75 years of Thai-Lao relationsThe Fifth Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge, which links Bueng Kan province in Thailand with Bolikhamxay province in the Lao People's Democratic Republic, is seen on Dec 21, 2025, four days before it opened officially. Thailand and the Lao PDR maintain exchanges at all levels, with the Thai royal family contributing significantly to the nurturing of bilateral relations. A historic milestone was when His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, together with the then-president Nouhak Phoumsavanh of the Lao PDR presided over the opening of the First Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge (Nong Khai–Vientiane). During 2024-2025, Thailand and the Lao PDR experienced severe flooding caused by Typhoon Yagi, Typhoon Wutip, and Typhoon Wipha. Since 2023, Thailand, the Lao PDR, and Myanmar have worked together under the CLEAR Sky Strategy to address PM2.5 pollution.

Source: Bangkok Post March 18, 2026 00:44 UTC