BANGKOK, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) on Thursday launched a freight train across the First Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge at Thailand's Nong Khai railway station near the border with Laos.
The SRT freight train, which started on Thursday at Nong Khai station in northeastern Thailand, carried cargoes from Laem Chabang port to a Container Yard Center at Tha Na Laeng station in Lao capital Vientiane. The train service is in line with logistical development plans of both countries.
Acting SRT Governor Worawut Mala presided over the opening ceremony for the launch of the freight train held at Nong Khai station, which was attended by Thailand's Rail Transport Department Director General Saravut Songwilai and Laos' Railway Department Chief Sengthavisay Malivanh.
Worawut said the freight train service was considered a successful rail transport which can keep the two neighboring countries connected. That is in line with plans to turn Thailand into a trade and transport hub for Greater Mekong Sub-region.
The cross-border train, which runs on a 3.5 km route, used to carry only passengers but from now on they can carry cargoes as well, with four train trips daily, Worawut said.
