Transport chaos goes off the rails

The Transport Ministry has been ordered to solve the train drivers' dispute, amid fears the work stoppages could spread nationwide.

Angry unionists organised the stoppages after claiming many trains were faulty and saying they feared another deadly derailment.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said he had instructed Transport Minister Sohpon Zarum to ensure a prompt resumption of suspended train services.

State Railway of Thailand chief engineer Krit Salongchaithawat acknowledged there may be an attempt by the union to launch a nationwide strike. The SRT would try to talk the unionists into giving up any plan for a nationwide disruption.

The stoppages mostly affect southern trains originating from the Hat Yai junction in Songkhla, the nerve centre of rail traffic in the lower South.

At the Hat Yai junction yesterday, 18 more train drivers and mechanics took leave of absence, stopping at least eight trains passing through the station including the long-haul Sungai Kolok-Bangkok service.

Most local trains from Hat Yai to Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, Phatthalung, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Chumphon were also suspended indefinitely.

On Friday, unionists refused to operate services on 10 southern and four northeastern routes, claiming there were faults in the locomotives.

Engineers and technical experts, however, said they checked the engines and reported no problems. Mr Abhisit said there was no reason for the work stoppages and the ministry must find out why so many unionists suddenly handed in their leave letters.

Mr Sohpon said he has named a panel to investigate the matter. He threatened disciplinary action against the workers and those who approved their leave if their absence was without good reason.

Mr Sohpon rejected the union's claim that the train engines were not in working order. He said the engines might look old but they were regularly inspected.

The union said it had to ground the engines to prevent a repeat of the fatal derailment in Prachuap Khiri Khan on Oct 5 at the Khao Tao station. Seven passengers died and 88 were injured in the accident which occurred after the driver passed out at the controls. The driver has been dismissed.

Mr Sohpon deplored the work stoppages but promised to act swiftly against the management if they were incompetent, as alleged by the union.

State Railway of Thailand deputy governor Prachak Manotham said workers on other suspended routes had returned to work yesterday.

Mr Prachak said substitute drivers and mechanics would be put to work so services could return to normal.

The union earlier attacked the management for ordering a transfer of some staff, which it deemed unfair.

Wiroon Sakaekhum, head of Hat Yai railway union, said two workers at the Hat Yai junction and the Pak Nam Pho station in Nakhon Sawan were transferred under an urgent order to the SRT headquarters in Bangkok.