Fifth Lao-Thai Mekong bridge to open next year

Prof Dr Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune and his officials inspect construction of the fifth Lao-Thai bridge in Borikhamxay province. - VT

VIENTIANE (Vientiane Times/Asia News Network): The fifth Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, which is currently under construction across the Mekong River, is set to open early next year to boost border travel between Laos and Thailand and spur trade with other countries in the Greater Mekong Subregion.

The 1,350-metre bridge, linking Borikhamxay province in Laos to Bueng Kan province in Thailand, is now 70 per cent complete. Construction is ahead of schedule and the bridge is expected to open to traffic in early 2024.