Thailand and Laos Strengthen Border Health Security Amidst Emerging Disease Threats

Sriracha, Chonburi, Thailand – February 26, 2026 – Thailand and Laos are bolstering their cross-border health security collaboration in response to evolving disease landscapes. Representatives from both countries convened in Sriracha, Chonburi, to outline a three-year plan (2028-2030) encompassing six key strategies for enhanced regional health protection.

Decades of Collaboration

The partnership builds upon a long-standing relationship in public health dating back to 1995. Dr. Niti Hetanurak, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Disease Control, Thailand, emphasized the meeting as a crucial step in adapting cooperation to address the rapid changes in disease patterns, ultimately aiming to ensure the health security of citizens in both nations.

Dr. Phoupasong Somphou, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Parasite Control, Laos, expressed gratitude for Thailand’s consistent support in providing modern medical equipment and treatment technologies. He highlighted the 30-year friendship and expressed optimism for continued collaboration over the next 3-5 years to safeguard public health from shared threats.

Past Successes (2022-2025)

Recent joint efforts between 2022 and 2025 have yielded significant progress, including:

• Development of a tuberculosis and HIV referral system for migrant workers.
• Establishment of a Border Health SRRT (Surveillance and Rapid Response Team) mechanism for early warning systems.
• Creation of a new international disease control checkpoint at Ban Khok Pai, Loei Province.
• Training in epidemiological and entomological skills for local officials and public health volunteers.

The Growing Threat of Zoonotic Diseases

Veterinarian Dr. Darika Kingnet, advisor to the Department of Disease Control, underscored that over 70 percent of emerging infectious disease threats originate from animals to humans. She stressed the need for border cooperation to utilize “Border Health Diplomacy,” fostering trust and information sharing.

Six Strategic Areas for the Next Three Years

The collaborative plan for the next three years will focus on six strategic areas:

• Developing and strengthening the health service system.
• Surveillance of infectious and emerging diseases.
• Prevention and control of infectious diseases.
• Developing and building the potential of public health personnel.
• Responding to public health emergencies.
• International public health cooperation.

the plan prioritizes improved access to health services for migrant populations and enhanced health literacy in border regions.

Broad Participation and Regional Impact

The meeting included participants from numerous provinces in Laos and Thai public health agencies, including representatives from Chiang Rai, Nan, Uttaradit, Loei, Bueng Kan, Nong Khai, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, and Ubon Ratchathani in Thailand, and Bo Kaeo, Xayaburi, Vientiane Capital, Bolikhamxai, Khammouane, Savannakhet and Champasak in Laos. Central agencies from both countries’ Departments of Disease Control, Health, International Cooperation, and Foreign Affairs were also represented.

Preparing for Future Health Challenges

This strengthened partnership aims to continue the close Thai-Lao public health friendship, prepare for potential future threats like “Disease X,” and address diseases transmitted from animals to humans. The upgraded tuberculosis and HIV referral system for migrant workers and the promotion of “Border Health Diplomacy” are key components of this effort. The overarching goal is to create a network of partnerships to ensure the sustainable health security of both countries’ populations.