An official at the Thai Embassy said Bangkok has "in principle" agreed

to provide around $20 million to upgrade Highway 48, which runs for 150 kilometers

between Koh Kong town and Sre Ambel. The money consists of a soft loan and a grant

element. The loan portion will enable the highway to be upgraded, while the grant

will pay for the construction of four bridges. The official said the two governments

were finalizing details before agreeing on a start date.