VIENTIANE : Thailand and Laos intend to complete their land and river border demarcation work in the next two years and four years respectively, part of a joint effort to end a long-standing border dispute between the two countries.
The agreement came after a one-day meeting of the Thai-Lao Joint Commission yesterday, which was co-chaired by Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul and Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Thoungloun Sisulit.
Mr Surapong said the two countries would try to finish demarcating the land and the river border by 2014 and 2016 respectively. He said the Thai-Lao Joint Boundary Commission would resume full talks as soon as possible after they were scrapped five years ago.
"If the people of the two countries understand each other, there will be no problem and they can live peacefully," he said at a press conference yesterday.
Mr Thoungloun said Laos also intended to resolve the boundary problem as soon as possible so that its future generations could reap the benefits from it.
Thailand and Laos, sharing a 702km-long common land border, still disagree on a number of issues concerning land and river border demarcation.
"Both countries will try to narrow their differences and will try to reach an agreement. There is always a way out and I would like both nations to open their minds and hearts more fully," he said.
Mr Thoungloun said Thailand should not allow ill-intentioned people to use the disputed areas for illicit activities.
He said the number of cross-border crimes declined after both countries started working together more closely. However, some problems like human trafficking and the drugs trade are still continuing.
During the commission meeting, Mr Surapong said Bangkok and Vientiane agreed to upgrade to permanent two temporary checkpoints at Ban Huak in Phayao province (opposite Ban Pangmon in Xayaburi in Laos) and the Pu Du checkpoint in Uttaradit province (which links to Ban Pa Kaew in Xayaburi). The changes are being made to facilitate travel between the two countries.
Laos has also asked Thailand to support the construction of a permanent checkpoint in Chiang Saen in Chiang Rai province as Vientiane is planning to build an international airport to attract foreign tourists, said Mr Surapong.
Meanwhile, the government will try to encourage Thai investors to seek out businesses opportunities in Laos.