SRT lays charges against strikers

The State Railway of Thailand on Monday filed a complaint with the Crime Suppression Division against train drivers who are going on strike, saying they are causing it damages of 15 million baht per day.

The complaint was filed by Virat Chantharat, chief of the Legal Investigation Division.  He attached to the complaint two CDs containing pictures of the drivers staging a work stoppage.

Mr Virat said the damage from work stoppages at Hat Yai, Thung Song and Pak Nam Pho railway stations, amounted to about 15 million baht per day.

Moreover, a company that hired the SRT to deliver cargoes from the South to Laem Chabang sea port in Chon Buri was about to sue the SRT because the goods had not reached their destination.  A committee would be set up to investigate this matter. Those who were found at fault would be subject to punishment, he said.

On the drivers' claim that train locomotives were in disrepair, the SRT's technical staff had confirmed that they were in working condition and still being used  on the northern and northeastern routes.

Mr Virat said the strike had badly damaged the SRT's reputation.  "Action must be taken against those who have  broken regulations.  Those found at fault must take the responsibility," he said.

Pol Col Supisan Pakdinarunart, deputy chief of the CSD, accepted the complaint for further investigation.