The new Pakxan – Bueng Kan bridge

[Moto-Rex]

The new Pakxan – Bueng Kan bridge.

While crossing back into Thailand last week on the Pakxan ferry, I noticed that work had just begun on the new Laos-Thailand Bridge that will join the towns of Pakxan and Bueng Kan.

The bridge will be located just 100 metres from the where ferry landing and immigration offices on the Thai side currently stand.

The head officer said the bridge will be completed in 3 years,.. so look out for the opening on December 2016.

The Thai side,…and the large tree to the right of the excavator came down about 2 minutes after I took this photo.

Work is also under way on the Lao side.

This is where the completed bridge will cross the river.

The KLX, on the spot that will be the very start of the bridge on the Thai side.

Moto-Rex

 

[Ian Bungy]

Hell they can't seem to Build the Bridges Quick enough! Now all We need is for them to actually let Us Use them!!!

 

[blkphantom]

Rex, Can you tell us anything/everything about crossing now from Pakxan to Bueng Kan ?
I would like to return to Thailand from Lao at this crossing. Vientiane can be very busy and I would like to try a new crossing.
Thanks, Al

 

[Moto-Rex]

blkphantom;295401 wrote: Rex, Can you tell us anything/everything about crossing now from Pakxan to Bueng Kan ?
I would like to return to Thailand from Lao at this crossing. Vientiane can be very busy and I would like to try a new crossing.
Thanks, Al

The Pakxan-Bueng Kan is one of the easiest places to cross. Just go to the ferry landing in Pakxan which is where customs and immigration are located, do the paper work, then get on the ferry which takes about 30 minutes to get to Thailand for 150baht. Once there do the paper work etc, and away you go.
On both sides the immigration and customs people are friendly and helpful.
Just remember Lao lunch break is between 11.30am and 1.00pm, and nothing happens then.
How long you have to wait for the ferry, is luck of the draw.

Hope this helps.

 

[blkphantom]

Rex, That's great info !
Thanks again,
Al

 

[101Pauly]

Hello Rex:

Hope you are still having a great ride. Saw you in 101 before we headed down to Ko Chang... I believe you were off to Ubol/Pakse and beyond... happy new years!

 

[DavidFL]

5th Friendship Bridge in pipeline

February 16, 2016 by Wanwisa Ngamsangchaikit

BOLIKHAMSAI, 16 February 2016: The construction of the 5th Lao-Thai Mekong Friendship Bridge, which will connect Bolikhamsai province in Lao PDR to Thailand’s Bung Kan province, should begin in 2019.

Lao News Agency quoted Department of Public Works and Transport’s Road Management Division head, Vixay Phoumy, saying the survey and design of the bridge is now 90% complete and the location for its construction has been finalised.

The final design of 5th Lao-Thai Mekong Friendship Bridge Construction Project has already been submitted to the governments of Laos and Thailand.

inside no 3“Currently, we are only waiting for the construction budget to be approved and the construction companies to make their final bids. Construction could begin in 2019 at an estimated cost of USD85 million,” the director said.

The two governments will share the cost of the bridge 50%-50%, he added.

The bridge will span the Mekong River approximately 1,350 metres long and 17 metres wide.

Once completed, the bridge will improve transport between two countries and should help to improve the local economies on both sides of the river. This bridge will link highway 13 in central Laos to northeast Thailand.

Currently, there are four Thai-Lao Friendship Bridges: Vientiane-Nong Khai; Savannakhet-Mukdahan; Khammouan-Nakhon Phanom; and Chaing Rai’s Chiang Khong-Bokeo’s Huay Xai.

Source: http://www.ttrweekly.com/site/2016/02/5th-friendship-bridge-in-pipeline/

 

[DavidFL]

Update April 2018

Construction of the 5th Thai-Lao friendship bridge likely to begin this year-end

Construction of the 5th Thai-Lao friendship bridge linking the northeastern province of Bueng Kan with Laos’ western township of Pakxan in Bolikhamsai province is likely to commence this year-end with the Ministry of Transport expecting to seek budget from the government in October.

Land clearing for the construction of a road heading to the site of the 3.6-billion-baht bridge project in Bueng Kan province has already started with land along the road being expropriated and landowners compensated. Rubber trees along the route have also been felled for the road construction.

Bueng Kan governor Phisut Busayapanpong said that Bueng Kan has the logistic capacity to cater to the increased passenger and cargo traffic in Nong Khai and Nakhon Phanom once the two provinces are linked by dual track train system and high-speed train system with Bangkok.

He said the people of Bueng Kan had the expectation that the new friendship bridge linking the province with Pakxan in Laos would boost trade, investment and tourism in the province and help improve its economy.

The bridge will also facilitate the flow of goods and people from northeastern Thailand through Laos into Vietnam and southern China and vice versa.

The volume of border trade in Bueng Kan for the first six months of this fiscal year amounted to 4.7 billion baht with Thai exports accounting for 3 billion baht.

With the completion of the bridge, Bueng Kan Customs Office expects that border trade will multiply to about 30 billion baht per annum.

Source: Thai PBS News. 22 April 2018

​

 

[Oddvar]

Good news for customs officials only, me think.

 

[DavidFL]

Slower progress than announced maybe but it is moving ahead.

Update 20 June 2019 - The Bangkok Post

The total budget for the co-investment project will be 3.9 billion baht. The Thai government will invest 2.6 billion baht while the Lao government will invest another 1.3 billion baht that it will loan from the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency founded in 2005 by the Thai government.​

The project will consist of a 15km four-lane road, starting from Muang district of Bueng Kan to Paksan town of Bolikhamxay. The bridge over the Mekong River will be 1.3km long and will be a two-lane concrete bridge.

The budget also includes border checkpoints and border control facilities in the two countries.

The 36-month project is scheduled to complete in 2022.​

Source: New Friendship Bridge

 

[DavidFL]

Update January 2021 - a delay? 55 Just starting..

7 January 2021

Construction of 5th Lao-Thai bridge begins

VIENTIANE (Xinhua) – Work on a fifth bridge linking Laos and Thailand across the Mekong River has begun after a construction agreement was signed in December.

The bridge, which will take 36 months to build, will connect Bolikhamxay province in Laos to Thailand’s northeastern province of Bueng Kan.

Local daily Vientiane Times yesterday quoted Project Director Laythong Phommavong as saying that work is currently focused on the site where the bridge and immigration facilities will be built.

We are clearing land on a 50-hectare area prior to starting construction and this work is now 80 percent complete,” he said.

The total cost of construction is estimated to be $130.3 million, of which Laos will be responsible for some $46.13 million.

When the bridge is completed in 2023, it will enable Bolikhamxay to become another regional trade hub and transit route for Laos, Thailand and Vietnam over a distance of just 150 kilometres, said the report.

Source: Construction of 5th Lao-Thai bridge begins - Khmer Times

 

[Andrew Henricksen]

I passed by last week and they are still clearing land - no concrete poured yet. It will probably be 2024 before it opens with a 36 month construction period - hopefully the borders are open by then.

 

[DavidFL]

I passed by last week and they are still clearing land - no concrete poured yet. It will probably be 2024 before it opens with a 36 month construction period - hopefully the borders are open by then.

I passed by last week and they are still clearing land - no concrete poured yet. It will probably be 2024 before it opens with a 36 month construction period - hopefully the borders are open by then.

Funny how it goes. Moto Rex first checked this out in 2013 & the foreman said it would be ready in 2016...55
It is definitely a work in progress.
Thanks for the update.
Did you get any photos you can share?

 

[DavidFL]

Update August 2022

Some images from the construction on the Laos side.

 

[DavidFL]

8th September 2022

Another update with some new images

The 5th Lao-Thai friendship bridge construction project has progressed 51.51%

——
Implementation of the plan within August 2022 of the 5th Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge Project (Bolikhamxay-Buhegan) Contract 1 Construction of the inter-water bridge including the bridge entrance and contract 2 is the construction of the bridge connecting and the bridge building, average the progress of all the plans The promise in August was 48.01% and the actual performance was 51.51% higher than the 3.50% forecast.
According to the monthly report of Mr. Laitong Phommavong, the head of the Lao-Thai friendship bridge construction project of the Vth (Borikhamxay-Buegan) to know that: the project has started construction in August 2019, it is a loan from the organization of economic cooperation. With the neighboring country (NEDA organization) from Thailand (NEDA), the Lao government received a loan of 1,380.067,000 baht (Thai currency), divided into two contracts: the 1st contract is the construction of a bridge across the river in Laos, total length of 535 meters and The second stage is the construction of the bridge, total length 2.775 meters, including the docks and other facilities in Laos. There is a construction period of 30 months and 24 month warranty period.

For project implementation within August 2022 Contract 1 Interwater Bridge construction works including bridge entrances include: repair works of perimeter of Hangsing Village, installation of camp gate, supply of maintenance tools with kitchen garden and other works Plan equal to 6.09%, actual implementation 0.76% Estimated reduction of 5.33% is applicable (only total plan of Contract 1 equals 37.30%, actual rejection equal to 40,80%, estimated 3.50%) and Contract 2 is the construction of bridge linkage and bridge building including groundwork, road structural work, construction work Construction of concrete paving, drainage works, dam construction, building systems works and other works planned for August 2022 rate 3.22% to 3.59% Decreased 0.37% (Specific 2 contracts progress through end of August equal to 58,71%, actual implementation 62.21%, slumping 3.50%)

You should also know that: In order to prevent the work to be stopped, the project has contacted the central and provincial committee to find the conditions, measures and facilities for the consulting firm team and contractor companies (Thai side) to carry out the survey work. The field data for the month of June 2021 is relatively well executed. Despite the temporary closure due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the construction work of the project is still underway.

By coordinating and engaging officials: Public, Public Health and Public Health Department strictly followed, inspected and followed the guidelines of the COVID-19 Control Committee strictly within the Free Construction Zone (Free Construction Zone) area only; Adjustment plan Reworked the tad to fit the actual situation to replace some of the to-do list that couldn't be done during the rainy season with fall instead. The top offer is considering the research of the remaining 3.218,12 million kip to pay the people in full and repay the contractors according to the amount they have borrowed.

News-Photo: Yupphinthong
Via People's Public Relations, Tonamcha

Source: Laoslanshare Facebook.

 

[DavidFL]

Official foundation stone ceremony

Update 29th October 2023

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and his Lao counterpart Phankham Viphavanh agree there should be more bridges linking their countries across the Mekong River, the government spokesman said.

They also agreed on the need to link the Thai rail network with the new Laos-China railway line.

Anucha Buraphachaisi, the PM's secretary-general, said the two men agreed on this while attending a ceremony to lay foundation stones for the fifth Thai-Lao friendship bridge on Friday. The ceremony was held on both sides of the Mekong River, in Bolikhamxai of Laos and then Bueng Kan province in Thailand.

"This bridge will provide another convenient route for visits between people along the border and there will be more bridges at other locations," Mr Anucha quoted Gen Prayut as saying.

The two prime ministers were confident the fifth bridge would stimulate economic development in both countries and facilitate transport between Thailand, Laos and Vietnam, the spokesman said.

They also discussed development of Thai-Lao railway links and the need to reduce obstacles to the connection of the Thai railway network to the railway line between Laos and China, and maximise its use, Mr Anucha said.

The fifth Thai-Lao friendship bridge is a cable-stayed structure, part of the 16.34-kilometre-long route between the two countries.

The longest approach is on the Thai side. It starts from the 123 kilometre marker of Highway 222 in Bueng Kan, then passes through Bueng Kan municipality, across the Mekong River and adjoins Highway 13 in Bolikhamxai. It will facilitate use of routes from Laos to Vietnam and southern China.

Construction started in 2020, is 56% completed and the new bridge is expected to open to traffic in 2024.

The first four bridges over the Mekong River service
1. Nong Khai-Vientiane.
2. Mukdahan-Savannakhet.
3. Nakhon Phanom-Khammouane.
4. Chiang Khong-Huay Xai.

Source: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2424723/prayut-lao-pm-agree-more-bridges-needed

 

[DavidFL]

Update 6th October 2023

Fifth Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge now 81 percent complete
The fifth Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, being built across the Mekong River to link Borikhamxay province and Bueng Kan province in Thailand, is now 81 percent complete and is expected to be fully complete by the end of 2024.

Source: Vientiane Times

 

[DavidFL]

Update 6th October 2023
View attachment 152450
Fifth Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge now 81 percent complete
The fifth Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, being built across the Mekong River to link Borikhamxay province and Bueng Kan province in Thailand, is now 81 percent complete and is expected to be fully complete by the end of 2024.

Source: Vientiane Times

Some images for the report above

 

[DavidFL]

Update March 2024

Fifth Lao-Thai Mekong bridge on track for completion by year end

Work on the fifth Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, which connects the two countries across the Mekong River between Borikhamxay province in Laos and Bueng Kan province in Thailand, is progressing on schedule and the bridge could be open to traffic at the end of this year.

The new 1,350-metre bridge will boost travel between Laos and Thailand and spur trade with other countries in the Greater Mekong Subregion.
An official in charge of the project on the Lao side said he expected the bridge to be complete by the end of 2024 and that work was progressing smoothly after construction was assessed at being over 80 percent complete in November last year.

Plans to build the bridge were first drawn up in 2014, when a survey was carried out. The design of the structure was approved by the Lao and Thai governments in 2018 and construction kicked off in January 2021.

A loan of 1.38 billion baht from Thailand’s Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA) was secured by the Lao government to build the Lao side of the bridge, with the total construction cost to be shared between Laos and Thailand.

The Lao component of the project comprises construction of the bridge on the Lao side of the river over a distance of 535 metres, and the construction of access roads, immigration and customs buildings, and other structures on the Lao side.
The first four bridges built across the Mekong between Laos and Thailand serve the Vientiane-Nong Khai, Savannakhet-Mukdahan, Khammuan-Nakhon Phanom and Huayxai-Chiang Khong river crossings.

Source: https://www.vientianetimes.org.la/freefreenews/freecontent_54_Fifth_y24.php

 

[DavidFL]

Thai-Lao Prime Ministers to pour concrete to connect the two sides 15 May 2025.

Update Daily News Online 22 Feb 2025.

As per Google Translate:

Almost opened, "Thai-Laos Bridge 5" 97% Results: Thai-Lao Prime Minister pours concrete to connect the two sides May 15.

"Daily News Transportation Innovation News Team" reported that Mr. Thanin Rirattanapong, Chief Engineer for Planning and Planning Construction Projects. The Department of Highways (DOH) chaired the meeting of the Project Coordinating Committee (PCC) of the Thai-Lao PDR Joint Project for the construction of the 5th Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge (Bueng Kan-Bolikhamsai).
The 5th meeting was held via teleconference to discuss the organisation of the concrete pouring ceremony to connect the bridge floor. Director of the International Highway Project Management Office and related parties attended the meeting on February 11, 2025.

The meeting approved the invitation of the Deputy Prime Ministers of both countries to preside over the concrete pouring ceremony to connect the bridge between the two countries. It is considered a symbol of connecting the border on May 15, 2025.

The "Daily News Transportation Innovation News Team" also reported that the project has a construction budget of 3,787 million baht, jointly invested by the Thai-Lao government. The Thai side by the Department of Highways 2,500 million / Lao PDR side 1,287 million, divided into 5 contracts, 3 contracts for the Thai side and 2 contracts for the Lao side as of January 25, 2025, the overall performance is 97.70% of the plan 99.72%.

Overview of 3 contracts on the Thai side 97.24% of the work plan is 100% due to various problems, such as the impact of COVID-19. Heavy rainfall and high water volume of the Mekong River. It is an obstacle to construction.

Part 1 Thai Road Work on Highway No. 244 (Tol. 244 or Bueng Kan City Bypass) Starting from the intersection of Toll 222 (Phang Khon - Bueng Kan Line) Km.0+000-9+400 Distance 9.400 km, 4 lanes Bueng Kan Province 100% Contribution

Part 2 Thai Road and Border Post on Toll Road 244 KM9+400-12+082.930 Distance 2.683 km. 100% Contribution

Part 3 Bridge over the Mekong River on the Thai side (including the renovation of the intersection of Toll Road 212 and the multi-purpose yard under the bridge) KM12+082.930-13+032.930 91.226% Performance: The main structure of the bridge has been completed, and the cables have been stretched. Collecting work details and waiting to weld the bridge floor.

On the Lao side, Part 2, Part 1, the bridge works over the Mekong River. 95.76% of the 97.52% of the plan and part 2 of the border checkpoint building After the concrete pouring is completed, both parties will accelerate the construction and discuss the collection of fees (to bring in revenue for bridge maintenance) and open the service within this year.

The project has a total distance of 16.34 km, 13.033 km of roads on the Thai side, and 3.307 km of roads on the Lao side. Wisit Kai Si and Bueng Kan Muang, Bueng Kan Province connecting the North-east travel network and connecting the bridge across the Mekong River through the traffic direction switching point and the border post on the Lao PDR side, connecting Pak San City, Bolikhamsai District.

The length of the bridge over the Mekong River is 810 metres; it is a box-shaped prestressed concrete girder bridge with 2 lanes. There is a traffic diversion point on the Lao PDR side, connecting Road No. 13 to Road No. 8 from Lao PDR to Vinh City, Hanoi, Vietnam, and connecting Southern China via ASEAN Highway No. 1 (AH1).

 

[DavidFL]

UPDATE 6th JUNE 2025

5th Thai–Lao bridge nears completion, set to open December 2025

Meanwhile, Thailand and Laos are moving forward with the 6th Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge, linking Ubon Ratchathani with Salavan. The arch bridge will span over 1.6 km and connect to key regional highways. The project, valued at THB 4.91 billion, is set to enhance transport and trade along the Mekong economic corridor.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Suriya Jungrungreangkit, together with Saleumxay Kommasith, Deputy Prime Minister of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, and Manaporn Charoensri, Deputy Minister of Transport of Thailand, jointly presided over the concrete-pouring ceremony and signing of the agreement on ownership, usage, management, and maintenance of the 5th Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge (Bueng Kan – Bolikhamxay) on Friday (June 6).

The ceremony was held in Bueng Kan province, underscoring efforts to strengthen transportation links between Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, and to enhance regional mobility, trade, and logistics efficiency.

The 5th Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, which connects Bueng Kan province in Thailand with Bolikhamxay province in Laos, is currently 98% complete, with all major structural work finished. Only minor finishing tasks remain, and the project is expected to be fully completed by October–November 2025.
The bridge is scheduled to officially open for public use on December 19, 2025, in celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Laos.

Following its opening, the Ministry of Transport expects the bridge to significantly boost cross-border trade, which currently stands at over 28 billion baht annually. It will also serve as a key link in the broader logistics corridor connecting to Vietnam’s deep-sea ports, further enhancing regional economic opportunities.

Thailand and Laos have long cooperated on Mekong River crossings. The first Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge opened in 1994, connecting Nong Khai and Vientiane. Subsequent bridges followed in Mukdahan–Savannakhet, Nakhon Phanom–Khammouane, and Chiang Khong–Huay Xai.

The 5th bridge continues this legacy and represents the deepening ties between the two nations.

Meanwhile, Aphirat Chaiyavongnoi, Director-General of the Department of Highways, noted that the 5th Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge began construction in 2020. This bridge links Thai Highway 222 in Mueang Bueng Kan District with Route 13 in Pakxan, Bolikhamxay Province.
Following the recent concrete-pouring milestone, the Department of Highways is preparing to coordinate with relevant agencies to establish cross-border traffic protocols in preparation for the bridge’s full operation.

6th Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge,
Looking ahead, Thailand also plans to proceed with the 6th Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, which will link Ubon Ratchathani with Salavan Province in Laos. This project will further complete the region’s transport network along the Greater Mekong Subregion Economic Corridors, supporting sustainable connectivity and long-term development.

The proposed 6th Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge will begin in Ubon Ratchathani Province, Thailand, and span the Mekong River to Salavan Province in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. The bridge is designed to link Highway No. 2112 on the Thai side with the nearby Route 13 (R13), a major arterial road in Laos.

The bridge will be constructed as an arch bridge, with a total length of 1,607 metres. Of this, the main river-crossing span will measure 1,020 metres, while the approach span on the Thai side will be 517 metres and 70 metres on the Lao side. The project will also include 4.325 kilometres of roadworks on the Thai side, 17.509 kilometres on the Lao side, customs and immigration checkpoints on both sides, and a traffic direction changeover point on the Thai side.

The total estimated construction cost is THB4.91 billion, with the budget divided as follows:

Thai side: THB2.557 billion, comprising:
Construction works: THB2.312 billion
Construction supervision: THB78 million
VAT (7%): THB167 million

Lao side: THB2.353 billion, comprising:
Construction works: THB2.073 billion
Construction supervision: THB66 million
VAT (10%): THB214 million

However, the Lao authorities are currently reviewing a proposed revision to the project design, which includes converting a planned intersection with Route 13 into a roundabout and widening the road from two to four lanes. These adjustments would increase the Lao-side budget by approximately THB310 million.


Source The Nation.