In a statement released on 6 Jun 2025, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs H.E. Mr. Russ Jalichandra attended the Final Casting Ceremony of the Fifth Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge (Bueng Kan – Bolikhamxay), marking a significant milestone in the bilateral relationship between Thailand and Lao PDR.
The ceremony was presided over by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport of Thailand H.E. Mr. Suriya Jungrungruangkit, and Deputy Prime Minister of Lao PDR H.E. Mr. Saleumxay Kommasith, alongside other high-ranking officials from both countries. The event also featured the attendance of distinguished guests.
The Fifth Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge is scheduled to officially open by the end of this year and will serve as a crucial logistics and transportation link, enhancing trade, investment, and tourism between Thailand and Lao PDR. The bridge will be an additional vital economic route linking Thailand – Lao PDR – Viet Nam – China as part of the East-West Economic Corridor under the Greater Mekong Subregion.
As part of the commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Thailand and Lao PDR this year, both sides signed the Agreement on the Ownership, Usage, Management and Maintenance of the Fifth Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge (Bueng Kan – Bolikhamxay). This agreement aims to ensure sustainable management and maintenance of the bridge, promoting peaceful coexistence and mutual cooperation.
The Fifth Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge project is a testament to the strong diplomatic ties between Thailand and Lao PDR, with both nations working together to strengthen people-to-people connections. The bridge will not only improve connectivity but also foster closer economic and cultural relations between the two countries.
This historic development highlights Thailand's commitment to maintaining and enhancing regional cooperation, as well as its role in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in Southeast Asia.
Conclusion:
The signing of the Agreement on the Ownership, Usage, Management and Maintenance of the Fifth Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge (Bueng Kan – Bolikhamxay) marks an important step forward for bilateral relations between Thailand and Lao PDR. The successful completion of this project underscores the nations' unwavering commitment to strengthening people-to-people ties, promoting regional cooperation, and fostering a more peaceful future for Southeast Asia.