What gauge are they talking about. Talking about a "cross docking station in Nong Khai" sounds like they are staying with the one meter gauge and then transfer the freight to Standard Gauge cars for the trip across Laos and into China.
I live in Nong Khai but foreign food in restaurants is extremely rare and now limited to one that I know. Very little English spoken here at all. Been a resident for 15 years and visitor for 8 years before that.
Having been a volunteer instructor in Nong Khai (Isan) I saw the changes that took place when money was spent in the provinces and not just Bangkok. He did very well for us who are not fixated with Bangkok. Yes I welcome him back!