Thailand and Laos Commit to Enhance Border Security and Combat Haze Pollution
PUBLISHED: 20 Feb 2025
In a significant diplomatic meeting, Thailand and Laos have agreed to bolster bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors, including improving border security, addressing haze pollution, and setting a mutual trade target of $11 billion by 2027.
This agreement was reached during a meeting between Thailand’s Prime Minister and the Prime Minister of Laos at Government House in Bangkok, where four crucial agreements were signed.
The first agreement establishes a memorandum of understanding (MoU) focused on enhancing cooperation in justice and legal affairs between the two nations’ ministries of justice.
The second agreement outlines a technical arrangement for facilitating rail passenger transportation between the respective railway authorities of Thailand and Laos.
The third agreement pertains to academic collaboration, specifically an MoU between Mae Fah Luang University in Thailand and Souphanouvong University in Laos.
The final agreement involves collaboration between Thailand’s Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry, and Banking and the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The leaders emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation in three key areas. First, both nations agreed to intensify efforts against drug trafficking, increase cash crop production in Laos as a substitute for narcotics, and combat scam call operations affecting both countries. They will also share information to mitigate cross-border haze pollution and expand a telemetering network in Laos to improve water management across the Mekong River tributaries.
In terms of trade, the countries have set an ambitious target of reaching $11 billion by 2027.
Additionally, Thailand will provide Laos with over 75 new scholarships, targeting critical fields such as medicine and public health.
Finally, both leaders pledged to collaborate closely within the frameworks of the Mekong Sub-region and ASEAN to address regional challenges.
During the event, the prime ministers also unveiled the logo commemorating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, featuring iconic architectural and cultural symbols beautifully integrated into a heart-shaped design.
