The government is pushing ahead with its plan to construct two new "friendship bridges" between Thailand and Laos in the northeastern provinces of Bung Kan and Ubon Ratchathani to improve logistics between both countries.
"We are going to ask the cabinet to approve the projects," said Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith, after meeting the Lao Minister of Public Works and Transport, Bounchan Sinthavong, earlier this week.
Both ministers agreed there is still a need for new links across the Mekong River even after the fourth friendship bridge -- which connects Chiang Khong district with the city of Huay Xai in Laos -- was built almost six years ago.
The cost of constructing the fifth friendship bridge between Bung Kan and Bolikhamxay is estimated to be about 2.5 billion baht, while the sixth bridge between Ubon Ratchathani and Salavan across the Lao border will cost about 2 billion baht, said Mr Arkhom.
"The fifth friendship bridge project will be tabled for consideration by the cabinet as early as next week," said the minister, before adding the proposal for the sixth bridge will follow soon.
Thai-Lao friendship bridges have boosted travel and played an important role in supporting border trade between Thailand and its neighbours.
The first Thai-Lao friendship bridge has connected Nong Khai in the far Northeast and the Lao capital of Vientiane since 1994.
The second Thai-Lao friendship bridge, which connects Thailand's Mukdahan and Laos' Savannakhet has been in service since 2006.
The third bridge, which spans from Nakhon Phanom to Khammouane province in Laos has been in service for about eight years.
Thailand is also planning for the repair of the third and fourth bridges after signs of wear were detected due to their popularity and constant heavy use, Mr Arkhom added.
"We expect to start work on that in June," he said.