Thai-Laos Train Exceeds Expectations with Over 200,000 Passengers in 7 Months, Cross-Border Travel Remains Low
Daily News, February 18, 2025, 8:56 AM
The Thai-Laos train service connecting Bangkok's Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal to Vientiane (Khamsavath) has been bustling with activity, exceeding its target of 200,000 passengers per year within just 7 months of operation. However, cross-border travel remains low, especially when not including those crossing at regular immigration checkpoints.
Mr. Virith Amrapal, Governor of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), stated in an interview with the "Daily News Transportation Innovation News Team" that the international train service between Thailand and the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), launched on July 19, 2024, has been well-received by the public and tourists. The service offers a convenient, fast, and cost-effective mode of travel.
Mr. Virith further explained that the long-distance Train No. 133/134, running between Bangkok and Vientiane, consists of 10 carriages with a seating capacity of 564 passengers per train (reduced to 5 carriages at Nong Khai station). The average load factor is 78% and 79%, with an average of 737 and 698 passengers per day, respectively. This surpasses the target of 200,000 passengers per year (or an average of 550 passengers per day) set by Mr. Suriphong Piyachoti, Deputy Minister of Transport.
The train includes 5 carriages that travel to and from Vientiane station, comprising 2 second-class air-conditioned sleeper carriages, 1 second-class air-conditioned seating carriage, and 2 third-class carriages, with a total capacity of approximately 268 seats. These services have been consistently popular.
On the other hand, the short-distance Train No. 147/148, operating between Udon Thani and Vientiane, consists of 5 carriages with a total capacity of 268 seats. The average load factor is 11% and 10%, with an average of 38 and 35 passengers per day, respectively. Due to the low ridership on the short-distance service, the SRT may need to reconsider the operation of Train No. 147/148 to optimize its efficiency.
Mr. Virith also shared the passenger statistics for Train No. 133/134 between Bangkok and Vientiane. In the 2024 fiscal year (July - September 2024), there were 99,289 passengers. In the 2025 fiscal year (October - December 2024), there were 141,850 passengers. In total, from July to December 2024, there were 241,139 passengers.
Meanwhile, the statistics for passengers crossing the border at Vientiane (Khamsavath) station show 28,766 passengers in the 2024 fiscal year (July - September 2024) and 38,542 passengers in the 2025 fiscal year (October - December 2024), totaling 67,308 passengers from July to December 2024.
The "Daily News Transportation Innovation News Team" reports that although the long-distance train service has exceeded expectations, the number of passengers traveling to and from Vientiane (Khamsavath) station remains low. For instance, the average number of passengers traveling from Udon Thani is only 35-38 per day.
One of the main obstacles identified is the lack of a centralized immigration checkpoint at Vientiane (Khamsavath) station. This would provide greater convenience for passengers, eliminating the need for separate immigration checks at Nong Khai station, which can take 30-40 minutes.
Laos, Thailand ink pact to enhance cross-border rail travel
Lao and Thai rail operators have agreed to work together to enhance the development of rail connectivity amid the growing number of passengers travelling by train on the Bangkok ApiwatVientiane (Khamsavath) route.
Khamsavath station in Vientiane, Laos. (File photo)
From July 2024 to January 2025, when the route became operational, some 288,700 passengers used this service, underscoring the growing popularity of rail travel.
The increase in passenger numbers led to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), agreed to by the Lao and Thai prime ministers, on strengthening technical cooperation in passenger rail transport.
According to The Nation TVs Facebook page on February 21, the MOU was signed in Bangkok on Thursday at a ceremony presided over by Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and visiting Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone.
Prime Minister Sonexay, accompanied by a delegation of senior government officials, made an official visit to the Kingdom of Thailand at the invitation of his Thai counterpart Mrs Paetongtarn to enhance the Strategic Partnership for Growth and Sustainable Development, according to a press release from the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The MOU on railway cooperation was signed by the Governor of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), Mr Veeris Ammarapala, and the Managing Director of Lao National Railways, Mr Daochinda Siharath, in the presence of representatives from their respective organisations.
The agreement was one of four cooperation documents signed during PM Sonexays visit, covering justice, passenger rail transport, trade, and investment promotion.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, SRT Governor Veeris said the MOU strengthened the longstanding relationship between Thailand and Laos by paving the way for the development a connected rail network to improve public transport and boost tourism between the two countries.
Thailand has committed to supporting Lao railway personnel and ensuring smooth operations at border stations, specifically at Nong Khai in Thailand and Thanaleng in Vientiane.
This includes providing locomotives, rolling stock, operational staff, revenue sharing mechanisms, adherence to operational regulations, accident assistance, and financial settlements related to passenger services.
Since the opening of the Bangkok ApiwatVientiane (Khamsavath) rail link in July 2024, there has been a positive response from both locals and tourists.
Khamsavath station, located in Xaysettha district, Vientiane, is the northernmost station on the direct rail link between the capitals of Laos and Thailand. The link was created to facilitate tourism and improve logistics between the two countries.
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