Fifth Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge to open on 25 December 2025, linking Thailand’s Bueng Kan province with Laos’ Bolikhamxay province
Bueng Kan province is preparing for a historic moment later this month as the Fifth Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge officially opens on Dec 25.
His Majesty the King expected to preside over the inauguration ceremony.
The announcement was made by Bueng Kan Governor Surapol Charoenphumee, accompanied by Deputy Governors Somwang Aree-ua and Nakhon Siriprinyanan.
Speaking to the Bangkok Post, Deputy Governor Nakhon confirmed the opening date and emphasised the bridge’s strategic importance for regional connectivity.
The bridge spans the Mekong River, linking Bueng Kan province in northeastern Thailand with Bolikhamxay province in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
It connects Thailand’s Highway No.212 with Laos’ National Road No.13, forming a key transport corridor within the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS).
On the Thai side, the bridge begins in tambon Bueng Kan and crosses through tambon Wisit and tambon Kai Si before reaching Paksan district in Laos.
The two-lane structure stretches 1.35 kilometres and was completed on June 6, after nearly five years of construction.
Officials say the bridge will boost trade, tourism, and economic cooperation between the two nations.
“This project will strengthen cross-border connectivity and foster regional development,” Deputy Governor Nakhon said.
Representing a major investment in infrastructure, the total cost for the Fifth Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge project is estimated at 3.93 billion baht, covering bridge construction, road networks, and border facilities.
Thailand contributed 2.63 billion baht from its budget, while Laos financed its share through a 1.3-billion-baht loan from the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (Neda). Construction began in mid-2020 following a bilateral agreement signed by both governments.
A new four-lane bypass road connects Highway No.222 on the Thai side to the bridge, linking Bueng Kan with major routes to Nong Khai, Sakon Nakhon, and Nakhon Phanom.
In Laos, a 2.86km access road provides direct connectivity to National Road No.13 and onward to National Road No.8, which leads to Vietnam’s deep-sea ports at Vung Ang and Da Nang. This strategic link is expected to shorten transit routes and enhance logistics across the East–West Economic Corridor.
Local leaders and residents have expressed optimism about the bridge’s potential to transform Bueng Kan into a regional trade hub. “It will create jobs, attract investment, and promote tourism,” said one community representative.
The bridge’s design, a prestressed concrete box girder with an extradosed system, ensures durability long-term use, while vehicle fees into Laos have been set at 50 baht for private cars, 100 baht for small passenger vans and up to 500 baht for large trucks.
Officials believe the bridge will not only strengthen Thai–Lao relations but also serve as a gateway to Vietnam and southern China, reinforcing the region’s role as a vital economic corridor in Southeast Asia.
Source: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3161179/bueng-kan-furthers-the-friendship
