The Apostolic Delegation to Laos represents the interests of the Holy See in Laos to officials of the Catholic Church, civil society, and government offices. The Holy See and the government of Laos have not established diplomatic relations and the position of Apostolic Delegate to Laos is not a diplomatic one, though the Delegate is a member of the diplomatic service of the Holy See. The Delegate normally holds the title Apostolic Nuncio to Thailand and resides in Bangkok.
The Holy See has managed its affairs in Laos through a delegation that has changed its name as the Holy See has established diplomatic relations with countries in the region. It established the Delegation to Thailand, Laos, and the Malacca Peninsula, then the Delegation to Laos and Malaysia in 1981. Pope John Paul II created the Delegation to Laos on 7 December 1983.[1]