The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) together with the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) hosted a welcome ceremony for the Laotian passengers arriving by the full trial train from Vientiane to Bangkok.
Passengers onboard the SRT’s Rapid No. 134 arrived this morning at Bangkok’s Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station. They were presented with fresh floral garlands, which represent a traditional Thai welcoming gesture.
The eventful occasion marked the readiness of the new train service between Thailand and Lao PDR – an extension of the Bangkok-Nong Khai route. The extended track from Lao PDR’s Vientiane Train Station (Khamsavath) to Bangkok’s Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station is a project between the Thai and Laotian governments to better connect the two countries’ rail systems.
The initiative gained momentum following Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s visit to Laos on 30 October 2023, where he and Lao PDR’s Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone inaugurated the Vientiane (Khamsavath) railway station and explored opportunities for significant expansion of rail networks connecting the two nations.
Facilitated by the Neighboring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA), this project exemplifies strengthening bilateral ties and regional integration efforts, marking a new chapter in Thailand-Lao PDR relations and boosting economic cooperation.
Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said “The new train service between Bangkok and Vientiane’s Khamsavath Station underscores the Thai government’s “Ignite Tourism Thailand” vision to establish Thailand as the Hub of ASEAN. The extended train route will enhance cross-border tourism and economic activities and strengthen relations between the two nations. It also aligns with TAT’s strategy to boost cross-border tourism and intra-ASEAN travel.”
The outgoing train, Rapid No. 133, will depart Bangkok in the evening and arrive in Vientiane the next morning and vice versa for the returning train, Rapid No. 134. Rapid No. 133/134 comprises 30 seats in the second-class air-conditioned sleeper carriage, 64 seats in the second-class air-conditioned carriage, and 152 seats in two of the third-class ordinary carriages with fans.
SRT also operates Rapid No. 147/148 between Udon Thani and Khamsavath Station.
The Bangkok-Vientiane (Khamsavath) train service is scheduled to officially begin operations on Friday, 19 July. Reservations now open via D-Ticket mobile application, website (www.dticket.railway.co.th), and the ticket booths at SRT stations. Bookings can be made up to 180 days in advance.
Passengers to Bangkok can take advantage of the convenient transportation network to explore the Thai capital and connect to other destinations by air, water, and land transport. Those travel to Udon Thani can enjoy myriads of activities in the city itself and can connect to other Thai destinations by air or land transport.
Ms. Thapanee added “TAT is leveraging the new train service between Bangkok and Vientiane’s Khamsavath Station to boost cross-border tourism from Lao PDR. We hope to welcome more Laotian tourists and maintain Thailand’s well-established position as the preferred travel destination among the Laotians.”
TAT has set a target of 36.96 billion Baht in tourism revenue from about 977,000 Laotian tourists in 2024. This is based on various favourable factors, including the new Bangkok-Vientiane’s Khamsavath Station train services and the temporary suspension – ending 15 October – of the ‘To Mo 6’ immigration form at Thailand-Lao PDR border checkpoints including Nong Khai, Mukdahan, and Chiang Rai. (TAT)
