News

Mr. Kirati Veruwan, Vice President of the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (Public Organization) (NEDA), participated in the welcoming ceremony for the inaugural Thai-Laos train passengers from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station to Vientiane Railway Station (Khamsavath) in Vientiane, Laos, on July 20, 2024. The event was co-chaired by Mr. Surapong Piyachote, Deputy Minister of Transport of Thailand, and Mr. Xaisongkham Manotham, Deputy Minister of Public Works and Transport of Laos. NEDA has supported the development of the railway system in Laos, connecting Nongkhai Province in Thailand to Thanaleng Railway Station and Vientiane Railway Station (Khamsavath) in Laos. This support includes the development of a Container Yard (CY), office buildings for the Department of Railways, staff accommodation, signal systems, and railway crossings. The project aims to enhance transportation connectivity between the two countries, reduce costs, increase the efficiency of freight transport, facilitate travel and tourism, and promote continuous trade and investment between Thailand and Laos.

On July 17, 2024, Mr. Perames Vudthitornetiraks, President of the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (Public Organization) (NEDA), welcomed Mr. Toshiaki Keicho, AIIB’s Sector Lead on Urban & Water and Lead on Southeast Asia and the Pacific coverage, along with Ms. Saitien Thongplengsri, Senior Investment Officer. They visited NEDA to explore potential collaboration between AIIB and NEDA for infrastructure development under the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) framework. The meeting took place at the Sun Towers building in Bangkok.

Mr. Perames Vudthitornetiraks, President of the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA), led executives and staff in recording a video tribute to Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana, on the occasion of her auspicious 6th cycle, 72nd birthday anniversary on July 28, 2024, to express deep love and gratitude at the Thai Broadcasting Station on June 26, 2024.

Colonel (Ret.) Saranyu Viriyavejakul, D.Sc., Vice President of the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA), led executives and staff in the "Planting Together" initiative. NEDA planted golden shower trees in collaboration with the Chatuchak District Office, promoting organizational participation in creating green spaces and constructing dust-filtering walls as part of Bangkok’’s Million Tree Planting Project. This initiative commemorates Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana’’s auspicious occasion on her birthday anniversary at the Bang Khen Canal on Thursday, June 13, 2024

Mr. Perames Vudthitornetiraks, President of the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA), and Mr. Kirati Veruwan, NEDA’s Vice President, traveled to monitor the progress of the construction project of the 5th Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge (Bung Kan–Bolikhamsai) in Lao PDR. The project has progressed more than 90% and is expected to be completed in February 2025. Upon completion, the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge linkage is set to stimulate economic expansion, trade, investment, and tourism between Thailand and Lao PDR. This will also enhance the transport of goods from Thailand to markets in Southern China, at the Lao People’’s Democratic Republic, on June 13, 2024.

Mr. Perames Vudthitornetiraks, President of the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA), and H.E. Mr. PHOUTHANOUPHET SAYSOMBATH, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Finance, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, jointly signed a financial cooperation agreement for the Route 12 improvement project from Tha Khaek to Na Phao border checkpoint, Lao PDR, on May 30, 2024, at the Ministry of Finance, Vientiane, Lao PDR. The aforementioned project was approved by the Cabinet to jointly push for the upgrading and improvement of Route 12, amounting to a total assistance of 1,833,747,000 baht, consisting of a loan component of 1,742,684,000 baht and a grant component of 91,063,000 baht on April 18, 2024. The conditions stipulate that at least 50% of the contract value for materials and equipment must be sourced from Thailand under the project. Additionally, the main construction