Laos and Thailand are studying a possible new Friendship Bridge linking Vientiane Province with Loei Province. The proposed crossing is now in the feasibility and planning stage.
The bridge would connect the Banvang International Border Checkpoint in Muen District, Vientiane Province, with the Ban Khok Phai Border Checkpoint in Pak Chom District, Loei Province, according to discussions held during the 21st Laos-Thailand Joint Committee on Border Security and Order meeting in Chiang Khan on 17 September.
If approved, the crossing would give people and businesses another route between the two countries and improve connections between Vientiane Province and northeastern Thailand.
The two sides still need to carry out further feasibility and environmental studies before they can begin formal negotiations, seek cabinet approval and arrange funding. No final construction site or construction schedule has been approved.
Thai authorities examined potential locations for the crossing during a preliminary meeting in Loei on 3 September.
One proposed site is near Khok Phai Village along Thailand’s Highway 211 in Pak Chom district. The proposed bridge would span about 400 meters across the Mekong River.
More Lao-Thai Bridges Planned
The Vientiane-Loei proposal is one of several new Mekong crossings under discussion between the two countries.
On 8 September, Thailand approved THB 1.78 billion (USD 55.4 million) in financial assistance for the Xiengman-Luang Prabang Mekong Bridge. Construction is expected to begin in 2027, with the bridge targeted to open in 2031.
Laos and Thailand are also discussing a sixth Friendship Bridge linking Salavanh Province with Ubon Ratchathani. The USD 165 million project could begin construction in 2029 and open in 2031.
The plans follow the opening of the fifth Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge between Bolikhamxay and Bueng Kan in late 2025, adding another road crossing to the transport network between the two countries.
