Thailand and the Lao People's Democratic Republic have agreed to step up their cooperation in tackling transnational crime, especially operations against narcotic drugs, online scams, and human trafficking. 

Combating transnational crime was among significant issues raised for discussion during the official visit of Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul to the Lao PDR on 16 October 2025, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. 

Government Spokesperson Siripong Angkhasakulkiat said that, at a plenary meeting attended by Mr. Anutin and Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone of the Lao PDR, Thailand stated that it would intensify efforts to intercept drugs and precursors and would also provide financial support and knowledge exchange to enhance the capacity of Lao PDR officials in security missions.

Thailand urged Laos to assign a key agency as a contact point to coordinate with the Royal Thai Police’s International Anti-Scam and Human Trafficking Syndicate Command Center in order to enhance efficiency in prevention and suppression of online scams and human trafficking along the border area. A center to assist and provide relief to victims of human trafficking from both countries will be established.

Both sides have also placed importance on addressing transboundary haze and water resource management in the Mekong River, as well as cooperation under the “CLEAR Sky Strategy.” Thailand will support Laos for adopting technology to upgrade its data collection and warning system.

It is ready to host a meeting between Thailand's Ministry of Commerce and Laos' Ministry of Industry and Trade to seek ways to promote cross-border trade and support SME networks in order to achieve the bilateral trade target of US$11 billion by the year 2027.

Prime Minister Anutin said that Thailand was also ready to facilitate transportation between the two countries, which also included financial assistance for the construction of the Chiang Man - Luang Prabang Bridge across the Mekong River, the plan for a new railway bridge across the Mekong River, and the mapping out of a comprehensive Thailand-Laos Logistics Strategic Plan.

Thailand and Laos also agreed to enhance energy cooperation to attract investments in green industries to the ASEAN region. Prime Minister Anutin called on the Lao PDR to support Thai investments in the energy and business sectors, particularly in solar power generation where Thailand has the potential to significantly increase joint electricity generation between the two countries.

After the plenary meeting, Prime Minister Anutin paid a courtesy call on President Thongloun Sisoulith of Lao PDR. He took this opportunity to express appreciation to the President of Laos for his role as a “true friend of Thailand,” and affirmed the Thai government’s commitment to strengthening Thai-Lao cooperation in a tangible manner for the best interests of people of the two countries.

The President commended development cooperation between Thailand and Laos, particularly the royally initiated projects, which have significantly contributed to the improvement of Lao people’s quality of life and sustainable human resources development.