In a recent telephone conversation, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin of Thailand and Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (LPDR) reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral relations. The leaders discussed various avenues to bolster cooperation, particularly in tackling shared challenges and improving the well-being of their citizens.
Prime Minister Srettha highlighted the importance of the strong relationship between the two nations, expressing confidence that it would facilitate joint efforts to address pressing issues. He specifically praised the Lao government for its exceptional cooperation in combating the drug problem.
During the conversation, Prime Minister Srettha outlined several key areas for closer collaboration. These included coordinating intelligence efforts, with the possibility of more frequent joint patrols in high-risk areas to improve intelligence sharing and security. Both nations aim to strengthen their ability to conduct investigations and make arrests, ensuring more effective law enforcement. To prevent drug use, Thailand supports the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)’s alternative development program, which includes funding coffee cultivation instead of opium in Laos’ Houaphanh Province, aiming to provide sustainable livelihoods. Prime Minister Srettha also emphasized the need for collaboration between bordering provinces and districts, including security agencies and forces, seeing this local-level engagement as crucial for addressing security and development issues in border areas.
Prime Minister Sonexay expressed his readiness to work closely with Thailand in these areas. Prime Minister Srettha also highlighted the importance of utilizing local mechanisms for cooperation and designated Thailand’s Office of the Narcotics Control Board as the main coordinator for future collaborative efforts.
The conversation between the two leaders underscores a shared commitment to strengthening ties and addressing common challenges through enhanced cooperation and mutual support.
