Upcoming Laotian-Thai Mekong Bridge set to launch, forecasting potential economic growth for the surrounding area
The Fifth Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge is progressing rapidly and is expected to be operational by the end of 2025, according to project director, Mr Laythong Phommavong [1]. This 1,350-metre bridge, linking Borikhamxay province in Laos and Bueng Kan province in Thailand, is nearing completion, with over 98% of the construction work already completed [2].
The bridge, a significant part of new infrastructure connecting regions and people on both sides of the Mekong, is set to boost travel between Laos and Thailand and spur trade with other countries in the Greater Mekong Subregion [3]. While the exact construction cost has not been specified, previous bridges have cost in the range of billions of Thai baht, with the Second Bridge costing approximately 2.5 billion THB [1].
The economic impact of the new bridge is anticipated to be substantial. It is expected to significantly enhance cross-border connectivity, facilitating trade, transport, and tourism between Laos and Thailand. This, in turn, will likely support expanded economic ties and development in the border regions by improving logistics and accessibility [5].
The bridge will also strengthen border security coordination and joint efforts in various sectors such as agriculture and disaster management, fostering broader cooperation between the two countries [5]. Furthermore, the bridge will turn the border areas of Borikhamxay province and Bueng Kan province into a significant economic hub [6].
The project, a testament to Lao-Thai cooperation, has been in the works since 2014, with the design of the structure approved by both governments in 2018 [7]. The construction of the bridge began in January 2021, and the Lao government secured a loan from Thailand's Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA) to build the Lao side of the bridge [8].
Project officials have compensated those who lost land and other property for the construction of the bridge [9]. The Lao component of the project includes construction of the bridge on the Lao side of the river over a distance of 535 metres, and the construction of access roads, immigration and customs buildings, and other structures on the Lao side [10].
More than 52 hectares of farmland were lost to free up ground for the construction of the bridge [11]. The bridge will help promote cross-border trade, investment, and tourism, contributing to the Greater Mekong Subregion and ASEAN regional integration initiatives [4].
The bridge will also help strengthen regional transport networks, joining the four existing bridges built across the Mekong River between Laos and Thailand, serving the Vientiane-Nong Khai, Savannakhet-Mukdahan, Khammuan-Nakhon Phanom, and Huayxai-Chiang Khong routes [12].
The Fifth Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge is more than just an infrastructure project; it is a symbol of the deepening cooperation and connectivity between Laos and Thailand. Its completion will not only strengthen ties between the two countries but also foster broader cooperation within the ASEAN region.
- The Fifth Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, currently under construction, is expected to boost travel, trade, and tourism between Laos and Thailand by the end of 2025.
- The bridge, serving as a significant part of new infrastructure, will likely strengthen border security coordination and joint efforts in various sectors, including agriculture and disaster management.
- The bridge, with its completion cost not specified but previous bridges ranging in the billions of Thai baht, is anticipated to significantly enhance cross-border connectivity, thereby supporting expanded economic ties and development in the border regions.
- The bridge's impact extends beyond Laos and Thailand, as it will contribute to the Greater Mekong Subregion and ASEAN regional integration initiatives, promoting cross-border trade, investment, and tourism.
- Apart from the economic benefits, the Fifth Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge symbolizes the deepening cooperation and connectivity between Laos and Thailand, and it is expected to foster broader cooperation within the ASEAN region.
