Thai Parliament Chief Honors Laotian Leader, Reaffirms Bilateral Ties
Thailand's parliament chief visited Laos on August 11 to honor a late Laotian leader and meet with President Thongloun, reaffirming bilateral cooperation on security, economic ties, and cross-border infrastructure projects.
On August 11, 2025, Sophon Saramun, President of the National Assembly and Speaker of the House of Representatives, led a delegation to a memorial ceremony honoring Saysomphone Phomvihane, President of the National Assembly of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, at the National Convention Center in Vientiane. The ceremony paid tribute to his legacy and contributions.
Following the ceremony, Sophon proceeded to the Presidential Palace in Vientiane to pay respects to President Thongloun Sisoulith of the Lao People's Democratic Republic. This visit represented an important opportunity to reinforce the close relationship between Thailand and Laos.
President Thongloun welcomed the Thai Parliament Chief, characterizing the two nations as neighbors sharing both prosperity and hardship, bound by trust like close family. He emphasized friendly cross-border exchanges and pledged to jointly address shared issues including cybercrime, security, and regional infrastructure goals such as high-speed rail connectivity. Sophon stated that the meeting with President Thongloun extended beyond ceremonial courtesy, demonstrating tangible benefits for Thai-Lao relations in security, economics, and culture, with particular emphasis on strengthening legislative branch cooperation and demonstrating friendship during important occasions for both nations.
