Thailand-Laos rail project expected to be operational in mid-2023

Both countries are providing training for train operators, maintenance staff and related officers.

The training is expected to be completed by December, after which both countries will discuss train operations and fees, as well as other related issues. The discussions are expected to wrap up before the scheduled opening date in mid-2023.

The project will see the railway linking Nong Khai province of Thailand to Vientiane capital of Laos, where it will connect with the China-Laos railway that runs to Kunming. This stretch went into operation in December last year.

Train operations will commence in mid-2023 with four return trips per day. The route will also run past Thanaleng Dry Port and a container yard.

In the second phase starting from 2024, the SRT will extend the route to Udon Thani and Nakhon Ratchasima stations, with two trains running daily from Nakhon Ratchasima to Vientiane Khamsavath and back.

The last phase, from 2025, will see the route further extended to Bang Sue Grand Station, with two return trips per day between Bangkok and Vientiane Khamsavath.

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is speeding up the development of several railway stations to pave the way for logistics and investment projects involving Laos, local media reported.

The Thai government previously visioned collecting a 300-baht entry fee from each foreign traveler who visits Thailand early this year.

The Tourism and Sports Ministry of Thailand is looking to new markets in Central Asia, particularly Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, as post-COVID trends show strong demand for international tourism.

The Thai Ministry of Energy has announced it would stop work on the long-delayed 1,320 MW thermal power plant project in the central province of Quang Tri.