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.