ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Greater Mekong Subregion

The Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) is like a big backyard where six countries in Southeast Asia play and work together. These countries are Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, and China.

In this backyard, there are many important things that connect these countries. One of these things is the Mekong River. This big river flows through most of these countries, like a long snake from the mountains of China all the way to the sea in Vietnam. It's like a big long water slide.

But there are also lots of mountains and forests in the GMS that are home to many animals and plants. These are like big playgrounds where the animals can play and live. There are also many roads and highways that connect these countries, almost like big roads going through the backyard to different houses.

The countries in the GMS try to work together to make this backyard a better place for everyone. They try to help each other by building better roads, protecting the animals and plants, and making sure the water in the Mekong River is clean and safe to drink. They also want to help each other's economies grow by trading with each other and building businesses together.

Through all of this, the Greater Mekong Subregion is like a big community where everyone works together to make a better world for everyone.