APRIL 29, 2026, 09:30 AM — Mr. Suchart Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), accompanied by Dr. Raweewan Bhuridej, Permanent Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment, Mrs. Krongkanit Rakcharoen, Ambassador to Vientiane, and a delegation of senior executives, visited the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) to hold discussions with Dr. Linkham Douangsavanh, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, regarding cooperation on transboundary haze management and the sustainable management of natural resources.

This discussion aimed to strengthen relations and elevate cooperation under the "Clear Sky Strategy," a tripartite cooperation framework between Thailand, Lao PDR, and Myanmar. Both parties emphasized the implementation of the Joint Action Plan for the Prevention and Resolution of Transboundary Haze Pollution (2024–2030) to achieve tangible results in four key areas: the development of air quality reporting platforms for Lao PDR, including support for the establishment of a National Air Quality Data Center; the utilization of the "WhatsApp Hotline CLEAR Sky" at the Director-General level to monitor forest fires, haze situations, and PM 2.5 dust levels to ensure rapid, real-time coordination during the burning season; the development of joint fire-risk maps and the strengthening of the tripartite forest fire prevention and suppression networks between Thailand, Lao PDR, and Myanmar; and the transfer of knowledge regarding GAP Zero Burning practices alongside the implementation of a Traceability System for agricultural products, particularly animal feed maize, to ensure that produced and imported goods are not associated with agricultural area burning. On this occasion, the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment also proposed the drafting of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Natural Resource and Environmental Management between the two ministries to align with current situations and the new organizational structure of Lao PDR.

Furthermore, this visit to Lao PDR represents another significant step in elevating regional environmental cooperation. It reflects the proactive role of Thailand, through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, in driving systematic solutions to transboundary haze issues under the cooperation of neighboring countries. This effort is paired with the enhancement of academic, technological, and management capabilities to create a better quality of life for the people and lead toward shared sustainable development in the region.