Laos and Thailand have agreed to strengthen cooperation on consumer protection, focusing on information sharing, law enforcement coordination and addressing risks linked to online trade. The agreement aims to improve safeguards for consumers as cross-border commerce and digital shopping continue to expand in both countries. Officials say the partnership will help protect the legitimate rights and interests of consumers in an increasingly digital marketplace.
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The Department of Internal Trade under Laos’ Ministry of Industry and Commerce and Thailand’s Office of the Consumer Protection Board signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on technical cooperation and information exchange. The agreement was signed in Vientiane by Santisouk Phounsavath, Director General of Laos’ Department of Internal Trade, and Ronnarong Phoolpipat, Secretary-General of Thailand’s Office of the Consumer Protection Board under the Office of the Prime Minister. Both sides said the MoU creates a formal framework for collaboration as trade between the neighbouring countries continues to grow.
Under the agreement, Thailand will provide public information materials on consumer protection to support Lao authorities. These materials include manuals and laws in the Thai language that may assist officials in strengthening consumer protection systems. The two agencies will also offer advisory support and work together to develop joint action plans aimed at improving consumer safeguards.
The partnership encourages the exchange of information related to law enforcement, product and service safety, and the protection of consumers involved in online commerce. Officials will share knowledge, experiences and best practices regarding investigations and procedures for consumer protection. Training programmes, study visits and seminars are also planned to build capacity among relevant staff.
Authorities from both countries will coordinate efforts to resolve consumer complaints, particularly those linked to unfair practices in cross-border trade. In Laos, consumers can currently submit complaints through the Consumer Protection Hotline 1510, the Consumer Protection Facebook page, the Consumer Protection Association Facebook page, or by direct submission. Officials believe improved cooperation will help address challenges linked to digital commerce, including issues involving product quality control and misleading advertising.
The agreement comes as online shopping continues to grow rapidly in Southeast Asia, creating new challenges for regulators responsible for protecting consumers. Cross-border purchases have increased the need for stronger cooperation between national authorities to ensure product safety and fair business practices. Officials say the new framework will help both countries respond more effectively to emerging risks in digital trade.
The Nation reported that Lao and Thai authorities are expected to begin implementing joint activities under the MoU, including training sessions and knowledge exchanges. The cooperation is also expected to strengthen investigative coordination and improve responses to consumer complaints involving businesses operating across borders. Both governments say continued collaboration will be essential as digital commerce continues to expand across the region.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 12 Mar 2026