(KPL) A high-level delegation from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment of the Lao PDR, led by Associate Professor Dr. Linkham Douangsavanh, Minister of Agriculture and Environment, paid an official visit to Thailand from September 8–11, 2026, to strengthen bilateral cooperation in natural resources and environmental management.

The delegation met with Thai Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin in Bangkok on September 8. The two sides reviewed cooperation and discussed priority areas, including forest-fire prevention, haze and transboundary air pollution under the Clear Sky Strategy 2024–2030, data exchange and early-warning systems, climate change adaptation, disaster response, wetland and biodiversity management, restoration of border ecosystems and human resource development.

Following the discussions, Linkham Douangsavanh and Suchart Chomklin signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on cooperation in natural resources and the environment. The agreement provides a framework for strengthening coordination, joint monitoring, data and technical exchanges, climate change adaptation and capacity building.

On the same occasion, the Thai Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment presented air-quality monitoring and forest-fire prevention equipment to the Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, including PM2.5 monitoring devices and firefighting equipment. The support is expected to strengthen Laos’ capacity to monitor air quality and manage forest-fire risks.

On September 9, Linkham Douangsavanh and his delegation paid a courtesy call on Thai Deputy Prime Minister Songsak Thongsri, who welcomed the visit and expressed support for strengthening cooperation in agriculture, natural resources and environmental protection and translating bilateral agreements into practical outcomes.

The delegation then travelled to Chiang Mai for technical and field visits focused on forest-fire and haze management. The programme included visits to the Forest Fire and Haze Resolution Command Centre, Doi Suthep-Pui National Park Forest Fire Operations Centre and Huai Hong Khrai Royal Development Study Centre to exchange experience on fire prevention, open-burning management, air-quality monitoring, forest restoration and participatory natural resource management.

On September 11, the delegation is scheduled to visit Royal Park Rajapruek to study plant conservation, green-space management and environmental education before returning to the Lao PDR.

The visit is expected to further strengthen Lao-Thai cooperation and support practical and sustainable approaches to natural resource and environmental management for the benefit of the two countries’ peoples.

KPL