By Vientiane Times Reporters
(Latest Update March 15, 2024)
New int’l border crossing planned between Vientiane province and Thailand’s Loei province
Vientiane provincial authorities plan to upgrade the Ban Vang border checkpoint in Meun district, which allows local people to travel to and from Loei province in Thailand, to an international border crossing.
The move would provide foreign nationals with another point of entry and exit between Laos and Thailand, as well as allow the transport of more goods between the two countries.
The Ban Vang checkpoint is situated on the Mekong River opposite the international border crossing in Kok Phae village, Pak Chom district, Loei province, Thailand.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Phoxay Khaykhamphithoune and his delegation on Tuesday met with Vientiane provincial authorities to discuss the upgrade of the Ban Vang border checkpoint to an international border crossing.
The change in status of the border crossing complies with the Law on National Borders and a notice issued by the Prime Minister’s Office in March 2023, which authorized Vientiane province to prepare for the upgrade of the Ban Vang border checkpoint.
The creation of a border crossing that would allow the passage of more goods and people between Laos and Thailand at this location would create a stronger link between the two countries and build closer relations, as well as open up another travel link to other countries in the region.
It will also support Laos’ economic and social development and especially benefit people living in Vientiane province.
During his visit, the Deputy Minister heard a report by provincial authorities on the progress of construction of the new immigration facilities. He urged them to speed up construction, hire the necessary staff, and make other preparations in line with the measures spelled out in the decree on border crossings, so that the new border crossing could open in the near future and serve many more people.
The Ban Vang border checkpoint opened in 1993. It is located 39km from the main urban area of Meun district and 170km from the Vientiane provincial capital.
There are also plans to build a bridge across the Mekong between Vientiane province and Loei province at some point in the future.
By Vientiane Times Reporters
(Latest Update March 15, 2024)
