On 17 September 2025, H.E. Ms. Morakot Sriswasdi, Ambassador of Thailand to the Lao PDR, attended the handover and opening ceremony of the Agricultural Learning Centre of the Vanmai Coffee Cooperative in Xam Neua District, Houphanh Province. The event was also attended by H.E. Mr. Khampheng Saysompheng, Governor of Houaphan Province, Pol. Lt. Gen. Khamking Phuilamanyvong, Deputy Minister of Public Security, Ms. Soutthida Soukthavone, Officer-in-Charge, Alternative Development Programme, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and Mr. Viphone Phomvixay, Member of the Board of Directors of Vanmai Coffee Cooperative.

The Royal Thai Government has provided financial contribution of 5,450,000 baht for      the construction and provision of equipment for the Agricultural Learning Centre, which is part of the UNODC’s alternative development project for crops substitution. The Centre includes a meeting room building, a laboratory for fertilizer and soil research, a laboratory for plant disease and insect research, and sanitation facilities. The Centre will serve as a facility for research and experiment, knowledge exchange, and training, for both domestic and international partners. Not only will the Centre be beneficial for members of the Vanmai Coffee Cooperative, but also for residents of Houaphanh Province and coffee farmers in northern Lao PDR. This initiative is part of the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Thailand and the Lao PDR in 2025, which aims to provide tangible benefits to the local community. It also stands for the enduring friendship and sustainable cooperation between Thailand and the Lao PDR.

Additionally, the Vanmai Coffee Cooperative Agricultural Learning Centre is a one of the tangible outcomes of the Strategic Partnership for Growth and Sustainable Development, which Thailand and Lao PDR elevated in 2022. It also aligns with the Lao PDR’s national agenda on the fight against drugs. During the ceremony, H.E. Ambassador presented an additional contribution of 160,000 baht to the Vanmai Coffee Cooperative to support the procurement of educational and first-aid supplies for 12 primary schools for children of cooperative members in Houaphanh Province. The donation was received on behalf of the Cooperative by Mr. Viphone Phomvixay.