Thai exports to China through the Laos-China high-speed railway have increased significantly, as shorter transport time provides greater opportunities for Thai products to enter the Chinese market. Thailand also has advantages from free trade agreements that will enable it to export more to China.

Deputy Government Spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said that, from January to May 2023, Thai exports to China through this railway amounted to 2.8 billion baht, an increase of 260 percent over the same period of last year.

According to a report from the Ministry of Commerce, the top ten Thai exports from Nong Khai via Lao PDR to China during the five-month period include (1) durian (2,073 million baht), (2) mangosteen (378.6 million baht), (3) transformers and components (315.2 million baht), (4) longan (37.4 million baht), (5) mineral products and other fuels (17.89 million baht), (6) processed pineapple (11.43 million baht), (7) pomelo (2.99 million baht), (8) agro-industrial products (2.72 million baht), (9) mango (1.79 million baht), and (10) other fruits (1.52 million baht).

Thai fruits, especially durian, are popular among Chinese consumers. The Laos-China railway reduces transport time for Thai exports to China to less than 15 hours from two days by the R3A route.

Ms. Rachada said that the Thai government has continued to proceed with its plan to connect Thailand’s rail system with that of Laos and China, especially the China-Thailand High-Speed Railway project (Bangkok–Nong Khai railway). In the first phase, a railway line is being built between Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima and is scheduled to be completed in 2026, linking with regional transport networks.

She said that the Government was striving to develop rail infrastructure to reduce transport time, production costs, and logistics expenses, as well as enhancing the competitiveness of Thai exporters and promoting Thailand as a regional transport hub.