Thailand has been asked to assist Lao laborers.

[ASEAN NOW]

 

The President of the Lao National Assembly (NA) has asked Thailand to assist Lao nationals working in Thailand in overcoming the Covid-19 dilemma.

Dr. Xaysomphone Phomvihane, the NA President, made the request via videoconference on Tuesday with Mr Chuan Leekpai, the Speaker of Thailand's lower house of Parliament.

 

Mr Chuan was also asked by the NA President to press concerned Thai sectors to support Lao workers, particularly in enabling their repatriation to Laos.

According to the most recent figures, around 246,000 Lao workers have returned from Thailand since the pandemic began last year, with over 150,000 expected to return in 2020.

Over the last few months, a big epidemic of Covid-19 in Thailand has resulted in the loss of numerous employment and the forced return of hundreds of Lao workers.

At least 30% of individuals who returned carried the Coronavirus, putting additional strain on Laos' efforts to prevent infection spread.

 

During the meeting, Dr. Xaysomphone commended Thailand for previously assisting Lao employees and for supplying medical equipment to aid Laos in its fight against the Coronavirus.

The two leaders emphasized how important it is for bilateral connections and collaboration to grow, particularly in economic relations, commerce, investment, tourism, education, and health.

 

The two sides committed to work together to see that agreements struck by the two countries in previous years are implemented for mutual benefit.

Dr. Xaysomphone also asked Mr. Chuan to press key sectors in Laos and Thailand to settle concerns relating to land and river border delineation between the two nations in order to assure the project's success.

Laos and Thailand have strong ties due to shared traditions, customs, culture, and language, as well as a long land and water border.

 

Thailand is Laos' largest investor, and the two nations have close economic and trade ties.

Since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1950, their friendship and cooperation has grown gradually, with an increasing number of successful outcomes.