The 5th Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge: Connecting Bueng Kan to Bolikhamxay
February, 16 2021
The bridge will connect Bueng Kan (Thailand) to Bolikhamxay (Laos) and is part of a broader plan, including the 6th bridge linking Ubon Ratchathani (Thailand) and Salavan (Laos).
Project Details
- Total length: 16.18 km
- Thai side: 12 km
- Lao side: 2.8 km
- Construction period: 36 months
- Budget: Over 4 billion baht
- Laos’ contribution: 1.3 billion baht, financed by a loan from Thailand’s Neighboring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA).
Expected completion: 2023
Construction Location
The bridge is being built across the Mekong River, connecting Visith, Khai Si, and Bueng Kan subdistricts (Bueng Kan, Thailand) to Pakxan (Bolikhamxay, Laos).
Key Features of the Project
- Mekong River Bridge: 1.35 km long, 2-lane highway
- Thai bypass road: 4-lane highway, connecting Highway 222 (Bueng Kan – Phang Khon) to Nong Khai, Nakhon Phanom, and Sakon Nakhon
- Lao side: 2-lane highway
Trade & Transportation Benefits After Completion
- Boosts cross-border trade & investment between Thailand and Laos
- Enhances logistics & transportation for industries on both sides
- Promotes tourism, as Bueng Kan is known for its rich ecosystems and natural beauty
- Strengthens Bolikhamxay’s position as a regional trade hub
- Creates the shortest trade route connecting Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam
Existing Thai-Lao Friendship Bridges
Currently, four Thai-Lao Friendship Bridges are operational:
- Nong Khai – Vientiane
- Mukdahan – Savannakhet
- Nakhon Phanom – Khammouane
- Chiang Rai – Bokeo
Upcoming 6th Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge
The 6th Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge will connect Na Tan district (Ubon Ratchathani) with Salavan, Laos.
- Budget: 4.3 billion baht
- Thailand: 1.5 billion baht
- Laos: 1.8 billion baht
- Bridge construction cost: 1 billion baht
- Total length: 1.6 km
- Status: Design phase completed, awaiting final agreement between Thailand and Laos.