On 23 May 2025, Mr. Perames Vudthitornetiraks, President of the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (Public Organization) (NEDA), together with Mr. Kirati Veruwan, Vice President of NEDA, and the delegation, participated in the kick-off meeting for the improvement project of Route No. 12 (R12) between Thakhek and the Naphao International Border Checkpoint in Lao PDR. The meeting was attended by Mr. Wanthong Bouthanavong, Director General of the Department of Highways, along with project consultants and construction contractors to discuss the implementation plan, commencement of construction, and project procedures under the cooperation framework of NEDA. The meeting took place at the Department of Highways, Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Vientiane, Lao PDR.
The improvement of Route No. 12, spanning approximately 147 kilometers from Thakhek, Khammouane Province, to the Naphao international border, supports the GMS transport connectivity policy linking Thailand, Lao PDR, Vietnam, and China. This development will foster economic growth, strengthen relationships among the four countries, and directly benefit local communities through faster and safer transport of goods and access to essential services. It will also bring indirect benefits, such as new opportunities in trade, investment, and tourism, ultimately improving quality of life and reducing time and cost for cross-border logistics.
