooperation in Law Enforcement and Narcotics Control between Thailand’s Narcotics Control Board and the Lao National Commission for Drug Control

2. Handover of Anti-Snake Venom Serum to Phonhong District Hospital

3. Handover of Equipment and Materials to Savannakhet Technical–Vocational College

4. Memorandum of Understanding between the Export–Import Bank of Thailand and the Agricultural Promotion Bank Co., Ltd.

5. Technical Assistance for the Detailed Design of the Water Supply Construction Project Phase II in the Lao PDR.

During the visit, the Thai Prime Minister also met with members of Team Thailand and representatives of Thai investors in the Lao PDR.