HM King Bhumibol receives Laos Prime Minister in audience

BANGKOK, 1 June 2012 (NNT) – His Majesty the King yesterday granted an audience to Prime Minister of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic Thongsing Thammavong, who is paying an official visit to Thailand at the invitation of the Thai government.

Mr. Thongsing Thammavong arrived in Thailand yesterday to participate in the 21st World Economic Forum (WEF) on East Asia, which Thailand is hosting from May 31 – June 1. Accompanied by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, Mr. Thongsing was received in audience with HM the King at the Princess Galyani Vadhana Conference Room on the 14th floor of Siriraj Hospital.

Thailand and Laos have a long history of cordial relationship, as witnessed in many cooperation projects, particularly the royally initiated Huay Sone Huay Sua (KM 22) in Vientiane, Laos, which has served as a full-cycle learning center for agricultural development in that country.

In terms of education, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn has provided educational sponsorships for Lao students at the Ethnic Cultural School of Orphans (KM 67) to take further studies in the fields of medicine and information technology at the Burapha University in Thailand. HRH also provided assistance for the improvement of public infrastructure and educational buildings as well as the promotion of nutrition and health of school children in Laos.

In terms of public health, the two countries have arranged a series of training courses and study trips for Lao students to visit leading hospitals in Thailand. They constantly organize conferences to promote the skill and knowledge of medical and public health personnel in Laos, particularly those residing in remote rural areas.