On 14 January 2026, H.E. Ms Prinat Apirat, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Thailand to ASEAN, paid an introductory call on H.E. Mr Sitsangkhom Sisaketh, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Lao People's Democratic Republic to ASEAN, at the Permanent Mission of the Lao People's Democratic Republic to ASEAN in Jakarta.

Ambassador Prinat reiterated Thailand’s readiness to work closely with Lao PDR to advance agendas of mutual interest, including connectivity in all dimensions, particularly people-to-people connectivity; sustainable development—where Thailand serves as ASEAN Coordinator and hosts the ASEAN Centre for Sustainable Development Studies and Dialogue (ACSDSD); trade and the digital economy, including the support for MSMEs; and public health—where Thailand hosts the ASEAN Centre for Active Ageing and Innovation (ACAI) and will host the Secretariat Office and the Centre for Response and Risk Communication of the ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases (ACPHEED). She also underscored the importance of enhancing the efficiency of ASEAN’s work and processes to deliver tangible outcomes and maximise benefits for the people, as well as raising awareness of ASEAN, particularly among youth.

In addition, both sides exchanged views on narrowing development gaps within ASEAN, supporting the work of the ASEAN Secretariat, the role of subregional organisations in complementing ASEAN’s agendas, as well as the conduct of ASEAN’s relations with external partners.