The Fifth Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge linking Bueng Kan, Thailand, and Bolikhamxay, Laos, has officially opened, creating the shortest strategic land route connecting Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. The bridge also marks the launch of a new permanent border crossing, strengthening regional connectivity and supporting trade, investment, logistics, and tourism across Thailand’s upper Northeast and the wider Indochina region.
Spanning the Mekong River, the bridge connects Mueang Bueng Kan district with Pakxan district in Bolikhamxay province, completing a critical missing link in regional transport networks. The route is expected to significantly reduce travel time and logistics costs for freight moving from Thailand through Laos to central Vietnam, while also improving access toward southern China.
The project is set to transform Bueng Kan into a key logistics hub and border gateway, creating jobs, attracting investment, and potentially increasing cross-border trade by tens of billions of baht annually. Tourism is also expected to benefit from easier, more seamless travel between Thailand, Laos, and onward destinations in Vietnam.
Aligned with regional frameworks such as the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) and ACMECS, the bridge enhances transport and logistics competitiveness in Thailand’s Northeast. The bridge has been open for public use since 27 December 2025, with the border crossing operating daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM and no crossing fee during the initial phase.
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