Thai-Lao meet to mull border links

Thai-Lao meet to mull border links

Thailand and Laos will hold talks over cross-border railway links and the introduction of a single visa during a joint cabinet meeting in Chiang Mai next month.

The meeting will take place on May 19 on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Water Summit.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul and his Lao counterpart Thongloun Sisulit agreed on the arrangements at the 18th Thai-Lao Joint Commission meeting in Prachuap Khiri Khan yesterday.

Mr Surapong said the joint cabinet meeting would be an unofficial one and only related ministers from both countries will attend.

It would be the second Thai-Lao cabinet meeting after the first one was held eight years ago.

Ministers from both countries would discuss cross-border transport of goods, a railway linkage from Thailand via Laos to China, and the introduction of a single visa.

Thailand was ready to develop the railway and would like Laos to hold talks about the issue with China, the minister said.

Border demarcation between the nations is now 93% complete, and will be discussed by senior officials early next month before going to the Joint Boundary Committee meeting in August, Mr Surapong said.

Mr Thongloun said the border problem was a sensitive issue which must be handled carefully.

"It might take time to tackle because the land and water borders are quite long, but I believe the negotiations will come out in a good way," Mr Thongloun said.

Mr Surapong said the countries are planning to upgrade the two temporary border checkpoints at Ban Phudu in Uttaradit province and Ban Huay in Phu Sang district of Phayao province to permanent checkpoints while the process of crossing the border will also be relaxed.

He said Laos is encouraging Thais to invest in the country. Thai investment currently ranks third in Laos after China and Vietnam's.

~News courtesy of Bangkok Post~

Fanta-stic discounts for Legoland Malaysia

Fanta-stic discounts await Legoland visitors

FANTA is offering RM40 discounts on tickets to the Legoland Malaysia theme park in Johor through purchases of any 1.5l or 2l bottle of any flavour.

Fanta producer Coca-Cola Refreshments Sdn Bhd was recently named as the theme park’s official beverage partner.

From now until April 30, consumers need to present a label from a 1.5L or 2L bottle together with the promotional voucher which can be redeemed from supermarkets or hypermarkets.

With the new partnership, visitors at the park can now enjoy a wide range of beverages under the Coca-Cola portfolio including Fanta, Sprite, A&W Sarsaparilla, Heaven & Earth, Dasani mineral water, Vanilla Coke, Coca-Cola Light and Coca-Cola.

The 76-acre Legoland is the sixth in the world and features seven themed areas with more than 40 interactive rides, shows and attractions.

~News courtesy of The Star~

Nok Air unveils Myanmar routes

Nok Air unveils Myanmar routes

Nok Air plans to operate two new routes from Tak's Mae Sot district to Myanmar in preparation for the establishment of the Mae Sot special economic zone and the Asean Economic Community (AEC).


Nok Air’s fourth B737-800, named Nok Naanfah, joins the fleet in July 2012. (Fiile photo)

Nok Air board director Somchainuek Engtrakul and chief executive Patee Sarasin on Sunday led 20 airline executives to board a Nok Air survey flight from Mae Sot to Myanmar's Mawlamyine (formerly Moulmein) ahead of the airline's plan to operate services on that route.

The budget airline also plans to introduce flights between Mae Sot and Yangon.

The move follows a recent agreement between Thailand and Myanmar to permanently open the Mae Sot border checkpoint to boost cross-border trade and tourism. It also aims to capitalise on the 2015 launch of the AEC.

~News courtesy of Bangkok Post~