The Thai Government has asked China for funds to assist it in the completion of the Kunming-Bangkok Expressway through Chiang Rai Province.
The construction of the expressway, known as R3A started in 2008 and has been completed in China and mostly in Laos and Thailand but still has missing links.
In Thailand, R3A follows Highways 32 and 1 (Phahonyothin Road) through to Chiang Rai but the missing link, Highway 1020 which starts in Tha Sai, Mueang Chiang Rai and finishes at the Bak International Port in Wiang, Chiang Khong has not been upgraded to an expressway standard.
Deputy Prime Minister Jurin Laksanawisit made the request at the 18th Asean-China Economic Ministers Meeting in Bangkok on Monday where he also asked for Chinese assistance in the development of new-generation entrepreneurs and development of online trading among Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and Thailand, The Nation reported.
The amount asked for all three projects was 130 million RMB – 557.7 million baht.
The Chinese delegates at the meeting acknowledged the request and said they would seek advice.
