Nong Khai, Vientiane, and Australia Celebrate 30 Years of the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge
Source: Naewna Website
Sunday, April 21, 2024 10:42
Nong Khai, Vientiane, and Australia joined together for a ceremony of merit-making and alms-giving to monks, commemorating the 30th anniversary of the 1st Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge.
On April 21, 2024, dignitaries assembled at the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge No. 1 in the Mueang District of Nong Khai Province. Mr. Sompop Samitasiri, Governor of Nong Khai Province (Thailand), Mr. Robyn Mudie, Director-General of the Department of Southeast Asia at the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Atsaphanthong Siphandon, Governor of Vientiane (Lao People's Democratic Republic), led Thai and Laotian citizens in the merit-making ceremony and offered alms to monks.
To further symbolize peace and goodwill, the officials released 31 doves. A total of 62 monks from both Thailand and Laos received offerings from the gathered Buddhists.
The first Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge has been instrumental in strengthening ties between Thailand and Laos. The bridge, featuring a railway line, lays the groundwork for future international train routes including the existing Nong Khai-Thana Laeng line connected to Chinese rail networks. This has significantly benefited trade, especially the export of Thai fruits.
Mr. Purachet Paphutsaro, Chairman of KC Train Transport Company Limited, highlighted his company's work with a university to research the expansion of train capacity for Thai fresh fruit exports. The focus is on increasing rail transport from Thailand to countries such as China, Russia, and across Europe. KC Train Transport Company has already completed several successful shipments. Their goal is to establish regular transportation from Thailand to Europe, utilizing the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge as a primary connector.
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