Automated fee collection at Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge
Play
The international border crossing at the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge between Vientiane and Nong Khai province, Thailand, has begun using electronic machines to collect fees from travellers.
Payment through a machine at an automated open-close gate began on Friday.
People who regularly cross the bridge will get their own electronic pass card containing their personal information.
“This card contains a SIM similar to a prepaid phone SIM and the holder will have to recharge it before use,” said a checkpoint official.
The cards are being issued to holders of passports, border passes, or temporary border passes in exchange for a 75,000 kip (Bt284) deposit.
Currently, fees are 11,000 kip per person for one exit-entrance during official working hours, and 21,000 kip per person for one exit-entrance outside of official working hours, of which 11,000 kip is the fee and 10,000 kip is the overtime charge.
People who have paperwork for a single border crossing have to pay the same fees mentioned above.
Meanwhile, passport holders have to pay only 1,000 kip per person for one exit or entrance.
The system has been introduced by the Customs Department to streamline the collection of fees, and will not only be convenient for travellers but will also close loopholes and ensure less revenue is misappropriated.
Regarding the card recharge, there are four recharging point in Vientiane: at the Talatsao Mall, Khuadin Bus Station, outside the Vientiane Police Department, and at the Lao-Thai Friendship International Checkpoint.
