Chaiwut said he expected brisk trade – especially in e-commerce – as soon as the land link between the two countries is restored on Monday. Laotians like to do e-shopping for Thai goods and the reopening Thai-Lao transport routes would boost online trade, he added.

The Digital Economy and Society Ministry is working to extend internet access to all communities in Nong Khai province in a bid to tap e-shopping demand from Laos.

Chaiwut said most residents of the Northeast province now had access to free Wi-Fi.

He also visited local community leaders and chiefs of tambon administrative organisation (TAO)s and municipalities to gather their opinions on developing the province’s digital economy. He said the government was ready to grant more money to Nong Khai’s digital development in line with locals’ needs and suggestions.