Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha hands over 75 million baht raised from public donations to help flood victims in Attapeu in Laos to his Lao counterpart Thongloun Sisoulith as both leaders observed the signing of seven agreements at the conclusion of the 3rd Joint Cabinet Retreat in the Lao capital Vientiane. Royal Thai Government

Thailand and Laos yesterday reaffirmed their policy of not allowing any individuals or groups to use their soil in order to plan out or carry out activities which undermine the security of another country.

In their joint statement released yesterday, both countries stood firm saying that they would strengthen their collaboration in monitoring and curbing attempts or activities that threatened bilateral ties.

"Both countries stand firm on the policy to not allow any person or group of people plan for disorder or anti-government activities in another country on their land. Both countries stand ready to cooperate in examining, opposing and stopping any attempt by a person or group of people that would threaten Thai-Lao relations," said the statement announcing political and security cooperation.

Signed by the Thai and Lao foreign ministers, the statement was one of seven agreements that Bangkok and Vientiane inked at the conclusion of the 3rd Joint Cabinet Retreat (JCR) in Vientiane.

The signings were witnessed by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and his Lao counterpart Thongloun Sisoulith.

The pledge was part of political and security cooperation between Thailand and Laos, which also covers speeding up of border demarcation, curbing drug and human trafficking activities, and upgrading border checkpoints.

The issues were raised following the arrest of two women by Thai police in September for distributing T-shirts with the logo of a pro-federal republican group emblazoned on them.

During a visit by Lao Defence Minister Lt Gen Chansamone Chanyalath earlier this month, the minister promised that Lao officials would continue efforts to subdue any attempts in Laos to stir up fresh conflicts in Thailand.

According to Thai Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon, his Lao counterpart promised to help the Thai government track down members of the "Thai Federation" rebel group who are believed to be using Laos as a hideout.

One of the women identified as Wannapa Khamphiphot told police that she had received the T-shirts from her mother Somphit Sombathom, believed to be a member of the group still at large in Laos, according to investigators.

The 30-year-old motorcycle taxi rider was charged with sedition and violation of the constitution. She was later released on bail.

According to the joint statement, Thailand and Laos also agreed to enhance cooperation in economic social development under a Strategic Partnership for Growth and Sustainable Development.

In terms of economic cooperation, both sides agreed to promote economic growth through the Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (Acmecs) Master Plan.

Acmecs is a political, economic, and cultural organisation comprising of Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar. Acmecs hopes to bridge the economic gap among this bloc and promote prosperity.

One goal is to double trading volume to US$11 billion (360.8 billion baht) by 2021.

It is hoped that the 5th Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, which is under construction, and Laos' plan to speed up the opening of a joint Common Control Area (CCA) at the 2nd Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge would boost handling of trans-border transport and simplify procedures.

Regarding cooperation on development, Thailand would support Laos in drafting the joint development strategy and in using the Royal Project initiated by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

Both countries also agreed to come up with a master plan for the development of tourism links between Thailand and Laos on the basis that cross-border travel should not obstruct their joint development.

In a press conference yesterday, Gen Prayut said the 3rd JCR marked a step for both countries to elevate their relations for prosperity and sustainable development.

On this occasion, Gen Prayut also handed over 75 million baht raised from public donations to help residents in Attapeu in southern Laos who were affected by floods in the middle of the year.

In a statement, Laos expressed gratitude to His Majesty the King, members of the royal family, the Thai government and the Thai people.