Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin arrived in Vientiane Capital, Laos on the morning of 30 October, to strengthen and enhance cooperation between the two nations. The visit comes at the invitation of Lao Prime Minister, Sonexay Siphandone.
As he landed in Vientiane, PM Srettha was welcomed by his Lao counterpart and a delegation of high-ranking Lao diplomats. During initial talks, Srettha proposed the building of a new railway bridge linking Nong Khai, Thailand, and Vientiane, Laos, across the Mekong River.
The move would facilitate bilateral trade and improve cross-country transport. The Thai PM is willing to provide financial support to Laos should the project move forward.
The Thai Prime Minister will preside over the opening ceremony of the Vientiane Train Station (Khamsavath). The train station is the result of a joint project between Thailand and Laos through the Neighboring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA).
The officials will also have bilateral meetings to discuss cooperation in several areas, including trade, investment, tourism, and security. They will also discuss strategic partnerships for growth and sustainable development.
On the agenda, there are further talks between Srettha the President of Laos, and the General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, Thongloun Sisoulith.
In his busy schedule, Srettha will also have to make time for an in-person meet-up with the President of the National Assembly of Laos, Xaysompone Phomvihane.
Since the establishment of their diplomatic relations in 1950, Laos and Thailand have increasingly strengthened their ties and bilateral cooperation. In 2022, they elevated their diplomatic relations to a strategic partnership for sustainable growth and development.
In August, PM Sonexay also called his Thai counterpart, Srettha, to congratulate him on becoming Thailand’s new Prime Minister. During their talks, PM Srettha pledged Thailand’s support for Laos’s chairmanship of ASEAN in 2024.
