Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand are scheduled to pay a state visit to the Lao PDR on 16-18 March 2026, the first visit in 32 years by a Thai monarch to this neighboring country. The visit will reaffirm the friendly relations between the two countries, especially longstanding people-to-people ties.

Thailand and the Lao PDR have maintained deep family-like bonds built on sharing cultural similarities and a common linguistic root. Both countries celebrated the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025 through a series of commemorative activities.

An important milestone in commemorating the 75th anniversary of Thai-Lao diplomatic relations was the official opening of the fifth Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge on 25 December 2025, presided over by His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and Mr. Thongloun Sisoulith, President of the Lao PDR. Both sides believed that the bridge would help connect people, promote closeness, and enhance trade, investment, and tourism opportunities, thereby elevating livelihoods of the people of the two countries.

The Thai Royal Family has played a vital role in strengthening bilateral relations, serving as a symbol of stability and friendship between Thailand and the Lao PDR. The President of the Lao PDR commended development cooperation between Thailand and Laos, particularly the royal initiative projects, which have significantly contributed to the improvement of Lao people’s quality of life and sustainable human resource development.

The Huayxone-Huayxua Agricultural Development Service Center in Vientiane was the first royal project established in the Lao PDR under the initiative of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great (Rama IX). It serves as a center for agricultural research and development and technical cooperation, with the transfer of theoretical and practical knowledge in the expansion of plant and animal varieties.

Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn has also initiated many educational, agricultural, and nutrition projects in the Lao PDR, including supporting schools such as the Orphan Cultural School, Vientiane Province (Lak 67), Children and Youth Development Programs, and the use of information technology for education.

Thailand and the Lao PDR have reaffirmed their commitment to further enhancing the friendship and the Strategic Partnership for Growth and Sustainable Development between the two countries. They also expressed their intention to forge even closer cooperation at both bilateral and multilateral levels.