China adds new direct freight train service from Zhengzhou to Thailand

(ECNS) — A new scheduled express freight train service linking China, Laos and Thailand now connects Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan Province, directly with Map Ta Phut in Thailand, Zhengzhou Customs said Tuesday.

The train departed from Zhengzhou International Land Port and crossed into Laos through the Mohan border port in Yunnan Province. The journey to Map Ta Phut takes five to six days.

The service is an important expansion of the Zhengzhou-based China-Europe freight train network and adds a new international trade corridor linking China with ASEAN. Map Ta Phut is another direct destination on the network serving ASEAN, following Laem Chabang in Thailand.

The inaugural train carried 848 metric tons of goods, including tires, machinery parts and plywood. Chemical raw materials accounted for 480 metric tons of the cargo. Produced by a Henan-based new materials company, the materials are specifically destined for chemical industries in Thailand's Eastern Economic Corridor. The launch further improves international logistics links between Henan and ASEAN markets.

To facilitate efficient customs clearance, Zhengzhou Railway Station Customs provided advance guidance on commodity classification and implemented measures including expedited railway clearance and inspections before loading. These measures improved customs clearance efficiency by 20%, customs officials said.

From January to September, freight trains on the Zhengzhou-based China-Europe network made 2,948 trips, carrying 286,000 containers, up 30.6% and 26.6%, respectively, from the same period last year.

With the addition of Map Ta Phut, the network now has 30 overseas direct destinations and 10 entry and exit ports, serving more than 140 cities in over 40 countries, according to the data.

(By Evelyn)