The loan will help upgrade 125km of highways and improve road safety management.

ADB general for Southeast Asia Ramesh Subramaniam said: “Transport infrastructure is an important driver of growth for Thailand’s economy.

“Improving the country’s road network will boost economic growth and improve people’s access to economic opportunities and social services.

“It will also help Thailand become a trading and economic hub in the Greater Mekong sub-region.”

The project will result in a more efficient and safe transport network for both goods and people in Thailand, the bank said.

It will also help the government improve road safety and management through safety awareness training and knowledge sharing in road safety audits.

The project is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2022.