Laos offers condolences over deadly rail accident in Thailand

The government has expressed sincere condolences to Thailand following a train derailment in Nakhon Ratchasima Province in which numerous people were killed and injured.
The message was sent by Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Thongsavanh Phomvihane to his Thai counterpart, Mr Sihasak Phuangketkeow.
In the message, Mr Thongsavanh said he was saddened by reports that an express passenger train travelling from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani province was involved in an accident at a Thai-Chinese railway construction site on the morning of January 14.
The message read: “​I am deeply saddened to learn of the news that a special express passenger train travelling from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani Province was involved in an accident at the Thai-Chinese high-speed railway construction site on the morning of January 14, 2026, in Nakhon Ratchasima province, resulting in numerous fatalities and injuries.”
“​On behalf of the staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, and on my own behalf, I wish to express my deepest condolences to Your Excellency, and through you, to the Government and the people of Thailand, especially to the families of the victims and all those affected by this incident.”
“​I am confident that, under the close attention of the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand and the collective efforts of the Thai people nationwide, the difficulties arising from this accident will soon be resolved.”
“With greatest respects.”

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update January 20, 2026)