World

Mekong bridge to spur momentum for Vietnam – Laos – Thailand connectivity

The cable-stayed Laos – Thailand friendship bridge No.5 spans 1,350 metres over the Mekong River, connecting Thailand’s Beungkan province and Laos’ Bolikhamsai province.

Laos and Thailand put the final touches to their friendship bridge No.5 on June 6. (Photo: VNA)
Laos and Thailand put the final touches to their friendship bridge No.5 on June 6. (Photo: VNA)

Vientiane (VNA) – Laos and Thailand put the final touches to their friendship bridge No.5 on June 6, marking a significant move in transport infrastructure connectivity and trade promotion within the Mekong sub-region, especially among Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand.

Speaking at the ceremony, which saw the joining of final segments, Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Suriya Jungrungreangkit stressed that the bridge, upon operational, will boost trade turnover between Thailand and Laos, create a strategic logistics connection to Vietnam's Vung Ang Port, and establish a land transport link from Thailand through Laos to Vietnam and onward to China.

The bridge is seen as an important step to develop society, economy, and security of the three countries and the region as a whole, he underscored.

Meanwhile, Lao Minister of Public Works and Transport Ngamprasong Muangmani echoed the sentiment, highlighting it backs the Laos’ transformation from a landlocked country into a regional connectivity hub.

The cable-stayed Laos – Thailand friendship bridge No.5 spans 1,350 metres over the Mekong River, connecting Thailand’s Beungkan province and Laos’ Bolikhamsai province. With the bridge, the route from Beungkan through Bolikhamsai to Cau Treo Border Gate in Vietnam’s central Ha Tinh province will be reduced from over 350 kilometres to just around 200 kilometres. This is the shortest and most convenient route to transport goods from Beungkan to Ha Tinh, helping enhance regional economic connectivity as well as boost cross-border trade.

This latest friendship bridge, expected to be put into use in late 2025, continues a pattern of transport infrastructure cooperation between Thailand and Laos that has already yielded in four previous crossings, namely Vientiane – Nongkhai, Savannakhet – Mukdahan, Khamouane – Nakhon Phanom, and Huayxai – Chiangkhong./.

VNA
#Laos - Thailand friendship bridge #Mekong sub-region #regional economic connectivity #cross-border trade #transport infrastructure #Laos #Thailand Laos Thailand
Follow VietnamPlus

Related News

See more

TikTok confirms long-term investment in Thailand

TikTok confirms long-term investment in Thailand

TikTok confirmed long-term investment plans in Thailand valued at more than 270 billion THB (8.56 billion USD) and outlined proposals to support small and medium-sized enterprises by improving market access and income generation.

Malaysia’s national energy group steps up domestic investment

Malaysia’s national energy group steps up domestic investment

Malaysia's Petroliam Nasional Bhd (PETRONAS) has announced that it aims to maintain domestic production at around two million barrels of oil equivalent per day in the next three years by continued investment in exploration, deepwater development and enhanced oil recovery.

Indonesia moves ahead with 7 GW nuclear power project

Indonesia moves ahead with 7 GW nuclear power project

Over the next 10 years, the Indonesia government is targeting the construction of 70 GW of new power generation capacity, with the majority of the portion coming from new and renewable energy sources, Hashim stated.

A screenshot of the article published by the Vientiane Mai newspaper.

Lao media highlights historic significance of Vietnamese Party leader’s visit

The Lao media described the visit as a diplomatic event of historic significance, marking an important strategic milestone in advancing the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion between the two countries into a new stage of more substantive and sustainable development.

The Vietnam–Malaysia–Singapore (VMS) offshore wind initiative is expected to have a capacity of up to 2,000 MW. (Photo: VNA)

Advancing ASEAN cross-border power grid links

With coherent policies, advanced technologies and adequate financing in place, ASEAN partners voiced confidence in building a secure, clean and competitive energy future for the region.

Indonesian Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman (second from left) attends a working meeting with House of Representatives (DPR) Commission IV in Jakarta on February 3, 2026. (Photo: ANTARA)

Indonesia ensures secure food stocks for Eid al-Fitr holidays

The Ramadan fasting period, estimated to fall between February and March 2026 with Eid al-Fitr around March 20 or 21, is a momentum for the government to ensure sufficient supply and nationally stable prices for the public, said an Indonesian official.

Bank of Korea (BOK) Gov. Rhee Chang-yong (R) and his Indonesian counterpart, Perry Warjiyo, pose for a photo during a signing ceremony for the renewal of the RoK-Indonesia currency swap arrangement in Seoul on February 5. (Photo: provided by the BOK)

RoK, Indonesia to launch cross-border QR payment system

The Bank of Korea (BOK) announced on February 4 that the Republic of Korea (RoK) and Indonesia will roll out a cross-border QR code–based payment system from April, aiming to facilitate cashless payments and travel between the two countries, according to Yonhap News Agency.

The article on Kampuchea Thmey Daily (Photo: VNA)

Cambodian media highlight upcoming visit by Vietnamese Party leader

In a pre-visit report, the Cambodian News Agency (AKP) stated that General Secretary Lam will pay a state visit to Cambodia on February 6 at the invitation of King Norodom Sihamoni. Following the official welcome ceremony, the King will meet with and host a state banquet in honour of the Vietnamese Party leader and his delegation at the Royal Palace. Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk is also expected to receive General Secretary Lam.

Entitled “The Consistency of Vietnam’s policy towards Cambodia,” the article writes Vietnam regards relations with neighbouring countries as a top priority in its foreign policy. (Photo: VNA)

Cambodian media highlights Vietnam’s consistent foreign policy

Vietnam has consistently reaffirmed its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation, and development, as well as diversification and multilateralisation of international relations. Within this framework, relations with neighboring countries, especially Cambodia and Laos, are always identified as top priorities with long-term strategic significance.

Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto (Photo: scmp.com)

Indonesia commits to accelerating financial reform

Indonesian authorities said they are preparing additional measures to support the market, including changes to the ownership structure of the stock exchange and an increase in the ceiling for insurers’ capital allocation to equities.

An article on Pathet Lao (Photo: VNA)

Lao media highlight historic significance of Vietnamese Party chief's visit

Articles on the electronic editions of Pathet Lao of the Lao News Agency (KPL), and the Lao Public Security newspaper described the visit as vivid evidence of the close bonds, special attention and personal rapport between General Secretary Lam and other Vietnamese leaders, and General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith and other Lao leaders.

Air passengers are screened for possible Nipah virus infection at Suvarnabhumi airport, Thailand on Feb 2 (Photo: bangkokpost.com)

Thailand ramps up vigilance against Nipah virus

A Thai official said infrastructure upgrades made during the COVID-19 pandemic have left the country in a strong position. These include expanded intensive care units, additional wards for severe cases, and advanced air-purification systems, all of which remain in good condition and ready for immediate use.

The recommendations by the Economic Strategy Review committees include proposals on sustaining Singapore’s economic growth at the higher end of the 2 per cent to 3 per cent average over the next 10 years. (Photo: www.straitstimes.com)

Singapore weighs recommendations to safeguard growth, jobs

The recommendations included proposals on sustaining economic growth at the higher end of the 2% to 3% average over the next 10 years, as well as suggestions on creating good jobs for Singaporeans and preparing them to take advantage of artificial intelligence (AI).

A session of the Indonesia Economic Summit 2026 (IES), officially opened in Jakarta on February 3, 2026. (Photo: VNA)

Indonesia Economic Summit 2026 gets under way

The two-day summit focuses on key issues including inclusive growth, national economic models, trade and industrial investment policies, digital transformation, business competitiveness, ASEAN’s economic position, and strategies to address global risks.

Amazing Muay Thai Festival 2026 set for Hua Hin

Amazing Muay Thai Festival 2026 set for Hua Hin

Visitors will have the opportunity to join instructional sessions on four traditional lineages of ancient Muay Thai, as well as demonstrations of self-defense techniques and traditional folk games.