A newly opened bridge linking Laos and Thailand across the Mekong River has generated more than forty-seven point five billion kip, equivalent to about two point two million dollars, in state revenue during its first month of operation.

The Fifth Lao–Thai Friendship Bridge, connecting Bolikhamxay province in Laos with Bueng Kan province in northeastern Thailand, opened to the public on December twenty-seven twenty twenty-five.

The crossing has quickly become an important gateway for trade and travel between the two neighbouring countries, easing the movement of goods and people across the border.

Officials overseeing operations at the bridge say the majority of the revenue collected during the first month came from customs duties applied to imported goods.

Items such as fuel, consumer products, electrical appliances and construction materials accounted for much of the cross-border trade passing through the checkpoint.

Authorities report that the new crossing has significantly improved transportation efficiency and strengthened economic connectivity between Laos and Thailand.

By linking Laos’ Route thirteen to Thailand’s Highway two hundred forty-four, the bridge forms a direct road corridor between the two countries while supporting regional logistics networks.

During the first month of operations, more than six thousand eight hundred Lao citizens and foreign nationals entered Laos through the bridge, while more than seven thousand five hundred people departed the country via the same crossing.

Border services continue to expand as demand grows and procedures are streamlined to support higher traffic volumes.

The bridge also forms part of a broader regional route connecting Thailand, Laos and Vietnam, providing one of the shortest overland transport links across the Mekong subregion.

The corridor runs roughly one hundred fifty kilometres via Laos’ National Road number eight, creating new opportunities for commerce and logistics across mainland Southeast Asia.

Authorities have set an ambitious revenue target of around three hundred fifty billion kip for twenty twenty-six from various customs duties, service charges and border-related fees collected at the crossing.

Officials say the strong performance during the first month suggests the bridge will become an increasingly valuable economic asset for both countries.

The new infrastructure reflects the deepening partnership between Laos and Thailand, with both governments prioritising projects that expand connectivity, stimulate trade and support development across border regions.

The latest bridge adds to a network of earlier Lao–Thai Friendship Bridges that have played a key role in strengthening regional integration over the past three decades.