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On March 14, 2025, the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (Public Organization) under the Ministry of Finance (NEDA) hosted a seminar on “Relations and Successes of the Thailand - Lao PDR Cooperation Projects” at Le Thatluang Hotel, Vientiane. The event was honored by the presence of Mr. Paopoom Rojanasakul, Deputy Minister of Finance, who delivered a keynote speech on NEDA’s Role in Infrastructure Development Connecting Thailand and Lao PDR. His address emphasized the importance of bilateral cooperation in promoting economic growth, trade, investment, and tourism, as well as Thailand’s role in supporting infrastructure development to enhance regional connectivity.

On March 14, 2025, the Thailand - Lao PDR Press Caravan reached its final destination at the Le Thatluang Hotel in Vientiane, where the closing ceremony was held. The event was honored by the presence of Mr. Paopoom Rojanasakul, Deputy Minister of Finance, and Mr. Perames Vudthitornetiraks, President of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NEDA) (Public Organization), who waved the checkered flag to mark the official conclusion of the press caravan.

On March 13, 2025, Mr. Perames Vudthitornetiraks, President of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NEDA) (Public Organization), together with Mr. Phacharaset Bunsirisarisa, Deputy Governor of Uttaradit Province, co-chaired the opening ceremony of the Thailand-Lao PDR Press Caravan at the Siharaj Hotel, Uttaradit Province. This caravan aimed to provide Thai journalists the opportunity to explore the economic routes and infrastructure linking the two countries, traveling along the route from Bangkok - Phitsanulok - Phudu Border Checkpoint, Uttaradit Province - Road No. R11 - Vientiane. The journey included visits to the construction area of Road No. 11 (R11) from Krok Khao Do - Ban Non Sawan - Sanakam - Ban Wang - Ban Nam Sang, Lao PDR, covering a total distance of approximately 230 kilometers. This route is a key part of the Chiang Mai - Vientiane Economic Corridor (CVEC), which spans about 629 kilometers and is designed as a high-standard transport and logistics network. It will reduce travel time by 3-4 hours, making the journey more convenient, faster, and safer. The project also promotes the potential for tourism and cross-border logistics, increases economic opportunities, and stimulates trade and investment between Thailand and Lao PDR in the future.

On March 12, 2025, Mr. Perames Vudthitornetiraks, President of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NEDA) (Public Organization), presided over the opening ceremony of the seminar on the Economic and Tourism Cooperation Development Plan for the Thai-Uttaradit Border Area. The event was attended by Mr. Phacharaset Bunsirisarisa, Deputy Governor of Uttaradit Province, along with representatives from Uttaradit Province who provided information on cross-border trade value, the potential of the Phudu Permanent Border Crossing, which serves as a gateway to Vientiane, Lao PDR, and the future economic development strategies of Uttaradit Province. The event took place at the Siharaj Hotel, Uttaradit Province.

Opening Opportunities for Participation: Procedures for Financial Assistance Under NEDA’’s Programs

On February 27, 2025, Mr. Perames Vudthitornetiraks, President of the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA), signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Mr. Rodrigo Salvado, Director General of the Operational Partnership Department, representing the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) during the Finance in Common Summit 2025 (FiCS 2025) in Cape Town, Republic of South Africa. The LOI serves as a framework outlining the cooperation between NEDA and AIIB in sustainable infrastructure development, aiming to advance regional development in alignment with the goals of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The cooperation is set within a five-year operational framework to drive long-term, impactful development initiatives.

On February 27, 2025, Mr. Perames Vudthitornetiraks, President of the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA), held a bilateral discussion with Mr. Bruno Bosle, Director of AFD Mobilization & International Partnerships, in Cape Town, South Africa. The discussion focused on NEDA’s role, responsibilities, and operational conditions in infrastructure development cooperation within the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS), exploring potential areas for future collaboration. Additionally, the NEDA President discussed with AFD representatives for the preparations of NEDA’s Board of Director visit to AFD’s headquarters in Paris, France, scheduled for March 2025.

On February 26, 2025, Mr. Perames Vudthitornetiraks, President of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NEDA) (Public Organization), had the honor of being a Keynote Speaker at the Finance in Common Summit 2025 (FiCS2025), addressing the breakout session on "Innovative Technical Assistance: Driving Impact Through Global Cooperation."

On February 26, 2025, Mr. Perames Vudthitornetiraks, President of the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (Public Organization) (NEDA), attended the opening ceremony of the Finance in Common Summit 2025 (FiCS 2025) in Cape Town, South Africa. The event was presided over by H.E. Enoch Godongwana, Minister of Finance of the Republic of South Africa. FiCS serves as a key platform for Public Development Banks (PDBs), Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), and Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) to exchange ideas and strategies for promoting sustainable development through financial cooperation mechanisms involving both the public and private sectors from across the globe.

On February 19, 2025, the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (Public Organization) (NEDA), led by Mr. Rapipit Promnart, Director of Policy and Planning Bureau, facilitated a visit for representatives from the Department of Surface Transportation, Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MoIT) of the Kingdom of Bhutan, and the Department of Railway, Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) of the Kingdom of Cambodia to observe the operations of Lao National Railways (LNR) in Lao PDR. This visit was part of the “Cross-Border Railway Development” study visit program and aimed to explore operational strategies, asset management, and approaches to enhancing international railway services through collaboration between LNR and Thai agencies.

On February 19, 2025, the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (Public Organization) (NEDA), led by Mr. Rapipit Promnart, Director of Policy and Planning Bureau, facilitated a briefing session for representatives from the Department of Surface Transportation, Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MoIT) of the Kingdom of Bhutan, and the Department of Railway, Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) of the Kingdom of Cambodia. The session, held as part of the “Cross-Border Railway Development” study visit program, focused on the role of the Department of Railway, Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) of Lao PDR in developing the railway system between Lao PDR and Thailand.

On February 18, 2025, the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (Public Organization) (NEDA), led by Mr. Rapipit Promnart, Director of Policy and Planning Bureau, facilitated a visit for representatives from the Department of Surface Transportation, Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MoIT) of the Kingdom of Bhutan, and the Department of Railway, Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) of the Kingdom of Cambodia to the Vientiane Logistics Park (VLP).