ส.อ.ท. ดันขนส่งไทย–ลาวไร้รอยต่อ เร่งแก้จุดติดขัดชายแดน เปิดทางการค้า–โลจิสติกส์ขยายตัวFTI Advocates for Seamless Thai-Laos Transport, Accelerates Solutions to Border Bottlenecks, and Expands Trade and Logistics Opportunities

FTI is making strides to facilitate smooth and equitable road transport between Thailand and Lao PDR, aiming to reduce bottlenecks in cargo transfers, develop Common Control Areas (CCA) and Single Stop Inspections (SSI), and initiate new routes. Additionally, it has proposed to elevate the discussion mechanism to quarterly meetings to timely address transportation issues and support trade between the two nations.

On September 3, 2026, Mr. Sunthornpol Veeraprawat, Vice Chairman of ASEAN and Logistics Affairs at the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Trade Facilitation for Cross-Border and Transit Commerce, along with Mr. Thongchai Wanichvikrom, Vice Chairman of the Subcommittee on Infrastructure, Logistics, and Supply Chain, and Mr. Piyawat Laoordtpong, Subcommittee Member and Secretary, represented FTI in discussions regarding road transport between Thailand and Lao PDR at the Grand Ballroom of the Pullman Hotel in Luang Prabang, Lao PDR.

[Accelerating the Unblocking of Goods Transport – Creating Equitable Conditions on Both Sides of the Border]
One of the key issues that the Thai business sector is advocating for is the reduction of restrictions on cross-border goods transport, especially concerning Thai-registered trucks that must transfer cargo to Lao-registered trucks upon passing through border checkpoints in Lao PDR, which poses ongoing obstacles that the Thai private sector has consistently addressed with their Lao counterparts.

During this meeting, the Thai side affirmed the principle of ensuring that goods transport between the two countries remains equitable and beneficial to both parties. It was also communicated that Thailand is in the process of issuing a notification defining areas where Lao trucks must transfer their cargo to designated locations within Thailand to create a balance in cross-border transportation.

Simultaneously, Thailand proposed the establishment of Common Control Areas (CCA) and the use of Single Stop Inspections (SSI), whereby the Nakhon Phanom Border Transport Center and the Chiang Khong Cargo Transfer Center are prepared to handle the related procedures. The Lao side will take the proposals for internal discussion with relevant agencies to seek concluding agreements by the end of 2026.

[Opening New Routes to Enhance Travel and Trade Options]
Regarding passenger transport, both parties discussed launching three new bus routes, namely Bangkok–Savanakhet, Pattaya–Pakse, and Pattaya–Vientiane. This initiative aims to increase choices for the public and tourists while also discussing fare regulations that reflect actual costs and can be adjusted to align with future energy situations.

Furthermore, both sides are preparing to designate primary coordinators for passenger and cargo transport, which will enable faster resolution of issues and improved information coordination between the two countries. They also requested Lao PDR to draft a new agreement on road transport that aligns with the current transport context.

[From “Annual Meetings” to a Quarterly Monitoring Mechanism]
Another significant point raised by Thailand is the proposal to change the meeting frequency from once a year to quarterly, to ensure ongoing resolution of issues and continuous monitoring of progress, especially concerning matters that directly impact operators.

Both sides also discussed the impending implementation of GPS systems for passenger and cargo transport entering Thailand in early 2027, with Thailand offering technical support to assist Lao operators.

This discussion reflects a key direction that enhancing cross-border trade reliance not only on the volume of goods but also on a streamlined transport system, consistent regulations, and interconnected infrastructure to help reduce costs and transit times, thus bolstering the Thai-Lao capacity as part of the regional supply chain.