Lao-Thai-Australian friendship celebrated at bridge’s 25th anniversary 

A raft of activities took place over the weekend to mark the 25th anniversary of the opening of the first Lao-Thai friendship bridge, which was funded by Australia, highlighting Australia’s continuing pivotal role in maintaining peace and prosperity in the Mekong region.
On Friday morning, Australian ambassador to Laos Mr Jean-Bernard Carrasco, Vientiane Vice Mayor Sihoun Sitthileuxay and the Governor of Thailand’s Nong Khai province, Mr Ronnachai Jitwiset, led a crowd of people in an almsgiving ceremony at the bridge, which links Vientiane to Nong Khai province.
The Buddhist ceremony bestowed blessings on the bridge for its continued long life and preservation.
The bridge cost US$42 million and was built with financial and technical assistance from the Australian government.
Australia handed over the bridge as a gift to the Lao and Thai governments on April 24, 1994, when President Nouhak Phoumsavanh and Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej presided over the event. 
Many described the opening of the bridge as a new beginning in the relationship between Laos and Thailand as the cold war between the capitalist and communist camps came to an end.
Speaking at the almsgiving ceremony on Friday, Ambassador Carrasco said “To me, the bridge remains a symbol of the enduring bonds of friendship between Laos, Thailand and Australia and the ongoing commitment by Australia to the peace and prosperity of its neighbourhood in South East Asia.”
The ambassador observed that the construction of the bridge cemented a new and peaceful era in the relationship between Laos and Thailand. In addition, the bridge is considered a landmark in the fruitful cooperation between Australia, Laos and Thailand.
“Whenever I cross the bridge, I am proud to see that close cooperation continues to this day. I am struck by the continual teamwork of the Lao and Thai governments who work side by side to enable the passage of people and goods between their two countries,” Ambassador Carrasco said.
Apart from the religious ceremony, a mini-marathon and a cycling race also took place over the weekend to mark the anniversary. Other activities included Lao-Thai and Australian cultural shows, as a celebration of the friendship between the three countries.
A golf tournament and an exhibition of One District, One Product goods were also among the events highlighting the joyous occasion.
Since its opening, the bridge has helped facilitate trade, bolster tourism and spur investment opportunities. Not only does the bridge connect Laos and Thailand physically, it also links the Thai and Lao people spiritually, allowing the sharing of friendship and solidarity.
Lao government officials say the bridge has helped Laos to transform itself from being a landlocked country into a transport link within the region. Construction of the bridge in 1994 paved the way for a succession of other bridges linking Laos, Thailand and other countries across the Mekong.

By Ekaphone Phouthonesy
(Latest Update April 29, 2019)