post about highways, road and bridges

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=950442&highlight=lao+thai+bridge

there used to be individual threads on Thai-Lao friendship bridges but now one check it out use google translater, download the toolbar and read the text

http://www.ecotourismlaos.com/images/map/laos/laos_bg.jpg



Laos highway and road map

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5d/Thai-Lao-Freundschaftsbruecke.jpg

first Lao-Thai friendship bridge

Lao-Thai friendship Bridge III to be inaugurated on 11.11.11

http://laovoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Lao-Thai-Friendship-Bridge-III.gif

http://laovoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Lao-Thai-friendship-bridge.gif

Posted by LV on Tuesday, October 18, 2011 · Leave a Comment



International Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge III located between Khammouane in Laos and Nakonphanom of Thailand.
(KPL) The authorities of Laos and Thailand have agreed to open the newly-built Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge III on November 11, 2011 at 11.11 hours, according to Manager of the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge Construction Project, Mr. Saysana Fasavath.

The construction of the bridge which spans over the Mekong between Khammouane in Laos and Nakhon Phanom of Thailand costs USD 60 million.

“The construction started in 2006 and was complete 900 days later. It is 1,430 metres long and 13 metres wide,” said Mr. Saysana.

“Over 400 Lao and Thai officials will participate the opening ceremony of the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge III,” said the official.

The bridge will pay a key role in boosting and integrating economy, investment, tourism, transport, cultural exchange and trade in the Mekong region, especially between Laos, Thailand, Vietnam and Myanmar, according to the official.



International Lao - Thai friendship bridge
A trade fair of Lao, Thai and Vietnamese sellers will be held, on the sidelines of the inauguration of the bridge, on Nov. 9-15.

Source: KPL Lao News Agency
October 18, 2011

http://laovoices.com/2011/10/18/lao-thai-friendship-bridge-iii-to-be-inaugurated-on-11-11-11/

from Lao discussions

Lao-Thai traffic surges after new Friendship Bridge opens

Tourism and trade between Laos and Thailand have seen a lot of positive changes since the opening of the third Friendship Bridge in November last year.

http://www.vientianetimes.org.la/FreeContent/free_60/p1_3.jpg








The approach to the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge linking Khammuan province with Thailand's Nakhon Phanom province across the Mekong River.


The bridge connects Veun Tai village in Thakhek district, Khammuan province, to Hom village in Meuang district of Thailand's Nakhon Phanom province across the Mekong River.

Deputy Office Head of Khammuan province Mr Vannavong Vongphachanh told Vientiane Times on Friday that use of the bridge had exceeded the expectations of local authorities.

In January alone, more than 3,100 vehicles crossed the bridge, up 17.6 percent compared to December.

The majority of the vehicles were trucks carrying goods between Thailand, Laos and Vietnam, while the rest were private vehicles and public transport.

Laos and Thailand jointly run eight buses a day between Thakhek and Meuang.

Before the bridge opened, an average of only 540 vehicles crossed the Mekong River each month on ferries, including goods trucks.

Mr Vannavong, who is also hea d of the bridge immigration checkpoint, said that about 15,000 people crossed the bridge in January, a 15 percent increase on the previous month.

“On the weekend, a number of Thai buses take tourists to visit Vietnam via Laos,” he explained. “They also visit some places here including Buddha Cave, the amazing 7.5 km Kong Lor Cave and various eco-tourism activities in the Nakai protected area.”

Mr Vannavong said that whil e he didn't yet have a concrete figure for February, he predicted that an even higher number of people would have crossed the bridge because Laos and Thailand observed the Sikhottabong and That Phanom festivals in that month. Last year, about 300,000 tourists visited Khammuan province and this figure is expected to increase by more than 20 percent this year.

On February 20, authorities from Khammuan and Nakhon Phanom provinces met to discuss aspects of their cooperation, agreeing to extend the opening hours of the bridge from 6am-6pm to 6am-10pm, in line with the other Lao-Thai Friendship Bridges in Vientiane and Savannakhet province.

“We are in the process of sending a proposal to the government to extend the opening hours of the bridge to facilitate business activities and tourism between Laos and Thailand,” he said.

W ork on the third Friendship Bridge began in May 2009, funded by the Thai government at a cost of more than 1.7 billion baht. The bridge spans 78 0m across the Mekong River.

The bridge provides the shortest route for exporters trucking goods to the central seaports of Vietnam from the six northern provinces of Thailand, while also promoting trade, investment and tourism in Laos.

There are two other Lao-Thai Friendship Bridges across the Mekong. The first connects Vientiane with Nong Khai province in Thailand and the second connects Savannaket province in Laos with Mukdahan province in Thailand.

Meanwhile, a fourth bridge is under construction to connect Bokeo province in Laos with Chiang Rai province in Thailand.

http://www.vientianetimes.org.la/FreeContent/FreeContent_Lao-thai.htm

Repair of Road No. 13 north begins




Posted by LV on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 · Leave a Comment

Repairs to a 126.3km section of Road No. 13 north running through Vientiane province are getting underway following the completion of the bidding process.

The work is being funded by the World Bank at a cost of 27.9 billion kip (more than US$3 million). The funding is being given to local companies after their bids for the work were accepted.

Transport officials said yesterday the road improvement project was essential to facilitate transportation between Vientiane and the northern provinces.

The section to be repaired is part of the 202km long stretch of Road No. 13 that runs through Vientiane province.

Built more than 20 years ago, the road has developed many potholes and conditions have become so bad it is slowing the transport of goods and people.

The road repairs will be completed by mid-May or the beginning of June, before the onset of the rainy season.

Director of the Vientiane province Public Works and Transport Department Mr Theankham Thongbon told Vientiane Times yesterday after the close of bidding that the government will finance the upgrade of the rest of the 202km stretch of road in the province.

The road upgrade has been divided among four companies: Panyathirath Road and Bridge Construction Company has been allocated a 42km section and funding of 7.1 billion kip; Bounhom Company has been allocated 40km and 7.7 billion kip; Thavisok has been given a 28km section and funding of 7.2 billion kip; and Panyathirath and Vongsaifa have been allocated a 16.3km section and funding of 5.9 billion kip.

The repairs will carry a one-year guarantee, meaning that if the road surface becomes damaged within this period, the contractor is obliged to repair it free of charge.

“I think that so long as we don’t allow overloaded trucks to use the road, it can last for at least another 10 years,” Mr Theankham said.

The drive between Vientiane and the tourist town of Vangvieng is currently very difficult due to the poor state of the road.

Drivers say that in the past the journey took about three hours but now it takes five hours.

Officials say the deterioration of the road is not only affecting the transport of goods between Vientiane and the north but also the tourism industry.

Transport officials attribute the degradation of the road to long-time usage.

Last year, the road was heavily damaged due to heavy rain triggered by tropical storms Haima and Nock-Ten.

Road damage caused by floods and landslides throughout Laos reached about 700 billion kip, accounting for almost half of the total storm damage.

Other common causes of damage to roads are lack of drainage and overloaded trucks, so truck weigh stations are essential to reduce the damage and cut road maintenance costs.

Source: Vientiane Times
By Somsack Pongkhao
(Latest Update March 13, 2012)

http://laovoices.com/repair-of-road-no-13-north-begins/

Friendship bridge boosts Thai-Lao trade ties





Somsack Pongkhao
Vientiane Times
Publication Date : 12-03-2012





Tourism and trade between Laos and Thailand have seen a lot of positive changes since the opening of the third Friendship Bridge in November last year.

The approach to the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge linking Khammuan province with Thailand's Nakhon Phanom province across the Mekong River.

The bridge connects Veun Tai village in Thakhek district, Khammuan province, to Hom village in Meuang district of Thailand's Nakhon Phanom province across the Mekong River.

Lao Deputy Office Head of Khammuan province Vannavong Vongphachanh told Vientiane Times on Friday that use of the bridge had exceeded the expectations of local authorities.

In January alone, more than 3,100 vehicles crossed the bridge, up 17.6 percent compared to December.

The majority of the vehicles were trucks carrying goods between Thailand, Laos and Vietnam, while the rest were private vehicles and public transport.

Laos and Thailand jointly run eight buses a day between Thakhek and Meuang.

Before the bridge opened, an average of only 540 vehicles crossed the Mekong River each month on ferries, including goods trucks.

Vannavong, who is also hea d of the bridge immigration checkpoint, said that about 15,000 people crossed the bridge in January, a 15 percent increase on the previous month.

"On the weekend, a number of Thai buses take tourists to visit Vietnam via Laos,” he explained. “They also visit some places here including Buddha Cave, the amazing 7.5 km Kong Lor Cave and various eco-tourism activities in the Nakai protected area.”

Vannavong said that whil e he didn't yet have a concrete figure for February, he predicted that an even higher number of people would have crossed the bridge because Laos and Thailand observed the Sikhottabong and That Phanom festivals in that month. Last year, about 300,000 tourists visited Khammuan province and this figure is expected to increase by more than 20 per cent this year.

On February 20, authorities from Khammuan and Nakhon Phanom provinces met to discuss aspects of their cooperation, agreeing to extend the opening hours of the bridge from 6am-6pm to 6am-10pm, in line with the other Lao-Thai Friendship Bridges in Vientiane and Savannakhet province.

"We are in the process of sending a proposal to the government to extend the opening hours of the bridge to facilitate business activities and tourism between Laos and Thailand,” he said.

W ork on the third Friendship Bridge began in May 2009, funded by the Thai government at a cost of more than 1.7 billion baht. The bridge spans 78 0m across the Mekong River.

The bridge provides the shortest route for exporters trucking goods to the central seaports of Vietnam from the six northern provinces of Thailand, while also promoting trade, investment and tourism in Laos.

There are two other Lao-Thai Friendship Bridges across the Mekong. The first connects Vientiane with Nong Khai province in Thailand and the second connects Savannaket province in Laos with Mukdahan province in Thailand.

Meanwhile, a fourth bridge is under construction to connect Bokeo province in Laos with Chiang Rai province in Thailand.


http://www.asianewsnet.net/home/news.php?id=28542

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kunming-Bangkok_Expressway

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai%E2%80%93Lao_Friendship_Bridge

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Thai%E2%80%93Lao_Friendship_Bridge

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third_Thai%E2%80%93Lao_Friendship_Bridge

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fourth_Thai%E2%80%93Lao_Friendship_Bridge

Donedaeng road to be ready for ASEM Summit
The Tang Chareon Group is confident that it will finish rebuilding a 5.5km road in central Vientiane ahead of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit, to be held in November.


http://www.vientianetimes.org.la/FreeContent/free_64/P1_1.jpg




The road linking Tanmixay and Donedaeng villages in Chanthabouly district, Vientiane, is under construction.


The 12 metre wide road is being concreted and links Tanmixay and Donedaeng villages in Chanthabouly district.

Another 2.5km section running from Donedaeng junction to Phonthongsavath village with a width of 10m will be completed a year later, according to company representative Mr Phaythoune Pathoumthong.

The Tang Chareon Group will spend about US$23.7 million on the project. The government will reimburse the company interest-free over a period of five years upon completion of the road.

Mr Phaythoune said construction began early last year and is now about 15 percent complete. Drainage channel installation is now 60 to 70 percent complete.

“We are currently concentrating on installing drainage channels and levelling the ground because we want to finish this work before the onset of the rainy season so that rain does not hamper progress.”

“We are confident we can finish the section from Tanmixay to Donedaeng village before the ASEM Summit in November. We can lay the concrete even during the rain as we will use tents,” he said.

The whole project includes drainage, sidewalks, street lighting and traffic lights. When the road upgrade is complete, it will help to ease traffic congestion in the city centre and contribute to the overall improvement of infrastructure.

The main challenge for the company is the high volume of traffic on this road. Mr Phaythoune urged the public to avoid this route if possible to minimise delays to construction, and to make travel easier.

“We have suggested to the Vientiane authorities that they close part of the road. If our proposal is approved, motorists will only be allowed to travel from Donedaeng to Tanmixay and to Dongdok where the National University of Laos is located,” he said.

The road linking Donedaeng and Nongtha to Tanmixay village was built more than 20 years ago. It is now badly potholed, making travel difficult and uncomfortable.

Transport officials said it was essential to resurface this road ahead of the ASEM Summit, which is scheduled to take place on November 5-6.The government is improving 21 roads in Vientiane in preparation for the meeting, including the Nongnieng Road link to Phongtong Road in Chommany village in Chanthabouly district, via Nongnieng village up to the That Luang Bridge in Xaysettha district.

By Somsack Pongkhao
(Latest Update March 16, 2012)

http://www.vientianetimes.org.la/FreeContent/FreeContent_Donedaeng.htm

QZRb7qG3klg

4th thai-lao friendship bridge

Fifth Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge to boost Borikhamxay economy

Borikhamxay's businesses foresee greater opportunities as the province gears up to become a full regional transport hub spurred by the planned construction of the 5th Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge.

The Lao-Thai joint commission on bilateral cooperation agreed last week at a meeting in Vientiane to build the bridge to link the central Lao province with Thailand's Bung Kan province. The decision was made in light of the great benefits that have resulted from three other bridges built to link the neighbouring countries.

Once in place, the new Mekong bridge will add fuel to the province's fast-growing economy. Last year the province's gross domestic product (GDP) was about US$303 million up by 8.57 percent compared to the year before.

Transport across the planned bridge will quicken the flow of goods, currently slower by ferry transport, through the region, especially between Laos, Thailand and Vietnam via Borikhamxay province, Director of the provincial Commerce and Industry Department Mr Sahuan Savang told the Vientiane Times .

Bordering on Vientiane and the provinces of Khammuan and Xieng Khuang, and sharing borders with Thailand to the west and Vietnam to the east, Borikhamxay is well positioned to become a transport hub.

“Passage through our province provides the shortest transport route for goods travelling between Thailand and Vietnam,” Mr Sahuan said. The road link between Thailand and Vietnam at this point is only about 150 km.

In 2010 the value of goods transiting through Borikhamxay reached more than US$33.2 million and rose to more than US$34.3 million in 2011.

To meet the growing need for transport, the province is building a road link to Vietnam's Nghe An province.

When the road opens, provincial officials plan to ask the government to set up an international checkpoint, hopefully by 2014, Mr Sahuan said. This would be the second international checkpoint between Borikhamxay and Vietnam.

In addition, a road linking Borikhamxay to the northern province of Xieng Khuang is being built, and is now 90 percent complete. The travel time between the central provinces to the northern region along this road will be several hours shorter than the present journey on Road 13 North, which involves many steep sections along mountainous roads.

Business executives with an eye to future opportunities see Borikhamxay as a profitable investment destination and are now pouring their capital into the province. Total private sector investment has risen to 1,600 billion kip, a year-on-year increase of 15-20 percent.

Investors are currently conducting feasibility studies on the construction of three cassava farms, Deputy Director of the provincial Planning and Investment Department, Mr Bounnak Duangvannavong, said.

“Livestock farms are mushrooming. Dozens of firms are processing wood such as furniture,” he added.

Investment in the province covers a broad range of areas including wood processing, hydropower, livestock farming, industrial tree plantations, food processing and cash crop planting - all areas in which the province has potential.

The provincial authorities have identified five projects in these areas to hasten development and improve the living conditions of its 257,774 inhabitants, whose average per capita income currently stands at US$1,179.

Borikhamxay province is also conducting a feasibility study on the construction of a special economic zone - the concept initiated by the government to offer incentives such as tax breaks to encourage more investment, according to the Socio-economic newspaper.

The province has the potential to construct more than ten hydropower plants, the newspaper said.

Regarding the planned Mekong bridge, Deputy Director General of the Planning and Cooperation Department, Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Mr Phetsamone Vilaphanh, said Bangkok had agreed to finance survey and design work in response to a request from the Lao government.

Officials are as yet unable to estimate the construction cost and timeframe. These details will be available after the survey has been carried out and the bridge design completed.

Mr Phetsamone said funding to realise the project would be sought after these details are made available.





By Souksakhone Vaenkeo
(Latest Update March 27, 2012)

http://www.vientianetimes.org.la/FreeContent/FreeContent_Fifth.htm

ท่าเรือเชียงแสน อัพเดต *4 ธันวาคม 54

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thai-lao bridge 4, Chiang Rai

ภาพ ล่าสุดเมื่อ 17 กพ.55

โครงการสะพานข้ามแม่น้ำโขงแห่งที่ 4 กำหนดเปิดปีนี้ วันที่ 12/ 12/ 12


ขอบคุณภาพ คุณ พัฒนา สิทธิสมบัติ ที่อนุเคราะห์ให้เผยแพร่


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มองจากสะพานไปยัง Border Control Area ที่กำลังก่อสร้างอยู่ไกลลิบ ๆ

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thai-lao bridge 4, Chiang Rai

Bypass to ease congestion in Luang Prabang

Roads in central Luang Prabang will no longer be congested when a bypass around the town is completed in 2014.

Luang Prabang provincial Public Works and Transport Department Director, Mr Fasanan Thammavong, said recently Luang Prabang authorities and the government will invest about US$21 million to build the bypass and a bridge across the Nam Khan River on the edge of the town.

The 18.4 km bypass will run from Kokngeuw to Phonxay villages. The road will be 11 metres wide, and the bridge will be 202 metres long and 11 metres wide. The bridge will be in the area of Noun village.

“The bypass will be very useful for both locals and tourists. It will help to reduce traffic congestion, road accidents and noise pollution as well as improve public health,” Mr Fasanan said.

He added that the bypass will not only ease traffic congestion, but will also make life easier for local residents and tourists as it is part of a new urban development planned for Luang Prabang, where government offices and businesses will relocate.

It is expected that construction of the bypass and bridge will take three years, with the Phousi Road and Bridge Construction Company to put up the money and undertake the project.

The government will reimburse the company in line with the agreement made between the two parties. The Luang Prabang authorities and the company signed an agreement last year to clear land and relocate people living in the construction area.

Mr Fasanan said construction is now about 10 percent complete and the company has been working full time on the project since the start of this year. The bridge and road are expected to be finished on time.

Luang Prabang has become increasingly congested in recent years as the number of vehicles, residents and tourists has grown. About 300,000 foreign tourists visited Luang Praba ng province last year. According to a report from the provincial Governor, Dr Khampheng Saysompheng, the Luang Prabang authorities will develop the province as a prime location for both domestic and foreign tourists. By 2015, it is envisaged that about 500,000 tourists will visit the World Heritage Site. Luang Prabang province has a population of over 400,000 people, living in 12 districts.

The province is situated in the centre of northern Laos, bordering Oudomxay, Huaphan, Vientiane, Xayaboury and Xi eng Khuang provinces. It has a total area of 16,875 square kilometers and derives its main income from tourism. In fiscal year 2010-2011, local residents earned US$164 million from the tourism industry.





By Times Reporters
(Latest Update May 7 , 2012)

http://www.vientianetimes.org.la/FreeContent/FreeConten_Bypass.htm

B718m loan approved for Uttaradit-Laos link
Border trade with Xayaburi set to boom
Published: 7/05/2012 at 02:06 AM Newspaper section: Business 0
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The Thai government has approved a soft loan to Laos for a 33-kilometre road from the Phudu checkpoint in Uttaradit province to Paklai in the Lao province of Xayaburi.

The project is being implemented to boost two-way trade, especially the import of commodities.

The total cost of construction is estimated at 718 million baht. A grant of 143.6 million baht or 20% of the cost has been approved by the cabinet, as has a 574.4-million-baht, 30-year soft loan at 1.5% interest and with a 10-year grace period.

Parkdehans Himathongkorn, deputy government spokesman, said Thai businesses will benefit from the road, as Xayaburi is a major maize-growing province and the Lao economy is expanding by 7-8% a year.

Thai trade with Laos via Uttaradit was 231.18 million baht last year with a surplus in Thailand's favour of 139.29 million baht.

Currently, traffic via the Phudu temporary checkpoint is 800 cars a day when it is open. It is projected that the traffic will increase to 1,500 to 1,700 cars per day next year when Phudu is upgraded to a permanent checkpoint. Daily traffic could reach 2,500 to 3,000 cars a day over the next 20 years.

The Thai government approved Phudu as a permanent checkpoint in 2009. However, Laos lacks the necessary infrastructure on its side of the border.

Currently, Xayaburi's population is 360,000 while Paklai's is 66,000.

Mr Parkdehans said the Foreign Affairs Ministry also supported the road as it will eventually connect to Vientiane Road No. 11, thereby increasing the efficiency of transport along the East-West Economic Corridor connecting Myanmar, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam. It will also improve transport between northern Thailand and southern China.

Taveesak Pungvongsanuraks, chairman of Thai Chamber of Commerce in Uttaradit, expects Phudu to be upgraded to an international checkpoint before the completion of the Phudu-Paklai road.

The chamber said that the government should prepare in advance for the upgrade, a process that normally takes 1-2 years, by making budget allocations for the hiring of officials and equipment purchases.

Infrastructure at the border should also be improved and proper town planning should be undertaken in the area.

Mr Taveesak added that the actual bilateral trade between Phudu and Paklai may be higher than official estimates of 200 million baht a year because some trade is credited to Nan province.

At present, the temporary checkpoint at Phudu opens only two days a week, on Friday and Saturday. The province's joint public-private committee is recommending that it also open Sunday to boost trade.

Mr Taveesak said two-day-a-week operation at the temporary checkpoint was an obstacle to investment.

As well, trade at the temporary checkpoint is limited to 50,000 baht per day per person, a restriction considered a barrier to trade and investment expansion.

Mr Taveesak expects two-way trade will rapidly grow to 5 billion baht in the short term following the upgrading of the checkpoint to permanent.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/economics/292152/b718m-loan-approved-for-uttaradit-laos-link

Fourth Thai-Lao Friendship bridge to open in December

Asia News Network (The Nation), Bangkok, Thailand | Thu, 06/07/2012 7:29 PM

A-AA+


Thailand and Laos expect to open the fourth Thai-Lao Friendship bridge linking Chiang Rai's Chiang Kong district with Huay Sai in Laos in December, Thai Foreign Minister Surapong Tohvichakchaikul said on Thursday.

The construction of the Bt1.4 billion bridge straddling the Mekong River is about 64 percent complete, the minister said.

The bridge was discussed when Laotian Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong met his Thai counterpart Yingluck Shinawatra during an official visit last week in Bangkok.

The leaders agreed that the bridge would open on December 12, he said.

Thailand allocated half the construction expenses, the minister said, while Laos obtained a loan from China. However, construction was delayed while China considered the loan request.

The first Thai-Lao Friendship bridge links Nong Khai with Vientiane, while the second connects Mukdahan province with Savannakhet. The third links Nakhon Phanom with Kammouane. (nvn)

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2012/06/07/fourth-thai-lao-friendship-bridge-open-december.html

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at Chiang Rai, mekong bridge 4
from thai forum

at Chiang Rai, mekong bridge 4
from thai forum
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/c0.0.843.403/p843x403/524162_410364232349491_1220117183_n.jpg

Fifth Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge to boost Borikhamxay economy

Borikhamxay’s businesses foresee greater opportunities as the province gears up to become a full regional transport hub spurred by the planned construction of the 5th Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge.

The Lao-Thai joint commission on bilateral cooperation agreed last week at a meeting in Vientiane to build the bridge to link the central Lao province with Thailand’s Bung Kan province. The decision was made in light of the great benefits that have resulted from three other bridges built to link the neighbouring countries.

Once in place, the new Mekong bridge will add fuel to the province’s fast-growing economy. Last year the province’s gross domestic product (GDP) was about US$303 million up by 8.57 percent compared to the year before.
Transport across the planned bridge will quicken the flow of goods, currently slower by ferry transport, through the region, especially between Laos, Thailand and Vietnam via Borikhamxay province, Director of the provincial Commerce and Industry Department Mr Sahuan Savang told the Vientiane Times.

Bordering on Vientiane and the provinces of Khammuan and Xieng Khuang, and sharing borders with Thailand to the west and Vietnam to the east, Borikhamxay is well positioned to become a transport hub.

“Passage through our province provides the shortest transport route for goods travelling between Thailand and Vietnam,” Mr Sahuan said. The road link between Thailand and Vietnam at this point is only about 150 km.

In 2010 the value of goods transiting through Borikhamxay reached more than US$33.2 million and rose to more than US$34.3 million in 2011.

To meet the growing need for transport, the province is building a road link to Vietnam’s Nghe An province.

When the road opens, provincial officials plan to ask the government to set up an international checkpoint, hopefully by 2014, Mr Sahuan said. This would be the second international checkpoint between Borikhamxay and Vietnam.

In addition, a road linking Borikhamxay to the northern province of Xieng Khuang is being built, and is now 90 percent complete. The travel time between the central provinces to the northern region along this road will be several hours shorter than the present journey on Road 13 North, which involves many steep sections along mountainous roads.

Business executives with an eye to future opportunities see Borikhamxay as a profitable investment destination and are now pouring their capital into the province. Total private sector investment has risen to 1,600 billion kip, a year-on-year increase of 15-20 percent.

Investors are currently conducting feasibility studies on the construction of three cassava farms, Deputy Director of the provincial Planning and Investment Department, Mr Bounnak Duangvannavong, said.

“Livestock farms are mushrooming. Dozens of firms are processing wood such as furniture,” he added.

Investment in the province covers a broad range of areas including wood processing, hydropower, livestock farming, industrial tree plantations, food processing and cash crop planting – all areas in which the province has potential.

The provincial authorities have identified five projects in these areas to hasten development and improve the living conditions of its 257,774 inhabitants, whose average per capita income currently stands at US$1,179.

Borikhamxay province is also conducting a feasibility study on the construction of a special economic zone – the concept initiated by the government to offer incentives such as tax breaks to encourage more investment, according to the Socio-economic newspaper.

The province has the potential to construct more than ten hydropower plants, the newspaper said.

Regarding the planned Mekong bridge, Deputy Director General of the Planning and Cooperation Department, Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Mr Phetsamone Vilaphanh, said Bangkok had agreed to finance survey and design work in response to a request from the Lao government.

Officials are as yet unable to estimate the construction cost and timeframe. These details will be available after the survey has been carried out and the bridge design completed.

Mr Phetsamone said funding to realise the project would be sought after these details are made available.

http://laovoices.com/fifth-lao-thai-friendship-bridge-to-boost-borikhamxay-economy/

^^ older news but there has been no posts on it yet

Fifth friendship bridge planned
Published: 27/08/2012 at 02:28 AMNewspaper section: Life
Asign board for the fifth Thai-Lao friendship bridge has been put up at the entrance to Ban Huay Seum Nua village in Muang district of Bung Kan province.


A worker helps construct a dam at Ban Huay Seum Nua where a new bridge crossing the Mekong River will be built.

The construction, according to Bung Kan Governor Pornsak Jearanai, should begin within the next three years.

"The cabinet has approved the project and the government of both countries have agreed in principle to have the fifth bridge built," he said.

The new bridge will be located about 12km east of downtown and will link Bung Kan to Bolikhamxay in Laos.

The estimated cost of investment is about 2 billion baht.

"The bridge will increase trade between the two countries from the present 5.4 billon baht to some 24 billion baht, which is at the same level of the trade value in Nong Khai (the first Thai-Lao friendship bridge)," he said.

The main trade products from Thailand are energy drinks, construction materials, electronic equipment and machinery, while the main imported product from Laos is processed wood.

The governor said if the bridge is built in Bung Kan, it will also shorten the travelling distance from Thailand to Vietnam as the distance from the border to Vietnam's Vinh town is 335km.

"Bung Kan will be one of the closest access [points] to deliver products to Vietnam and China and will also benefit travellers," he added.

Meanwhile, Bung Kan will host the 13th boat race between Thai and Lao teams from Sept 7 to Sept 9 aimed at improving relations between the two countries.

Prizes include trophies from HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and cash awards from 50,000 to 300,000 baht depending on the type of boat.

Well-known teams from Thailand's central and northeast regions are invited to enter the competition.

In addition, there will be an exhibition of Otop products, concerts and performances. The governor expects to attract about 200,000 visitors during the three-day event.

Call the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Udon Thani Office on 042-325-406.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/travel/travel-update/309533/fifth-friendship-bridge-planned

Ceremony celebrates two years of Lao-Thai bridge construction

Lao and Thai officials will hold a ceremony on December 12 to celebrate the second anniversary of the start of construction of the fourth Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge across the Mekong.


The fourth Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge over the Mekong River in Bokeo province.

The 630 metre bridge, which crosses from Bokeo province to Chiang Rai province in Thailand, is scheduled for completion next June – six months after the original deadline.

Joining the event will be high-ranking officials from Laos and Thailand, including Lao officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Public Works and Transport, and Bokeo province.

Head of the Fourth Mekong River Bridge Construction Project, Mr Vanthong Budtanavong, told the Vientiane Times on Thursday the bridge linked up the two countries last month.

On the Lao side, construction is about 90 percent complete and workers are now building railings and footpaths.

New roads linking current networks to the bridge are about 25 percent complete, and the immigration station is half built.

“Considering every aspect of construction, we've done more than 60 percent of the work,” Mr Vanthong said. “I'm confident the bridge will be finished by June 2013.”

The original construction signing ceremony was held in May 2010, and the project officially began the next month. A six-month extension to the project deadline was approved after delays.

The bridge is part of the Greater Mekong Sub-Region North-South Economic Corridor, and will link Chiang Rai province with Kunming in China via Road R3 in Laos. Locally, it will connect Done village in Huayxai district, Bokeo province, with Ing village in Chiang Rai province.

The 14.7 metre wide bridge will ease the transport of goods between Laos, Thailand, Myanmar and China, and open up the area to further tourism development.

The project is jointly funded by Laos and Thailand, with the total cost exceeding US$44.8 million.

According to Bokeo provincial officials, the Chinese government is providing US$20 million in grant aid so the Lao government can meet its 50 percent share of the costs. Laos will also contribute more than four billion kip in compensation for people whose properties are affected on the Lao side of the bridge.

The bridge is about nine kilometres from Road R3, which heads north to China. It's being built to the same design as the first Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge – which opened in 1994 – linking Vientiane with Thailand's Nong Khai province.

A Special Economic Zone is under development in Bokeo province in an effort to boost economic activity in the region.

It's situated near the meeting point of Laos, Thailand and Myanmar, and bordered by the Mekong and Huak rivers.





By Khonesavanh Latsaphao
(Latest Update November 23, 2012)
http://www.vientianetimes.org.la/FreeContent/FreeConten_Ceremony.htm

http://www.vientianetimes.org.la/freenews/free_275/free_P2.jpg

Ministry of Transport to build Thai-Laos Bridge in Buengkarn province
Sunday, 23 December 2012
By NNT
Be the first to comment!


BANGKOK, The Ministry of Transport has announced a plan to construct a bridge between Beungkan province and Laos, in an effort to boost trade and logistics between Thailand and its neighbor.

Following a meeting between representatives from the government and private sector, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Transport, Sornsak Sansombat, said a plan to increase bilateral trade, investment and transportation between the two nations was hatched, involving a project to build a bridge across the Meh Kong River connecting Thailand and Laos via Beungkan.



Mr.Sornsak stated that the construction project is currently in its initial stages with a blueprint being penned by relevant officials. Construction of the bridge is expected to begin at the end of 2013.

He added that the bridge, once completed, will also serve as a major transport route between Thailand and several major ASEAN cities, including Hanoi, Danang and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.

B y RADIO THAILAND & INSIGHT INFO

http://www.pattayamail.com/news/ministry-of-transport-to-build-thai-laos-bridge-in-buengkarn-province-19677

Vietnam-Laos highway link road inaugurated
The Vietnam-Laos highway link road was officially inaugurated at a ceremony held at the international border of Panghok in Phongsaly Province yesterday, February 24.

The 68.2 kilometer highway road links Khoa District in Phongsaly Province in Laos to Tay Trang


At the scene of the ceremony (photo website chinhphu)
border gate in Dien Bien Province in Vietnam. The project was financed by the Vietnamese government at a total cost of US$43 million.

Attending the inaugural ceremony were Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Lao Deputy Prime Minister Somsavat Lengsavad and other high ranking officials of the two countries.

In his speech, Dep. PM Phuc highlighted the traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation relations between the two countries.

He also stressed that the National Highway was of great strategic importance for both Vietnam and Laos, enhancing trade between the northwestern provinces of Vietnam and the northern provinces of Laos in particular.

Lao Deputy Prime Minister Somsavat Lengsavad said that the National Highway was of great importance for the socio-economic growth of Laos.

He said this important road would contribute to improving infrastructure and help link Laos to other countries in the region.


http://www.saigon-gpdaily.com.vn/National/2013/2/104250/

Vietnam, Laos, Thailand increase transport cooperation
VietNamNet Bridge – The transport ministers of Vietnam, Laos and Thailand gathered at a conference in Hanoi on February 21 to discuss objectives and solutions to enhance trilateral transport cooperation.
At the inaugural event, ministers from each nation agreed to quickly complete internal procedures for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between their respective Governments, which will add national roads No. 8 and No. 12 in Vietnam and Laos to Protocol No.1 of the Greater Mekong Sub-region Cross-Border Transport Facilitation Agreement (GMS-CBT).

The opening of these routes for cross-border movement will reduce transport times and costs, thus making the of transit of goods between northeastern Thailand, central Laos and Vietnam’s Vung Ang and Hon La ports more viable, especially those enroute to Northeast Asia.

The three transport ministers also agreed on an action plan to realise the agreement between their Governments on land tourism transport. The plan mentions the establishment of subcommittees on transport, tourism, immigration and customs to assist the operation of the three countries’ Joint Committee.

Concluding the conference, the ministers signed the amended MoU on the implementation of the GMS-CBT.

Once implemented, the MoU will facilitate the movement of vehicles from the East-West Economic Corridor to Hanoi and Hai Phong cities in Vietnam, Lao capital Vientiane and Leam Chabang, Thailand.
Source: VOV

http://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/society/67164/vietnam--laos--thailand-increase-transport-cooperation.html

Automated fee payment system rolled out at Vientiane-Nong Khai bridge

The international border crossing at the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge between Vientiane and Nong Khai province, Thailand, has begun using electronic machines to collect fees from travellers.

The head of the checkpoint issued an announcement dated February 28, saying the payment of fees involved in passing through the checkpoint would be made through an automated open-close gate starting on March 1.

This means that people who regularly cross the bridge will have their own electronic Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) card which contains their personal information.

“This card contains a SIM similar to a prepaid phone SIM and the holder will have to recharge it before use,” said checkpoint official Mr Thavixay Thammavong.

RFID cards can be issued to holders of passports, border passes, and temporary border passes. To receive the card a person has to pay 75,000 kip as a guarantee.

Cardholders have to recharge their card regularly to ensure they contain not less than the amount they have to pay for the exit or entrance.

Currently, fees are 11,000 kip per person for one exit-entrance during official working hours, and 21,000 kip per person for one exit-entrance outside of official working hours, of which 11,000 kip is the fee and 10,000 kip is the overtime charge.

People who have paperwork for a single border crossing have to pay the same fees mentioned above. Meanwhile, passport holders have to pay only 1,000 kip per person for one exit or entrance.

According to the official, the system has been introduced by the Customs Department to streamline the collection of fees, and will not only be convenient for travellers but will also close loopholes and ensure less revenue is misappropriated.

Regarding the card recharge, there are four recharging point in Vientiane: at the Talatsao Mall, Khuadin Bus Station, outside the Vientiane Police Department, and at the Lao-Thai Friendship International Checkpoint.

Further information on the matter is provided at the international customs checkpoint.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update March 05, 2013)

http://www.vientianetimes.org.la/FreeContent/FreeConten_Automated%20fee.htm

hais, Lao ink new bridge deal
Fifth crossing to boost trade in Mekong region

Published: 14 Mar 2013 at 00.00Newspaper section: News
VIENTIANE Thailand and Laos have agreed to build a new bridge over the Mekong River.


Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra shakes hands with leaders in the region during the Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (Acmecs) meeting in Vientiane, Laos, yesterday. Thailand has expressed support for the infrastructure development of the Acmecs group to increase the potential of trade, investment and tourism with other regions.

The bridge would help improve infrastructure and boost trade in the region, the countries say.

The agreement was reached yesterday by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and her host, Lao Premier Thongsing Thammavong on the sidelines of the Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (Acmecs) summit in Vientiane.

A feasibility study for the bridge will be conducted, Ms Yingluck's secretary, Suranand Vejjajiva, said.

The bridge will be built between Bung Kan in Thailand and Borikhamxay in Laos _ the fifth bridge linking the two countries.

The fourth friendship bridge is now under construction between Chiang Khong district of Chiang Rai and Bokeo province in northern Laos.

Thailand is also backing other infrastructure projects aimed at boosting trade, investment and tourism in both countries. It backs a plan to build two roads between Nan and northern Laos. The roads could connect Thailand with Luang Prabang and southern China.

Ms Yingluck said Thailand will start building a 6km railway link between Aranyaprathet district of Sa Kaeo to Poipet. The link falls under an Association of Southeast Asian Nations plan to promote road and rail links among its members.

She urged all Acmecs member countries to help ease border crossings for people and goods and to upgrade border checkpoints.

Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar are also members of Acmecs.

Thailand earlier hosted a meeting with Laos and Vietnam to tackle border problems.

They discussed the border checkpoints between Mukdahan and Savannakhet in Laos, and between Lao Bao in Vietnam and Dan Sawan in Laos.

Myanmar and Cambodia will be invited to the next meeting, the prime minister said. Ms Yingluck has called on other Acmecs leaders to make it easier for people and goods to travel on roads beyond the Greater Mekong Sub-region scheme.

She highlighted the checkpoints linking Thailand and Myanmar in Mae Sai district of Chiang Rai, Mae Sot district in Tak and Pu Nam Ron in Kanchanaburi's Sangkhla Buri district.

Thailand would provide Acmecs members with 200 additional scholarships across various fields to train workers and boost development across the region.

Thailand has also supported the development of health services along its borders by helping set up health stations and training medical staff.

The Acmecs summit also agreed to cooperate on rice trade by establishing common standards and market-sharing to make food more secure.

Thailand invited Acmecs members to help innovate and develop alternative energy beyond bio-energy.

Ms Yingluck yesterday witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on a contract farming scheme between Thailand and Laos, and another MoU on the establishment of the Thai-Cambodian Business Council.


http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/340359/thais-lao-ink-new-bridge-deal

Discussing the 6th Friendship Bridge between Ubon and Saravan: (http://laovoices.com/laos-thailand-discuss-construction-of-new-mekong-bridge/)

Laos, Thailand discuss construction of new Mekong bridge
Source: Vientiane Times
April 22, 2013

Laos and Thailand are considering building another ‘friendship’ bridge across the Mekong River between Ubon Ratchathani province in Thailand and Saravan province in Laos.

The two sides realise the significance of road and bridge linkages that serve as a crucial east-west economic corridor, linking Thailand to Vietnam through Laos.

Director of Saravan province’s Department of Public Works and Transport, Mr Sengdalith Kattiyasak, told Vientiane Times on Friday that authorities from the two provinces have already met twice to discuss the project .

Asked when he thought the project might be realised, he said no timeframe had been confirmed but the province had proposed the matter to the Ministry of Public Works and Transport. It will fall within the cooperation framework of the Lao-Thai Joint Commission.

Mr Sengdalith said the project should be included in the next five year plan. The two countries share the view that the bridge is essential for promoting trade, investment and tourism in Laos and Thailand and the region as a whole.

“Prior to this, Saravan was a closed province, but now it’s becoming an open province or a transit route for the southern region,” he said. A road linking the provincial capital to Vietnam has now been built over a length of 147km.

Meanwhile, a road linking the provincial capital to Road No. 13 south in Napong village, Khongxedon district, is under construction and is scheduled for completion next year.

If the proposed bridge is built, the transport of goods between Laos, Vietnam and the southern Isaan region of Thailand will be easier and businesses will have more options for exporting their products.

Saravan would benefit from the bridge due to the inflow of foreign investment in the province. Several mega projects including cement production and mining are up and running and the bridge would serve as a transport link for these operations.

Laos is a land-locked country, which makes it difficult to export goods to international markets. The government has a clear policy to transform Laos into a land link in order to be competitive at a time of regional integration.

Laos and Thailand have built several bridges across the Mekong in a bid to strengthen their cooperative relations.

The first Lao-Thai Fr iendship Bridge was built in 1994, linking Vientiane to Nong Khai province. The second Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, linking Mukdahan with Savannakhet province, opened for use in 2006. A third Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, linking Khammuan province in central Laos to Nakhon Phanom province in northeastern Thailand, opened in November 2011.

A fourth Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge linking Chiang Rai province with Bokeo province in Laos is scheduled for completion in October this year.

does anyone have news about the new Vientiane-LuangPrabang road, that should shorter significantly the travel between the 2 cities. is it finished yet? if not, when is the opening planned?
thx

There are 10 bus routes between Thailand and Laos run by 285 enterpises with 677 buses including
1. Nong Khai - Viengchan Capital
2. Udon Thani - Viengchan Capital
3. Ubon Ratchathani - Pakse
4. Mudahan - Savannakhet
5. Khon kaen - Viengchan Capital
6. Bangkok - Viengchan Capital
7. Nakhon Phanom - Tha kaek
8. Chiang Mai - Chiang rai - Bokeo - Luang Namtha - Luang Phrabang
9. Udon Thani - Nong Kha - Vangvieng
10. Bangkok - Ubon Ratchathani - Pakse

However, Thailand wants more route - now reaching China via Chiang Khong - Huay Sai checkpoint and Boten - Mo Han checkpoint once the 4th Friendship Bridge has become a reality

http://www.thairath.co.th/content/region/346737