Thai PM Vows Crackdown on Drug, Online Crime in Laos Talks
VIENTIANE, Oct 16 (TNA) - Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul held full delegation talks with his Laotian counterpart, Sonexay Siphandone, in Vientiane on Thursday, vowing joint efforts to tackle cross-border challenges including drug trafficking, online scams, and human trafficking.
The official visit, Anutin's first to a foreign country since assuming the premiership and coinciding with the 75th anniversary of Thai-Lao diplomatic relations, focused heavily on security cooperation.
Anutin, who also serves as Thailand's Interior Minister, said the two leaders agreed to intensify collaboration to intercept illicit drugs and precursor chemicals.
Beyond security, the full-cabinet meeting covered issues such as cross-border transport, transboundary haze pollution, and Mekong River management. The leaders witnessed a ceremony for the exchange of Memoranda of Understanding and the handover of assistance to Laos.
In addition to the bilateral talks, Anutin is scheduled to have a phone discussion with the President of the Republic of Korea later in the day, also from Vientiane. The conversation is expected to touch on the upcoming APEC Leaders' Meeting and the issue of scammers, with the Thai premier stating that discussions are ongoing in all aspects.
