Laos seeks Thai support on new Mekong bridge

A fisherman in Bung Kan relies on the Mekong River for his catch. The province will have a bridge over the river to connect with central Laos. (Photo by Thini Wannamontha)

The Lao government has approached Thailand for financial support for the construction of a new bridge connecting the two countries.

Vientiane had forwarded the request in the form of grants or loans to the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency, the Vientiane Times reported, citing a source at the Lao Ministry of Public Works and Transport.

“It depends on the Thai side to consider which form of financial support -- the form of a 30-70 grant, low-interest loan or full grant,” the source said. “After working with the Thai authorities, a full grant is unlikely,” the source added.

The 1.35-kilometre-long bridge over the Mekong River will link Bung Kan province and the central Lao province of Borikhamxay.

The construction cost is estimated at 3.8 billion baht, with Thailand spending 2.6 billion baht and Laos taking care of the rest.

It will link with Road No.13 in Laos to Nge An province of Vietnam to promote trade and investment between the three countries.

An artist impression of the bridge over the Mekong River to be built between Bung Kan province and Laos' Borikhamxay province.