Thailand, Laos to strengthen efforts against cross-border crime and haze

Thailand and Laos vowed yesterday to work together in tackling online scams, human trafficking and PM2.5 airborne pollution.

The agreements are the result of discussions between Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her visiting counterpart from Laos, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone.

Today’s visit was the Laotian leader’s first official visit to Thailand since taking office in December 2022.

Sonexay and Paetongtarn inspected a guard of honour at Government House this morning before beginning their discussions.

Thai government spokesperson, Jirayu Houngsub, revealed that both leaders had agreed to increase cooperation on keeping the shared border free from narcotics, human trafficking and online scams, while strengthening economic ties.

Regarding scam call centres, Bangkok asked Vientiane to specify the department that will act as the contact point for cooperation.

Both countries also agreed to work together in tackling cross-border haze, by sharing information and technology, including data from Thailand’s Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), to enable early warnings.

The Laotian side thanked Thailand for providing equipment and technology to monitor wildfire hotspots.

Finally, the two leaders unveiled a commemorative logo, marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Laos.