Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul (fourth left) and Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Thongsavanh Phomvihane (fourth right), along with diplomatic representatives and distinguished guests, pose for a photo at the Lao New Year celebration at the Lao Embassy in Bangkok.

Lao-Thai ties deepen at Lao New Year celebration in Bangkok

The ties between Laos and Thailand deepened further when the Embassy of the Lao PDR to the Kingdom of Thailand hosted an event on Sunday to celebrate Lao New Year, highlighting the cultural links and increasingly robust strategic partnership between the two neighbours.
The event brought together leaders from both countries, including Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister of Thailand Mr Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane, and Lao Ambassador to Thailand Sisavath Inphachanh, along with diplomatic representatives and distinguished guests.

A Baci ceremony to bestow the auspicious blessings of Lao New Year takes place on April 5.

Ambassador Sisavath described the Lao New Year festival as a cherished tradition that embodies the spiritual values and long-standing customs passed down through generations of Lao people.
He noted that iconic practices such as water pouring, seeking blessings from elders, and the Baci ceremony reflect the sense of gratitude, unity, and social harmony that prevails during the festival and throughout the country as a whole.
Reviewing developments in Lao-Thai relations, the ambassador referenced milestones in 2025, including the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, and cooperation projects such as the opening of the 5th Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge across the Mekong River.
He also underlined the importance of high-level exchanges and the state visit to Laos by the King and Queen of Thailand last month, which was a significant step in elevating relations to that of a strategic partnership.
Also addressing the gathering, Laos’ Deputy Prime Minister Thongsavanh said Lao New Year and Thailand’s Songkran festival serve as cultural bridges, linking the two nations and strengthening people-to-people ties.
He reflected on the steady evolution of Lao-Thai relations since 1992 and highlighted expanding cooperation in 2025-2026 across key sectors.
He made mention of the two countries’ strong commitment to advancing shared development in trade, investment, energy, transport links and tourism, for the benefit of both their peoples.
The ceremony concluded with leaders from both countries expressing appreciation to all those involved and offering New Year blessings for continued stability, prosperity, and sustainable growth in Lao-Thai relations.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest UpdateApril 8, 2026)