Laos is heavily indebted to and economically dependent on China. Could Vietnam and Thailand offer a way out of its conundrum? The post Laos Is Turning to Its Neighbors to Loosen China's Economic Grip appeared first on World Politics Review.

During the SpringFestival holiday passengers travel home or explore new destinations via trains running between southwest China Kunming and Vientian

Thailand expects to complete its first high-speed rail network linking the country to China through Laos in 2030, a long-delayed project officials have touted as key to furthering bilateral relations and trade between the two nations.

With the Chinese New Year approaching, the Laos-China Railway has rolled out special measures at the Bohan Railway Border, including expanded counter services and a lane for travelers, to manage the surge in passenger flow.

By 2030, the US$13 billion Thai network is expected to connect to the Laos-China high-speed railway via a bridge over the Mekong River.

According to a report from the Lao Ministry of Public Security, human trafficking in Laos often involves brokers and criminals using cyber scams, particularly call-center scams, to trick Lao girls into risky and illegal situations.

Thailand's high-speed rail project connecting Bangkok to China through Laos has achieved significant progress, with the first phase now over one-third complete

Thailand’s high-speed rail project is projected to connect the country with China by 2030. This railway will create a direct link between Bangkok, Thailand, and Kunming, China. As a result, travel time is expected to be greatly reduced. Additionally, the project will boost trade and strengthen economic ties across Southeast Asia.

Laos is heavily indebted to and economically dependent on China. Could Vietnam and Thailand offer a way out of its conundrum?

Thailand aims to establish its first high-speed rail connection to China via Laos, enhancing trade and relations. The 609-kilometer network, part of China's Belt and Road Initiative, promises economic growth despite current delays.

The project is part of Thailand's broader strategy to bolster links with China, its largest trading partner, as it strives to keep pace with regional peers.