Thailand is set to link with the existing Laos-China rail network, a part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
The connection, upon commencement, will make it possible to travel by train from Bangkok to China’s capital via stops in Laos’ Vientiane and the southern Chinese city of Kunming, where there is a separate semi-high-speed service to Beijing.
In light of the area’s mountainous terrain which adds to the distance, the roughly 2,000-mile (3,218-kilometer) journey will take almost a full day, as against the ballpark figure of five hours for a non-stop flight.
As per a Nikkei report, the already operating high-speed train between China and Laos offers a route for Thai goods to be transported via rail to Kunming.
This rail route has helped reduce the delivery time to just 15 hours from the two days it takes for trucks to carry freight to China along the mountainous route.
Enhancing Thailand-China Connectivity
Improving connectivity with China, its chief trade ally, is a strategic move for Thailand to stimulate its lagging economic growth.
The Southeast Asian nation’s exports to China totalled almost $32 billion in the first 11 months of last year, with top products including fruit and rubber products, according to government data.
During the same period, Thailand’s imports from China reached a value of $65.3 billion, led by sectors including electric equipment and machinery.
Beyond trade, the two nations are forging closer tourism ties and have even scrapped tourist visa rules. Visitors from China can stay for up to 60 days in Thailand, while tourists from Thailand can stay in China for 30 days.
Plans are underway for a high-speed rail system to connect Thailand to China through Laos by 2028, a development expected to further bolster the tourism sector.
Source: wionews.com With inputs from agencies
