“But travel restrictions imposed during the Covid-19 crisis has caused the border trade to drop by more than 60 per cent,” she said. She said consumer behaviour has transformed after the Covid-19 crisis, as most Laotians only go to Udon Thani to see the doctor, refuel their vehicles or purchase necessities. “Foreign investors have introduced big changes in Laos, with many 4- to 5-star hotels being built in Vientiane,” she said. She added that now travellers preferred to put up in Vientiane as hotels are cheaper there and they can take the China-Laos high-speed railway to continue their journey. “Soon Thais will be crossing the Mekong River to go shopping in Vientiane instead,” she added.

Source: The Nation Bangkok July 17, 2022 09:16 UTC