Thailand's electric train services to be protected from floods

BANGKOK, November 4 (TNA) - Agencies concerned are fully protecting Bangkok's skytrain and subway services from floods. Bangkok Governor M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra told reporters that concerned parties are scheduled to meet on Friday to discuss urgent measures to prevent inundations at skytrain stations located in areas now at risk of floods. Executives of the state-run Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA), the operator of the capital's subway system, said that the MRTA has also prepared measures to prevent floods at stations located in areas at risk, including erecting firm floodwalls and sandbag dykes. The move followed updated reports that some inner areas in the city, including the Lat Phrao Intersection and some parts of Ratchadaphisek Road where many electric train stations are located, have already been submerged by some 20-40 centimetre-high floodwaters. Meanwhile, Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra held talks with the Bangkok governor on ways to expedite drainage of floodwater from the capital, noting that coordination in updated information on the overall water situation among all parties concerned is being further strengthened to quickly resolve the country's ongoing flood crisis. (TNA)