NEDA Witnesses Contract Signing for Lao Route R12 Infrastructure Project
On May 22, 2025, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport of the Lao PDR held a contract signing ceremony for the construction of the Route R12 (R12) road improvement project, covering the Thakhek–Napheu section. The ceremony, held at the Wanda Vista Vientiane Hotel in Vientiane Capital, was attended by Mr. Ngampasong Muongmany, Minister of Public Works and Transport of Lao PDR; H.E. Ms. Morakot Sriswasdi, Ambassador of Thailand to the Lao PDR; Mr. Wanchai Phongsavanh, Governor of Thakhek Province; and Mr. Perames Vudthitornetiraks, President of NEDA, who joined as witnesses to the signing.
The R12 Project is a significant infrastructure development initiative financially supported by NEDA. This contract signing marks the official launch of the project, which is expected to play a key role in enhancing regional connectivity and economic development between Thailand, the Lao PDR, Vietnam, and China.
Route R12 spans approximately 147 kilometers, starting from Thakhek in Khammouane Province, connecting to Route 13 about 17 kilometers from the Third Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge and Nakhon Phanom border checkpoint. It then continues through Yommalath and Boualapha Districts, ending at the Napheu International Border Checkpoint—directly opposite the Chalo Border Checkpoint in Quang Binh Province, Vietnam. As part of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) transport network, Route R12 is poised to become a vital trade and economic corridor linking northeastern Thailand with Vietnam and southern China (Nanning, Guangxi Province). The project also reinforces the strong diplomatic and economic relations between Thailand and the Lao PDR.
