(KPL) Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and his delegation recently visited the construction site of the 6th Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge.

This bridge will link Laos’ Saravane Province with Thailand’s Ubon Ratchathani Province at Pakthaphan, Lakhonpheng District. The visit was guided by Saravane Governor Mr. Davong Phonkeo, along with provincial and district officials and relevant stakeholders.

During the visit, the Prime Minister received a briefing from the Department of Public Works and Transport on the progress and preparations for the bridge’s construction. The bridge, a reinforced concrete structure with three main spans (Laos side, central span, and Thailand side), will have a total length of 1,607 meters—580 meters on the Laos side and 1,027 meters on the Thailand side. It will feature an 11-meter-wide deck accommodating two lanes for large vehicles, two lanes for smaller vehicles, and pedestrian walkways on both sides, each 1.25 meters wide.

The connecting roads will have two lanes on the Laos side and four lanes on the Thailand side. The project’s total cost is estimated at 4.8 billion baht, with over 2.2 billion baht allocated for Laos and over 2.5 billion baht for Thailand.

Currently, transport of goods and passengers between the two areas relies on small boats, which presents challenges and risks, particularly during the rainy season. Once completed, the bridge is expected to significantly enhance trade, tourism, and economic cooperation between the two countries.

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone underscored the importance of provincial leadership in ensuring readiness for the project and its contribution to socio-economic development. During his visit, the Prime Minister also inspected the Pakthaphan international checkpoint, which was recently upgraded, as well as a local bamboo handicraft and woven product group in Ban Baengdanh, Lakhonpheng District. These products have been recognized as national-level "One District, One Product"  items.

KPL