Bangkok (VNA) – Thailand and Laos have agreed to prioritise joint efforts to combat drug trafficking, human trafficking, online scams, and cross-border haze pollution.
These were the main topics of discussion between Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her Lao counterpart Sonexay Siphandone on October 8, during her trip to Vientiane for attendance at the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits.
The Thai PM emphasised the importance of maintaining close relations between the neighboring countries. Both sides agreed to continue discussions on drug trafficking, a topic first addressed under former Thai PM Srettha Thavisin. Thailand proposed a joint meeting between border province governors early next year to strengthen cooperation.
On the issue of online scams, the two nations plan to form a joint task force to combat phone scam syndicates, with regular meetings to monitor progress.
Additionally, senior police officers from both countries will hold routine meetings to coordinate strategies against human trafficking networks.
Both countries aim to launch the "Clear Sky Strategy" this month, integrating air quality data and establishing a climate early warning system for the region. On Mekong River management, they will pursue a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on integrated water management in the Mekong Subregion.
The two leaders also agreed to enhance economic cooperation, boost bilateral trade, investment, and tourism, and continue Thailand's support for Laos’s healthcare system development under the 2022-2025 Human Resource Development Plan./.
