Thais seeks aid for Mekong bridge

Thais seeks aid for Mekong bridge

TOKYO (AFP): A former Thai prime minister sought Japanese financial support yesterday for a second bridge to be built across the Mekong River linking Thailand with landlocked Laos, Japanese officials said.

The officials said the request was made by former premier Chatichai Choonhavan during a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto.

Hashimoto indicated that Japan would contribute its share through the Asian Development Bank (ADB) which is coordinating the project, Jiji Press said.

A foreign ministry spokesman denied a report by Kyodo News that Hashimoto pledged Japanese assistance with a specific commitment.