Thailand and Laos are making preparations to launch a railway system that will connect Bangkok and Vientiane, as announced by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), with plans for a trial run to be conducted later in the month.
The primary goal of this project is to enhance connectivity for travelers and facilitate the movement of goods between the two nations, ultimately improving the logistics network in the region. Thailand is expected to act as a central hub in this network.
During a series of meetings held from Wednesday to Saturday, SRT’s deputy governor Awirut Thongnet engaged with Lao National Railways’ managing director, Daochinda Siharath, to discuss the forthcoming train service between Bangkok’s Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station and Vientiane’s Khamsavath, as confirmed by Ekkarat Sriarayanpong, head of the office of the SRT governor.
Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote had earlier urged the SRT to ensure thorough readiness for the project prior to its official launch next month, added Mr. Ekkarat.
Discussions between Mr. Awirut and Mr. Siharath involved outlining an operational plan for the train services along the Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station-Udon Thani-Nong Khai-Vientiane route, with a trial run scheduled to be conducted from June 13 to 14.
Areas of focus also included the development of the tourism market, strategies for advertising and public relations, and methods to enhance the transportation of goods between Thailand, Laos, and China. A designated team has been established to address cross-border logistics.
Moreover, the SRT has provided training to Lao railway personnel in various aspects including train operations, station management, and ticketing. A trial service covering Udon Thani, Nong Khai, Thanalaeng, and Vientiane stations was successfully completed on May 21 without encountering any issues, signifying an expansion of collaborative efforts between the two nations.
This increased connectivity is anticipated to bring substantial economic advantages, particularly with the extension of train services from Thailand to Vientiane, remarked Mr. Ekkarat.
