Mr Khamvaen Panyanuvong and Mr Suraphon Charoenphum display cooperation documents during a meeting of the Joint Border Security and Order Committee in Bueng Kan province on July 17.   --Photo Socio-Economic News

Bolikhamxay, Bueng Kan deepen border cooperation

Authorities in Bolikhamxay province and Thailand’s Bueng Kan province have agreed to strengthen border security and cooperation as trade and travel continue to grow across the 5th Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge linking the two provinces.
The agreement was reached at the 7th meeting of the Joint Border Security and Order Committee, held in Bueng Kan province, Thailand, on July 17, according to the Bolikhamxay province television station.
The meeting was co-chaired by the Chairman of the Bolikhamxay Provincial Administration Committee, Mr Khamvaen Panyanuvong, and the Governor of Bueng Kan province, Mr Suraphon Charoenphum.
The two sides reviewed progress made since the sixth meeting, held in Bolikhamxay province in February 2023, and agreed that cooperation has continued to strengthen.
They said conditions along the border remain peaceful and orderly despite growing cross-border movement. Trade, tourism and cultural connections have expanded, while issues arising along the border have been resolved through close coordination between the two provinces.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to developing the Lao-Thai border into an area of peace, stability, friendship, cooperation and shared prosperity.
To support closer ties in the coming years, the provinces agreed on seven priority areas of cooperation.
These include maintaining law and order along the border, improving border crossing procedures to make travel safer and more convenient, strengthening cooperation to prevent and suppress drug trafficking, enhancing coordination on activities along the Mekong River, expanding cooperation in the economic and social sectors, improving coordination between relevant agencies, and carrying out agreements reached at meetings between Lao and Thai border governors and the Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation between Laos and Thailand.
The strengthened cooperation comes as the 5th Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge continues to play a growing role in connecting the neighbouring provinces and boosting economic activity.
Opened to traffic on December 27, 2025, the bridge links Bolikhamxay province with Bueng Kan province across the Mekong River. It has improved transport links, shortened travel times, and strengthened connectivity between Laos and Thailand.
The bridge is also part of the shortest overland route linking Thailand, Laos and Vietnam through Lao National Road No. 8, making it an important gateway for regional trade and logistics.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update July 21, 2026)