Lao and Thai authorities are carrying out trial runs of train service in preparation for the start of a cross-border service between Nong Khai railway station in Thailand and Khamsavath railway station in Lao capital Vientiane.

The test run from Thanaleng railway station to Khamsavath railway station in Laos is scheduled from Tuesday to Friday. Nine journeys are being trialed each day between 08:30 a.m. to 03:30 p.m. local time, according to Lao National Radio report on Thursday.

Khonesavanh Khamphivong, manager of Thanalaeng railway station, said the trains are running smoothly and more trial runs will be carried out until Monday.

From Saturday to Monday, a trial service will run from northeast Thailand's Udon Thani province, through Nong Khai, and end at Khamsavath railway station.