5th Thai-Lao bridge planned

5th Thai-Lao bridge planned

Plans for construction of a 5th Thai-Lao friendship bridge across the Mekong River, between Bung Kan province of Thailand and Pak Sane town of Bolikhamxai province if Laos, will be raised for discussion when Transport Minister Chadchat Suttipunt visits Laos on Feb 21.

Mr Chadchat said he will meet Vietiane's Minister of Communications, Transport, Post and Construction, Sommat Phonsena, and discuss the bridge plan.

The proposed bridge would not only connect the transport networks in the region but also boost the expansion of trade and investment between neighbouring countries.

The Highway Department is making a feasibility study of the Bung Kan - Pak Sane bridge, which would cost an estimated two billion baht, he said.

About 40 million baht would be set aside for the design of the bridge, with construction expected to begin in 2016 if agreement is reached.

There are now four Thai - Lao friendship bridges linking Nong Khai - Vientiane, Mukdahan - Savannakhet, Nakhon Phanom - Khammouane, and Chiang Khong - Huay Sai. The fourth expected to be opened in the middle of this year.

~News courtesy of Bangkok Post~