August 3, 2023
PHNOM PENH – Transport experts hail the recent railway link between Cambodia and Thailand as a significant development that will boost travel, tourism and freight transport, benefiting both countries’ economies.
Sin Chanthy, president of the Cambodia Logistics Association (CLA), announced the news of the formal connectivity on July 26, highlighting its potential as a vital logistics transport line for ASEAN and China.
Chanthy noted that the development was eagerly anticipated, especially by the transport sector, as until now goods have typically been transported by truck.
“Rail transport saves more time than other means. In addition, it minimises road damage and also keeps transport fares down,” he said.
Chanthy suggested that the new rail link could expand Cambodian trade, allowing the exploration of export routes from Cambodia via Thailand to Laos and China.
Echoing Chanthy, Chea Chandara, president of the Logistics and Supply Chain Business Association in Cambodia, explained that rail transport is not only faster than trucking but also more affordable than water transport.
He underscored the impact on the transport sector, foreseeing reductions in transport charges, time savings, and enhanced economic flow between the two countries. This is not limited to freight transport; passenger transport, including investors, would also be positively affected.
Situated at the Khlong Roloek village railway station in Thailand’s Sa Kaeo province, the railway link is a collaboration between locally-owned Royal Railway Plc and Thai firm Global Multimodal Logistics Co Ltd.
At the inauguration, John Guiry, executive director of Royal Railway, emphasised the significance of the link. Describing it as a vital infrastructure development, Guiry mentioned its potential to enhance goods and logistics transport efficiency within the ASEAN region and China.
He also pointed out the wider benefits, such as reduced transport spending, energy conservation, less environmental impact and improved standards for global trade.