Laos, Thailand mull on road linking four countries

CHIANG RAI, THAILAND, October 27 (TNA) - Laos and Thailand have conferred plans to develop a road linking a Thai village bordering Laos which would later connect with Vietnam and China and it could eventually promote tourism-related businesses in the four countries. Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai and visiting Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Thongloun Sisoulith travelled to Phu Chi Fah in Thoeng District of Chiang Rai Province in the Thai North on Tuesday and discussed ways to develop their border area, aimed at promoting tourism industry of the two neighbouring countries. Phu Chi Fah, located about 40 kilometres from the Thai-Lao border, is a Thai mountain and national forest park and it is one of famous tourist destinations in Chiang Rai. If a road could be developed, Phu Chi Fah could connect with Laos, Vietnam and China. Don said Phu Chi Fah tourism service centre could be considered as a joint development symbol between Laos and Thailand and it could become a model for development with Thailand’s neighbouring countries. The Thai foreign minister, suggested, however, that road conditions in the area must be further improved for the safety of motorists; while sport experts should be invited to give advices on what types of sports could be played there so that more development could be seen. Thongloun, meanwhile, noted that it was the first time that he visited Phu Chi Fah and he agreed on developing the area through conducting a research and study in which Laos is ready to give full support. The visiting Lao deputy prime minister and foreign minister and the Thai foreign minister jointly chaired the 20th Thai-Lao Joint Commission (JC) in Chiang Rai on October 26. (TNA)