On 29-30 April 2026, Ms. Suchada Maktara, Deputy Director-General of the Department of ASEAN Affairs, joined the Thai  delegation led by H.E. Mr. Suchart Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, on an official visit to the Lao PDR. The visit aimed at strengthening cooperation in addressing transboundary haze under the CLEAR Sky Strategy and overall cooperation on the environment and the world heritage site.

During the visit, in the morning of 29 April 2026, the delegation met with H.E. Mr. Linkham Douangsavanh, Minister of Agriculture and Environment of the Lao PDR as well as relevant senior officials of the Lao PDR. During the meeting, both sides discussed how to forge closer cooperation, particularly in rainmaking, air quality monitoring systems and reporting platform with satellite technology, the application of traceability system, carbon market, capacity building in forest fire suppression, and ‘hotline’ communication under the CLEAR Sky Strategy. In the afternoon, the delegation paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister of the Lao PDR, during which they agreed to further strenghthen cooperation in addressing transboundary haze, cooperation in clean energy in response to the energy crisis, and enhance connectivity between Thailand and the Lao PDR.

In addition, on 30 April 2026, the delegation paid a visit to Luang Prabang Province, where they met with Mr. Bounleuam Manivong, Secretary of the Luang Prabang Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of Luang Prabang Provincial People’s Council, and senior officials from Luang Prabang World Heritage Office, the Department of Culture and Tourism, and the Department of Agriculture and Environment. During the meeting, both sides agreed to foster cooperation in environmental management and experience sharing, especially in the conservation of the Luang Prabang World Heritage Site.