Lao railway set for full trial run this month

According to the State Railway of Thailand ( SRT), Thailand and Laos are working toward establishing a railway network connecting Bangkok and Vientiane, with a trial run scheduled for later in the month.

The project aims to improve traveler connection and the flow of goods between the two nations while strengthening the country’s transportation system with Thailand as a gateway.

SRT lieutenant governor Awirut Thongnet met Lao National Railways managing director Daochinda Siharath from Wednesday to Saturday to discuss the release of the coach services between Bangkok’s Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station and Vientiane’s Khamsavath, said Ekkarat Sriarayanpong, mind of the SRT mayor’s office, on Saturday.

Prior to its official release sometime in the coming month, Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote had previously urged the SRT to be well prepared for the project, according to Mr. Ekkarat.

The procedure plan for station services running on the Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station- Udon Thani- Nong Khai- Vientiane area, according to Mr. Ekkarat, was one of the topics of discussion between Mr. Awirut and Mr. Siharath. He stated that a test work is scheduled for June 13 through June 14.

Another discussions included hospitality business development, advertising and public relations and how to improve the transport of goods between Thailand, Laos and China, he said, noting a team has been formed to operate on the cross- border logistics.

He claimed that the SRT has even provided training to the Thai railroad staff in areas like ticket sales, station management, and train operations.

A trial services between Udon Thani, Nong Khai, Thanalaeng and Vientiane facilities was completed on May 21 without any issues, he said. According to Mr. Ekkarat, this initiative represents a more active cooperation between the two nations.

He claimed that Laos ‘ Thanalaeng Station can be reached by recent coach services from Thailand. With the expansion to Vientiane, there will be significant financial benefits, he said.