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A second bridge has been opened between Thailand and Laos that is hoped will boost trade and tourism.

The second friendship bridge, which links the two countries over the Mekong river, took three years to build and cost £35m.

The structure, which is a mile long and 12 metres wide, runs from Thailand's Mukdahan province to the Savannakhet province in Laos.

'This bridge is of particular importance to a landlocked country like Lao PDR, so it can boost potential for transport services and expansion of trade and tourism activities with its neighbours,' remarked Bouasone Bouphavanh, the prime minister of Laos, according to AFP.

Mr Bouphavanh's Thai counterpart, Surayud Chulanont, added to the same source that the bridge would 'foster economic development, trade and investment in the region'.

The first friendship bridge was opened in 1994 and links the Laotian capital of Vientiane with the Thai province of Nong Khai.


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