STRIKE WHILE THE RAILWAY IRON IS HOT

on the spot

The news of the strike by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) labour union dominated newspaper headlines late last month, with over 200,000 passengers left stranded and 16 million baht in damages to the SRT. We won't go asking you about your opinion on the restructuring of the organisation; instead, 'Muse' asked you last week to voice your opinion on the condition and service of the railway system in Thailand. Here are your answers!

Muse's PICK

"

The worst thing about train services in Thailand is the toilets. They are very unhygienic. I can't bear the toilet hole that goes straight down onto the tracks and you can even see the railroad speeding beneath you when you pee. As a result, the railways become a source of germs and disease, especially for people who live close to them. Moreover, seats are not comfortable no matter which type of train you choose.

"Trains in Thailand really need a major overhaul. For carriages, if the State Railway of Thailand plans to spend money to repair or renovate them, they should think carefully whether it is worth it. Perhaps it is better to buy a whole new lot.

"In terms of the organisational structure, I think it's good to have the labour union represent people who work for the SRT. In case of problems or conflicts, the train union will fight for justice on behalf of all train staff.

"But the important thing is that the labour union should exercise its legitimate power by first taking people's welfare into account. They cannot just run a protest or simply stop the service when things do not turn out the way they want because after all those who suffer most are innocent Thai people."

KORNKANOK PANICHWIBOON,

Housewife

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To be honest, I hardly use Thailand's train services, but from my experience, the word that best describes Thai trains is 'disgusting'. I would very much love to see cleaner carriages and especially sanitary toilets.

"I think the best way to improve this is to provide training sessions for toilet cleaners on the train so they know exactly what to do. When on duty, these toilet cleaners should be stationed in each carriage so that they can take immediate action when the toilets start to smell or become nasty. Arrangements for more cleaning shifts are needed. Ideally, toilets on the train should be cleaned every half hour."

WORRAWADEE CHAOKASEM,

Account manager

"

Trains here are too old, and so are their engines. I've heard a lot about train accidents in the past because many times the old locomotives could not work properly. And in terms of the trains' cleanliness, they are gross.

"I used to travel by train both in the third and the second class. Seats and beds in the second-class carriages are only a bit cleaner than those in third class. But it is more hectic and noisy in the third-class carriages.

"Once I had a chance to take a train in Vienna. It was so clean and peaceful. So in Thailand, the first thing the train authority needs to think about is how make it cleaner. If they succeed, I think more lower- and middle-class citizens will be happy with this mode of transportation and certainly more people will opt to travel by train.

"Apart from raising the budget, the train's services should be publicised. These days airline commercials flood the newspapers, television and the internet. Media should in fact play a role in presenting a positive side of train services rather than only focusing on their bad side. Of course, when people hear or read only the downside of trains, no one wants to take a risk and use the service."

PATTHAVENUS TECHAPUN,

Business owner

"

Our trains are dirty and slow as a tortoise. There used to be bed bugs all over the place. And I don't think I'll use the service because it would take me too long to get to the destination.

"Of course, the carriages really do need major changes, both in the interiors and exteriors. But the railroads also need to be renovated. I heard once that somebody stole railway sleepers. Those missing pieces eventually caused a train accident because it could not run on the tracks.

"I think a huge budget is needed to better our train services. If possible, I would love to see entirely new trains, just like those used in Japan, which are safe, fast and clean."

LAMPHAI INTATHEP,

News reporter

"

Taking the train is actually not my preferred mode of transport because of the fact that there are no service lines available at places I frequently visit. Personally, I prefer travelling by car or aeroplane. And if I have to choose between travelling by bus and by train, buses still win.

"Also, trains are slow and unhygienic. However, it is still fine for me to travel a short distance by train. But if you ask me to catch a train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, I might have to say no."

VASANA DEJWAN,

Office worker

Next week: The Metropolitan Electricity Authority has threatened to cut off the electricity supply to the Ministry of Finance. Despite the MEA labour union insisting that this has nothing to do with the government's refusal to pay the 2000 baht cost-of-living allowance to MEA employees, many see it as a bargaining tactic since there are many other government offices that owe electricity fees to the MEA - worth over 1 billion baht. 'Muse' asks you what you think of the MEA's sudden threat to cut off electricity and whether or not government departments should be allowed to owe electricity fees this long when civilians are only allowed seven days before their electricity is cut off. Also, what do you think the government and all state offices should do to help cut down energy consumption. Share your view by sending it to muse@bangkokpost.co.th by July 8. A little prize awaits the person who gives us our favourite answer.

Relate Search: State Railway of Thailand