XIANGKHOUANG, LAO PDR – A delegation of academics from Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies (IS), Khon Kaen University, Thailand, visited Xiangkhouang Province from May 31 to June 2, 2025, to discuss collaborative research on cultural tourism research with Lao officials. The initiative aimed to explore and enhance ethnic tourism routes within the Greater Mekong Subregion.

The Thai delegation was led by Associate Professor Dr. Sakarin Nonthapot, accompanied by Associate Professor Dr. Natjaree Jirakakakul and Dr. Sirikarn Suwannaphu. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sakarin also serves as Head of the Indochina International Trade Economics Research Group and a lecturer in the Master's program in International Economics and Tourism. The visit formed part of a three-year research project examining the economic impact of the Laos-China railway on the transport and service sectors.

A key focus of the discussions was the Tai Phuan ethnic group, as Xiangkhouang is considered an ancestral homeland for Tai Phuan communities, including those residing in Thailand’s Nong Khai province, particularly in Pho Tak and Si Chiang Mai districts.

The visit continued ongoing research and academic collaboration under a Memorandum of Understanding between Khon Kaen University's Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies and the Institute of Mass Media, Culture and Tourism, under Laos' Ministry of Culture and Tourism, which coordinated the visit in Xiangkhouang.

Mr. Phetsamone Suliyaseang, Head of the Information, Culture, and Tourism Department of Xiangkhouang Province, together with the Head of the Xiangkhouang Youth Association and other local officials, welcomed the delegation and discussed strategies for developing cultural tourism.

Mr. Menglor Xaypao, a cultural expert from Xiangkhouang, guided the Thai delegation on field visits to potential community-based tourism sites. These included Ban Na Ou in Muang Khoun, renowned for serving what is regarded as the best noodles in Laos; the agricultural village of Ban Mee in Paek District, believed to be an ancestral origin for the people of Ban Mi District in Lopburi, Thailand; and Ban Or Un, a village famous for its ancient tea trees believed to be over 1,000 years old.

Following the site visits, the group discussed proposals for ethno-historical research, the development of Phuan tourism routes connecting with Thailand, and strategies for local product development to boost regional tourism.