News

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.

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.

On May 24, 2024, Mr. Perames Vudthitornetiraks, President of the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA), along with NEDA executives, welcomed Mr. Yuho Hayakawa, Director General of the Southeast Asia and Pacific Department from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and his delegation for the 5th JICA-NEDA Annual Meeting, an event that has been organized continuously over the years. During this meeting, both parties discussed strategies and operations for collaboration in the Mekong Sub-region and explored ways to integrate development cooperation projects in Bhutan and Timor-Leste in the future.

Led by Mr. Perames Vudthitornetiraks, President of the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (Public Organization) (NEDA), along with a delegation, NEDA engaged in discussions with H.E. PEN Thirong, Undersecretary of State of the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) in Cambodia.The meeting focused on exploring opportunities, addressing challenges, and identifying constraints for collaborative development projects between NEDA and Cambodia. Discussions encompassed ongoing projects as well as future initiatives, aiming to establish operational guidelines to ensure the successful implementation of projects and contribute to overall development.This discussion took place during the 57th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank in Tbilisi, Georgia, on May 3, 2024.

Mr. Perames Vudthitornetiraks, President of the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (Public Organization) (NEDA), engaged in a bilateral discussion with ADB’s Country Directors from three Countries: Ms. Sonomi Tanaka, Country Director of the Lao PDR Resident Mission (LRM); Mr. Shamit Chakravarti, Country Director of the Bhutan Resident Mission (BHRM); and Ms. Stefania Dina, Country Director of the Timor-Leste Resident Mission (TLRM).The meeting delved into the socio-economic dynamics of these three countries, which NEDA aims to expand its cooperation through Official Development Assistance (ODA). Topics included ADB’’s strategic direction and policies regarding project implementation, as well as exploring avenues for collaborative development initiatives between NEDA and ADB.This discussion took place during the 57th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank in Tbilisi, Georgia, during 2 - 4 May 2024.

Mr. Perames Vudthitornetiraks, President of the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA), revealed that the Council of Ministers of Thailand endorsed a collaborative initiative with the Lao People’’s Democratic Republic, on April 18, 2024, to upgrade and improve Road 12 (R12), extending from Tha Khaek to the Naphao border crossing. This effort is part of a strategic plan to enhance connectivity not only between Thailand and Laos but also with Vietnam and China’’s Nan Ning City in Guangxi province through the comprehensive transport network of the Greater Mekong Subregion. Mr. Perames Vudthitornetiraks also stated that this route, which is the shortest compared to Roads 8 (R8) and 9 (R9), will integrate into the East-West Economic Corridor (EWEC) alongside Thailand’s R9. This development is set to streamline cross-border trade, investment, and tourism, and significantly boost the region’s competitiveness. It also aims to bolster Thailand’’s role in fostering development and expanding trade and investment opportunities within the subregion.

Colonel (Ret.) Saranyu Viriyavejakul, D.Sc., Vice President of the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA), accompanied by Mr. Rapipit Promnart, Policy and Planning Bureau Director, engaged in discussions with various cooperation partners in Cambodia, including 1) Ms. Jyotsana Varma, Country Director of the Asian Development Bank Cambodia Resident Mission, 2) Mr. Sodeth Ly, Senior Economist at the World Bank Cambodia Office, and 3) Ms. Ai Miyahara, Senior Representative of the JICA Cambodia Office. The meetings aimed to explore the partners’’ perspectives on Cambodia’’s economic volatility as a guide for managing risks related to financial and academic cooperation with Cambodia, held in Phnom Penh, Kingdom of Cambodia, from March 11-12, 2023.

Mr. Perames Vudthitornetiraks, President of the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA) and Mr. Rapipit Promnart, Policy and Planning Bureau Director traveled to attend the closing ceremony of the Locomotive Driving training course at Nong Khai Railway Station on Friday, January 12th, 2567. Mr. Chatchawal Kanitayon, Deputy Chief Engineer of the Mechanical Maintenance Division, and the management of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) participated. They provided technical assistance (TA) in the form of capacity building to prepare for the readiness of the railway operation (Nong Khai - Vientiane) for the Lao National Railways (LNR). This collaboration between SRT and the Thai railway authority, which has knowledge and expertise in railway systems, included two courses: "Locomotive Driving" and "Selling Train Ticket System." The training aimed to equip the participants with the necessary knowledge, understanding, and skills to operate trains correctly according to regulations and operational procedures efficiently. This is to support the upcoming railway operation from Nong Khai to Vientiane (Ban Kham Sawa) which is nearing completion and ensure maximum effectiveness in the project’’s development.