The
relationship of Laos and Thailand is highly dependent on their relationship as neighbors. Like most of the
countries of South East Asia the dispute between Laos and Thailand are mostly related to the border issues and refugees. As Laos is a landlocked country this country shares a long boundary with Thailand thus the scope of such disputes are even more. Like its geographical closeness Thailand has a great amount of cultural similarity with Laos thus many scholars are of the opinion that threat on the independence of Laos is more from Thailand than from Vietnam. However from the second half of the 20th century the Mekong River became a common source of friendship and amity. But it has to be mentioned that the relationship status changes very often due to various small or big incidents.
Laos Thailand and also other South East Asian countries are members of some international organizations. United Nations, Non Alignment Movement and ASEAN are few of those organizations.
The two recurrent problems between Laos and Thailand are:
- The trouble regarding the migrants and the refugees of Laos who are residing temporarily in Thailand without the approval of the government.
- Hmong ethnic group and other Laotian groups who had settled base in Thailand and continuing rebellious activities from these camps.
Laos also serves as a buffer for Thailand which protects it from Vietnamese aggression. Despite various problems Thailand and Laos have decided to go ahead with mutual agreements and pacts for a common interest of trade and business.
