The Haphazard creation and implementation of transport rules and Customs procedures along the border between Thailand and Laos has finally brought Thai businessmen to the end of their tether. Key among the issues raised was the need to standardise weight limits for goods vehicles, and the need for an agreement with the Hanoi government permitting goods transported from Thailand and Laos to pass through central Vietnam. Different weight limits, according to the chambers, result in a waste of time and money. While Thailand allows 26 tonnes maximum weight, trucks in Laos are limited to 23 tonnes.
Trucks coming from Thailand have to be unloaded at the border, and the cargo redistributed.
The transit monopoly was another target of criticism. Transport of goods in transit between Laos and Thailand is currently monopolised by just five operators, the State Railway of Thailand, Ubonsahatham Transport, RCL Co, TL Enterprises and the Express Transport Organisation. According to the chambers of commerce, the end of this monopoly would, on its own, result in a 20 per cent reduction in overall transport costs. Lack of synchronisation often delays shipments by a whole day. To date, the only positive result of the pressure is that Customs officials on both sides have agreed to relax existing rules requiring prior permission for re-export of goods in either direction.