Thai monarchs attend exhibition on day two of Laos state visit
Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand visited the Textile Treasures of Laos exhibition in Vientiane today on the second day of their state visit to Laos.
Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith and his wife accorded King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida a formal reception at the Presidential Palace, also known as Hor Kham.
As part of the day’s itinerary, Their Majesties visited the exhibition, where they were welcomed by Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith.
This evening, the royal couple is scheduled to attend a traditional Baci blessing ceremony and a ceremonial dinner at the palace.
Their Majesties began their state visit yesterday, marking the first official visit to Laos by a Thai monarch in 32 years. The previous visit was by King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit in April 1994.
A video has gone viral showing Their Majesties personally piloting the aircraft from Bangkok to Vientiane.
Upon arrival at Vientiane International Airport, Their Majesties were received by President Thongloun and took part in an inspection of the guard of honour.
The three-day visit is at the invitation of President Thongloun Sisoulith and is aimed at strengthening the longstanding ties between Thailand and Laos.
During their stay, the King and Queen are scheduled to grant audiences to Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and National Assembly President Xaysomphone Phomvihane, along with their spouses.
They will also visit the Huayxone–Huayxua Agricultural Development Service Centre, the first royal project in Laos initiated by King Bhumibol, and pay homage at Pha That Luang, the country’s most revered Buddhist monument.
Furthermore, the royal couple will tour an exhibition of Lao silk and traditional textiles at the Traditional Lao Silk Residence.
The visit follows the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Laos in 2025 and is expected to deepen cooperation and people-to-people ties between the neighbouring nations.