ID :
86747
Thu, 10/29/2009 - 20:02
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http://m.oananews.org//node/86747
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Rail services to deep South back on track
SONGKHLA, Oct 29 (TNA) - Thailand's train services to its violence-plagued southern border region, now suspended for two weeks, resumed Thursday following successful negotiations between the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and the Hat Yat branch of the SRT labour union.
Long-haul routes from Bangkok are scheduled to reach Sungai Golok in Narathiwat, while Hat Yai Junction in Songkhla prepared to operate 12 routes to various destinations in the three southernmost provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala.
The first train of the day from Hat Yai Junction to Sungai Golok, No. 175, departed at 6.30 am and long-haul train No. 171 from Bangkok to Sungai Golok also arrived at Hat Yai before heading to its destination.
Deputy Interior Minister Thavorn Senniam mediated Wednesday's bargaining session between SRT executives and managers, the union and concerned agencies at Hat Yai Junction.
He said Wednesday that the meeting resolved to officially resume only some rail services to the three southernmost provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala from Thursday morning as time is needed for train traffic system management decisions and examination of the condition of locomotives and trailers which have been sitting idle for two weeks.
Mr Thavorn added that a special committee composed of central railway staff and those from the SRT union in Hat Yai will be set up to inspect the condition of locomotives and other rolling stock, as well as communications and switching equipment.
The deputy interior minister said that full services of short- and long-haul trains will resume within three days.
SRT Governor Yutthana Thapcharoen on Wednesday ordered the firing of six SRT workers at Hat Yai Junction for committing ‘drastic offences’.
The governor said one was Virun Sakaekum, head of the SRT union at Hat Yai, and six other workers who violated a court order instructing that train services must operate. He said that ignoring the injunction caused further damage to the SRT.
Meanwhile, the six union members who were fired said they would contest the legality of the governor’s order. They claimed that they believed they have done nothing to obstruct rail operations as accused.
They would consult with lawyers and make their response in accord with SRT regulations.
Rail services in the South stopped abruptly on October 16 due to large numbers of SRT staff taking sick leave and holiday time, leaving insufficient qualified staff to operate the trains. Workers said they feared the state of disrepair of the railway’s aging locomotives, demanding that the engines, the locomotives and their trailers must be fully repaired and declared fit for operation.
Rail service to some destinations resumed during the nearly two-week stoppage, but service to the southernmost provinces had altogether ceased.
Many railway workers claimed they feared for the their safety as there are still attacks by insurgents, but the SRT governor said the trains were well-prepared and up to standard. Security personnel were also assigned to ensure the safety of drivers, workers and passengers. (TNA)
Long-haul routes from Bangkok are scheduled to reach Sungai Golok in Narathiwat, while Hat Yai Junction in Songkhla prepared to operate 12 routes to various destinations in the three southernmost provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala.
The first train of the day from Hat Yai Junction to Sungai Golok, No. 175, departed at 6.30 am and long-haul train No. 171 from Bangkok to Sungai Golok also arrived at Hat Yai before heading to its destination.
Deputy Interior Minister Thavorn Senniam mediated Wednesday's bargaining session between SRT executives and managers, the union and concerned agencies at Hat Yai Junction.
He said Wednesday that the meeting resolved to officially resume only some rail services to the three southernmost provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala from Thursday morning as time is needed for train traffic system management decisions and examination of the condition of locomotives and trailers which have been sitting idle for two weeks.
Mr Thavorn added that a special committee composed of central railway staff and those from the SRT union in Hat Yai will be set up to inspect the condition of locomotives and other rolling stock, as well as communications and switching equipment.
The deputy interior minister said that full services of short- and long-haul trains will resume within three days.
SRT Governor Yutthana Thapcharoen on Wednesday ordered the firing of six SRT workers at Hat Yai Junction for committing ‘drastic offences’.
The governor said one was Virun Sakaekum, head of the SRT union at Hat Yai, and six other workers who violated a court order instructing that train services must operate. He said that ignoring the injunction caused further damage to the SRT.
Meanwhile, the six union members who were fired said they would contest the legality of the governor’s order. They claimed that they believed they have done nothing to obstruct rail operations as accused.
They would consult with lawyers and make their response in accord with SRT regulations.
Rail services in the South stopped abruptly on October 16 due to large numbers of SRT staff taking sick leave and holiday time, leaving insufficient qualified staff to operate the trains. Workers said they feared the state of disrepair of the railway’s aging locomotives, demanding that the engines, the locomotives and their trailers must be fully repaired and declared fit for operation.
Rail service to some destinations resumed during the nearly two-week stoppage, but service to the southernmost provinces had altogether ceased.
Many railway workers claimed they feared for the their safety as there are still attacks by insurgents, but the SRT governor said the trains were well-prepared and up to standard. Security personnel were also assigned to ensure the safety of drivers, workers and passengers. (TNA)
