Plan for the upcoming trains to and from Vientiane station at Kham Savat will be as follows:
International Rapid train RAP133/134 : Krungthep Aphiwat <=> Vientiane station at Kham Savat
International Rapid train RAP147/148: Udonthani <=> Vientiane station at Kham Savat
Here is the designated schedule:
🚈 RAP 133 Krungthep Aphiwat - Vientiane station at Kham Savat
Krungthep Aphiwat Depart 21:25
Nong Khai Arrive 07:55 (Next day) - passing the immigration clearance at Nong Khai for 40 minutes
Nong Khai Depart 08:35 (Next Day)
Vientiane station at Kham Savat Arrive 09:05 (Next Day)
🚈 RAP 148 Vientiane station at Kham Savat - Udon Thani
Vientiane station at Kham Savat Depart 09:35
Nong Khai Arrive 10:05 - passing the immigration clearance at Nong Khai for 40 minutes
Nong Khai Depart 10:45
Udon Thani Arrive 11:25
🚈 RAP147 Udon Thani - Vientiane station at Kham Savat
Udon Thani Depart 16:00
Nong Khai Arrive 16:40 passing the immigration clearance at Nong Khai for 45 minutes
Nong Khai Depart 17:25
Vientiane station at Kham Savat Arrive 17:55
🚈 RAP134 Vientiane station at Kham Savat - Krungthep Aphiwat
Vientiane station at Kham Savat Depart 18:25
Nong Khai Arrive 18:55 passing the immigration clearance at Nong Khai for 20 minutes
Nong Khai Depart 20:15
Krungthep Aphiwat Arrive 07:05
🚩 Ticket Price
🎫 RAP 133/134 Krungthep Aphiwat <=> Vientiane station at Kham Savat
- Third Class Non Airconditioned : 281 Baht
- Second Class Non Airconditioned : 414 Baht
- Second Class Airconditioned : 574 Baht
- Second Class Airconditioned Sleeper : Upper Berth 784 Baht / Lower Berth 874 Baht
* RAP133/134 can make the reservation up to 180 days
** The price shown here is from Krungthep Aphiwat to Vientiane station at Kham Savat and vice versa. The other section will be lower
🎫 RAP 147/148 Udon Thani <=> Vientiane station at Kham Savat
Special rates apprised here
- Udon Thani - Vientiane station at Kham Savat : Non Airconditioned carriage 100 Baht / Air Conditioned carriage 200 Baht
- Udon Thani - Nong Khai : Non Airconditioned carriage 30 Baht / Air Conditioned carriage 80 Baht
- Nong Khai - Vientiane station at Kham Savat : Non Airconditioned carriage 70 Baht / Air Conditioned carriage 120 Baht
https://www.facebook.com/letsintrain/posts/1040933760722594
Plan for the upcoming trains to and from Vientiane station at Kham Savat will be as follows:
International Rapid train RAP133/134 : Krungthep Aphiwat <=> Vientiane station at Kham Savat
International Rapid train RAP147/148: Udonthani <=> Vientiane station at Kham Savat
🚩 Ticket Price
🎫 RAP 133/134 Krungthep Aphiwat <=> Vientiane station at Kham Savat
- Third Class Non Airconditioned : 281 Baht
- Second Class Non Airconditioned : 414 Baht
- Second Class Airconditioned : 574 Baht
- Second Class Airconditioned Sleeper : Upper Berth 784 Baht / Lower Berth 874 Baht
* RAP133/134 can make the reservation up to 180 days
** The price shown here is from Krungthep Aphiwat to Vientiane station at Kham Savat and vice versa. The other section will be lower
🎫 RAP 147/148 Udon Thani <=> Vientiane station at Kham Savat
Special rates apprised here
- Udon Thani - Vientiane station at Kham Savat : Non Airconditioned carriage 100 Baht / Air Conditioned carriage 200 Baht
- Udon Thani - Nong Khai : Non Airconditioned carriage 30 Baht / Air Conditioned carriage 80 Baht
- Nong Khai - Vientiane station at Kham Savat : Non Airconditioned carriage 70 Baht / Air Conditioned carriage 120 Baht
https://www.facebook.com/letsintrain/posts/1040933760722594
Last edited by Wisarut on 11/07/2024 11:37 am; edited 2 times in total
Sold out! Inaugural Bangkok-Vientiane (Khamsavath) train tickets for July 19
Daily News, July 10, 2024, 7:39 PM
Transport Innovation: First day of ticket sales for "Vientiane (Khamsavath)" train. Inaugural "air-conditioned seating and sleeping cars" on July 19 are fully booked. Only 3rd class seats remain available. Connecting travel between the two countries quickly with 4 trains per day.
Mr. Eakarat Sri-arayangpong, Chief of the Office of the Governor of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), revealed that SRT is ready to launch international passenger trains between Thailand and Lao PDR on the route from Bangkok Grand Central Station to Vientiane (Khamsavath) and back. The first train will depart on July 19, 2024, with ticket reservations opening today. The service will operate 2 round trips, consisting of 152 seats in 3rd class regular cars (with fans), 64 seats in 2nd class air-conditioned seating cars, and 30 seats in 2nd class air-conditioned seating and sleeping cars, attached to express train No. 133. Additionally, there will be 2 round trips on the Udon Thani-Vientiane (Khamsavath)-Udon Thani route, totaling 4 trains per day.
Mr. Eakarat added that passengers can purchase tickets and make advance reservations (up to 180 days) at all train stations nationwide. Passengers must have a passport or border pass for customs and immigration procedures at Nong Khai and Vientiane (Khamsavath) stations before crossing the border. SRT has also partnered with the Vientiane Transport Operators Association to provide shuttle services to various tourist attractions.
He further stated that this international train service between Thailand and Lao PDR will not only facilitate travel for citizens of both countries but also elevate Thailand's logistics system to become a regional hub, aligning with the government's IGNITE THAILAND policy and the Ministry of Transport's goal for SRT to be the main force in developing the country's rail transport system.
The service will also support the expansion of border trade between Thailand and Lao PDR, while driving Thailand to become a major global tourism hub, in line with the government's "Major Cities and Attractive Cities" strategy. The trains can transport passengers arriving at Udon Thani Airport directly to Vientiane without the need for additional bus transfers, benefiting future economic, trade, and tourism cooperation.
The "Daily News Transport Innovation Team" reports that initial checks on the first day of ticket sales for this route show that express train No. 133, departing from Bangkok Grand Central Station on July 19, 2024, at 9:25 PM and arriving at Vientiane (Khamsavath) Station on July 20, 2024, at 9:05 AM, is fully booked for all air-conditioned seating and sleeping cars. Only 3rd class seats remain available for reservation.
Bangkok-Vientiane Train Prices After SRT Launches First Service on July 19
Than Setthakij
July 12, 2024 | 03:10 AM
What are the prices for the Bangkok-Vientiane train after the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) prepares to launch its first service on July 19, 2024, connecting travel between the two countries? Ticket sales have already started from today.
The SRT is ready to launch the Bangkok Apiwath - Vientiane (Khamsawat) route on July 19, 2024. Ticket sales have already begun.
- 3rd class seat: 281 THB
- 2nd class air-conditioned seat: 574 THB
- 2nd class air-conditioned sleeper: Upper berth: 784 THB / Lower berth: 874 THB
Tickets for Train No. 133/134 can be booked up to 180 days in advance. The fare from Bangkok Apiwath station is the highest; if you board from other stations along the way, the ticket prices will decrease accordingly.
Starting July 19, 2024, there will be two round-trip services daily, including:
- 3rd class (fan): 152 seats
- 2nd class air-conditioned seats: 64 seats
- 2nd class air-conditioned sleeper seats: 30 seats
- These will be attached to Train No. 133
Additionally, two more round-trip services on the Udon Thani - Vientiane (Khamsawat) - Udon Thani route, making a total of 4 trips/day.
### How to Book Bangkok-Vientiane Train Tickets
Passengers can purchase and reserve tickets (up to 180 days in advance) at any train station nationwide. Passengers must have a passport or border pass for customs and immigration procedures at Nong Khai and Vientiane (Khamsawat) stations before international travel. The SRT has also partnered with transport operators in Vientiane to arrange shuttle buses to various tourist destinations.
**Bangkok-Vientiane Train Prices**
Ekarach Srirayanapong, Head of the Governor's Office of the State Railway of Thailand, revealed that the launch of the international train service between Thailand and Laos not only facilitates travel for citizens of both countries but also elevates Thailand's logistics system to become a regional hub, aligning with the government's IGNITE THAILAND policy. This is in line with the Ministry of Transport's policy, which aims for the SRT to play a crucial role in developing the country's rail transport system by ensuring the highest level of readiness in all aspects before full service operation.
Bangkok-Vientiane Train Test Run Raises Hopes for Tourism Boost
TNN July 13, 2024, 11:01 AM
The trial run of the international passenger train between Bangkok and Vientiane has reached Nong Khai, Thailand, before crossing into Laos. The governor led a team to test the train system, hoping to stimulate transportation and tourism in the country.
Following the State Railway of Thailand's plan to launch the first Bangkok-Vientiane international passenger train service on July 19, 2024, connecting Thailand and Laos, a test run and promotional event for the international train service on the Bangkok Apiwat-Vientiane (Khamsavath) route was held today (July 13, 2024). Mr. Sompop Samittasiri, Governor of Nong Khai Province, Mr. Charnchai Khongthan, Deputy Governor of Nong Khai Province, along with relevant government agencies, private sectors, and tourism companies, participated in this trial run. Everyone boarded the train at Nong Khai Railway Station with their passports, heading to Khamsavath Station in Vientiane, Laos.
Tickets for the Bangkok-Vientiane international passenger train have been available for purchase since July 10, 2024. The first train will operate on July 19th, offering round-trip services. The train consists of ordinary 3rd class cars (fan) with 152 seats priced at 281 baht, air-conditioned 2nd class cars with 64 seats priced at 574 baht, and air-conditioned 2nd class sleeper cars with 30 seats, upper berths priced at 784 baht, and lower berths priced at 874 baht. These cars will be attached to the Rapid 133/134 train. The mentioned prices are the highest fares for departures from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station, with prices decreasing for departures from other stations along the route. Additionally, two round-trip services between Udon Thani-Vientiane (Khamsavath)-Udon Thani will be provided on Rapid 147/148 trains, totaling four trains per day. Ticket prices for Udon Thani-Vientiane are 100 baht for fan cars and 200 baht for air-conditioned cars. Udon Thani-Nong Khai tickets are 30 baht for fan cars and 80 baht for air-conditioned cars, while Nong Khai-Vientiane tickets are 70 baht for fan cars and 120 baht for air-conditioned cars.
Those interested in traveling on the Bangkok-Vientiane international passenger train can purchase tickets and reserve seats up to 180 days in advance at any railway station nationwide. Passengers are required to have a passport or border pass for customs and immigration procedures at Nong Khai Station and Vientiane (Khamsavath) Station before each cross-border journey. For tourists, the Vientiane Transport Association will arrange shuttle buses to facilitate travel to various tourist attractions.
By launching the international passenger train service between Thailand and Laos, the State Railway of Thailand aims to facilitate travel for people in both countries, elevate Thailand's logistics system to become a regional hub, support and expand cross-border trade between Thailand and Laos, and drive tourism within the country.
Lao people launch #SaveLaokip campaign, banning baht and dollar, setting own exchange rates
Bangkok Business, July 13, 2024, 4:33 PM
Lao people have launched a #SaveLaokip campaign, accepting only Lao kip and refusing foreign currencies. They are banning Thai baht and US dollars, setting their own exchange rates to address the weakening kip and reduce inflation. This is causing concern about lost opportunities in Laos and a shortage of foreign currency. Tourist numbers are declining. Importantly, Thailand and Laos have just opened bookings for the first train service between the two countries.
Many Lao people online are promoting the #SaveLaokip campaign, accepting only kip or allowing foreigners to spend money with conditions - shops will set their own exchange rates. This aims to solve the problem of the weakening kip and reduce inflation.
Traders and shops in Laos are campaigning online with the hashtag #SaveLaokip, setting their own exchange rate of 1 Thai baht = 250 kip, while the actual rate is around 1 baht = 700 kip.
Banning baht and dollars may cause Laos to lose benefits, including:
- Shortage of foreign currency
- Loss of economic opportunities, especially in tourism
- Lack of liquidity for spending, especially for those holding baht or dollars
Thailand and Laos have just opened bookings for the first train service between Bangkok and Vientiane, starting July 19, 2024.
Laos' foreign debt in 2023 nearly doubled to $950 million, forcing the government to postpone debt payments.
The Lao kip has weakened by 31% against the US dollar in 2023, causing concern in many countries. Laos has 59% of its foreign debt in US dollars.
This situation may affect tourism and economic relations between Thailand and Laos, as well as Laos' overall economic stability.
Will the "Thai-Lao" train boost tourism? Bangkok-Vientiane service begins July 19 | TNN Evening News | July 13, 2024
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Somchai Pakapaswiwat, an independent scholar in economics and politics, believes that the opening of the international train route between Krungthep Aphiwat and Vientiane (Khamsavard), which is considered a Thai-Lao connecting train, starting its first trip on July 19, will make travel between the two countries more convenient. This will elevate the logistics system and positively impact border trade and tourism, stimulating the economic atmosphere of both countries. It will also benefit Laos' economy, which is currently facing debt and inflation issues.
Bangkok-Vientiane Train Opens on July 19, TAT Confident in Attracting 1 Million Lao Tourists
InfoQuest July 14, 2024, 1:44 PM
Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaiboon, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), revealed that today, tourists from the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) traveled on a trial run of the new extended train route between Vientiane (Khamsavath Station) in Lao PDR and Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (Bang Sue) in Bangkok. This aligns with the governments IGNITE Thailands Tourism strategy, promoting ASEAN connectivity and economic integration, boosting tourism, and strengthening cultural ties between Thailand and Lao PDR.
The TAT Governor stated that the extension of the train route from Khamsavath Station in Vientiane to Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal in Bangkok is part of TATs strategic efforts to position Thailand as the Hub of ASEAN, following the governments IGNITE Thailands Tourism policy. This will strengthen intra-regional travel connections and facilitate seamless travel for tourists from Lao PDR entering Thailand by train.
This development follows the visit of Mr. Srettha Thavisin, the Prime Minister of Thailand, to Lao PDR, where he, along with Mr. Sonexay Siphandone, the Prime Minister of Lao PDR, presided over the opening of Vientiane (Khamsavath) Station on October 30, 2023. This project, under the cooperation between the two governments through the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA), marks a significant step in enhancing tourism relations and cooperation between Thailand and Lao PDR, and is expected to boost the number of tourists from Lao PDR visiting Thailand.
Today, TAT, in collaboration with the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), organized a trial run of the extended train route between Khamsavath Station in Vientiane and Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal in Bangkok, welcoming tourists from Lao PDR. TAT hopes that the official launch of this train service on July 19, 2024, will solidify Thailand as a top destination for tourists from Lao PDR and help increase the number of Lao tourists to 1 million in the near future.
Starting from July 19, SRT will operate express trains No. 133 and 134 on the Vientiane-Bangkok route, with two daily services consisting of 152 third-class (fan) seats, 64 second-class air-conditioned seats, and 30 second-class air-conditioned sleeper seats. Additionally, ordinary trains No. 147 and 148 will operate between Vientiane and Udon Thani, making a total of four daily services, providing convenient and faster travel for passengers from Lao PDR. Previously, travelers had to take a train from Thanalaeng Station in Lao PDR and transfer at Nong Khai Province to continue their journey to Bangkok or other destinations.
Moreover, the recent removal of the TM.6 immigration form requirement from April 15 to October 15, 2024, at key border crossings like Nong Khai, Mukdahan, and Chiang Rai, has facilitated easier travel for Lao citizens. Other factors such as the variety of affordable Thai products and quality services in Thailand have also promoted cross-border tourism and trade, encouraging more Lao tourists to visit for leisure, work, shopping, medical consultations, and social gatherings.
In 2024, Thailand aims to attract 977,000 tourists from Lao PDR, with the new train route expected to help achieve this target and generate over 36.96 billion baht in tourism revenue.
"Thailand-Laos" Transport Cooperation Meeting, Welcoming First Train from Bangkok to Vientiane on July 20
- Thailand and Laos held a transport cooperation meeting on July 19, 2024, in Vientiane, Laos.
- The meeting focused on international rail connectivity, cross-border road transport facilitation, and human resource development in the transport sector.
- A key highlight is the official launch of international train service between Bangkok and Vientiane (Khamsavath) on July 20, 2024.
- The new train service will operate 4 round trips daily: 2 between Bangkok-Vientiane-Bangkok and 2 between Vientiane-Udon Thani-Vientiane.
- This rail connection is expected to boost trade, investment, and tourism between the two countries.
- The meeting also discussed progress on the construction of the "Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge No. 2" railway bridge project, aimed to be completed by 2029.
- Both sides agreed to improve regulations to facilitate cross-border and transit transport.
- Thailand offered support in training and developing human resources in Laos' transport sector.
- Thailand updated on its ongoing rail development projects, including new lines and high-speed rail, expected to be completed between 2028-2030.
- The meeting concluded with optimism about long-term transport cooperation between Thailand and Laos, aiming to advance connectivity in the region.
This meeting and the launch of the new train service mark significant steps in strengthening transport links and overall relations between Thailand and Laos.
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