Ambitious trade goals
At the 8th Thailand-Laos Cooperation Plan on September 10, 2025, officials announced a target to increase bilateral trade to $11 billion by 2027. Senior ASEAN trade representatives attended, including Thailand’s Chotima Iemsawasdikul and her Laotian counterpart.
Modernising border crossings
A key focus is the upgrade and reopening of Thailand-Laos border checkpoints that were closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. These improvements aim to facilitate trade, transport, and tourism, while revitalising the local economies along the border regions.
Bridges and infrastructure projects
The new Bueng Kan–Bolikhamxai Friendship Bridge is central to these plans, forming part of Thailand’s fifth cross-border bridge initiative. Additional railway bridges, roads, and investments in special economic zones will lower logistics costs and accelerate trade flows between the two countries.
Tourism and regional economy
Enhanced transport links and new cross-border routes are expected to boost Thailand-Laos tourism, benefiting both domestic and international travellers. Authorities also aim to encourage the use of local currencies in trade to strengthen regional economic resilience and reduce dependency on external market fluctuations.
Engaging the private sector
The cooperation plan includes parallel meetings with entrepreneurs from both countries, fostering new business relationships—from traditional trade to digital commerce and a regional digital economy.
Current trade picture
Laos ranks as Thailand’s second-largest partner in border trade after Malaysia and seventh in the ASEAN region. Thailand is Laos’ primary trade partner and second-largest investor. In 2024, bilateral trade reached $8.29 billion, with Thailand exporting diesel, refined products, sugar, minerals, and vehicles, while importing electricity, vegetables, fertilisers, and electronic components from Laos.