Freight Transport Volumes Between Thailand and its Neighbours

Today, let’s take a look at freight transport volumes between Thailand and its neighboring countries. Did you know that Thailand moves goods by rail across its borders?  Let’s dive in and see which countries are involved—and just how much cargo is transported.

Thai–Lao Rail Freight

The rail route connecting Thailand and Laos highlights the growing importance of rail logistics in the region. Here’s the volume of freight transported:

• 2021: 2,288 tonnes
• 2022: 28,530 tonnes (+1,147% year-over-year)
• 2023: 46,287 tonnes (+62%)
• 2024: 60,079 tonnes (+30%)

This represents an average growth rate of 413% over three years, underscoring the rapid rise in Thai–Lao trade by rail. Popular commodities on this route include agricultural products such as fertilizer and rubber.

Thai–Malaysian Rail Freight

Meanwhile, the freight volume between Thailand and Malaysia is as follows:

• 2021: 405,561 tonnes
• 2022: 387,876 tonnes (–4% year-over-year)
• 2023: 329,923 tonnes (–15%)
• 2024: 418,427 tonnes (+27%)

This route has seen only a modest average growth of 3% over three years, despite fluctuations. Even so, the Thai–Malaysian corridor remains one of Thailand’s most important freight rail routes. Top goods on this line include rubber and particleboard.

Lao–Chinese Rail Freight

Freight transport volumes between Laos and China tell an even more dramatic story:

• 2021: 49,000 tonnes
• 2022: 2,262,600 tonnes (+4,518% year-over-year)
• 2023: 3,741,600 tonnes (+65%)
• 2024: 4,927,800 tonnes (+32%)

This route has seen an astonishing average growth rate of 1,538% over three years. As one of the region’s most crucial rail links to China, demand on this corridor is expected to keep rising year after year.