Laos’ land-linked journey

Laos, Thailand and Australia mark the 30th anniversary of the first  Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge
You may have seen the transformation of countries in Southeast Asia over years or decades. Large or small, over time these changes can create seismic shifts that influence a country’s development and economic growth.
The Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge is one of those changes. Laos’ journey to becoming land-linked was fast-tracked 30 years ago by the opening of the first ‘Friendship Bridge’. The Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge established a road and rail link over the Mekong River, connecting Laos’ capital Vientiane with Thailand’s Nong Khai province. Funded by Australia, this was a major infrastructure project for the time, and a crucial step for Laos, as a then land-locked country that relied on land transport.

The bridge provided immediate economic benefits for Laos and Thailand, increasing trade between the two countries by 34 per cent within its first year of operation. Today, Thailand makes up more than 10 per cent of foreign investment in Laos and around 2 million vehicles cross the bridge annually.
The construction of the bridge expanded people-to-people links and improved opportunities for trading between Lao and Thai communities along the Mekong. It contributes significantly to tourism in Laos. During this year, ‘Visit Laos Year 2024’, hundreds of thousands of tourists will cross the bridge from neighboring countries to enjoy Lao food, its natural beauty and experience Laos’ unique culture.
Laos and Thailand continue to build on the success of the bridge including the announcement of the sixth Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge. This will strengthen cross-border trade and tourism between Na Tan district of northeastern Ubon Ratchathani province in Thailand with Laos’ La Khone Pheng town.
Greater regional connectivity is a goal for Laos and a goal for ASEAN. Laos sits at the geographical centre of Southeast Asia and is pivotal for linking infrastructure in the region. The bridge not only marked the start of Laos’ land connectivity with Thailand, but kicked off a new era in Lao development, regional and international cooperation. Laos is highlighting the importance of regional connectedness in its role as ASEAN Chair this year with the theme ‘Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience’. 
As partners in the region, Australia supports the delivery of Laos’ national agenda for transport and infrastructure improvement. Australia’s Partnership for Infrastructure (P4I) program partners with Laos and other countries in Southeast Asia to drive sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth through quality infrastructure. In Laos P4I is supporting the upgrade of cross-border facilities along the Lao PDR’s National Road No.2.
As we mark the 30 year anniversary, the bridge has stood the test of time for driving significant impact. It opened Laos to regional trade connectivity and built a legacy of continued growth. It also represents a genuine collaboration and a milestone in the ongoing friendship between Laos, Thailand and Australia.
Source: Australian Embassy to Laos

 (Latest Update April 26, 2024)