Laos and Thailand are planning to build an additional bridge across the Mekong River, marking the sixth such connection between the two countries. This new bridge aims to reduce travel time from the La Lay international border gate in Vietnam to Thailand and vice versa.

The potential construction of a new bridge linking Ubon Ratchathani in Thailand and Saravan province in southern Laos was a key topic in recent discussions between Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa and his Lao counterpart Saleumxay Kommasith during the Thai minister's visit to Laos.

Experts highlight that these bridges of friendship across the Mekong River not only strengthen the economies of Laos and Thailand but also enhance transportation connectivity within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). This development is expected to boost economic cooperation among ASEAN member countries, increasing trade value among Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam.

Efforts are also underway to inaugurate the fifth friendship bridge across the Mekong River, connecting Bolikhamxay province in central Laos and Bueng Kan province in Thailand, by the end of this year. This bridge will significantly shorten the travel distance from Thailand through Laos to the Cau Treo international border gate in Vietnam’s Ha Tinh province to just 150km, establishing the shortest land route from Thailand to Vietnam.