Fifth Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge Approaches Full Completion and Opening

The fifth Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge spanning the Mekong River, connecting Borikhamxay province in Lao PDR with Bueng Kan province in Thailand, is now 96% complete. Its official opening is being planned for May 2025, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The new bridge will facilitate easier travel and trade between the two countries, as well as strengthen connections within the Greater Mekong Subregion, particularly benefiting businesses engaged in trade between Thailand and Viet Nam.

The 1,350-meter bridge project began construction in January 2021, partially funded by a 1.38 billion baht loan from the Neighboring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA) of Thailand.

Borikhamxay province borders Viet Nam to the east, and is near the major city of Vinh, making it a crucial link in the GMS East-West Economic Corridor.