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The 5th Thai-Lao Nong Khai Bridge connects Bueng Kan and Borikhamxay (Bueng Kan crosses to Laos)
The new Thai-Lao Nong Khai Bridge (Bung Kan to Laos) that the Thai and Lao governments jointly promoted to strengthen relations
New Thai-Lao Nong Khai Bridge
The Thai and Lao governments have jointly promoted the strengthening of relations and have begun to drive piles to strengthen the strength between the countries, connecting Bueng Kan and Borikhamxay after signing a construction agreement in December 2020, divided into 3 sections. They are also preparing to build a 6th section connecting Ubon Ratchathani and Salavan.
This fifth Thai-Laos Mekong River Bridge has a total length of 16.18 kilometers, divided into construction works on the Thai side of 12 kilometers and on the Lao side of 2.8 kilometers. It will take 36 months to build and cost more than 4 billion baht, with the Lao government jointly responsible for 1.3 billion baht through a loan from the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA) of Thailand. It should be ready for use in another 3 years.
Project details
The construction work is located in Tambon Wisit, Tambon Khai Si, and Tambon Bueng Kan, Mueang Bueng Kan District, which is opposite Pakxan City, Bolikhamxay Province, Laos. It consists of:
- The Mekong River Bridge connecting Thailand and Laos is 1.35 kilometers long and has 2 traffic lanes.
- New bypass road on the Thai side, 4 lanes, connecting Highway 222 (Bung Kan-Phang Khon) from Nong Khai to Nakhon Phanom and Sakon Nakhon.
- Laos side road, 2 lanes
The future of trade and transportation after the bridge is completed
When completed in 2023, this Mekong Bridge will have positive effects on trade and investment, benefiting many industries of both countries.
In addition to the benefits of trade and transportation, there are also benefits for tourism, as Bueng Kan Province still has a rich ecosystem. Tourism between Thailand and Laos has also benefited.
In terms of trade, Bolikhamxay Province will become a regional trade hub and a new transportation route for Thailand, Laos and Vietnam, and will be the shortest route connecting the three countries.
How many Thai-Lao bridges are there?
There are currently four bridges across the Mekong River.
- Connect Nong Khai-Vientiane
- Connect Mukdahan-Savannakhet
- Connect Nakhon Phanom-Khammouan
- Connect Chiang Rai-Bo Kaeo
Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge No. 6
The next Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge will connect Na Tal District, Ubon Ratchathani Province, with Salavan City in Laos, with a budget of over 4.3 billion baht, divided into investment on the Thai side of 1.5 billion, Laos side of 1.8 billion, and the Mekong River Bridge of 1 billion baht, with a total distance of 1.6 kilometers.
Status: Design completed, waiting for Thai-Laos joint agreement.
Resources
https://workpointtoday.com/0news-50/
https://www.khaosod.co.th/around-the-world-news/news_5681012