KHON KAEN, Thailand, August 19, 2025 — Regional stakeholders are calling on governments, industry leaders, and private businesses to harness the full potential of the China-Laos-Thailand (CLT) Railway, which has significantly enhanced connectivity and travel across the three countries. At the Conference on Logistics and Tourism Promotion Along the China-Laos-Thailand Railway held in Khon Kaen, participants shared updates on logistics and tourism opportunities driven by the railway, while also identifying gaps that could be addressed through collective regional action.
Organized by the Mekong Institute (MI) at the behest of the Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Khon Kaen, and co-hosted by the Foreign Affairs Office of the People’s Government of Yunnan Province, the event gathered nearly 300 participants to explore ways to strengthen cross-border trade and tourism facilitation, improve logistics efficiency, and enhance regional travel experiences—particularly in Northeastern Thailand, known locally as Isan.
Consul-General Liu Hongmei noted the region’s untapped potential. “During my two years as Consul General, I have traveled extensively throughout Northeastern Thailand and found that this region possesses clear geographic, industrial, and developmental advantages, with immense growth potential,” she said. “Located in the heart of the Indochina Peninsula, Isan serves as a vital link for the China-Thailand Railway, a flagship Belt and Road Initiative project. This makes Northeastern Thailand a pivotal player in the regional connectivity network.”
Thailand’s Vice Minister for Tourism and Sports, H.E. Mr. Jakkaphon Tangsuttitham, spoke of the railway’s role in advancing tourism. “The China-Laos-Thailand Railway has quickly emerged as a transformative connector in mainland Southeast Asia. It is more than just a physical link—it is a new artery of growth and a ‘tourism spine’ that can connect diverse cultural, natural, and creative destinations across our region,” he said.
The Vice Minister further noted that the connectivity presents unique opportunities for Thailand. As a transportation hub in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS), the railway is seen as a catalyst for boosting cross-border tourism and enhancing trade logistics. This positions not only Bangkok and Chiang Mai but also emerging destinations like Nong Khai, Udon Thani, and Khon Kaen as part of a sustainable and inclusive regional tourism network.
Lao PDR, which has already reaped significant benefits since the launch of the China-Laos Railway in 2021, echoed this view. Mr. Daochinda Siharath, Managing Director of Lao National Railways under the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, highlighted how the project has reshaped the country. “In Laos, the railway has already become a vital driver of transformation—reducing transport costs, boosting trade flows, and creating new opportunities for tourism. It has turned Laos into a land-linked hub, connecting us to regional and global markets,” he said. “With integration into Thailand’s railway network, our three nations are now poised to create an unbroken rail corridor linking China’s hinterland with Southeast Asia’s heartland and beyond.”
Since opening, the China-Laos Railway has contributed to average annual GDP growth of 4 percent in Lao PDR, fueled expansion in logistics, manufacturing, and tourism, and indirectly created 120,000 jobs. Over 10 million passengers have traveled along the Lao PDR section, and more than 3,000 types of goods are now transported. Daily exports include over 2,000 tons of tropical fruits—more than 1,400 tons of which are durian—representing a 200 percent increase compared to last year. Much of this supply originates in Thailand, which benefits from the 40-hour full cold-chain delivery system.
Mr. Hao Kun, Director-General of the Foreign Affairs Office of the People’s Government of Yunnan Province, China, shared that the value of the China-Laos Railway has become increasingly evident with the extension of its reach. “Its service network now covers 19 countries including Laos, Thailand, Viet Nam, and Myanmar, as well as 31 provinces, regions, and municipalities in China, making it a golden link for deepening China-ASEAN economic cooperation and promoting regional connectivity,” he said.
Talking about the conference’s broader vision, MI Executive Director Mr. Suriyan Vichitlekarn said that “At the heart of regional cooperation is transport connectivity—particularly rail. This is not just about infrastructure; it is about building a strategic economic corridor that can boost growth, strengthen resilience, and deepen integration across the GMS. By linking logistics and tourism with emerging industries like wellness, creative services, and medical tourism, we can scale the benefits of this economic corridor for all.”
The conference featured 25 exhibitors and announced the Top 10 Most Preferred Destinations in Isan, based on an online survey conducted since July 18. Breakout sessions on tourism and logistics enabled deeper discussion, while business-matching sessions explored opportunities for collaboration among participants.
