It is imperative for the agencies related to the railway system in Thailand should have integrated operations, particularly in temperature-controlled rail transport projects and then extend to the development of a rail transport network. There is a rail transport link between Thailand, Laos, and China to promote the export of goods, especially agricultural products, which constitute a significant portion of Thailand's exports, by rail transportation.

A policy plan should be formulated to support the transport of goods into and out of Thailand via temperature-controlled rail. It should include conducting surveys and studies on the various types of temperature-controlled shipping containers utilized domestically and internationally to understand the capabilities and limitations of these containers and to enable the solutions to develop Thailand's rail freight transport capabilities.

Furthermore, there is a need for a thorough analysis of data on the demand for transporting goods to and from neighboring countries. This analysis should include all modes of transportation, allowing for informed estimations of future transportation demand and predictions regarding potential shifts towards rail transport.

There should be initiatives to promote the capacity of Thailand's industrial sector to be able to develop temperature-controlled container prototypes which respond to the needs of transporting goods by railway, especially agricultural products, and to promote Thailand’s agricultural sector to have access the rail transportation system offering high-quality solutions at lower transportation costs compared to alternative modes of transportation.

Given the limitations of civil structures, the use of different rail standards will result in different carriage (Bogie), wheel and rail profiles (Rail/Wheel profile), and structural zones (Structure Gauge). Correspondingly, it is essential to allocate space for accommodating the transfer of standard rail systems. This space should facilitate seamless transitions between 1-meter and 1.435-meter width rail systems, particularly for the transportation of imported, exported, and transiting goods across international borders.

The construction of a new bridge across the Mekong River should be designed to meet structure standards capable of accommodating the China-Laos high-speed train. Specifically, the bridge structure must be engineered to withstand axle loads of more than 25 tons/axle to support the weight of China-Laos train cargo containers and the entire railway system. Moreover, the bridge should be constructed with the capability to accommodate both 1-meter and 1.435-meter widths, thereby enabling connectivity within the Thai-Laos-China railway system upon project completion. It is expected that it will be able to push forward the transition of goods transport within Thailand.

Developing policies to reduce transportation costs, including essential and non-essential expenses such as customs clearance fees, container yard space usage fees, truck transfer fees between Meter Gauge and Standard Gauge railways, and loading/unloading costs for railcars, is crucial to incentivize domestic entrepreneurs to utilize rail delivery services more extensively. Given that rail transport typically entails reduced expenditures for freight movement and yields less pollution than alternative modes of transportation, it will result in a worthwhile investment and control over all operating costs.

There should be promotion of export products produced within Thailand. 
Developing policies to reduce transportation costs, including essential and non-essential expenses such as customs clearance fees, container yard space usage fees, truck transfer fees between Meter Gauge and Standard Gauge railways, and loading/unloading costs for railcars, is crucial to incentivize domestic entrepreneurs to utilize rail delivery services more extensively. Given that rail transport typically entails reduced expenditures for freight movement and yields less pollution than alternative modes of transportation, it will result in a worthwhile investment and control over all operating costs.

An appropriate curriculum should be designed to enable the training of Lao individuals for the position of train driver. This initiative is crucial in preparation for the opening of the train between Thailand-Laos on the Nong Khai-Vientiane route, as the territory of Thailand ends at Thana Laeng station, situated at a considerable distance from the final station, Vientiane Station (Ban Khamsawat), approximately 7.5 kilometres away, there arises a necessity for proficient Lao train drivers. These drivers would be responsible for operating the train along this extended distance.

If it is challenging to have a student of Lao nationality for the designated driver position, consideration should be given to making an international agreement to support policies or protections for train operators in driving trains continuously to the extension section at Ban Khamsawat station (such as train drivers, mechanics, wheel brake operators, or employees. maintain the car, etc.) 

1) Mrs. Yaowalak Sunthornnon, Advisor

2) Ms. Phattharasuda Wichayapong, Senior Researcher

3) Miss Uma Phongkitdechhot, Researcher

4) Mrs. Nichapat Blake, Researcher

5) Mr. Teerapat Phukerd, Researcher

6) Mr. Kiattiphum Noisuwan, Researcher

7) Ms. Pimchanok Panthai, Analyst

8) Miss Phakwan Poonjitborisut, Technologist