BANGKOK, Thailand – On 25 December 2025, their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand presided, together with the President of the Lao PDR, Thongloun Sisoulith, at the opening ceremony of the fifth Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge (Bueng Kan–Bolikhamxay), celebrating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Lao PDR.
The fifth Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge—which connects Bueng Kan Province in Thailand with Bolikhamsai Province in Laos—demonstrates sustainable development and continuous connectivity between the two nations.
The bridge is 1,220 meters long and was constructed with a total budget of 3.93 billion baht (approximately 126.3 million US dollars), with Thailand contributing 2.63 billion baht (84.5 million US dollars) and Laos 1.3 billion baht (41.8 million US dollars). The bridge’s opening will facilitate the transport of goods between the two countries, while promoting tourism and generating income for both countries, particularly benefiting local communities and national economies.
Beyond its symbolic significance, the fifth Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge provides tangible infrastructure that advances sustainable development and strengthens future regional ties across ASEAN. (NNT)
