BANGKOK, April 8 — The Thai Cabinet has approved the construction of a parallel bridge across Sungai Golok, connecting Sungai Kolok district in Narathiwat with Rantau Panjang in Kelantan, Malaysia.
Deputy Thai Government Spokesperson Anukul Prueksanusak said the Cabinet has authorised the Department of Highways to carry out the project, which is estimated to cost 292.65 million baht (RM37.81 million) and take 36 months to complete.
"The allocation covers the construction of the parallel bridge, refurbishment of the existing bridge, and road connectivity on the Thai side. An international Fidic contract will be utilised, with Malaysia managing procurement in Malaysian ringgit," he said in a statement issued after the Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra today.
The agreement between Thailand and Malaysia provides for shared costs in the bridge construction, with each country responsible for its own infrastructure works.
"This collaborative initiative reflects the commitment to strengthening economic and cultural ties between Thailand and Malaysia while addressing regional development needs," Anukul said.
The new bridge will facilitate inbound traffic to Thailand, while the existing bridge will manage outbound traffic.
"The new bridge will enhance connectivity under the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle, boost cross-border trade and tourism, reduce traffic congestion at current crossings, and improve transportation efficiency," he said.
Anukul added that joint committees, including the Project Coordinating Committee and the Project Management Committee, will be established to provide oversight.
In 2023, Thailand was Malaysia’s sixth-largest trading partner globally and the second-largest among Asean member states, with total trade valued at US$24.83 billion (RM113.16 billion).
— Bernama
