The Cabinet today approved the construction of the sixth Thai-Lao friendship bridge linking Nadan district of Ubon Ratchathani with Pheng township in Salavan province.

Construction of the one-kilometre bridge spanning across the Mekong river was estimated  to cost 4.3 billion baht.

Mr Natthaporn Jatusripitak, spokesman of Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak, said that the bridge project which is now in the studying and designing stage would promote border trade between Thailand and Laos.

The Cabinet also approved the development of Ubon Ratchathani airport with the increase of parking apron from five to ten expected to be completed in the next four years, the addition of two more ramps, a four-storey parking building and a new passenger building.

Regarding the dual-track train project from Warin Chamrab district to Chong Mek border point, Mr Natthaporn said a study of the project would start in two years.