Bangkok: Thailand and Laos held comprehensive discussions to address drug problems, online human trafficking, and the suppression of precursor substances. The meeting also focused on the facilitation of cross-border transport with the upcoming 5th Friendship Bridge, aiming for a trade value of $11 billion by 2027. This initiative is expected to enhance security, the economy, transportation and logistics, and energy between the two nations.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, accompanied by his wife, attended the official welcoming ceremony alongside Mr. Sonxay Siphandon, Prime Minister of the Lao PDR, and Mrs. Vandala Siphandon. The leaders inspected the honor guard before co-chairing the plenary meeting.
Government Spokesperson Mr. Siripong Angkasakulkiat shared that the Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the Lao PDR government for their warm welcome, marking his first official foreign visit. This year also signifies the 75th anniversary of Thai-Laos diplomatic relations, highlighting the stability and endurance of their partnership. The Prime Minister extended an invitation to Mr. Sonxay Siphandon to visit Thailand for the upcoming Mekong-Lancang Leaders' Meeting (MLC Summit).
During the meeting, both sides focused on key cooperation issues, particularly in security. They agreed to tackle transnational crimes, with an emphasis on drug trafficking, online fraud, and human trafficking. Thailand committed to enhancing cooperation in intercepting drugs and precursor substances, providing budget support, and knowledge exchange to bolster the efficacy of Lao officials. Furthermore, Thailand requested Laos to designate a primary agency to coordinate with Thailand's International Call Center and Human Trafficking Incident Management Center to improve border security. A relief center for victims of human trafficking will also be established to aid citizens from both countries.
In addressing environmental concerns, both nations prioritized resolving transboundary haze and water management problems in the Mekong River through the CLEAR Sky Strategy. Thailand pledged support to enhance Lao PDR's technological capabilities for data collection and public notification.
The Prime Minister affirmed Thailand's readiness to host the 8th COOP meeting, aiming to boost trade volume between the nations, particularly through border trade and SME networks, to reach the $11 billion trade target by 2027. Progress in transportation and logistics projects was acknowledged, including the near completion of the 5th Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge and improvements to Route 12, which are expected to benefit the people of both countries.
Additionally, Thailand is considering providing assistance to enhance transportation between the two nations, including financial aid for the Chiang Mai-Luang Prabang Mekong River Bridge and discussions on a new Mekong River railway bridge. Both countries emphasized energy cooperation, with Thailand urging Laos to support Thai investment in energy, particularly solar power, to jointly generate significant electricity.
The meeting also addressed multilateral cooperation, with Thailand committing to support lasting peace efforts in Myanmar, emphasizing the importance of Myanmar's upcoming elections as a crucial step toward political transition.