On 21 April 2026, H.E. Mrs. Krongkanit Rakcharoen, Ambassador of Thailand to the Lao PDR, paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Malaithong Kommasith, Minister of Industry and Commerce of the Lao PDR, on the occasion of her assumption of duties. Both sides reaffirmed their readiness to promote cooperation between Thailand and the Lao PDR in trade and investment, particularly in advancing trade to achieve the bilateral trade target of 11,000 million USD by 2027. In addition, the two sides discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in the energy sector to enhance energy security in the Lao PDR, for mutual benefit as a strategic partner for growth and sustainable development.