Thailand, Laos Agree on Site of Second Border Bridge  

   BANGKOK (April 5) XINHUA - Thailand and Laos have agreed 
on the  construction site for a second Thai-Laos border 
bridge, the Bangkok  Post said on Sunday.
   The newspaper quoted an official from the Communications 
Ministry as  saying the agreement was reached last month as 
part of the two  countries' efforts to enhance trade and to 
bring prosperity to the  border area.
   Thailand and Laos will share equally the estimated 1.4 
billion-baht (35  million U.S. dollars) construction cost.
   Japan has already offered a 700-million-baht (17.5 
million dollar) soft  loan to Thailand with a 2.7 percent 
interest rate to be repaid over 25  years with a grace 
period of seven years.
   Laos will receive a 30-year soft loan at one percent 
interest with a  10-year grace period.
   The bridge is expected to be finished in three years.