11-12-2023 (BANGKOK) Global Multimodal Logistics (GML), Market Organisation for Farmers (MOF), and Pan-Asia Silk Co Ltd (PAS) have formed a strategic alliance to establish a rail transport network for the export of Thai agricultural products. This collaboration aims to connect Thailand with China, Russia, and the European Union, expanding trade opportunities for the country’s farmers.
The inaugural journey of this alliance was attended by prominent figures including Captain Thammanat Prompao, the Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister, Prof Nathomon Pinyosinwat, an adviser to the Prime Minister, Prayoon Inskul, the permanent-secretary of the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry, and Vannaporn Ketudat, the inspector-general of the Commerce Ministry. Other notable attendees included Buranin Rattanasombat, the chief officer of New Business and Infrastructure at PTT Plc, Parnithan Meechaiyo, the director-general of MOF, and Philip Zhu, the CEO of PAS.
This groundbreaking trip will mark the first time that Thai farm products are transported to Chengdu, China, and subsequently to the European Union via rail. The journey commenced from Map Ta Phut station on Sunday and is scheduled to arrive in Chengdu on December 15. From there, the train will continue its voyage to Russia and Poland, expanding the export opportunities for Thai agricultural goods.
The project is made possible by the Thailand-Laos-China railway system and aligns with China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). By leveraging rail transportation, the collaboration aims to enhance Thailand’s economic growth by facilitating the export of commodities such as jasmine rice, durian, and rubber.
This initiative is expected to significantly increase the value of Thai agricultural products, fostering stability and growth in the farming sector. Additionally, it will optimize logistical efficiency, ensuring the preservation of product quality, while also contributing to environmental sustainability.
