Enviro News Asia, Bangkok — Laos is advancing the development of its first National Wastewater Law through a strategic South-South Knowledge Exchange mission held in Thailand from March 16 to 20, 2026.
The initiative was organized by the Global Green Growth Institute in collaboration with the Government of Lao PDR and the Korea International Cooperation Agency, aiming to strengthen the country’s legal framework for sustainable wastewater management.
A 19-member delegation led by Viengnam Douangphachan, Director General of the Department of Water Supply, participated in the mission. The delegation included representatives from key national institutions such as the National Assembly, the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.
During the visit, the delegation engaged in technical consultations with major Thai environmental agencies, including the Pollution Control Department, the Wastewater Management Authority, and the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning. Discussions focused on regulatory frameworks, enforceable discharge standards, institutional coordination, and sustainable financing mechanisms.
To complement policy discussions, participants conducted site visits in Bangkok and Pattaya. These included the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and Pattaya City Hall, as well as operational facilities such as the Din Daeng Water Environment Control Plant and the Kanjanaram Temple wastewater treatment site. The visits provided practical insights into both centralized and decentralized wastewater management systems in urban and tourism-intensive areas.
Viengnam stated that the exchange represents a significant milestone in Lao PDR’s legislative process, ensuring that the upcoming law is aligned with international best practices while remaining practical and adaptable to national conditions.
The mission forms part of a broader project on sustainable solid waste and wastewater management funded by KOICA, which aims to strengthen climate-resilient urban infrastructure and improve public health outcomes in Lao PDR.
Insights gained from the exchange will be incorporated into the draft National Wastewater Law, reinforcing the country’s commitment to sustainable water governance and regional cooperation. (*)
