Southeast Asia Information Port News (www.dnyxxg.com) On Sunday, the Lao Embassy in Thailand solemnly hosted a Lao New Year celebration. This event, using culture as a bond, not only highlighted the deep historical ties and cultural connections between Laos and Thailand, but also promoted the development of the bilateral strategic partnership to a deeper level, serving as a warm-up for the series of commemorative activities marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2025.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Chanvirakul, Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Pongkitchou, Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane, Lao Ambassador to Thailand Sisavath Inphachan, and other leaders of both countries, as well as diplomatic representatives and distinguished guests from various sectors, attended the celebration.
In his speech, Lao Ambassador to Thailand Sisavath Inphachan stated that the Lao New Year celebration is a precious tradition that carries the spiritual values and long-standing customs of the Lao people for generations. He pointed out that iconic customs such as water-splashing for blessings, paying respects to elders, and the Pachi ceremony convey the core values of gratitude, unity, and harmony. These customs are not only vivid manifestations of the festive atmosphere but also the spiritual core of Lao society and culture. Regarding the development of Lao-Thai relations, the ambassador specifically mentioned two important milestones in 2025—the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the opening of the fifth Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge over the Mekong River, among other practical cooperation projects. He emphasized that the state visit of the King and Queen of Thailand to Laos last month laid a crucial foundation for upgrading bilateral relations to a strategic partnership and served as an important testament to the friendly exchanges between the two countries.
Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane stated in his speech that the Lao New Year and the Thai Water Festival share the same origins and have long served as a cultural bridge connecting the emotions of the two peoples and fostering friendship. He reviewed the steady progress of Lao-Thai relations since 1992, and clearly stated that both sides will further expand cooperation in key areas such as trade, investment, energy, transportation, and tourism during 2025-2026, taking pragmatic measures to promote common development and truly benefit the people of both countries.
At the end of the celebration, the two leaders jointly expressed their gratitude to all participants and wished the Lao-Thai strategic partnership continued solid development in the new year, working together towards a more prosperous and sustainable future.
