Laos, Thailand plan to build more bridges across the Mekong
Laos has proposed three additional Mekong River bridge links with Thailand as part of a joint project to foster closer ties between the two countries. The proposal suggests bridges be built to link the Lao and Thai provinces of Borikhamxay and Bung Karn, Saravan and Ubon Ratchathani, and Vientiane province with Loei province. Proposed construction of the fifth Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge linking Laos’ Borikhamxay province and Thailand’s Bung Karn province is now awaiting confirmation of a funding source while the survey and design have been completed, a Ministry of Public Works and Transport official said. Deputy Director of the ministry’s Planning and Cooperation Department, Mr Phetsamone Viraphanh, told Vientiane Times on September 12 that Laos had submitted a request to Thailand’s Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency for funding.
