Lao Ambassador to Thailand Mr Sisavath Inphachanh talks to Lao National Television.        --Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Lao-Thai ties reach new milestone with royal visit

Diplomatic relations between the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and the Kingdom of Thailand have entered a “new era” of cooperation, marked by the historic visit of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana to Laos this week.
Ambassador of the Lao PDR to the Kingdom of Thailand, Mr Sisavath Inphachanh, said the visit has profound significance, being Their Majesties’ first official visit to an Asean nation and only the third foreign visit since His Majesty ascended the throne.
This milestone coincides with the 75th anniversary of Lao-Thai diplomatic relations, which were established on December 19, 1950.
The two nations share deep-rooted historical, cultural, and linguistic ties. Beyond these traditional bonds, the relationship was formally elevated in 2022 to a “Strategic Partnership for Growth and Sustainable Development”.
Ambassador Sisavath said this framework has significantly boosted bilateral trade, which rose from an average of US$6-7 billion before 2022 to US$9 billion recently. Officials have set an ambitious trade target of US$11 billion by 2027.
The recent co-presiding of Their Majesties over the opening of the 5th Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge linking Bolikhamxay province and Bueng Kan province in Thailand across the Mekong on December 25, 2025, serves as a symbol of modern-day connectivity.
Both nations are seeking to enhance cooperation in green energy, digital development, and regional logistics, particularly rail links.
Over the years, the Thai Royal Family has played a pivotal role in fostering grassroots development in Laos. Mr Sisavath said numerous royal initiatives have provided essential services in agriculture, education and health, including the Houayson-Houaysua Agriculture Service and Development Centre in Vientiane, the KM67 Cultural School and Phonhong District hospital in Vientiane province, and Bokeo Provincial Hospital.
Additionally, 26 Royal Kathin Robe Offering ceremonies held between 1995 and 2025 have fostered religious and cultural links and strengthened spiritual ties between the peoples of the two countries.
The two neighbours look forward to further strengthening their fruitful cooperation in the years to come, as well as leveraging the strategic partnership for growth and sustainable development for mutual benefit in the tourism, trade and investment, political, security, transport, connectivity, and environmental spheres.

By Souknilundon Southivongnorath
(Latest Update March 17, 2026 )