Rail strike costing firms millions

The logistics sector has lost at least five million baht so far because of the nationwide rail strike, according to the Federation of Thai Logistics Service Providers.

Federation vice president Thongyoo Kongkan said on Tuesday that industry disagreed with the State Railway of Thailand workers union's decision to stop work in opposition to the government's plan to restructure the railway management.

He said the strike had affected both local and foreign logistics operations. About 1,600 cargo containers were being moved through Laem Chabang Sea Port each day, but not all goods could be delivered following the rail strike.

Traders had to pay 3,000 baht to rent a container and 5,000 to 6,000 baht for transport services, and did not know who would be responsible for these losses, he said.

Meanwhile, more than 100,000 train passengers were left stranded on the second day of the strike.