On 27 - 30 January 2025, H.E. Mr. Khamphan Anlavan, Ambassador of the Lao People's Democratic Republic to Thailand, and a delegation from Mae Fah Luang University (MFU) led by Adj. Prof. Dr.Vanchai Sirichana, Chairman of Mae Fah Luang University Council, and Asst. Prof. Dr.Matchima Naradisorn, President of Mae Fah Luang University, visited Lao PDR to explore collaborative opportunities with educational institutions and hospitals.
The delegation paid a courtesy visit to Ms. Morakot Sriswasdi, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Lao PDR, and gained insights into relevant policies and potential initiatives. Ambassador Sriswasdi emphasised the importance of collaboration between universities in the two countries, as well as people-to-people relations, in particular in the commemorative year of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between Thailand and the Lao PDR.
The delegation also paid courtesy visits to Mr. Thongchanh Manixay, Governor of Bokeo Province, and Mr. Bounleum Manivong, Deputy Governor of Luang Prabang Province, gaining valuable information about each province. MFU delegates also held discussions with executives from the University of Health Sciences, Souphanouvong University, Luang Prabang Provincial Hospital, and Bokeo Provincial Hospital.
These discussions resulted in the renewal of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Mae Fah Luang University and University of Health Sciences, which will contribute to continued collaboration in joint research, student exchange, and training programme between our two universities in anti-aging medicine, community medicine, and indigenous medicine. Furthermore, Mae Fah Luang University and Souphanouvong University agreed to sign a MoU in celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Thailand and the Lao PDR. This agreement will support collaborative activities in human resource development and enhance student exchange between the two universities.
As MFU focuses on developing the Medical Centre into a Regional Wellness and Healthcare Centre, with the aim of enhancing the quality and availability of state-of-the-art wellness and medical services to meet the healthcare needs of people in the Mekong sub-region, this visit to Lao PDR provided opportunities for MFU executives to discuss and establish academic and public health cooperation with Laos institutions. These discussions included the development of quality, modern medical and health services, as well as strengthening international cooperation in the region to enhance healthcare and public health standards, ultimately contributing to the well-being and sustainable future of the people in both countries and the region.
