Lao and Thai officials cut a ribbon to launch the new cross-border freight train service in Vientiane on Tuesday.

National Day ceremony launches LNR’s Thailand rail freight link

To enhance cross-border logistics and regional connectivity, Lao National Railways (LNR) on Tuesday launched a rail freight service connecting Thanaleng Station in Vientiane and Nongkhai Station in Thailand.
The launch saw an LNR locomotive and wagon make the first cross-Mekong journey under Lao operation, which coincided with events to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Lao PDR.

An LNR locomotive prepares for the inaugural Thanaleng-Nongkhai freight run on Tuesday.

Speaking at the grand opening ceremony, the Managing Director of Lao National Railways, Mr Daochinda Siharath, described the new freight service as a profound symbol of the nation’s progress and enduring partnership with Thailand.
“This is not merely a routine train launch,” Mr Daochinda said “It symbolises the success of our continuous national development over the past 50 years and the strengthening of 75 years of close cooperation between Laos and Thailand.”
He highlighted the strategic importance of the route, which will significantly streamline and elevate seamless rail freight transportation.
“This is a crucial step that will facilitate and support greater integration, ensuring maximum mutual benefit for Laos, Thailand, and our neighbours in the sub-region.”
Providing operational details, an LNR representative commented on the new service capacity, saying “Lao National Railways will initially operate one daily freight service to Thailand, with each journey capable of transporting a maximum of 25 containers. The freight will be varied, depending on client and company needs, including seasonal agricultural products and electronic equipment.
LNR is providing the end-to-end delivery service between Thanaleng Station and Nongkhai Station. “While currently limited to one daily trip, we have concrete plans to increase service frequency in the future,” he said.
The operational launch marks a significant transition, as the route was previously operated by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), using its rolling stock since 2019.
The Acting Governor of SRT, Mr Anan Phonimdaeng, acknowledged this long-standing cooperation, noting that the use of LNR’s own locomotive and rolling stock signified a “new chapter” in the relationship between the two railways.
“Today marks another important step in the collaboration between SRT and LNR,” Mr Anan said. “This is a key part of our shared objective: to elevate efficiency and capacity within the broader ASEAN rail network.”
Mr Daochinda concluded the ceremony by expressing sincere gratitude to SRT for their extensive assistance in training LNR staff and preparing the infrastructure, saying he hoped the long-standing bonds of friendship and good neighbourly cooperation between the two countries would be further cemented.

By Advertorial Desk
(Latest Update December 4, 2025)