The first Laos-Thailand cross-border passenger train arrives at Khamsavath railway station in Vientiane, Laos, July 20, 2024. The Laos-Thailand cross-border passenger train has officially started operation, running between Krung Thep Aphiwat Central station in the Thai capital of Bangkok and Khamsavath railway station in Lao capital Vientiane. (Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua)
VIENTIANE, July 21 (Xinhua) -- The Laos-Thailand cross-border passenger train has officially started operation, running between Krung Thep Aphiwat Central station in the Thai capital of Bangkok and Khamsavath railway station in Lao capital Vientiane.
The opening ceremony, held in Vientiane on Saturday, was attended by Lao Deputy Minister of Public Works and Transport Saysongkham Manodham, Thai Deputy Minister of Transport Surapong Piyachote, and representatives from both countries.
The first train departed on Friday from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central station and arrived at Khamsavath railway station on Saturday. The entire journey took about 12 hours.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, deputy director of the railway department under the Lao Ministry of Public Works and Transport Hinphet Lakhonevong said the opening of the Laos-Thailand cross-border passenger train service will provide more convenience for the people of the two countries to travel, promote the development of trade, investment and tourism between the two sides, and further enhance the connectivity between Laos, Thailand and the Greater Mekong Subregion countries.
Thai Deputy Minister of Transport Surapong Piyachote said that the operation of the cross-border passenger train benefits the people of Thailand and Laos, and exchanges between the two sides will be more convenient. ■
An aerial drone photo taken on July 20, 2024 shows the first Laos-Thailand cross-border passenger train arriving at Khamsavath railway station in Vientiane, Laos. The Laos-Thailand cross-border passenger train has officially started operation, running between Krung Thep Aphiwat Central station in the Thai capital of Bangkok and Khamsavath railway station in Lao capital Vientiane. (Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua)
An aerial drone photo taken on July 20, 2024 shows the first Laos-Thailand cross-border passenger train arriving at Khamsavath railway station in Vientiane, Laos. The Laos-Thailand cross-border passenger train has officially started operation, running between Krung Thep Aphiwat Central station in the Thai capital of Bangkok and Khamsavath railway station in Lao capital Vientiane. (Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua)
An aerial drone photo taken on July 20, 2024 shows the first Laos-Thailand cross-border passenger train arriving at Khamsavath railway station in Vientiane, Laos. The Laos-Thailand cross-border passenger train has officially started operation, running between Krung Thep Aphiwat Central station in the Thai capital of Bangkok and Khamsavath railway station in Lao capital Vientiane. (Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua)
Passengers of the first Laos-Thailand cross-border passenger train arrive at Khamsavath railway station in Vientiane, Laos, July 20, 2024. The Laos-Thailand cross-border passenger train has officially started operation, running between Krung Thep Aphiwat Central station in the Thai capital of Bangkok and Khamsavath railway station in Lao capital Vientiane. (Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua)
Passengers of the first Laos-Thailand cross-border passenger train arrive at Khamsavath railway station in Vientiane, Laos, July 20, 2024. The Laos-Thailand cross-border passenger train has officially started operation, running between Krung Thep Aphiwat Central station in the Thai capital of Bangkok and Khamsavath railway station in Lao capital Vientiane. (Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua)
An aerial drone photo taken on July 20, 2024 shows the first Laos-Thailand cross-border passenger train arriving at Khamsavath railway station in Vientiane, Laos. The Laos-Thailand cross-border passenger train has officially started operation, running between Krung Thep Aphiwat Central station in the Thai capital of Bangkok and Khamsavath railway station in Lao capital Vientiane. (Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua)
Passengers of the first Laos-Thailand cross-border passenger train arrive at Khamsavath railway station in Vientiane, Laos, July 20, 2024. The Laos-Thailand cross-border passenger train has officially started operation, running between Krung Thep Aphiwat Central station in the Thai capital of Bangkok and Khamsavath railway station in Lao capital Vientiane. (Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua)
Passengers wait for the departure of the Thailand-Laos cross-border passenger train at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central station in Bangkok, Thailand, July 19, 2024. The Thailand-Laos cross-border passenger train has officially started operation on Friday. (Photo by Rachen Sageamsak/Xinhua)
Coaches of the Thailand-Laos cross-border passenger train are seen at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central station in Bangkok, Thailand, July 19, 2024. The Thailand-Laos cross-border passenger train has officially started operation on Friday. (Photo by Rachen Sageamsak/Xinhua)
Passengers wait for the departure of the Thailand-Laos cross-border passenger train at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central station in Bangkok, Thailand, July 19, 2024. The Thailand-Laos cross-border passenger train has officially started operation on Friday. (Photo by Rachen Sageamsak/Xinhua)
Passengers wait for the departure of the Thailand-Laos cross-border passenger train at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central station in Bangkok, Thailand, July 19, 2024. The Thailand-Laos cross-border passenger train has officially started operation on Friday. (Photo by Rachen Sageamsak/Xinhua)
