The opening ceremony was co-chaired by President Thongloun Sisoulith of the Lao PDR, accompanied by his spouse, and His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand, accompanied by Her Majesty the Queen. The event was attended by prime ministers, ministers, senior officials, and representatives from relevant agencies of both countries.

On this occasion, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone of Lao PDR and Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul of Thailand reported on the successful completion of the bridge project. They underscored the project’s background, significance, and strategic importance as a flagship joint initiative reflecting the close and enduring cooperation between the two governments. The bridge is expected to deliver direct benefits to Borikhamxay Province and Bueng Kan Province by strengthening cross-border connectivity and regional integration.

The Fifth Lao–Thai Friendship Bridge plays a pivotal role in enhancing Lao PDR’s connectivity to the East–West Economic Corridor, facilitating more efficient transportation, trade, and tourism between the two neighboring countries. Improved connectivity is anticipated to support economic growth, promote investment, and encourage greater people-to-people exchanges on both sides of the border.

Beyond its economic and logistical importance, the bridge stands as a powerful symbol of the long-standing friendship, close neighborly relations, and strategic partnership for sustainable development between Lao PDR and Thailand. Its inauguration is particularly significant as it coincides with the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, commemorated in December 2025.

During the ceremony, President Thongloun Sisoulith and His Majesty the King of Thailand jointly unveiled the bridge’s commemorative and ownership plaques. They also visited an exhibition showcasing photographs and video presentations documenting the construction process and posed for commemorative photographs.

The bridge project commenced with feasibility studies and detailed design work conducted between 2012 and 2014. A construction agreement was signed between the Lao Ministry of Public Works and Transport and the Thai Ministry of Transport on 14 June 2019. Construction began on the Thai side on 30 June 2020 and on the Lao side on 4 January 2021, with the bridge connection and the signing of agreements on usage rights, management, and maintenance completed on 6 June 2025.

Spanning 1,350 meters, the Fifth Lao–Thai Friendship Bridge links Pakxan District in Borikhamxay Province, the Lao PDR, with Bueng Kan District in Bueng Kan Province, Thailand, directly connecting Lao National Road No. 13 (R13) with Thailand’s Highway No. 244. The bridge is equipped with advanced structural monitoring systems to ensure safety, resilience, and long-term sustainability.

KPL