New friendship bridge between Myanmar and Thailand opens

The second Myanmar-Thailand Friendship Bridge opened on Tuesday by State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha. The bridge across Moei River, now linking towns Myawady in Kayin State of Myanmar and Mae Sot in Tak province of Thailand, is part of the Asian Highway Network and is expected to bring further boost in tourism and border trade between the two neighboring countries. Thailand is Myanmar’s second largest trade partner, after China.

Construction of the bridge started in 2015 and cost over USD 130 million. The new bridge will serve as a new transport link and is expected to spur the development of both countries economies, including the increased tourism in bordering regions.