Twinning triumph: Thailand to launch second border bridge to Malaysia

Thailand is set to break ground on a monumental project that will transform the region. The Twin Bridge, a massive construction project in Rantau Panjang-Sungai Golok, is expected to begin in April 2025.

Narathiwat Province Governor Trakul Thotham announced that before construction starts, an environmental impact assessment (EIA) must be conducted. The EIA survey is scheduled to kick off next month.

“The new bridge will serve as a second route for the border crossing between Thailand and Malaysia. I hope the construction of the second bridge connecting Sungai Golok, Narathiwat and Kelantan, Malaysia, will improve tourism and trade between the two countries.”

Governor Trakul shared these exciting developments during the official visit of Ambassadors from Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Member Countries to southern Thailand. He emphasised that the second bridge would stimulate economic growth between Thailand and Malaysia.

The new six-lane bridge will run parallel to the existing structure, which is too narrow for large vehicles. This ambitious project promises to ease congestion and facilitate smoother, more efficient travel and transport between the two neighbouring nations, reported The Nation.

In related news, Phuket’s iconic Sarasin Bridge is set to remain untouched amid plans to construct a new bridge connecting the island to the mainland, according to Yutthana Phitak, the Chief of Phuket Highways Office. The announcement was made at a meeting on May 13 to address concerns over the Sarasin Bridge’s future, sparked by social media rumours of its potential demolition.

In other news, the fifth Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, connecting Thailand’s Bueng Kan province and Laos’ Pakxan town, has been scheduled to open in November. The announcement was made by Deputy Transport Minister, Manaporn Charoensri.

The bridge will span from Bueng Kan, Khai Si and Wisit subdistricts in the Mueang Bueng Kan district, situated across the river from Pakxan. The construction project features a 1.35-kilometre crossover with a dual-lane road traversing the Mekong River and a four-lane bypass on the Thailand side.