China-Laos Railway Boosts Thai Exports in 2022

December, 15 2021

Thailand-Laos border trade value: 62.481 billion THB, a 23.75% increase
Thai exports to Laos: 53.005 billion THB, a 37.79% increase
Thai imports from Laos: 9.476 billion THB, a 21.18% decrease
Trade surplus: 43.529 billion THB
Total cross-border trade value (all countries): 1.4 trillion THB, a 31.72% increase
Projected annual growth (2021): 30%
Expected growth in 2022: 6-8%

Deputy Prime Minister Jurin Laksanawisit has urged Thailand to maximize trade benefits from the China-Laos railway.

A joint government-private sector meeting was held to assess trade opportunities in Nong Khai, the key transit point for Thai-Laos trade.
The Thai Logistics Federation is negotiating with Chinese authorities for an MOU to facilitate Thai exports.
The railway reduces shipping time from Kunming to Nong Khai from 2 days by truck to just 15 hours by train.
Laos’ planned border reopening in 2022 is expected to boost tourism and services, particularly healthcare, retail, and education.

Thai trade officials in Laos are monitoring rail cargo flows at the Mohan-Boten border checkpoint.

Key Updates:

Lao authorities have facilitated customs clearance, quarantine, and inspections.
China is preparing to process 8 key product categories (meat, seafood, grains, fruits, seedlings, logs, and high-risk agricultural goods).
Full readiness expected by March-April 2022, allowing Thai fruit & vegetable exports to accelerate.

Dr. Jaturong Bunnag, Chairman of the Thai-Lao Business Council, estimates:

Rail transport will cut logistics costs by 67%, enhancing Thai export competitiveness.
Thai-Laos trade could grow 15% in 2022, excluding further expansion to China.
Construction of the 2nd Thai-Lao railway bridge is urgent to prevent bottlenecks.

China imported 33 rail containers of vegetables in the first week of operations.
The second week saw an increase to 40 containers.
Thailand’s initial exports via railway:
- Rubber, cassava, and mineral ores (approved for immediate transport).
- Fresh produce & agricultural goods must pass the Mohan-Boten checkpoint and meet China’s 22-item protocol (effective Sept 23, 2021).
- Packaged consumer goods cannot yet be exported via rail.

Thailand is pushing to increase border crossings at:

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