Second Thai-Laos bridge opens

More links planned to span the Mekong , opening more transportation options for the Southeast Asian corridor.

Thailand and Laos officially opened their second Friendship Bridge , while the two countries plan the construction of a third and fourth river crossing.

Second Thai-Laos bridge opens

The MOU between the two governments, as part of an agreement to expand the transportation network between the countries, was signed during an official visit by Lao Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh to Thailand . His mission was to strengthen ties between the neighbouring countries and meet with Thai Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont.

Second Thai-Laos bridge opens

Both country leaders are also scheduled to attend the opening of the second bridge across the Mekong , which connects Mukdahan province in Thailand , 642 km northeast of Bangkok , to Savannaket province in Laos .

Second Thai-Laos bridge opens

Construction of the second Thai-Laos Bridge began on 21 March 2004 . The two governments borrowed Bt2.588 billion from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation to finance the construction. Funds spent on erecting the bridge have amounted to Bt1.585 billion.

Second Thai-Laos bridge opens

The 1,600-metre bridge has two 12-metre-wide traffic lanes, and is part of the land transport development plan of the East-West economic corridor running through Vietnam , Laos , Thailand and Myanmar .

Second Thai-Laos bridge opens

The two bridges are the initial phases for the countries’ plan for a third bridge linking Nakhon Phanom in Thailand with Khammouane (Tha Khek), Laos and a fourth connecting Chiang Rai with Huay Xai, Laos.

Second Thai-Laos bridge opens

The first bridge connecting the countries across the Mekong at Nong Khai opened in 1994, and connects Thailand with the Lao capital Vientiane .