Thailand and Laos Strengthen Cooperation to Combat Cross-Border Haze Under Clear Sky Strategy

Thailand and Laos have agreed to deepen cooperation on tackling cross-border haze pollution and sustainable environmental management under the "Clear Sky Strategy", officials said on Wednesday.

On April 29 at 9:30am, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin led a Thai delegation to Laos for talks with Lao Agriculture and Environment Minister Dr. Linkham Duangsavanh, focusing on joint efforts to address transboundary haze and environmental management. Both sides reaffirmed their commitments under a trilateral framework involving Thailand, Laos and Myanmar, aimed at tackling seasonal haze and forest fire pollution across the region.

The talks centered on implementing a joint action plan for cross-border haze management spanning 2024–2030, including development of Laos' air quality reporting platform and establishment of a national air quality data center. Both countries also agreed to strengthen real-time coordination through a "WhatsApp Hotline CLEAR Sky" system at the director-general level, designed to enable rapid response during burning season and monitor haze, forest fires and PM2.5 pollution.

Additional measures include creating shared fire-risk maps, strengthening a trilateral forest fire prevention and suppression network with Myanmar, and promoting zero-burning agricultural practices under GAP standards. A product traceability system, particularly for animal feed corn, was also discussed to ensure supply chains are not connected to crop burning.

Thailand proposed a new memorandum of understanding between the two environmental ministries to better address current challenges and reflect Laos' reorganized administrative structure. Officials noted the visit demonstrates progress in regional environmental cooperation, highlighting Thailand's commitment to addressing transboundary haze through scientific collaboration, technology transfer and coordinated management to improve public health and support sustainable development across the region.