Thailand, Laos plan sixth bridge across Mekong River

Laos and Thailand are planning to build an additional bridge across the Mekong River, the sixth one connecting the two countries, contributing to reducing travel time from the La Lay international border gate of Vietnam to Thailand and vice versa.

The possible construction of a new bridge linking Ubon Ratchathani of Thailand and Saravan province in southern Laos was discussed in recent talks between Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa and his Lao counterpart Saleumxay Kommasith held during the Thai minister's visit to Laos.

According to experts, the bridges of friendship across the Mekong River not only connect the economies of Laos and Thailand but also contribute to enhancing transportation connectivity within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). This helps promote economic cooperation among member countries within the bloc, increasing the trade value among Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam.

Laos and Thailand are making efforts toward inaugurating the fifth friendship bridge across the Mekong River, connecting Bolikhamxay province in central Laos and Bueng Kan province of Thailand at the end of this year. This bridge will help shorten the travel distance from Thailand through Laos to the Cau Treo international border gate in Vietnam’s Ha Tinh province, to just 150km. It will also be the shortest land route from Thailand to Vietnam./.

VNA