Anutin Visits Laos to Strengthen Bilateral Ties on the 75th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations

On October 16, 2025, at 9.00 a.m., Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul arrived at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), marking his first official overseas visit since taking office. The visit coincides with the 75th anniversary of Thai-Lao diplomatic relations, underscoring the two nations shared commitment to strengthening cooperation in economics, trade, security, and sustainable development.

Accompanying the Prime Minister were Ms. Thananont Niramit, his spouse, and a delegation of senior officials including Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport; Suphajee Suthumpun, Minister of Commerce; Auttapol Rerkpiboon, Minister of Energy; Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Lt. Gen. Adul Boonthamcharoen, Deputy Minister of Defense; Songsak Thongsri, Deputy Minister of Interior; and Trisulee Trisoranakul, Secretary-General to the Prime Minister.

A Long-Standing Friendship Rooted in Shared History

Thailand and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) share a deep bond shaped by geography, history, and culture. The people along both sides of the Mekong River have long referred to one another as “siblings across the water.” A historic symbol of this friendship is Phra That Si Song Rak, built over 460 years ago to honor unity between the two kingdoms.

Formal diplomatic ties were established on December 19, 1950, after Laos gained independence. In 2022, both nations elevated their relations to a “Strategic Partnership for Sustainable Growth and Development,” aiming to enhance regional stability and prosperity.

The Thai monarchy has played a key role in strengthening these ties, especially Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, whose work in education, healthcare, and culture in Laos has reinforced the lasting friendship between the two peoples.

Five Key Areas of Discussion: Deepening Thai–Lao Partnership

At 9:30 a.m., Prime Minister Anutin and his spouse attended the official welcoming ceremony at the Lao Prime Minister’s Office, hosted by Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone. Both sides held a high-level bilateral meeting focusing on five key areas of cooperation:

1. Security Cooperation: The two governments pledged to intensify joint efforts to combat transnational crimes, including drug trafficking, call center scams, human trafficking, and online fraud networks. Thailand proposed establishing a “Contact Point” to coordinate with the Royal Thai Police’s international task force, aiming to enhance law enforcement efficiency and victim support systems.

2. Economic Cooperation: The two nations set a target to boost bilateral trade to USD 11 billion by 2027. Thailand will convene the 8th Thailand-Lao Economic Cooperation Committee (COOP) to promote cross-border trade, support SMEs, and facilitate financial and investment collaboration through an MOU between Thailand’s EXIM Bank and Laos’ Agricultural Promotion Bank.

3. Transport and Infrastructure:
Both sides agreed to accelerate cross-border infrastructure projects, including the 5th Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge (Bueng Kan-Bolikhamsai), the Chiang Man–Luang Prabang Bridge, a new railway bridge across the Mekong River, and the renovation of the 1st Friendship Bridge (Nong Khai-Vientiane) to enhance logistics connectivity.

4. Energy Collaboration: Thailand sought Laos’ support for solar energy investments to strengthen long-term energy security and promote sustainable economic growth.

5. Environmental Cooperation: Thailand proposed the “Clear Sky Strategy”, a joint environmental initiative leveraging technology for air quality monitoring and early warning systems to combat cross-border haze pollution.

Signing of MOU and Delivery of Four Key Assistance Projects

At 9:45 a.m., both prime ministers witnessed the exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Thailand’s Export-Import Bank (EXIM Bank) and Lao Agricultural Promotion Bank, signed by Mr. Chalach Rattanaboonnithi, Managing Director of EXIM Bank.

Thailand also delivered four forms of assistance to Laos, covering public health, vocational development, and technical cooperation:

1. 10 million baht in support of a project to prevent and intercept precursor chemicals used in drug production.
2. Antivenom serum worth 875,000 baht.

3. Vocational training equipment worth 1.49 million baht.

4. Technical assistance for the design of Phase 2 of the water supply development project, valued at 30 million baht.

Government Spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat stated that the MOU and aid delivery reflect both nations’ commitment to improving citizens’ quality of life, strengthening regional stability, and fostering long-term, sustainable growth based on mutual trust and a 75-year foundation of friendship.

Further Engagements: State Visit, Diplomatic Meetings, and Cultural Ties

Following the MOU exchange, Anutin and his delegation paid a courtesy visit to President Thongloun Sisoulith at the Presidential Palace. The delegation later attended a luncheon at the Royal Thai Embassy in Vientiane. Anutin expressed gratitude to the President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) for his vital role as a “true friend of Thailand,” reaffirming Thailand’s commitment to strengthening and advancing bilateral cooperation for the mutual benefit of both nations’ peoples.

The Lao President emphasized the importance of the close ties between the two countries and expressed deep appreciation for the role of the Thai monarchy in fostering and deepening this long-standing friendship.

Both sides discussed ways to enhance security cooperation and agreed to jointly address cross-border challenges such as drug trafficking, online fraud, haze pollution, and sustainable water management. Thailand also pledged financial support to help strengthen the capacity of Lao officials and promote connectivity through the “Land-locked to Land-linked” strategy, aimed at boosting economic potential and people-to-people relations between the two nations.

Followed by discussions with Team Thailand and representatives from the Thai private sector in Laos.

In the afternoon, the Prime Minister visited the Lao National Museum and paid respects at Pha That Luang, a national symbol of Laos.

In the evening, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and his spouse hosted a state dinner in honor of the Thai delegation, highlighting the enduring friendship and cooperation between Thailand and Laos across all dimensions.

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Source of material: official media /online news