Thailand, Laos officially open rail link

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Updated March 9, 2009 15:59:59

Thailand and Laos have officially opened the first rail link connecting the two countries over a bridge spanning the Mekong River.

In a step towards a regional dream of connecting Asia by rail, Thai Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presided over the opening of the link connecting Thailand's Nong Khai Province to Tha Naleng in Laos. The line will be extended from Tha Naleng station to Vientiane in the near future. Both sides have hailed the inauguration as a key step towards opening up a regional route ferrying goods and passengers.

Presenter: Sonja Heydeman
Speakers: Dr Andrew Walker, College of Asia and the Pacific, Australian National University; Kiat Sittheeamorn, trade representative, Thailand; David Iverach, CEO of investments, Australian private investment company, Transfield

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