Thai Princess Visits Laos To Enhance Ties, Mutual Understanding

Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand arrived in Vientiane yesterday for a two-day official visit to Laos, aimed at enhancing bilateral ties between the two neighbours and mutual understanding between the Lao and Thai peoples.

Her visit is in response to an invitation from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongloun Sisoulith, the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release.

President Choummaly Sayasone ( right ) yesterday welcomes Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand.

The ministry said the princess’s visit will be an important boost in enhancing mutual understanding between the people of Laos and Thailand, and furthering relations and cooperation between the two countries.

Shortly after landing at Wattay International Airport where Her Royal Highness was warmly welcomed by high-ranking Lao officials, the princess visited an ethnic and cultural school for orphans in Vientiane province where she attended the official opening of a computer studies building.

During her visit, Princess Sirindhorn presented study materials and sports equipment to the school.

Later in the day, the Deputy Prime Minister in charge of goods production and circulation, Mr Somsavat Lengsavad, hosted a dinner for the princess at the Lao Plaza Hotel in Vientiane.

In the afternoon, the princess paid a courtesy visit to President Choummaly Sayasone at the Presidential Office.

The president, on behalf of the Lao people, expressed heartfelt thanks to Her Royal Highness for the valuable assistance she has extended to Laos over the years. This has helped to improve the livelihoods of the Lao people and boost socio-economic development.

On the same day, the princess and her delegation travelled to the southern province of Champassak where she was welcomed by Mr Thongloun, the Governor of Champassak province Dr Bounthong Divixay, and local residents.

A baci ceremony was organised to wish the princess well and Dr Bounthong hosted a dinner in her honour.

Today, the princess is scheduled to visit a livestock demonstration centre in Champassak province. There are plans to expand and develop the centre through a pilot project that will grow vegetables and fruit that do well in cool weather.

Arrangements have also been made for the princess to visit Pakxong district hospital where Her Royal Highness is to be briefed on a development project taking place at the hospital through technical cooperation between Laos and Thailand.

The princess will present medical equipment to the hospital and visit some local landmarks before returning home the same day.

Princess Sirindhorn has made regular visits to Laos. Last year, she came to Vientiane for the 20th anniversary of the Houayson–Houaysua Agriculture Service and Development Centre. The centre was established in 1994 through cooperation by the heads-of-state of Laos and Thailand.

From 1993 to 2014, Thailand has provided more than 236.6 million baht (almost 59 billion kip) to finance the construction of infrastructure and facilities at the centre along with technical assistance to train Lao staff and farmers.

Source: Vientiane Times