Thailand and Laos aim to raise bilateral trade to 12 billion USD by 2027, advancing cooperation on border security, drug suppression, online crime, and speeding up transport and energy linkages.
At 16:00 local time on 15 Nov 2026 (one hour ahead of Thailand) in the Bilateral Meeting Room 2, Secretariat Building, Manila, Philippines, Mr. Ekaphop Phianpiset, spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister, revealed that Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul held bilateral talks with Mr. Saleumxay Kommasith, Prime Minister of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), during the 49th ASEAN Summit and related meetings. The talks aimed to strengthen ties and drive cooperation between the two countries with concrete outcomes. Key points included:
The Prime Minister congratulated Mr. Saleumxay on his appointment as Lao Prime Minister, reaffirmed Thailand's readiness to continue close cooperation under his leadership, and expressed willingness to welcome the Lao Prime Minister and spouse on an official visit to Thailand in early 2027. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was tasked with coordinating suitable dates.
The Prime Minister thanked the Lao side for the gracious reception of His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen during their official visit to Lao PDR in March, emphasizing the honor accorded. He stressed Thailand's high priority in preparing to welcome Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith on his official visit to Thailand in 2027. Additionally, he expressed gratitude to the Lao side for assigning Vice President Viengthong Siphandone to represent them at the royal cremation ceremony for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, in December. Thailand stands ready to provide appropriate reception and facilitation.
Regarding bilateral relations, the Prime Minister expressed delight at the close Thailand–Laos ties and regular high-level exchanges, noting the success of the Joint Commission on Thailand–Laos Cooperation (JC) meeting in Luang Prabang last October. He confirmed his readiness as Minister of Interior to co-chair the upcoming Thai–Lao border governors’ meeting, to be hosted by Thailand early next year, aimed at promoting coordination and jointly addressing border area issues.
On border security cooperation, the Prime Minister proposed intensifying efforts to block drugs and precursor substances, particularly by increasing border patrols, intelligence sharing, and capacity building for Lao officials. He praised Lao proactive actions in suppressing online scam networks and thanked them for continued assistance in repatriating Thai nationals. He suggested that principal liaison agencies from both sides enhance information and lead sharing to improve effectiveness against transnational crime. Additionally, Thailand is ready to support Laos in tackling cross-border haze and sustainable water management, especially through developing personnel and related agencies.
On economic, trade, and investment cooperation, the Prime Minister urged the Lao side to facilitate trade and cargo transport across borders to raise bilateral trade from the current approximately 9.8 billion USD to the 12 billion USD target by 2027. He thanked the Lao government for supporting Thai private sector investments and encouraged fostering a conducive environment for Thai business operations continuously.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister proposed accelerating cooperation on three major transport and logistics linkage projects: 1) reviewing the Lao side’s connecting route for the new Mekong railway bridge project between Nong Khai and Vientiane; 2) concluding cost-sharing arrangements for constructing the 6th Thailand–Laos Friendship Bridge on the Ubon Ratchathani–Salavan route; and 3) advancing the establishment of a Common Control Area (CCA), suggesting starting with the 3rd Thailand–Laos Friendship Bridge (Nakhon Phanom–Kham Muang) or the 4th (Chiang Khong–Huay Sai), where Thailand is ready. These projects will facilitate travel and cargo transport, reduce logistics costs, and support Laos’s strategy to transform from a landlocked to a land-linked country.
Regarding energy cooperation, the Prime Minister congratulated progress on the Laos–Thailand–Malaysia–Singapore power integration project (LTMS-PIP), which supports the ASEAN Power Grid development and regional energy security. He proposed establishing a Thailand–Laos energy working group to enhance coordination and bolster energy security for both countries amid global energy market volatility.
Regarding the Thailand–Cambodia situation, the Prime Minister affirmed Thailand’s readiness to look forward and restore bilateral relations but stressed the need for sincerity from Cambodia to build mutual trust. Thailand believes resolving issues should be conducted through direct bilateral discussions rather than accusations on international platforms, which could harm the atmosphere of relations and efforts to rebuild confidence.
“This discussion reflects Thailand’s commitment to strengthening relations with Lao PDR, a close and strategically important neighboring country, aiming to drive cooperation in security, economy, trade, investment, transport, and energy with tangible results to enhance security and joint growth, as well as improve the quality of life for people in both countries,” the Prime Minister said.
