Thailand and Malaysia are moving forward with plans to construct a parallel bridge over the Golok River, marking significant progress in bilateral infrastructure development. Department of Highways Deputy Director-General for Technical Affairs Piyapong Jiwattanakulpaisarn disclosed details of the project during a field visit on Aug 3 by Prime Ministers Srettha Thavisin and his counterpart, Anwar Ibrahim, at the Su-ngai Kolok border checkpoint.
According to Piyapong, the project, which is set to enhance connectivity between Thailand’s Su-ngai Kolok and Rantau Panjang in Malaysia, has reached an advanced planning stage, with environmental impact assessments already approved. Discussions on the construction design are nearing completion, with both nations preparing to finalize details before seeking cabinet approval.
Funding for the bridge, which includes building a new structure alongside the existing one and improving the current bridge, will be equally shouldered by the two countries. Thailand’s contribution is set at approximately 200 million baht. Following budget allocations for the fiscal year, the project is scheduled to commence construction in April 2025. (NNT)
