Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha discussed cross-border trade, energy and logistical cooperation with his Lao counterpart on the first day of his two-day official visit Wednesday.
Thai (left) and Lao prime ministers and aides held formal talks at long tables set up to greet Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and party in Vientiane. (Photo courtesy of Government House)
Plans to build a fifth friendship bridge across the Mekong River and boosting tourism were also discussed.
Before departing for Vientiane Wednesday, Gen Prayut said he wanted the talks to concentrate on trade cooperation, investment, cross-border links and the possibility of purchasing more electricity from Lao, due to high demand.
The premier said there is an existing agreement to buy power supplies but details surrounding an additional purchase will be discussed further.
"Thailand and Laos are close neighbours that have been cooperating. So, cooperation should be developed further," Gen Prayut said, adding that he will give details of the results of his trip after he returns from Vietnam tomorrow.
After arriving in Vientiane, Gen Prayut told Lao Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong that Thailand valued its close ties with Laos and was willing to expand ties under a framework of partnership for equitable and shared prosperity.
According to Gen Prayut, the Thai government plans to develop border areas next to Laos by establishing special economic areas, starting with a pilot project in Mukdahan.
He said the zone would incorporate a number of trade and industrial features and will also be developed as a tourist spot. Two teams have been assigned to discuss a twin development in Mukdahan and the Savan-Seno special economic zone in Laos.
Thailand also wants to improve cross-border links with Laos to develop regional tourism and both sides particularly want to see "joint package" tourism that would include promoting destinations in both countries, Gen Prayut said.
A proposal to build a fifth Thai-Laos friendship bridge, connecting Bung Kan and the Lao city of Pak Sane in Bolikhamxai province, was also discussed in Gen Prayut's talks with Mr Thongsing.
The two leaders first discussed the possibility of another bridge during the recent Asem summit in Italy.
Also on Wednesday, Gen Prayut paid a courtesy call on Lao President Choummaly Sayasone and invited Mr Thongsing to attend the 5th Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) talks to be held in Thailand on Dec 19-20.
Gen Prayut also witnessed the signing of three memorandums of understanding - the first for the second-phase development of Bokeo Province Hospital, another on science and technology innovation cooperation between the ministries of Science and Technology of both countries, and one for financial assistance on road construction from Hongsa in Sainyabuli province to Xieng Muan in Luang Prabang.
The premier ends his Laos trip and leaves for Vietnam Thursday as part of official visits to neighbouring countries to introduce himself after becoming prime minister.
In Vietnam, Gen Prayut is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and other leaders to discuss bilateral ties, covering trade, investment, agricultural products and transport links.