One southern train resumes operation

One southern train service resumed operation on Wednesday morning, the rest still at a standstill since State Railway of Thailand (SRT) union members have refused to operate train services to the deep South on Oct 16, citing safety concerns.

"The free-ride train No.463  linking Songkhla's Hat Yai and Narathiwat's Sungai Kolok has started running again and it will stop by about 28 stations throughout the day," SRT governor Yutthana Thapcharoen said.

This eight-carriage train service would carry approximately 1,500 passengers  day, including students.

"Trains running from Hat Yai to Bangkok and Bangkok to southern stations are still operating normally. People can buy tickets at train stations or reserve them online at www.railway.co.th," Mr Yutthana said.

Meanwhile, railway staff were cleaning up areas around Yala train station and damaged wooden railway  sleepers were being replaced.

Yala station master Chawana Chumnumphan said the 12-day rail suspension of services in the South had cost about 1.8 million baht in lost revenue.

"If there are no further problems, trains should arrive at Yala train station this morning," Mr Chawanan said.

SRT southern office director Thanongsak Pongprasert said the SRT will try to get all southern trains running  soon as possible. 

"There will be another round of negotiations between the management and the labour union later today and the situation is likely to improve," Mr Thanongsak said.

The talks would cover all issues including the safety of railway tracks and locomotives, he said.