The fifth Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, connecting Borikhamxay province in Laos and Bueng Kan province in Thailand, is now 98 per cent complete and expected to open by the end of 2025. Stretching 1,350 meters across the Mekong River, the project is progressing ahead of schedule and is seen as a key infrastructure link for the Greater Mekong Subregion.
Construction began in 2021 after both governments approved the design in 2018, with initial planning dating back to 2014. Funded in part by a loan from Thailand’s Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA), the project includes the bridge, access roads, and border facilities on the Lao side. Compensation has been provided for over 52 hectares of land acquired for the project.
Once operational, the bridge is expected to boost cross-border trade, tourism, and connectivity between Laos and Thailand, further integrating their economies. It will join the four existing Lao-Thai Friendship Bridges that link various provinces across the Mekong, helping turn the border regions into economic hubs.