Thailand’s Department of Rail Transport convened a trilateral meeting with Laos and China to advance the second Nong Khai–Vientiane Friendship Bridge, designed to enhance rail connectivity and strengthen regional trade flows.
Phase 1 of the high-speed project has seen two contracts completed, 10 under construction, and two awaiting signing. For Phase 2, extending from Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai, bidding documents are in preparation, with tenders expected to open later in 2025. On the Lao side, work is advancing on a new cargo transfer hub to integrate the rail line with the upcoming bridge. The new structure will sit 30 metres from the existing bridge and include standard-gauge tracks extending to Thanaleng and South Vientiane stations.
The State Railway of Thailand is preparing detailed designs for the bridge, which will form part of a cross-border corridor linking Na Tha Station–Nong Khai–the new bridge–Thanaleng–South Vientiane. Delegations will reconvene on October 17 in Laos to finalise agreements. The project is expected to deepen bilateral cooperation, expand logistics capacity, and reinforce the role of the China–Laos–Thailand corridor in driving trade and investment across the Mekong region.