Thailand’s King Vajiralongkorn (Rama X) and Queen Suthida concluded a three-day official state go to to Laos, the primary by a Thai monarch in 32 years. Made on the invitation of Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith, the go to additionally marked the seventy fifth anniversary of diplomatic relations between the 2 neighbouring international locations.
The royal couple touched down at Wattay Worldwide Airport on 16 March.
The final Thai monarch to go to Laos was King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), who got here with Queen Sirikit, the dad and mom of the present king, in April 1994.
For King Vajiralongkorn, who ascended the throne in 2016, this was his first go to to Laos as king. The 2 international locations’ leaders had beforehand met in December 2025 on the inauguration of the fifth Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, however this go to carried a special weight fully.
Flags, Guards, and a Nation’s Welcome
The formal program started on the morning of 17 March. The royal couple traveled by motorcade to the Presidential Palace (Hor Kham), the place President Thongloun and his spouse, Naly Sisoulith, acquired them with a full ceremony.
Lao youngsters offered floral bouquets, the King reviewed the navy honour guard, and senior officers from each international locations had been formally launched.
Barely an hour later, the royal couple made their solution to the Textile Treasures of Laos exhibition, one of many go to’s most culturally vital stops. Beneath the non-public patronage of Naly Sisoulith, the exhibition showcases Lao textile heritage spanning ceremonial clothes, ethnic weaving traditions, and silk works rooted in Buddhism and regional legend. Among the many shows had been royal awards beforehand offered by Queen Sirikit, the King’s mom, giving the tour a quietly private dimension.
Earlier than leaving, the royal couple signed a commemorative e book and accepted items of wall hangings and scarves.
Assembly the Pillars of Lao Management
The afternoon shifted from tradition to statecraft.
The King and Queen held non-public audiences with Laos’ two different most senior leaders: Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and his spouse Vandala, adopted by Nationwide Meeting President Xaysomphone Phomvihane and his spouse Viphavan.
The Baci Ceremony: When a President Blesses a King
The night introduced the go to’s most memorable second.
The royal couple returned to Hor Kham for a conventional Lao Baci blessing ceremony, probably the most sacred rituals the Lao individuals can provide a visitor.
Ritual grasp Mor Phon performed the ceremony, throughout which the King lit candles atop the Phum Baci floral association and held the sacred Sai Sin strings in prayer. President Thongloun then tied the blessed strings across the King’s wrist himself, whereas Naly tied them across the Queen’s.
A proper state dinner adopted, with speeches, reciprocal toasts, and a cultural efficiency rounding out the night.
A Father’s Legacy, a Son’s Return
On the ultimate day, 18 March, the royal couple visited the Houayxone-Houayxua Agricultural Growth Service Heart in Naxaythong district, a undertaking born from a request made by former Lao President Kaysone Phomvihane to King Bhumibol in 1992, and formally opened through the late king’s personal go to to Laos in 1994.
In over 32 years, the middle has constructed irrigation infrastructure serving eight villages throughout 580 hectares and skilled greater than 1,500 individuals yearly in sustainable farming practices.
Earlier than leaving, each side took half in a tree planting ceremony.
The Thai aspect planted a Ruang Phueng (Schoutenia glomerata), the King’s private tree, its yellow flowers matching the color of his birthday. The Lao aspect planted a Munpa (Fagraea fragrans), an auspicious tree of the Mekong Basin recognized for its aromatic blossoms.
Planted aspect by aspect at a middle based in friendship, the 2 bushes now stand as a residing memorial to the go to.
Farewell to Laos – “Like Coming Residence”
From the agricultural heart, the royal couple made one closing cease earlier than leaving the nation, Thatluang Stupa, the golden nationwide stupa of Laos and essentially the most sacred Buddhist monument within the land, the place the King and Queen paid their respects earlier than departing for Thailand.
But the go to’s most enduring second could have been the King’s phrases on the state dinner.
“This go to is just not merely a state go to; it’s like coming house, assembly outdated associates sure collectively by coronary heart,” the King mentioned. “Although borders separate our lands, they can not divide the closeness and enduring friendship between us.”
