The Laos-Thailand cross-border passenger train service officially started operation on Friday, enhancing rail connectivity between Vientiane and Bangkok while linking up with the China-Laos railway.
The first train on the rail line set off Friday night from the Bangkok Apiwat Station in the Thai capital and arrived at Khamsavath Station in Vientiane after a 10-hour trip covering a distance of 634 kilometers.
A welcome ceremony for the first group of passengers was held Saturday morning at Khamsavath, just 17 kilometers away from the Laos-China Railway Vientiane Station.
In the past, the railway link between Thailand and Laos spanned only 3.5 kilometers and mainly operated freight trains. The commencement of the cross-border passenger service means not only that Thai travelers can venture deeper into Laos to experience the country’s beautiful scenery, but can even conveniently transfer to the China-Laos railway line for a journey to China.