Laos and Thailand Establish New Agreements on Trade, Security, Infrastructure, and Environmental Cooperation
Marking 75 years of diplomatic relations, the governments of Thailand and Laos took steps to strengthen their bilateral relationship with the signing of four new Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) during Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone’s visit to Thailand. The agreements include an implementation plan for justice and legal affairs cooperation between Laos’ Ministry of Justice and Thailand’s Ministry of Justice, a technical arrangement for rail passenger transportation between the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and the Lao National Railway State Enterprise, an academic cooperation MoU between Mae Fah Luang University in Chiang Rai and Souphanouvong University in Laos, and a cooperation MoU between Thailand’s Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry, and Banking and the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Beyond these agreements, both nations have outlined plans for new initiatives to combat cross-border crime, expand economic cooperation, tackle transboundary haze, and enhance rail connectivity. On the economic front, Thailand and Laos have set an ambitious trade target of $11 billion by 2027, underscoring their commitment to deepening economic ties. Thailand has also pledged over 75 new scholarships in medicine and public health, reinforcing broader efforts to strengthen Laos’ human capital and support long-term economic development.
Border security remains a top priority, with intensified efforts to combat drug smuggling and scam call operations. This security collaboration is closely tied to enhancing inter-border connectivity, particularly in railway development. Thailand and Laos have reinforced their commitment to improve rail operations through continued collaboration between the SRT and the Lao National Railway State Enterprise. This reflects the increasing demand for the Krung Thep Aphiwat–Vientiane (Khamsavath) route, which has already served nearly 290,000 passengers since its launch in mid-2024.
Environmental concerns, particularly transboundary haze pollution, have prompted a coordinated response from Thailand and Laos, with a focus on fire prevention, sustainable farming, and knowledge-sharing initiatives. The Thailand Environment Institute (TEI) is leading efforts to promote burn-free agriculture and introduce alternative economic models. The adoption of successful Thai programs, such as the Mae Chaem Model in Chiang Mai, is encouraging farmers to transition toward organic fertilizer production and crop diversification. As Thailand and Laos navigate emerging regional challenges, their reinforced partnership will be instrumental in shaping a resilient, interconnected future for the Mekong sub-region.
