The new Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, which the Thai and Lao governments work together to promote to strengthen relations, has begun laying the foundations to solidify the relationship between the two countries, connecting Bueng Kan and Bolikhamxay. This follows the signing of a construction agreement in December 2020, which is divided into three parts, and also prepares to build the sixth bridge connecting Ubon Ratchathani and Salavan.
This fifth Thai-Lao bridge over the Mekong River has a total length of 16.18 kilometers, with 12 kilometers of construction on the Thai side and 2.8 kilometers on the Lao side. It will take 36 months to construct, with a budget of more than 4 billion, where the Lao government is responsible for 1.3 billion baht through a loan from the Neighboring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA) of Thailand, expected to be used in another 3 years.
Project Details
The construction is located in the area of Tambon Wisit, Tambon Khaisai, and Tambon Bueng Kan, Muang Bueng Kan District, which is opposite Pakse City, Bolikhamxay Province, Lao PDR, which consists of:
- Bridge over the Mekong River connecting Thailand and Laos, 1.35 kilometers long, with 2 traffic lanes
- New bypass road on the Thai side, 4 traffic lanes, connecting Highway 222 (Bueng Kan - Phang Khon) from Nong Khai to Nakhon Phanom and Sakon Nakhon
- Lao side road, 2 traffic lanes
Future of Trade and Transport After Bridge Completion
After the bridge is completed in 2023, it will have positive effects on trade and investment, benefiting various industries in both countries. In addition to the advantages in trade and transport, there will also be benefits for tourism, as Bueng Kan Province still has a wealth of ecological resources. The tourism in Thailand and Laos will be positively impacted as well.
In terms of trade, Bolikhamxay Province will become a regional trade hub and a new transportation route for Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, being the shortest connecting route among the three countries.
Current Mekong River Bridges
- Connecting Nong Khai and Vientiane
- Connecting Mukdahan and Savannakhet
- Connecting Nakhon Phanom and Khammouane
- Connecting Chiang Rai and Bokeo
Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge No. 6
The next Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge will be built to connect Na Tan District in Ubon Ratchathani Province with Salavan City in Laos, with a budget of over 4.3 billion baht. The investment will be divided into 1.5 billion on the Thai side and 1.8 billion on the Lao side, with another 1 billion for the bridge over the Mekong River, with a total length of 1.6 kilometers.
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