DFNet

July 21, 2026 | The Asia Business Daily |

The launch of a refrigerated freight train linking Thailand, Laos, and China has significantly improved the efficiency of durian transportation, reducing prices and increasing the availability of fresh imported fruit in China. The rail route connects Thailand’s Laem Chabang Port with Chengdu via Laos and Yunnan, offering faster, lower-cost, and more reliable logistics than previous sea or road transport.

Previously, durian shipments took five to seven days and experienced spoilage rates of up to 30%, contributing to high retail prices. With the new refrigerated rail service, customs clearance and sorting can be completed within about 90 minutes after arrival in Chengdu, allowing rapid distribution to more than 30 major Chinese cities.

Consumers have reported price reductions of up to 30% and improved fruit quality, while wholesalers note lower transportation risks and reduced losses. Since operations began, the service has delivered more than 1,000 tons of durians, with sales increasing by an estimated 40–50% compared with the previous year, highlighting the growing importance of refrigerated rail logistics for Southeast Asian fruit exports to China.

Read more