News reports indicate that the Department of Rail Transport (DRT) held the first 2024 meeting of the Subcommittee on Cross-Border Railway Connectivity and Transport Development for the Nong Khai-Vientiane route. The meeting was chaired by Pichet Kunathammarak, Director-General of the DRT, with Deputy Director-General Atiphoon Jittanukhroh and relevant agencies in attendance. The committee reviewed progress on the opening of the route between Nong Khai Station and Ban Khamsavath Station (Vientiane). The Neighboring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (Public Organization) has provided technical assistance and training for the staff of the Lao National Railway to prepare for operations to Ban Khamsavath. Concurrently, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has conducted operational training and simulated driving exercises from May 13-20.
Currently, both Thai and Lao sides are preparing and expect to open the 7.5 km rail service between the two stations by July-August, postponed from the original plan to start in June.
Initially, the service will use the existing route, extending from Bangkok-Nong Khai to Bangkok-Vientiane (Ban Khamsavath), with two daily round trips. This includes Train No. 133 (Bangkok-Nong Khai) and Train No. 134 (Nong Khai-Bangkok), covering a distance of 614 km. These trains feature fan-cooled second and third-class seating, with fares of approximately 344 baht for second class and 211 baht for third class. The 13 km journey extension from Nong Khai to Vientiane (Ban Khamsavath) will take an additional 20 minutes and cost 60-70 baht more, totaling under 300 baht. The SRT aims to provide air-conditioned cars in the future.
Additionally, there will be local services with Train No. 481 (Nong Khai-Thanaleng) and Train No. 482 (Thanaleng-Nong Khai), operating two round trips daily. The fare for these fan-cooled third-class trains is 20 baht. This route will be extended to Udon Thani-Nong Khai-Thanaleng-Vientiane (Ban Khamsavath).
Source: Daily News, June 3, 2024 (Afternoon Edition)
**SRT Participates in Meeting with Lao National Railways to Prepare for Bangkok-Vientiane Train Service in July**
*Source: Manager Online*
*Saturday, June 8, 2024, 10:27*
From June 5-8, 2024, Mr. Aviruth Thongnet, Deputy Governor of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), led a delegation to meet with Mr. Daochinda SIHARATH, Managing Director of Lao National Railways, to prepare for the upcoming train service between Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station and Vientiane (Khamsavath), scheduled to officially open in July. This collaboration aims to enhance travel and goods transport between the two countries, improving regional logistics with Thailand as a central hub, aligning with the Thai government's IGNITE THAILAND policy.
Mr. Ekarat Sriarayapong, Head of the Governor's Office of SRT, disclosed that the meeting, led by Deputy Governor Aviruth Thongnet, was in line with the directives of Deputy Minister of Transport Surapong Piyachote. The goal is to ensure comprehensive preparedness for the full-scale train service launch in July.
The discussions between SRT and Lao National Railways focused on four main topics:
1. Plans for the train service from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station to Udon Thani, Nong Khai, and Vientiane (Khamsavath), including a planned test run on July 13-14, 2024.
2. Tourism market development plans.
3. Advertising and public relations strategies.
4. Enhancing cargo transport capabilities between Thailand, Laos, and China.
A joint working group was established to discuss cross-border and transit cargo transportation. SRT has consistently supported the Lao National Railways by providing training in train operations, including training for drivers, station staff, and ticket sellers.
Additionally, a successful trial run from Udon Thani Station to Nong Khai Station, Thanaleng Station, and Vientiane (Khamsavath) was completed on May 21, 2024, with no operational issues.
Mr. Ekarat stated that the new service from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station to Udon Thani, Nong Khai, and Vientiane (Khamsavath) represents a significant expansion of cooperation between the two countries. Currently, train services reach Thanaleng Station (Laos). Extending the service to Vientiane (Khamsavath) will provide substantial economic, trade, and tourism benefits. Passengers arriving at Udon Thani Airport can seamlessly travel to Vientiane without additional transfers, enhancing the logistics systems of both countries and supporting the Thai government's IGNITE THAILAND initiative to position Thailand as a regional tourism and logistics hub.
Don't Miss It! Thai Train Service Opens from Bangkok to Vientiane This July - Daily News
Source: Daily News Website, Saturday, June 8, 2024, 11:38 AM
This July, Thailand and Laos will mark a new era in travel and trade with the opening of a direct train route connecting Bangkok's Apiwat Central Station to Vientiane's Khamsawat Station.
Mr. Ekarat Sriarayanphong, Head of the Governor's Office at the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), announced that a delegation recently met with the Lao National Railway State Enterprise to finalize preparations for the launch. The new route is expected to significantly boost tourism and freight transportation between the two countries, aligning with Thailand's IGNITE THAILAND policy to strengthen the nation's position as a regional logistics and tourism hub.
The discussions focused on four key areas:
1. Establishing a train route: A plan is in place to establish a train route linking Bangkok Central Station to Vientiane (Khamsawat), via Udon Thani and Nong Khai. A virtual test run of the route is scheduled for July 13-14.
2. Tourism development: Strategies to promote tourism along the new rail route were explored.
3. Public relations and advertising: Efforts to publicize the new service and its benefits were discussed.
4. Enhancing freight transport: A joint working group will be established to facilitate cross-border freight transportation between Thailand, Laos, and China. The SRT will provide training and knowledge-sharing to Lao railway officials in various aspects of railway operations.
Previous trials of the train route between Udon Thani, Nong Khai, Thanaleng, and Vientiane (Khamsawat) have been successful, paving the way for this landmark expansion.
The full service extension to Vientiane's Khamsawat Station is expected to bring significant economic benefits, facilitating seamless travel for passengers arriving at Udon Thani Airport and streamlining logistics between the two nations. This development aligns with the Thai government's vision to position Thailand as a leading tourism and logistics center in the region.
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