TAT opens new railway connecting Vientiane to Bangkok – Improving Infrastructure in Thailand

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) recently held a welcome ceremony for passengers from Laos arriving in Bangkok via the full trial run of the new train service from Vientiane. The passengers, travelling on SRT’s Rapid No. 134, were greeted with traditional Thai floral garlands at Bangkok’s Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station. This event marks the readiness of the extended rail route, which now connects Vientiane’s Khamsavath Station in Lao PDR with Bangkok, enhancing the Bangkok-Nong Khai line.

The new train service is expected to boost tourism and economic cooperation between Thailand and Laos, aligning with Thailand’s vision of becoming the Hub of ASEAN. According to TAT Governor Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, this service is part of the broader “Ignite Tourism Thailand” strategy to promote cross-border tourism and intra-ASEAN travel. The Bangkok-Vientiane train, set to officially begin operations on July 19, offers a range of seating options across its carriages and is now open for reservations, allowing those staying in hotels across the country, such as those staying in Sukhumvit Road hotels like the well-known Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok to travel around the country with more ease.