"We are very excited to see that our service is warmly welcomed by tourists, and so many passengers took the train today. The service offers a convenient and scenic travel option for passengers heading to Laos and even China," he said.

"The direct train will support and boost tourism, bringing convenience to passengers from Laos, Thailand and the whole region. It will also help to speed up the construction of the China-Laos-Thailand railway in response to surging demand for cross-region train services following the launch of the Laos-Thailand direct train."

The Thai Ministry of Transport estimated the direct train will have about 200,000 passengers annually, creating an income of at least 67 million baht ($1.85 million).

"Operation of the new train is an important step in strengthening the relationship and cooperation in tourism between Thailand and Laos," said Thai Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote. "It will also help to strengthen travel links within the ASEAN region."

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