A new bridge over the Mekong River, connecting Thailand and Laos, is now scheduled to open in mid-2025, a delay from the initially planned opening this year. The bridge, which connects Bung Kan province in Thailand with Bolikhamxay province in Laos, is over 90% complete, according to Highways Department director-general Sarawut Songsivilai.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the bridge took place in 2023, attended by then-Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha of Thailand and then-Lao Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh. The initial target was to open the bridge this year. The 16-kilometre structure, located in Muang district of Bung Kan and Pakxan in Bolikhamxay, will serve as the fifth bridge between the two ASEAN countries.

Once completed, the bridge will enhance connectivity, linking Thailand not only to Laos but also to central Vietnam and southern China, promoting regional trade and travel.

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