The International College of Digital Innovation (ICDI), led by Assistant Professor Dr. Ruchira Ouncharoen, Dean of ICDI, along with a team of researchers, conducted a field survey of key railway routes in Laos-Thailand from July 7-10, 2024. This survey is part of a project to develop an information system for logistics and supply chain management for the transportation of goods between China, Africa, Europe, Malaysia, and Singapore through Thailand's railway system. The objective is to analyze and develop the information system for logistics and supply chain management, aiming to enhance the efficiency of goods transportation, increase Thailand's competitiveness, and promote international trade through railway connections linking Thailand, Laos, China, and other regions.
The survey covered the following key railway stations:
- Luang Prabang Railway Station: The team studied the cargo transportation system and important rail transport areas, observing train sets and containers.
- Boten Railway Station: This major cargo and passenger transport hub has three key checkpoints: customs, cargo, and immigration. It connects Boten with Bohan, the gateway to China. The station facilitates cargo transport by both rail and truck, with numerous companies operating in the special economic zone along Highway 13.
- Thanaleng Railway Station: The team met with representatives from the Department of Transportation in Vientiane to gather information on transportation, including the number of trips, container volumes, cargo volumes, and various statistics.
- Na Tha and Nong Khai Railway Stations: The survey included studying the rail cargo transport system from China through Laos to Thailand, and from Thailand to Laos-China. The team collected data on rail and truck transport, focusing on cargo types, volumes, container volumes, trip numbers, and daily transport schedules.
This survey marks a significant step in developing Thailand's transport infrastructure and promoting Thailand as a key logistics hub in the region.