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