Bueng Kan, 25 December 2025, the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (Public Organization) (NEDA), led by Mr. Perames Vudthitornetiraks, President of NEDA, participated in the opening ceremony of the Fifth Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge (Bueng Kan–Bolikhamxay) to enhance cooperation in transport and cross-border trade between the two countries. The opening of the bridge on this occasion also formed part of the celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Thailand and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
The ceremony was graciously presided over by His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana, together with His Excellency Thongloun Sisoulith, President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, and Mrs. Naly Sisoulith. The Prime Ministers of both countries, namely Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of Thailand, and Mr. Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, respectfully presented a report on the objectives and implementation of the project. The construction of the bridge on the Lao PDR side received financial support in the form of concessional financing from NEDA for 1,380,067,000 baht.
The Fifth Friendship Bridge is regarded as a strategically significant landmark that will help enhance logistics systems, support tourism, and sustainably increase the value of international trade. The Royal Thai Government has officially announced the opening of the permanent border crossing at the Fifth Friendship Bridge (Bueng Kan–Bolikhamxay), located at Ban Don Yom, Kai Si Subdistrict, Mueang Bueng Kan District, Bueng Kan Province, Kingdom of Thailand, opposite Ban Kuai Udom, Pakxan District, Bolikhamxay Province, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, effective from 25 December 2025. The crossing is open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
