BUENG KAN, Thailand – The fifth Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge was connected with concrete in a ceremony led by senior Thai and Lao government officials.
Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit presided over the concrete casting ceremony for the Fifth Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge linking Bueng Kan Province with Bolikhamxay Province in the Lao PDR. Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith co-chaired the event on the Lao side.
The bridge spans across the Mekong River from Wisit Subdistrict and Khaisri Subdistrict in Bueng Kan Province. It is an extradosed prestressed concrete bridge with two traffic lanes and stretches 1,350 meters in length. The bridge’s pylon design incorporates the traditional “Khaen” instrument, symbolizing shared cultural heritage and friendship between both nations. Construction is scheduled for completion and public use in early December.
Cross-border trade between Thailand and the Lao PDR currently exceeds 28 billion baht and continues to grow. The bridge will enhance trade and transport connectivity with major logistics routes and access to deep-sea ports in Vietnam.
Minister Suriya emphasized the strategic importance of the bridge in developing transportation networks and boosting border economies, especially between northeastern Thailand and southern Laos. The project also stands as a long-term symbol of friendship and sustainable socio-economic collaboration. (NNT)
