Train Services Halted As Strike Against Privatisation Starts

[george]

Train services halted as strike against privatisation starts

BANGKOK: -- Train officials kicked off their protest against a draft bill to privatise the State Railways of Thailand (SRT), on Wednesday by halting at least seven train route services in all regions.

The abrupt halting of the services; five in the north, two in the south and three in the northeastern regions, left hundreds of passengers stranded at the stations.

Sawit Kaewwan, vice president of the railway's labour union said that the protest will continue until Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont steps in to cancel the draft bill.

"We don't know when we will stop the protest. We will adopt a strategy that all of our train officials take sick leave. We will also suspend more the train services in many parts," he said.

In northern province of Phichit, at least two northern trains stopped their service.

In Nakhon Sawan, Chiang Mai train halted its service at 5 am and the Tapan Hin - Bangkok train would not leave its station as scheduled at 5.30am.

Many passengers and students were left stranded at the Phichit station Wednesday morning.

Phichit station chief Wissanu Chankrachang later told the passengers to use other means of transportation as there would be no trains heading to Bangkok Wednesday.

For southern train services, southern-bound services stopped at the provincial railway station in Nakhon Si Thammarat as SRT employees joined the protest.

The trains which have left Bangkok Tuesday evening for Malaysia, Sugnai Kolok, and Trang, stopped at the Nakhon Si Thammarat station.

Passengers were transported on buses to their destinations from the station.

Nakhon Si Thammarat station chief Banchob Phetchuay said it was not clear whether two trains, which are scheduled to leave Nakhon Si Thammarat for Bangkok Wednesday, would be in service or not.

-- The Nation 2007-10-31

[george]

Railway board chairman appeals to striking SRT workers

BANGKOK: -- State Railway of Thailand (SRT) board chairman Siva Saengmanee said he is ready to negotiate with striking workers, who are protesting against privatised cargo services.

Many southbound and northbound services have been suspended and SRT has transferred stranded passengers to their destinations by other transport, Mr. Siva said, adding that railway management will talk to the labour union to resolve the problem.

The SRT chairman called on the agency's staff to reconsider the inconvenience the union is causing to passengers and urged them to find a way out through negotiation.

State railway employees said they have gone on strike to protest the amendment of the SRT Act to allow the private sector to run goods transportation, in effect competing against the state-run corporation and the jobs currently being filled by SRT employees.

Earlier Wednesday SRT employees protested at Thung Song station in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat, which led to the suspension of three Bangkok-Narathiwat trains Wednesday morning.

Late reports indicated that railway staff in the central province of Nakhon Sawan have stopped rail operations there, leaving commuters stranded at the most important railhead between Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

--TNA 2007-10-31

[astral]

Privatisation of government run institutions is needed to increase their efficiency.

Unfortunately it is not unusual for the employees to resist, as they see their

current (possibly cushy) life threatened.

In reality the increased efficiency can result in higher revenues and hence higher rewards for all.

Thailand is just starting down a path that those in the West have already trodden.

[eljeque]

Any company given a monoply in this country wil exploit it beyond that of a low-level government worker.

[luangpohbill]

Any company given a monoply in this country wil exploit it beyond that of a low-level government worker.

Any company given a monoply in ANY country, will exploit it beyond that of a low-level government worker. If they are going to privatize any services, at least let there be some competition among several companies to insure fair and reasonable pricing and services. Look at what happened to King Enterprises.

[zakk9]

Any company given a monoply in this country wil exploit it beyond that of a low-level government worker.

Agreed. Although the Thai railway system is rather shaky, it can become much worse with the wrong investor. Experiences from other countries show that privatising railway companies is indeed tricky business, and not always successful, particularly not from the passenger's point of view.

But, there is an urgent need for major investments in the railway sector here. Example: Chachoengsao, which in most other countries would have loads of commuters going to Bangkok for work, shopping and entertainment, has somewhere between 8 and 10 daily trains. The last departure from Bangkok is around 18.00 hrs. This in spite of a relatively new double track.

Another example: Bangkok - Pattaya, one train per day, but a bus every 5 or 10 minutes (if you sum up departures from 3 bus stations, the airport plus Bang Na). That is just plain crazy.

[distortedlink]

Privatisation of the transport industry means risky travel for passengers.

Private companies will be out for profit, meaning cutting of maintenance budget, less trains on non-profitable routes.

Just take a peek at the history of Britain’s railways since British Rail was abolished and Privatisation began. It’s an abomination of serious accidents, poor quality service, non co-operation between different rail companies, and expensive fares on popular routes.

Privatisation has no benefit for passengers.

Edited October 31, 2007 by distortedlink

[grtaylor]

Privatisation of government run institutions is needed to increase their efficiency.

Unfortunately it is not unusual for the employees to resist, as they see their

current (possibly cushy) life threatened.

In reality the increased efficiency can result in higher revenues and hence higher rewards for all.

Thailand is just starting down a path that those in the West have already trodden.

Hmm . . . . like British Rail, for example?

[Girlaboutglobe]

Hang on, are they considering going fullly private or just allowing private companies to get into the industry?

"State railway employees said they have gone on strike to protest the amendment of the SRT Act to allow the private sector to run goods transportation, in effect competing against the state-run corporation and the jobs currently being filled by SRT employees."

And are they allowing private transportation for freight AND passengers?

[jerelocke]

Privatization is usually a scam of some group of rich people wanting to make money, lots of money. It is all about cutting costs(some call it being efficient) by cutting the quality of service, number of employees, wages of employees, etc. It is a good deal for the rich owners but not the country, passengers, or employees. 10 years ago Texas wanted to privatize 20,000 state jobs until even the Republicans turned against it when the lies the bidding companies were telling about 25-40% savings turned to dust when they wouldn't even guarantee 10% savings.

Any company given a monoply in this country wil exploit it beyond that of a low-level government worker.

Agreed. Although the Thai railway system is rather shaky, it can become much worse with the wrong investor. Experiences from other countries show that privatising railway companies is indeed tricky business, and not always successful, particularly not from the passenger's point of view.

But, there is an urgent need for major investments in the railway sector here. Example: Chachoengsao, which in most other countries would have loads of commuters going to Bangkok for work, shopping and entertainment, has somewhere between 8 and 10 daily trains. The last departure from Bangkok is around 18.00 hrs. This in spite of a relatively new double track.

Another example: Bangkok - Pattaya, one train per day, but a bus every 5 or 10 minutes (if you sum up departures from 3 bus stations, the airport plus Bang Na). That is just plain crazy.

[slim]

If I live in Thailand long enough perhaps, just perhaps, I'll be able to travel from Khon Kaen to Bangkok by train faster than it takes to drive.

State owned companies (in other words no competition) always equals the same thing - inefficiency.

I've seen cattle trucks in the UK in better condition than the rolling stock in Thailand.

Privatization? Bring it on !!

[lubbkis]

Privatisation of the transport industry means risky travel for passengers.

Private companies will be out for profit, meaning cutting of maintenance budget, less trains on non-profitable routes.

Just take a peek at the history of Britain’s railways since British Rail was abolished and Privatisation began. It’s an abomination of serious accidents, poor quality service, non co-operation between different rail companies, and expensive fares on popular routes.

Privatisation has no benefit for passengers.

I couldn't agree more. Pseudo competition on rail lines is a dog's dinner here in the UK. Competition can't work on single tracks and the British experiment of multiple users on Railtrak hasn't served the consumer or any other party. The real competition with the railways is the lo-cost airlines who imitate the 30 year old business plan floated by the US's South West Airlines.

The mentality that what hasn't worked in Europe and America needs to be copied need some serious thought.

Thailand has a wonderful asset in it's railways. I'll never forget my last trip on them in 1971 from Butterworth to Bangkok.

[Girlaboutglobe]

I too love rail travel in Thailand. It's slow and it's not what you might call fancy, but it's low hassel, it's cheap, fairly comfortable, and it's a fun way of getting around. I hope they don't blow it.

[sutnyod]

Great! Does anybody know a phone number where one could inquire about trains going or not? Have a ticket to go to Nongkhai tonight.

[sangfroid]

Any company given a monoply in this country wil exploit it beyond that of a low-level government worker.

Agreed. Although the Thai railway system is rather shaky, it can become much worse with the wrong investor. Experiences from other countries show that privatising railway companies is indeed tricky business, and not always successful, particularly not from the passenger's point of view.

But, there is an urgent need for major investments in the railway sector here. Example: Chachoengsao, which in most other countries would have loads of commuters going to Bangkok for work, shopping and entertainment, has somewhere between 8 and 10 daily trains. The last departure from Bangkok is around 18.00 hrs. This in spite of a relatively new double track.

Another example: Bangkok - Pattaya, one train per day, but a bus every 5 or 10 minutes (if you sum up departures from 3 bus stations, the airport plus Bang Na). That is just plain crazy.

Yes crazy, but it's well known that the one train a day to Pattaya versus hundreds of buses is a co$y deal between the bus company owners and rail officials.

[george]

Great! Does anybody know a phone number where one could inquire about trains going or not? Have a ticket to go to Nongkhai tonight.

Which station are you traveling from?

[piker]

I've already contacted the company about finding employment for those that need to work.

If you know anyone on strike who wishes to change companies, they can reach me at www.careerexperts.org

[newcomer01]

Great! Does anybody know a phone number where one could inquire about trains going or not? Have a ticket to go to Nongkhai tonight.

http://www.railway.co.th/English/index.asp

State Railway of Thailand

1 Rongmuang Road, Rongmuang, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330

Tel : 0-2222-0175, 0-2621-8701, 0-2220-4567

E-mail : [email protected]

Nothing about the strike on the site.

Also for info Overlander Travel - corner Soi Asoke & Sukhumvit are also agents for selling Train tickets. Don't know of any other. More convenient than going to the railway station.

407 Sukhumvit Road (between Sukhumvit Soi 21 and 23 ) , Klontoey Nua , Wattana District , Bangkok

Telephone 662(02)2584778-80,662(02)2589246-7

Faximile 662(02)2596558

E-MAIL : [email protected], [email protected]

WEBSITE : www.thaioverlander.com

WORKING TIME:

MON-FRI : 08.30-17.30

SAT : 08.30-16.00

HOLIDAY : 09.00-16.00

[sutnyod]

Great! Does anybody know a phone number where one could inquire about trains going or not? Have a ticket to go to Nongkhai tonight.

Which station are you traveling from?

Hua Lampong

[sutnyod]

Hi,

thanks for the overlander phone number. I gave them a ring and they referred me to the number:

02 220 4272

There a friendly Thai told me he cannot say anything, because negotiations are still under way. However, passengers can return their tickets at the station.

Good luck to fellow travellers!

[stoneman]

Is it possible that we are seeing some payback by the junta leaders to some of their supporters before they close up shop... I am sure that this issue is not of such importance that it must be dealt with now...Same goes for the couple of Mega Projects they are trying to get underway and also the purchase of the APCs and Air Force jets...May see more of these little things in the coming weeks

Stoneman

[slim]

Thailand has a wonderful asset in it's railways. I'll never forget my last trip on them in 1971 from Butterworth to Bangkok

Yeah - they're still using the same trains and carriages.

[sutnyod]

Does anyone have quicktime? My download takes ages and without it I cannot know what the Railway Rep. is saying.

http://www.railway.co.th/auction/declare/d...eSRT.asp?Num=17

[sriracha john]

A completely separate and previously unreported aspect to the rail strike...

Thousands stranded as Thai train drivers strike over Japan pact

BANGKOK — Thousands of passengers were stranded across Thailand on Wednesday as train drivers staged a rare wildcat strike to protest against a trade pact with Japan that could threaten their jobs, a senior rail official said.

Drivers refused to work on express trains in the south of Thailand and in the northern city of Chiang Mai, while international services connecting Thailand with Butterworth in northern Malaysia were affected.

Bancha Kongnakorn, acting governor of State Railway of Thailand, said he believed drivers were upset by an imminent free trade pact with Japan which would allow private companies to operate on Thailand's state-owned railways.

"There were 170 drivers -- we estimate 15 percent of the total train drivers in Thailand -- who suddenly took sick leave," Bancha told AFP.

"So far there is no demand set. I have no idea who is leading the strike, but we will clarify with the train drivers that their jobs will be secure -- private freight carriages still need locomotive drivers to pull them."

Bancha said railway executives were negotiating with unions to end the strike and resume services.

The free trade pact between Japan and Thailand is due to take effect on Thursday after years of negotiations.

- AFP

[hansnl]

Re: Privatising Railways. Anybody thinking that the private sector can run railways anywhere is just plain daft! All the countries where privatisation of railways is a fact, the effect is nearly everywhere the same: Less real service, higher prices, more expensive for the tax payer, less trains or less routes, big payments to the new managers, laying off staff resulting in less trains, hiring managers without any understanding of running trains, less safety, more accidents, want any more?

I can give you facts and figures enough, why? I was one of the hatchetman from NS (Dutch Railways)

Examples: Britain, the Netherlands, Sweden. Germany.

Tell me also why in so many countries the privatisation is stopped or reconsideration of the plans to privatise?

[qualtrough]

Privatisation of government run institutions is needed to increase their efficiency.

Unfortunately it is not unusual for the employees to resist, as they see their

current (possibly cushy) life threatened.

In reality the increased efficiency can result in higher revenues and hence higher rewards for all.

Thailand is just starting down a path that those in the West have already trodden.

Privatisation of passenger rail services has worked a treat in the UK hasn't it?

[ratcatcher]

Thailand has a wonderful asset in it's railways. I'll never forget my last trip on them in 1971 from Butterworth to Bangkok

Yeah - they're still using the same trains and carriages.

The State Railway of Thailand is a charming anachronism. It's a great way to travel if you're not in a hurry to get somewhere. It's very safe in comparison to highway air-con buses but is hugely inefficient and riddled with corruption. So what else is new?

Thailand,having a large but relatively poor population uses railways to move a lot of people and very little freight tonnage (something like 98% of freight moves by trucks) and you can understand why.

They are using equipment straight out of the 1950's era in Europe & N.America. Most locomotives are over 20 years old and covered single axle freight cars are probably 50 years old.

It's great to buy Swedish Gripen fighter jets but not useful railway equipment.

The S.R.T. owns billions of bahts worth of real estate (Chatuchak/Central lad Prao?) which should be sold and the debt paid down and new equipment purchased.

There must be a billion bahts worth of steel rail stored and laying alongside the tracks from Nong Kai and Chiang Mai to the Malaysia border.

However it is not run by a business organization but a government bureaucracy.

It needs a damned good shake-up but as other posters have noted, the British rail system is hardly something one would hold up as an example of successful privatization, given the plethora of accidents in the recent past. .

If they managed to privatize the freight/container system and leave the passenger services under SRT control, maybe the freight would help subsidize the passenger system? With some co-operation of course.

Or am I dreaming?

[msgtb]

Privatization of anything is normally not good for the common man nor the state in the long run. It has caused nationwide power outages in the U. S. because company's are not required to do the preventative measures required when they were controlled by the government. The U.S. has dismal train service since it was privatized. Privatization will cost the customer more to purchase the same service or product before privatization? Thais should listen to the King he has the right idea. Do you want to turn you country into a slave to the world globalization crowd? Also Privatization doesn't necessarily cause competition. Privatization of large government controlled entity like rail and electric probably shouldn't be privatized.

[llothar]

Privatisation of government run institutions is needed to increase their efficiency.

Typical relgious neocon bullshit.

I can show you as many examples where this is wrong as you can show me that this is correct.

[Collie]

South America is a classic example, Agrentina in particular.....now they havent got a rail system at all.

Subsidy in UK was increased nearly three times just for Railtrack......land sold off, a select few made a fortune, we got higher prices and more of our taxes to shareholders....what a great deal. BR was the most cost efficient railway in Europe before privatisation - FACT

Good luck to the strikers, some things are better off state run.