Thailand is embarking on several projects in its northeastern region to improve travel to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR).

Earlier, business leaders in the upper northeastern provinces of Thailand proposed the development of the Isan Economic Corridor to promote travel, trade, and cultural links with Cambodia, the Lao PDR and Viet Nam. The upper northeast covers Udon Thani, Bung Kan, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Nong Khai, and Loei.

News reports said Thailand’s cabinet approved on 4 June the construction of the sixth Thai-Lao friendship bridge, which will link the Thai province of Ubon Ratchathani with Salawan province in the Lao PDR.

Thailand is also planning to build a 139-kilometer, four-lane motorway between the provinces of Udon Thani and Bung Kan, which borders Bolikhamxay province in the Lao PDR.

Other projects are a four-lane road by the Mekong River, passing through Nong Khai, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan and Amnat Charoen, and rail routes to Viet Nam via the Lao PDR.

Read the news article from Bangkok Post.