Khon Kaen, Thailand | June 30, 2025 — The Mekong Institute (MI) welcomed Mr. Inthasone Thirakul, Steering Committee Member for Lao PDR, along with representatives from the Lao Coordinating Agency, to its Secretariat in Khon Kaen as part of preparations for Lao PDR’s assumption of the MI Council Chairmanship for the term August 2025 to August 2027.

Hosted by MI Executive Director Mr. Suriyan Vichitlekarn, the working visit served as a key milestone in the upcoming leadership transition, which will see the formal handover of the MI Council Chairmanship from the Kingdom of Cambodia to Lao PDR later this year. The delegation’s visit reflected Lao PDR’s proactive engagement and commitment to fostering regional cooperation under MI’s mandate.

Discussions during the visit focused on strategic planning and coordination efforts to ensure a smooth and effective transition. Under the upcoming chairmanship theme, “Connectivity and Resilience: From Policy to Action,” Lao PDR outlined its priorities and areas of focus for its leadership term.

Key agenda items included the co-hosting of MI’s 2025 and 2026 Governing Board and Council Meetings, joint organization of the Mekong Forum, and spearheading the commemoration of MI’s 30th Anniversary in 2026. The possibility of hosting additional celebratory events in Lao PDR was also explored to highlight the country’s leadership and commitment to regional development.

Lao PDR reaffirmed its full support for MI’s mission and expressed readiness to take an active role in strengthening partnerships among Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) countries and development partners. The visit further solidified the shared vision between MI and Lao PDR in advancing inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development across the region.