Laos and Thailand held formal discussions on the proposed sixth Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, a major infrastructure project aimed at strengthening transport links and cross-border trade between the two countries.
The meeting took place on 26 February at the Ministry of Public Works and Transport in Laos’ Vientiane Capital, where Minister Leklai Sivilay welcomed Perames Vudthitornetirak, President of Thailand’s Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA).
The planned bridge will span the Mekong River, connecting Salavanh Province in southern Laos with Ubon Ratchathani Province in Thailand. At approximately 1.6 kilometres in length, the structure forms part of a broader corridor covering around 23.4 kilometres of connecting roads on both sides of the border.
In terms of road connections, the Thai side will feature a 4.3-kilometer four-lane road linking the bridge to an existing highway, while the Lao side will include a 17.5-kilometer access road connecting to National Road No. 13 South in Lakhonepheng district, Salavan Province.
To accommodate future traffic growth, the Lao government has also proposed upgrading this access road from two lanes to four lanes.
Regarding costs, the total project is estimated at approximately THB 5.2 billion (around USD 165 million). Under the current proposal, Thailand will fund roughly 55 percent of construction costs, with Laos covering the remaining 45 percent.
Budget approval is expected in 2028, with construction scheduled to begin in 2029 and the bridge opening for service in 2031.
Once completed, the bridge is expected to reduce transport costs, improve freight movement, and strengthen trade corridors connecting Laos and Thailand with Vietnam and China. The announcement follows the inauguration of the fifth Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge in late 2025.


