Thailand, Laos strengthen cooperation on cross-border issues

Thailand and Laos have agreed to prioritise joint efforts to combat drug trafficking, human trafficking, online scams, and cross-border haze pollution.

These were the main topics of discussion between Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her Lao counterpart Sonexay Siphandone on October 8, during her trip to Vientiane for attendance at the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits.

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra (Photo: media.nationthailand.com)

The Thai PM emphasised the importance of maintaining close relations between the neighboring countries. Both sides agreed to continue discussions on drug trafficking, a topic first addressed under former Thai PM Srettha Thavisin. Thailand proposed a joint meeting between border province governors early next year to strengthen cooperation.

On the issue of online scams, the two nations plan to form a joint task force to combat phone scam syndicates, with regular meetings to monitor progress.

Additionally, senior police officers from both countries will hold routine meetings to coordinate strategies against human trafficking networks.

Both countries aim to launch the "Clear Sky Strategy" this month, integrating air quality data and establishing a climate early warning system for the region. On Mekong River management, they will pursue a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on integrated water management in the Mekong Subregion.

The two leaders also agreed to enhance economic cooperation, boost bilateral trade, investment, and tourism, and continue Thailand's support for Laos’s healthcare system development under the 2022-2025 Human Resource Development Plan./.

World

Thailand to negotiate with US on tariffs
World

Thailand to negotiate with US on tariffs

Thailand is on the list of 15 countries that could be affected by Trump’s tariff policy. The average US tariff on Thai imports is 2% while Thailand levies an average tariff of 8% on US products

Thailand revises tourism strategy after earthquake
World

Thailand revises tourism strategy after earthquake

Minister of Tourism and Sports Sorawong Thienthong said that a tourism risk and crisis management team will be established to support the industry, with representatives from organisations in the tourism supply chain, such as the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Roads Authority.

Belgian monarchs' state visit to open new chapter in bilateral cooperation
World

Belgian monarchs' state visit to open new chapter in bilateral cooperation

As a major player in the region and one of the most dynamic economies in Asia, Vietnam is an indispensable partner for Belgium. The meetings with the various Vietnamese authorities will therefore offer an excellent opportunity to further deepen and enrich this diverse partnership, according the Belgian Federal Public Service of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation.

Indonesia rolls out people's schools initiative
World

Indonesia rolls out people's schools initiative

Indonesia's Ministry of Social Affairs has identified over 200 potential sites for the establishment of people’s schools (Sekolah Rakyat), a programme designed to provide free, quality education to children from economically disadvantaged families.

Malaysia warns of trade wars, tariffs
World

Malaysia warns of trade wars, tariffs

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to sustainable, inclusive, and equitable growth, as well as its ambition to strengthen its position as a key hub for trade, investment, and technological innovation.