The new road project linking Phayao to Xayaburi will be built to facilitate trading, logistics and tourism between Thailand and Laos.

Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction signed the contract with the Lao government at the beginning of this month.

The Thai government has approved the budget of almost 1.4 million baht, of which 80% is a 30-year loan to the Lao government and the rest is 20% in financial aid, according to Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (Neda) vice-president Teerasak Mongkolpod.

The project comprises five connected roads. First is the 63km-long road starting at Ban Huak of Phu Sang district in Phayao and crossing the border to Muang Khop and Muang Xiang Hone in Laos. The second is 25km-long from Muang Khop to Ban Kontun in Laos. The 13km third route is inside Muang Xiang Hone. An 8km-long road will be inside Muang Khop, and the last is a 2km route linking Ban Pakkhop with the Mekong River. The project is expected to be completed in 2016.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/travel/travel-update/412351/the-roads-to-laos