Thailand & Laos Deepen Haze Cooperation in Vientiane

Senior officials from Laos and Thailand have agreed to strengthen cross-border cooperation on tackling transboundary haze pollution following talks in Vientiane on Wednesday, 29 April 2026. The discussions focused on improving coordination to address rising PM2.5 levels and reinforcing joint efforts to protect air quality across the region.

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The meeting brought together Lao Minister of Agriculture and Environment Linkham Douangsavanh and Thai Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin, along with representatives from relevant agencies in both countries. Officials reaffirmed their commitment to cleaner air and reviewed progress under an existing memorandum of understanding on pollution control.

The talks were held in response to instructions from the prime ministers of Laos, Thailand and Myanmar, who have called for stronger regional cooperation to address transboundary haze. The issue has been driven in part by widespread forest fires and agricultural burning across mainland Southeast Asia.

Officials also discussed implementation of the CLEAR Sky Strategy (2024-2030), which sets out five priorities: preventing and controlling forest fires, monitoring and modelling air quality, promoting sustainable agriculture, enforcing environmental laws and strengthening coordination between agencies. Laos, Thailand and Myanmar are expected to intensify efforts under this framework.

According to discussions, recent PM2.5 readings in Laos rose above 100 micrograms per cubic metre nationwide in early April, more than double the commonly accepted safety threshold of 50 micrograms. The sharp increase prompted Lao authorities to step up mitigation measures and expand cooperation with regional partners.

Linkham Douangsavanh said the strategy would also focus on reducing agricultural burning and improving the capacity of central and local officials to monitor and respond to air quality issues. Both sides highlighted the need for sustained regional action to manage recurring seasonal haze.

The Nation reported that Laos and Thailand agreed to continue implementing the CLEAR Sky Strategy and to prepare for upcoming regional meetings on air pollution. Authorities said cooperation would be expanded further to strengthen prevention measures and improve real-time monitoring systems across borders.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 1 May 2026