South-bound train strike continues

The suspension of South-bound train services continued on Monday and State Railway of Thailand (SRT) labour union members in Hat Yai insisted they will not resume work until the locomotives are safe to drive again.

Trains heading from Bangkok to the South have to stop at Surat Thani,where SRT workers have halted services for four consecutive days.

The railway labour union in Hat Yai announced that they will not operate 26 locomotives in the depot until they are repaired.

"The SRT executives can no longer be passive about the problem. There are political pressures on the railway workers when there are no clear measures to ensure the passengers' safety," Wirut Sakaekhum, SRT labour union chief in Hat Yai, said.

The work stoppage will continue indefinitely, Mr Wirut said.

Meanwhile, few passengers were boarding the three South-bound trains from Bangkok on Monday morning bound for Nakhon Si Thammarat, Surat Thani and Trang.

Surat Thani station master Sunthorn Wattanano said there were few passengers because most people were aware of the halting of train services in the South.

However, the SRT had prepared air-conditioned buses for passengers arriving at Surat Thani train station free of charge.

The railway strike started following a train derailment in Hua Hin on Oct 5 what left seven passangers dead and 88 injured. The SRT later decided to dismiss driver Roengsak Phanthep, who admitted falling asleep after taking medication.