Thailand launches rail freight pilot to boost regional logistics

Thailand has launched a pilot rail freight project aimed at transforming the country into a regional logistics hub. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Pipat Ratchakitprekan presided over the commencement of the trial at Laem Chabang Port in Chonburi province.

The pilot project operates on a strategic route connecting Laem Chabang Port to Nong Khai, which serves as a gateway to Laos and southern China. The trial utilizes a collaborative model involving private sector locomotives from TPI Polene Public Company Limited and State Railway of Thailand (SRT) wagons to transport rubber products from Sri Trang Logistics.

This initiative seeks to test the ‘Open Access’ model under the Rail Transport Act of 2025. By collecting real-world data on costs—including access charges, fuel, and handling—authorities aim to compare rail efficiency against road transport in terms of price, time, and reliability. The goal is to shift long-distance freight from roads to rail, using road transport primarily as a feeder system to enhance national and cross-border trade connectivity.