Sixth Thai-Lao PDR Friendship Bridge to Open in 2025

Thailand’s Ministry of Transport is scheduled to complete the 6th Thai-Lao friendship bridge by 2025, according to Mr. Saksayam Chidchob, Thailand Minister of Transport.  This new bridge promises to further enhance border trade and promote tourism between Thailand and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR). 

The 1.02 km bridge links Thailand's Highway 2112 in Na Tan district of northeastern Ubon Ratchathani province with Lao PDR’s Highway 13 in La Khone Pheng town. It is estimated to cost around $140 million (THB 4.36 billion). Start of construction is tentatively set for 2023. The two countries are expected to share the cost of the bridge construction.

A key finding of GMS transport sector cooperation [4] noted that completion of major road transport projects especially in border areas and corridor towns and cities in the GMS generates benefits, such as reduction in cost and time of travel, growth in cross-border trade, and increase of economic opportunities.