In a strategic move aimed at promoting tourism and strengthening ties, Thailand and Laos have begun deliberations on creating interconnected tourism routes and hastening the construction of a second Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge in Pak Chom district, Loei. The discussions were held in the recently concluded 20th Thai-Lao border security meeting at the upscale S Vangvieng Boutique Hotel, featuring Tawee Sermpakdeekul, Loei’s Governor, and Khamphan Sithidampha, Governor of Vientiane province in Laos.
Notably, the high-profile meeting brought together not just the Governor of Loei but also other prominent figures such as the deputy governor, Narong Jeenam, 28th military circle chief Major General Prich Sukantasri, and several other officials. The key focus areas of the meeting were facilitating tourism promotion, fostering cultural exchanges, and fortifying economic, social, and security collaborations with Laos.
In line with this move, the Thai government has recently decided to grant visa-free entry to Chinese visitors. This has prompted Laos to ramp up its Muen border town in Vientiane to manage the projected surge in Chinese tourists travelling to Thailand, and potentially visiting Laos as well.
Tawee pointed out the strategic location of Muen town, which lies in close proximity to the Pak Chom district in Laos, positions it perfectly to connect major tourist attractions in both Loei and Vientiane. He further elaborated on the potential tourism route linking Chiang Khan and Pak Chom districts in Loei, Thailand, and Vang Vieng and Feuang districts in Vientiane, Laos.
He said, “We already have a border checkpoint in Loei for tourists to cross from Pak Chom to Muen. However, Laos only has a temporary checkpoint at present. We will seek cooperation from Laos to raise the status of the checkpoint to a permanent one by this year-end.”
Furthermore, in its bid to boost tourism, trade, investment, and logistics between Thailand and Laos, Loei is also considering construction of the second Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge in Pak Chom district. The first Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge in Loei currently connects Loei’s Tha Li district with Kenethao City in Laos, as reported by Bangkok Post.
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