Thailand, Laos strengthen cooperation in post, digital technology
The Thai Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) and the Lao Ministry of Technology and Communications on November 7 signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation in post, digital technology infrastructure, information and communication technology, and e-commerce in the next eight years.
Thai Minister of Digital Economy and Society Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn (left) and Lao Minister of Technology and Communications Boviengkham Vongdara at the signing ceremony. (Photo: Bangkok post.com)
Bangkok (VNA) –The Thai Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) and the Lao Ministry ofTechnology and Communications on November 7 signed a memorandum of understanding(MoU) on cooperation in post, digital technology infrastructure, information and communication technology, and e-commerce in the next eight years.
The accord also includes the exchange of information on achievements, progress and development plans in joint development projects to increaseoperational efficiency and mutual potential.
Thai Minister of Digital Economy and Society ChaiwutThanakamanusorn said the MoU would deepen the partnership between thetwo countries based on equality, reciprocity and mutual benefits.
The two countries will organise visits and meetings as well as the exchange of technical experts, and supportstartups through exhibitions, training programmes, workshops and seminars, theminister affirmed.
The agreement will see thecooperation start from the date of signing for five years with an automaticextension of three years./.
The Prime Ministers of Laos and Thailand attended a ceremony to lay the foundation stone of the 5th Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, linking Thailand’s Bueng Kan province with Bolikhamxay province in Laos, on October 28.
Leaders of the Bank of Thailand (BoT) have assessed that despite facing many challenges, Thailand will still maintain its economic recovery in the post-pandemic period.
Thailand earned 95.23 billion baht (2.54 billion USD) from exporting 5.41 million tonnes of rice in the first nine months of this year, up 40% in volume and 36% in value from the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Commerce.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
Thai Minister of Digital Economy and Society Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn (left) and Lao Minister of Technology and Communications Boviengkham Vongdara at the signing ceremony. (Photo: Bangkok post.com) 
