The fourth Lao–Thai Friendship Bridge is all set to be commissioned on October 2, 2013. The bridge that connects Lao’s Bokeo province to Thailand’s Chiang Rai province is part of the Greater Mekong Sub-Region North–South Economic Corridor. Construction work on the bridge that will be 14.7 metres wide began in June 2010. The cost of the bridge, which stands at 346.13 billion kip, will be equally funded by Lao and Thailand. The Chinese government is providing a financial assistance package of 154.52 billion kip for Lao’s contribution. The construction of the bridge is being undertaken by co-operation between CR5-KT Group of China and Krung Thon Engineering of Thailand. Earlier, the construction works were expected to be completed by December 2012. However, owing to the delay, the Thailand Highways Department extended the contract by another six months.
