H.E. Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, paid an official visit to the Lao PDR on 30 May 2024 at the invitation of H.E. Mr. Saleumxay Kommasith, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao PDR.

The Thai and Lao Foreign Ministers held a bilateral meeting, during which they reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the friendship and the Strategic Partnership for Growth and Sustainable Development between Thailand and the Lao PDR. They discussed implementation of the outcomes of their leaders’ discussion during the Official Visit to the Lao PDR by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin in October 2023.

They were pleased with the regular exchange of high-level visits between the two countries, and looked forward to continuing close and regular engagements, as well as the celebration of the 75^th anniversary of Thailand-Laos diplomatic relations next year.

On connectivity, both sides were pleased with the progress of many ongoing projects. They welcomed the signing of a financial assistance agreement between Thailand’s Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA) and the Ministry of Finance of the Lao PDR for the improvement of National Road No. 12 (R12) across Khammouane Province from Thakhek at Thai-Lao border to Napao at Lao-Viet Nam border, which took place on the same day. The construction will start within this year and will enhance transport connectivity between Thailand – the Lao PDR – Viet Nam. 

They looked forward to the start of cross-border rail service from Nong Khai Province on the Thai side to the heart of Vientiane at the newly constructed Vientiane (Khamsavath) station, which was officially opened by the Prime Ministers of both countries in October last year. It is expected that the rail service will commence in June 2024. 

They discussed possible role of the private sector in developing the transportation system between the two countries, including dry ports and distribution centres, at the Thai-Lao borders and along key transportation routes. This will also help attract investment and stimulate local economic growth in the Lao PDR.

On tourism cooperation, both sides were committed to collaborating closely to support the Visit Laos Year 2024 and Thailand’s “Six Countries, One Destination” initiative to promote countries in the region as a single tourism destination.

On transboundary haze pollution, the Thai Foreign Minister reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to continuing working closely with the Lao PDR on developing the capacity of relevant agencies for forest fire control and sharing best practices to reduce agricultural burning.

On development cooperation, the Thai side pledged to support UNODC’s Alternative Development (AD) project to construct a learning and training centre on coffee cultivation as viable crops to opium in Hua Phan Province of Lao PDR, aiming to create jobs and improve the quality of life of the people in the area.

Both sides took the opportunity to discuss cooperation within the framework of ASEAN. The Thai side reaffirms its full support for the Lao PDR’s Chairmanship and its commitment to working closely with the Lao PDR on regional and international challenges, including the issue of Myanmar.   

During the visit, the Thai Foreign Minister paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister of the Lao PDR. He also met with representatives of the Thai business community in the Lao PDR to discuss ways to enhance closer economic ties between the two countries.