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The Star
27-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Improvement of Lao national road to boost east-west corridor connectivity
THAKHAEK, KHAMMUAN PROVINCE: Local communities here are set to benefit from a major infrastructure development under the Improvement of National Road No. 12 project, backed by financial support from Thailand's Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA). An agreement on the project was signed on Thursday (May 22) between a representative from the Department of Roads under Laos' Ministry of Public Works and Transport and two construction joint venture companies. The contract 01 was signed between Vongphet Vongphachan, Project Manager from the Department of Roads, Ministry of Public Works and Transport and Pannee Worakij Construction and Transport Company Limited, in joint venture with Manyxup Development Construction and Trading Import-Export Sole Co., Ltd., represented by Patarachai Banchawattana, Managing Director of Pannee Worakij Construction and Transport Company Limited. In addition, the contract 02 was signed between Santi Phiuvanna, Project Manager from the Department of Road, Ministry of Public works and Transport and Vivat Construction Co., Ltd., in joint venture with PA Construction Sole Co..,Ltd represented by Wirat Konglikit, Managing Director of VIVAT Construction Co., Ltd. The signing ceremony was attended by the Minister of Public Works and Transport Ngampasong Muongmany, the Governor of Khammuan province, Vanxay Fongsavanh, the Thai Ambassador to Laos, NEDA representatives and senior officer from the Lao Ministry of Public Works and Transport. The project will upgrade a section of National Road No. 12 from Thakhaek to the Na Phao control facilities, a key segment connecting Laos with Thailand and forming part of a vital east-west economic corridor through northern Laos. The upgrade will enhance regional trade and transport links with Vietnam, China, and Thailand and spans a total length of 143.508 kilometres, including expansion of the Thakhaek bypass road over a distance of 3.964 km. In addition, a parking facility will be built at the Road No. 1E intersection in Yommalath district, border checkpoint facilities at Na Phao will be expanded, including offices, a truck weighing station and public utility systems, along with the upgrade of access roads to tourist attractions along the corridor. According to Vongphet Vongphachan, Project Manager Contract 1, the initiative is a strategic move to improve transport connectivity and promote economic integration in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). Construction is divided into two major contracts: Contract 1: Thakhaek to the Yommalath Junction (61.5 km) and Contract 2: Yommalath junction to Na Phao control facilities (86 km). The National Road No. 12 Improvement Project is part of the Lao government's 2021-2025 five-year development plan and the 2019-2023 Lao-Thai transport cooperation programme, as outlined in a Memorandum of Cooperation signed in December 2018. The initiative is also part of the 2022-2024 strategic assistance plan between Laos and Thailand. While the feasibility studies and detailed designs were funded through grants from the Thai government, construction will be financed through a low-interest loan from NEDA, in accordance with Financial Assistance Agreement No. LFA 022-2024, signed on May 30, 2024. The upgraded road will meet Asean Highway Class 2-3 standards, with a design speed of 80 km/hour, road widths of 9-10 metres in suburban areas and 12 metres in residential zones, as well as enhanced structural capacity to accommodate heavy truck traffic. Traffic studies have shown a dramatic increase in road use, from 21,232 private vehicles per day in 2022 to 43,758 per day in 2024, highlighting the urgent need for infrastructure improvements. The project is expected to significantly benefit local residents through improved access and mobility; farmers and traders via better logistics; and tourism and businesses, due to enhanced infrastructure and connectivity. The regional economy will also benefit by reinforcing Laos' role as a key land link within the GMS. This initiative marks another step forward in strengthening cross-border cooperation and positioning Laos as a transportation hub for mainland South-East Asia. - Vientiane Times/ANN
The Star
21-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
New Lao-Thai Mekong bridge to open soon, promising economic lift for region
The under-construction Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge across the Mekong River between Borikhamxay province and Beung Kan province in Thailand. - VT VIENTIANE: A 1,350-metre bridge linking Borikhamxay province in Laos and Bueng Kan province in Thailand across the Mekong River is now 98 per cent complete. Construction is ahead of schedule and the bridge is expected to open to traffic at the end of this year. The fifth Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge is set to boost travel between Laos and Thailand and spur trade with other countries in the Greater Mekong Subregion. The project director on the Lao side of the bridge, Laythong Phommavong, last week gave a progress report to the Ambassador of Laos to Thailand, Khamphan Anlavan, when he visted the site. Laythong said that with construction progressing faster than planned, it is hoped that the bridge will be in operation by the end of 2025. He also highlighted the progress made and the challenges encountered. Plans to build the bridge were first drawn up in 2014, when a survey was carried out. The design of the structure was approved by the Lao and Thai governments in 2018 and construction kicked off in January 2021. A loan from Thailand's Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA) was secured by the Lao government to build the Lao side of the bridge, with the total cost to be shared between Laos and Thailand. The Lao component of the project comprises construction of the bridge on the Lao side of the river over a distance of 535 metres, and the construction of access roads, immigration and customs buildings, and other structures on the Lao side. Project officials have paid compensation to people who lost land and other property so the bridge could be built. More than 52 hectares of farmland was lost to free up ground for the construction of the bridge. The fifth Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, a result of cooperation between the governments of Laos and Thailand, will be part of new infrastructure connecting regions and people on both sides of the Mekong and strengthening regional transport networks. It will help promote cross-border trade, investment and tourism, bolster economic growth in both countries, and strengthen ties between the two neighbours. The bridge will also help turn the border areas of Borikhamxay province and Bueng Kan province in Thailand into a significant economic hub. The first four bridges built across the Mekong River between Laos and Thailand serve the Vientiane-Nong Khai, Savannakhet-Mukdahan, Khammuan-Nakhon Phanom, and Huayxai-Chiang Khong routes. - Vientiane Times/ANN
NDTV
05-05-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Are You A Healthy Eater Or Is It Orthorexia?
Choosing healthy food is often considered a sign of discipline and self-care. But when this desire turns into an obsession, it might be something more serious, orthorexia nervosa. Unlike other eating disorders that focus on the quantity of food, orthorexia is an unhealthy fixation on the quality and purity of food. While not officially recognised by the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), growing awareness among psychologists and nutritionists worldwide suggests that orthorexia is a rising concern, especially in health-conscious societies. So how do you know if you're eating healthy, or crossing the line? Understanding orthorexia and how it differs from clean eating Orthorexia starts with good intentions, avoiding processed foods, sugar, or additives, but escalates into an unhealthy obsession. According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), orthorexia often involves rigid rules, food-related anxiety, and social isolation. While clean eating promotes balance, orthorexia lacks flexibility, causing stress, malnutrition, and emotional distress despite appearing 'healthy' on the surface. 1. You obsessively read nutrition labels While it's wise to understand what goes into your food, orthorexic individuals may spend hours scrutinising every label, ingredient, and sourcing detail, often rejecting food not meeting self-imposed purity standards. 2. You avoid entire food groups without medical reasons Cutting out gluten, dairy, or carbs without allergies or intolerances may be a red flag. Orthorexia can lead people to eliminate foods not because of symptoms but based on misinformation or fear. 3. Eating 'clean' gives you a sense of superiority Feeling morally 'better' than others for your food choices is another sign. Orthorexia can create a divide between 'good' and 'bad' eaters, increasing social judgment and personal guilt around food. 4. You feel anxious when 'healthy' food is unavailable People with orthorexia often experience anxiety, guilt, or distress if they have to eat outside their dietary rules, such as at social events, family meals, or restaurants. 5. Your food rules affect your relationships Skipping gatherings or being overly rigid about where and what you eat may indicate that orthorexia is impacting your quality of life and isolating you socially. 6. You spend excessive time planning meals If a significant part of your day revolves around planning, sourcing, or preparing food with perfect standards, it may be more than just a healthy habit. 7. You ignore hunger cues to stick to food purity Listening to your body is essential for well-being. People with orthorexia often ignore hunger or fatigue if they can't find food that meets their standards, prioritising purity over nourishment. 8. You're underweight or facing nutrient deficiencies Ironically, orthorexia can result in undernourishment. Eliminating too many foods might lead to deficiencies in protein, iron, B12, and healthy fats, impacting your overall health despite 'eating clean.' What to do if you think you have orthorexia If your eating habits are driven more by fear than by nourishment, it's time to pause. Seek help from a psychologist, dietitian, or a specialist in eating disorders. According to NEDA, early intervention improves recovery outcomes. Mindful eating, therapy, and balanced nutrition can help you reclaim a healthy relationship with food, body, and life. Orthorexia blurs the line between wellness and obsession. While being mindful of food is admirable, it should not control your happiness or isolate you. A truly healthy eater embraces flexibility, balance, and emotional well-being. If your eating habits are starting to limit your joy, reach out, because health is not just what you eat, but how you live. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
