(KPL) In response to an invitation from Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, accompanied by his spouse and delegation, paid an official visit to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic on October 16, 2025.

The visit aimed to further strengthen the traditional friendship, enhance good-neighborly relations, and deepen the Strategic Partnership for Growth and Sustainable Development between Laos and Thailand, ensuring continued progress and cooperation across all sectors.

An official welcoming ceremony for Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, his spouse, and the Thai delegation was held on the same day at the Prime Minister’s Office of the Lao PDR. The delegation was warmly received by Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, his spouse, and senior officials from both sides.

Following the welcoming ceremony, a bilateral meeting was held between the two Prime Ministers and their respective delegations. Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone extended a warm welcome and expressed sincere congratulations to Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul on his election as the 32nd Prime Minister of Thailand, noting that his official visit to the Lao PDR marks his first overseas trip since taking office—a clear reflection of the close relations and traditional friendship between the two nations.

The Lao leader emphasized that the visit holds special significance as the two countries celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations this year (December 19, 1950 – December 19, 2025).

In turn, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul expressed his gratitude for the warm hospitality and congratulations extended by the Lao Government and people.

During the talks, the two sides reviewed the progress of bilateral cooperation over the past 75 years, noting that relations have steadily expanded through regular exchanges of visits and dialogues at all levels. Both leaders highlighted the June 2022 elevation of bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership for Growth and Sustainable Development as a milestone that ushered in a new era of closer cooperation aligned with current realities and shared goals.

The discussions covered a wide range of topics, including: Political and Security Cooperation, focusing on border demarcation, maintaining peace and order along the border, combating online fraud, and labor cooperation, environmental Cooperation, particularly joint efforts in preventing cross-border haze, Economic, Trade, Infrastructure Development, Energy, and Tourism Cooperation, Development Cooperation under the Strategic Partnership framework, arrangements to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Laos–Thailand Diplomatic Relations; and Preparations for the official opening of the 5th Lao–Thai Friendship Bridge (Bolikhamxay–Bueng Kan) later this year.

Both leaders also exchanged views on regional and international cooperation frameworks and discussed issues of mutual interest. They reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening coordination at both the central and local levels, promoting tangible cooperation that contributes to development and enhances the well-being of the peoples of Laos and Thailand.

As part of this visit, the Government of Thailand provided assistance to the Lao PDR for four projects:

1. A project to strengthen cooperation with neighboring countries to combat narcotics and dismantle international drug trafficking networks, valued at 10.15 million baht;

2. Donation of teaching and learning materials for Savannakhet Technical and Vocational College under the Labor Skills/Vocational Training Project in the Lao PDR, valued at 1.49 million baht;

3. Donation of anti-snake venom serum to Phonhong District Hospital in Vientiane Province, valued at 875,000 baht; and

4. Technical assistance for the detailed design of the Phase II Water Supply System Development Project, valued at 30 million baht.

Additionally, the two sides witnessed the exchange of one document — a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Export-Import Bank of Thailand (EXIM Bank) and the Agriculture Promotion Bank (APB) of the Lao PDR, marking another step forward in strengthening financial and investment cooperation between the two nations.

KPL