In a significant move to bolster their bilateral relations, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra of Thailand and her Lao counterpart, Sonexay Siphandone, signed six detailed agreements on Wednesday. This historic signing took place just ahead of the ASEAN summits, aimed at enhancing their nations' cooperation across various sectors.

 

The agreements cover crucial areas such as integrated water resource management and establish a formal connection between Thailand's Khon Kaen province and the Lao capital, Vientiane. Cooperation in civil servant management, technical assistance, rail freight transport, and the reinforcement of the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge also featured prominently in the discussions.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn presented the design for a new bridge over the Mekong River to the Lao leader, and both expressed a strong commitment to tackle shared challenges, including drug trafficking and air pollution.

 

Moreover, they pledged to deepen ties in trade, investment, infrastructure, and labour, while upholding their mutual support in regional matters. Their meeting highlighted the enduring strength of the relationship, especially as they approach the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-10-09

 

But do the two have an extradition agreement? For example, if a person flees to Vientiane after failing to pay their assessed worldwide income taxes in Thailand, will Laos honor a Thai government request to send that person back to Thailand to face the music? Asking for a friend.

Love thy neighbours.

Such agreements don't achieve much out in the real world but they do no harm.

 

At least they're better than the alternative (shouting insults and being negative about everything).