From Thailand To Laos: Mukdahan Bridge, Other Borderpost?

[asanee]

Sawasdee: I would like to know if the new Thai-Lao 2nd Friendship bridge (or to that effect) near Mukdahan is now OPEN for all. I know it was opened by the crownpirnce in dec, but not yet for general traffic. On other fora (laohub.net) Ive not found any furhter clue either. Was away from Thailand some weeks, did not follow news then.

IF yes open: has the promised buslink UBON-Mukdahan-Savannkhet now also started. IF NOT yet open: any news of a promised date?

2.also the usual guidebooks tell about a borderpost in chiangwat NAN leading to lao town Muang Ngoen (and onward to L Prabang), to be opened for all (hitherto only local thai/lao) sometime in 2005. I know Laos dont work very fast. Also saw not a hint on the much updated Thailand roadatlas for 2550=2007. But if there is anyone living there/or knowing mopre, tell please!