BTL Joins the Opening of Thanaleng Dry Port International Border in Laos
December, 8 2021
Grand Opening Ceremony on December 4, 2021
On December 4, 2021, at Nong Khai Railway Station, Thai customs and railway officials oversaw the clearance of Bangkok Terminal Logistics Co., Ltd. (BTL) containers. These containers were transported from Laem Chabang Port to Thanaleng Dry Port in Laos to participate in the official opening ceremony of the Thanaleng Dry Port International Border Checking Point and celebrate the launch of the Laos-China Railway.
The Prime Minister of Laos, Mr. Phankham Viphavanh, presided over the event, which was attended by government officials, private sector representatives from Laos and Thailand, including BTL.
Thanaleng Dry Port: A Strategic Logistics Hub
The Thanaleng Dry Port is a crucial part of Vientiane’s logistics system, positioned as a core project of Laos’ National Logistics Strategy. This initiative aims to:
- Position Laos as a key logistics hub in ASEAN and the global supply chain
- Develop cross-border infrastructure to international standards
- Streamline import/export procedures for smooth and secure cargo movement
- Enhance warehousing and cargo handling efficiency
- Create a multimodal transport system (rail, road, and sea) to strengthen Laos' trade connectivity
Once fully developed, Thanaleng Dry Port will become a modern, international-standard logistics hub, enhancing regional connectivity and economic competitiveness.
BTL’s Role in Cross-Border Logistics
Ms. Waraporn Jengcharoen, General Manager of Bangkok Terminal Logistics (BTL), stated that BTL provides comprehensive logistics services, including rail and truck transportation to support businesses across the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS).
Since 2019, BTL has been transporting goods via rail from Laem Chabang to Thanaleng Dry Port and has expanded services to China via the Laos-China Railway.
First Shipment Details:
- Cargo: Agricultural raw materials for animal feed processing
- Route: Laem Chabang → Nong Khai Railway Station → First Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge → Thanaleng Dry Port
- Volume: 12 container wagons
This marks a milestone in regional logistics development, enabling seamless cross-border transport of containerized goods between Thailand, Laos, and China, with potential expansion to third countries via Thailand.
Rail Transport: A Solution for Logistics Challenges
Advantages of Rail Transport Over Other Modes:
- Lower costs than road transport
- Reduced congestion at seaports
- Faster transit times than trucking
- Minimized COVID-19 transmission risks
With Thanaleng Dry Port as a key transshipment hub, Thai businesses urge the government to enhance Nong Khai’s container yard (CY) and container freight station (CFS) infrastructure. This will streamline rail logistics, reduce costs, and support future rail transport growth.