The nearly complete Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge 5, spanning the Bueng Kan and Bali Kamsai border regions, is set for its final concrete joining ceremony on 15 May 2025. This milestone event will mark a significant step toward solidifying a vital transportation link between Thailand and Laos, enhancing connectivity in the region.
The expansive project represents a joint investment of 3,787 million baht by both governments, with Thailand contributing 2,500 million baht and Laos 1,287 million baht. The development encompasses 16.34 kilometers of roadway—13.033 kilometers on the Thai side and 3.307 kilometers in Laos—designed to integrate with broader regional transit networks and facilitate smoother cross-border movement.
Steady progress has been made despite challenges such as the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and heavy seasonal flooding along the Mekong River. On the Thai side, construction has reached full completion on key sections; for instance, a 9.400-kilometer stretch along Highway 244 and a 2.683-kilometer segment that includes a border checkpoint are fully completed. Additionally, the 810-meter-long concrete prestressed box girder bridge, designed for two lanes of traffic, has seen its main structural work finished and is now in the final phase of deck joining.
Complementary infrastructure upgrades, including improved interchanges and access roads, are also underway to support the bridge’s role in boosting cross-border commerce, tourism, and regional economic development. Discussions continue regarding the implementation of toll systems to fund future maintenance, ensuring the long-term sustainability of this critical project.
During a remote conference on 11 February 2025, key project coordinators from both nations met to finalize details for the upcoming ceremony. Senior engineer Thanin Rirattanapong of the Department of Highways and Director Thanawin Sawaditsan of the International Highway Project Management Bureau were among the officials involved. The ceremony will be presided over by the Deputy Prime Ministers of Thailand and Laos, underscoring the high-level commitment to this bilateral infrastructure initiative
