On September 30, 2025, the Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute held a signing ceremony for a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on academic cooperation between Khon Kaen University, represented by the Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, and the Lao PDR Institute of Public Health and Tropical Medicine (Lao TPHI). This MOU is part of the 4th year of the Combatting Cholangiocarcinoma in Lao PDR project, supported by the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Special Fund. The ceremony took place at the Mahosot Hospital conference room in Vientiane, Lao PDR.
The ceremony began with a welcoming speech by Dr. Susath Vongpachanh, Director of Mahosot Hospital, followed by an address by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wacharin Loylom, Director of the Institute, on academic collaboration in addressing liver fluke disease and cholangiocarcinoma. Dr. Khampheng Phongluxa, Director of Lao TPHI, then officially opened the ceremony. Following this, both institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for academic cooperation and a commemorative photo was taken with witnesses and distinguished guests. On this occasion, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wacharin Loylom presented the efforts to combat liver fluke disease and cholangiocarcinoma in Thailand, and Dr. Somphou Sayasone, Ph.D., Deputy Director of Lao TPHI, presented the efforts in addressing liver fluke disease and cholangiocarcinoma in Laos.