Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge Set for Completion by Late 2022
May, 4 2021
The Fifth Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, connecting Bueng Kan, Thailand, and Bolikhamxay, Laos, is progressing according to schedule, with a total construction budget of 3.93 billion baht.
The project, which began after the construction agreement was signed in December 2020, has been divided into three phases, with updates as follows:
Phase 1: Road Construction on the Thai Side
- Location: Highway 244 (km 0+000 to 9+400), Bueng Kan Province
- Budget: 831.11 million baht
- Contract Start & End: June 30, 2020 – December 16, 2022
- Contractor: Banchakit Co., Ltd.
- Progress: 9.19% completed (ahead of the 8.60% target by 0.59%)
Currently, the team is working on constructing a four-lane road by compacting and preparing the base before paving, followed by lane marking, signage installation, and street lighting. In addition, pile driving for the bridge structure over local waterways is underway.
Phase 2: Road Construction and Thai Border Checkpoint
- Location: Highway 244 (km 9+400 to 12+082.930), Bueng Kan Province
- Budget: 883.11 million baht
- Contract Start & End: September 25, 2020 – March 13, 2023
- Contractor: Therdthai & Co., Ltd.
- Progress: 8.27% completed (behind the 8.54% target by 0.26%)
This phase involves constructing roads and preparing materials for the border checkpoint.
Phase 3: Bridge Construction Over the Mekong River (Including Highway 212 Intersection and Multi-Purpose Area Under the Bridge)
- Location: km 12+082.930 to 13+032.930
- Budget: 786.52 million baht
- Contract Start & End: November 24, 2020 – November 8, 2023
- Contractor: Napa Construction Co., Ltd.
- Progress: 0.45% completed (behind the 1.75% target by 1.30%)
Work has started on piling and setting up the bridge structure on the Thai side, as well as building the bridge ramps, multi-purpose areas, and Highway 212 intersection improvements.
Delays and Challenges
- Bilateral agreements on border demarcation between Thailand and Laos for construction on land and water are still being finalized.
- Construction material transportation restrictions – materials must enter and exit through the same side to comply with tax regulations.
- COVID-19 pandemic (third wave) has slowed progress.
Confidence in On-Time Completion
Despite these challenges, officials remain confident that construction will be completed as scheduled.
Impact and Benefits
Once completed, the Fifth Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge will:
- Strengthen bilateral relations between Thailand and Laos.
- Support ASEAN Connectivity policies, enhancing logistics between Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and China.
- Improve transportation networks for faster, more cost-effective cross-border trade and travel.
- Boost border trade potential between Thailand and Laos.