Laos and Thailand seek progress on trade and border cooperation
Sonexay Siphandone called for practical outcomes as the two countries prepared for a bilateral commission meeting in Luang Prabang on October 2.
Border demarcation, energy ties and economic cooperation were among the priorities Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone raised with Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, during talks in Vientiane. Sonexay urged both governments to turn their discussions into practical outcomes.
Sihasak travelled to Laos for the bilateral cooperation commission’s 23rd meeting, scheduled for October 2 in Luang Prabang province. Sonexay said he hoped the commission would give future cooperation a clear direction. Sihasak pledged to encourage the relevant Thai agencies to put agreements between the countries into effect.
The Lao Foreign Trade Department reported US$4.39 billion in goods trade with Thailand during January-August 2026, with electricity excluded. Shipments from Laos accounted for about US$855.17 million, while purchases from Thailand amounted to approximately US$3.54 billion. Only China ranked above Thailand among Laos’ trading partners by value.
Investment figures presented at an August conference in Vientiane placed Thailand third among foreign investors in Laos for 2021-2025. Its 14 projects were worth US$2.25 billion.
Sonexay also sought closer collaboration on border security, transport connections, education, public health, agriculture, tourism and contacts between their peoples. During his visit, Sihasak inspected operations at Thanaleng Dry Port Sole Co., Ltd. and subsequently took the Laos-China Railway to Luang Prabang for the commission talks.
