Thailand to develop land transportation system linking with neighbouring countries

BANGKOK, Feb 3 (TNA) - The Land Transport Department of Thailand plans to further developed land transportation system linking with Thailand’s neighbouring countries to cater to the implementation of ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) at the end of 2015, said Somchai Siriwattanachoke, director-general of the department. Currently, Thailand’s Smart Card driving licence could be used by drivers conveniently in member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) while trucks carrying goods and public buses could also travel in countries which have an agreement with Thailand, Mr. Somchai said. Also, trucks and public buses which carry licence plates issued by the Department could also travel in neighbouring countries and it is unnecessary for their owners to change licence plates because they are already written in English. The Land Transport Department has also cooperated with concerned agencies in following the agreement made by ASEAN members on transporting passengers across the border. Presently, such agreements are made by Thailand with the three Indochinese countries -- Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam – while a similar agreement is expected to be made along the Thai-Lao-Chinese border. Mr. Somchai said his department also plans to develop transportation basic infrastructure by establishing a cargo warehouse transmission in Chiang Khong district in the northernmost province of Chiang Rai province. Also, 15 warehouses will be built along the border areas. (TNA)