November 23, 2023, The Thailand Environment Institute (TEI), led by Dr. Supat Wangwongwattana, an expert in cross-border air pollution, and Ms. Wilavan Noipa, project leader and researcher, had a meeting with Mr. Lonkham Asnavong, the head of the Natural Resources and Environment Research Institute, Lao PDR. This meeting follows the warm welcome extended by Madam Bounkham Vorajit, Minister of the Natural Resources and Environment of Laos, during her visit to Thailand on the occasion of assuming the position of Deputy Prime Minister.

The discussion aimed to review the collaborative efforts in natural resources and environmental management between Thailand and Laos over the past years. The focus was on discussing and planning further collaboration between Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar to drive regional initiatives in managing and reducing cross-border haze pollution, with the ultimate goal of minimizing its impact on public health in the Mekong River basin.

As a result of these discussions, Laos expressed readiness to provide support and collaborate further to address issues related to cross-border haze. They proposed a suitable area near Bokeo Province in Laos as a pilot project site, an area strategically located for coordinated activities with Thailand and Myanmar, where burning activities are prevalent. The project team will conduct further discussions and assess the operational conditions in the upcoming stages.