Thailand and Laos have advanced plans for a second cross-Mekong railway bridge linking Nong Khai and Vientiane following a high-level bilateral meeting on October 16–17, 2025, co-chaired by Thailand's Department of Rail Transport Director-General Dr. Pichet Kunadhamraks and Lao Railway Department Director Chanthon Sayakhon to accelerate regional logistics and trade connectivity.
The new Second Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge will be positioned approximately 30 metres from the existing First Friendship Bridge and designed exclusively for dual-track rail operations, addressing critical transportation bottlenecks created by the current structure's combined road and rail capacity, which has constrained freight and passenger movement between the two nations.
Thailand's Ministry of Transport emphasizes the strategic importance of enhanced rail connectivity to support passenger and freight flows while boosting regional competitiveness in industry, agriculture, trade, investment, and services across the interconnected economies of Thailand and Laos.
The State Railway of Thailand is currently conducting comprehensive detailed design studies and engineering assessments, with construction scheduled to commence in 2027 and service operations expected to begin in 2030, connecting directly to Vientiane South Station and Thanaleng Station upon completion.
Senior officials from both countries' transport, foreign affairs, customs, immigration, and economic development agencies participated in the meeting, reflecting the joint commitment to establishing robust infrastructure that strengthens Thai–Lao bilateral relations and enhances the broader Southeast Asian logistics network.
