Get Ready to Pack Your Bags! Train Service from Bangkok Apiwat to Vientiane Begins This July
Source: IQ InfoQuest News Agency
Date: Saturday, June 8, 2024, 11:03 AM
InfoQuest News Agency (June 8, 2024)
Mr. Avirut Thongnet, Deputy Governor of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), led an SRT delegation to meet with the Lao National Railways (LNR) to prepare for the launch of a train service between Bangkok Apiwat Central Station and Vientiane (Khamsavath) Station in July. This initiative aims to enhance travel connectivity and freight transport between the two countries, as well as elevate the region's logistics system, with Thailand positioned as a central hub in line with the government's IGNITE THAILAND policy.
Mr. Ekarach Sriarayanpong, Head of the Governors Office at SRT, revealed that Mr. Avirut Thongnet's meeting with the LNR was part of a comprehensive preparation plan for the full-scale launch of the train service in July, as directed by Mr. Surapong Piyachot, Deputy Minister of Transport. The meeting focused on four main areas:
1. The plan to launch the train service between Bangkok Apiwat Central Station, Udon Thani, Nong Khai, and Vientiane (Khamsavath), including a trial run scheduled for July 13-14, 2024.
2. Development of the tourism market.
3. Advertising and public relations plans.
4. Enhancing freight transport capabilities between Thailand, Laos, and China, which includes establishing a joint working group to discuss cross-border freight transportation. The SRT has been assisting LNR staff with operational training, including train drivers, station staff, and ticket sales personnel.
Additionally, there was a successful test run of the train between Udon Thani, Nong Khai, Thanalaeng, and Vientiane (Khamsavath) stations, completed on May 21, 2024.
Mr. Ekarach stated that the launch of the Bangkok Apiwat Central Station-Udon Thani-Nong Khai-Vientiane (Khamsavath) train service represents a significant expansion of cooperation between the two countries. Currently, trains run up to Thanalaeng Station in Laos. Extending the service to Vientiane (Khamsavath) will bring substantial economic, trade, and tourism benefits.
Passengers arriving by plane at Udon Thani Airport can transfer directly to Vientiane without needing other transport modes, enhancing the logistics systems of both countries. This aligns with the IGNITE THAILAND policy, which aims to position Thailand as a regional tourism and logistics hub.
This video is about the new Vientiane Khamsavath railway station and the plan to open a train service between Bangkok and Vientiane.
The video starts by showing the new Vientiane Khamsavath station. The station has two floors and two platforms and can accommodate 7,500 passengers per day. This station is brand new and is part of the Laos-Thailand railway project. The plan is to start train services between Bangkok's central station, Ayutthaya, Udon Thani, Nong Khai, and Vientiane Khamsavath. There has been a test run from Udon Thani to Nong Khai, then to the pier, and Vientiane Khamsavath. The test run was successful.
People on social media in Laos are excited about this new train service. Some people commented that this project will help strengthen the relationship between the two countries and make travel and business more convenient. Some people asked questions about travel time and ticket prices. There has been no official announcement of travel time and ticket prices yet. Currently, it costs about 900 baht to travel by bus from Bangkok to Vientiane, which takes overnight. The train journey may be slower because the train has to go to Nong Khai first, then passengers have to take a bus to get to the center of Vientiane. However, the new Vientiane Khamsavath station is located next to the city center, so passengers can easily take a taxi or ride-hailing service to their destination. Some people plan to travel from Bangkok to Vientiane by train, then to Luang Prabang by train, and then fly back to Thailand. There is also talk of a possible train journey from Luang Prabang to Kunming in China.
July 19th: Inaugural Train Service "Bangkok to Vientiane (Khamsavath)" Launches
Daily News, July 2, 2024, 19:03
Transport Innovation
On July 19th, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) will launch its first international train service from Bangkok Central Station to Vientiane (Khamsavath) Station in Laos. The train departs on the evening of July 19th and arrives in Vientiane on the morning of July 20th. For just 300 baht, passengers can travel by train connecting Thailand and Laos, visit the capital Vientiane, and continue by train to China.
The Daily News Transport Innovation Team reports that on July 19, 2024, the SRT will inaugurate the international express train No. 133 on the Bangkok-Vientiane (Khamsavath) route to Laos. This inaugural train will depart from Bangkok Central Station at 21:25 and arrive at Vientiane (Khamsavath) Station on July 20, 2024, at 09:05.
On this occasion, Mr. Surapong Piyachot, Deputy Minister of Transport, along with SRT executives and officials from the Lao Ministry of Public Works and Transport, will participate in a ceremony welcoming passengers and tourists on this first trip.
Upon arrival at Vientiane (Khamsavath) Station, passengers can use public transport services prepared by Laos, including vans, tuk-tuks, and taxis, to travel the 7-9 km to Vientiane city center. Vientiane's Patuxai Monument is a popular tourist attraction located in the heart of the city. Travelers can also continue their journey to China using the Laos-China Railway from Vientiane Railway Station.
Initially, the train service between Bangkok and Vientiane (Khamsavath) will use the existing trains that serve the Bangkok-Nong Khai route, covering 614 km. This route currently offers 6 round trips daily, including express, special express, and rapid trains, with travel times of about 9-10 hours.
Current fares for the Bangkok-Nong Khai route are:
- Express train: 3rd class (fan) 251 baht, 2nd class (air-con) 494 baht
- Special express: 1st class (air-con seat/sleeper) 1,350-1,550 baht, 2nd class (air-con seat/sleeper) 894-994 baht
- Rapid train: 3rd class (fan) 211 baht
It's expected that fares to Vientiane (Khamsavath) will increase by about 60-70 baht, with starting prices around 300 baht.
Thanaleng Railway Station, Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR
July 6, 2024
Thanaleng Railway Station is located in Ban Dongphosy, Hadxayfong, Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR. It is considered the first railway station in Lao PDR, built for the transportation of goods and passengers. Currently, trains can run up to Vientiane (Khamsavath) Station, which is the terminus of the Thailand-Laos Railway Project.
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