700,000 Trucks Parked As Truck Drivers Go On A Nation-wide Strike

[sriracha john]

Truck drivers on strike nationwide

Truck drivers went on strike on Tuesday to back demands that the government help solve the rising cost of fuel. Strike leaders claimed that more than 700,000 trucks parked on Tuesday at 5am along main streets of the main towns. They threatened to drive trucks into midtown Bangkok next Tuesday if "the problem" is not solved. Prices of all main fuel types passed 40 baht per litre on Tuesday as

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=128129

[craighj]

Truck drivers on strike nationwide

Truck drivers went on strike on Tuesday to back demands that the government help solve the rising cost of fuel. Strike leaders claimed that more than 700,000 trucks parked on Tuesday at 5am along main streets of the main towns. They threatened to drive trucks into midtown Bangkok next Tuesday if "the problem" is not solved. Prices of all main fuel types passed 40 baht per litre on Tuesday as

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=128129

Interesting, there were actually somewhere around 500 to 600 trucks taking part but in a number of different locations, not very close to the 700,000 reported.

[sriracha john]

Truck drivers on strike nationwide

Truck drivers went on strike on Tuesday to back demands that the government help solve the rising cost of fuel. Strike leaders claimed that more than 700,000 trucks parked on Tuesday at 5am along main streets of the main towns. They threatened to drive trucks into midtown Bangkok next Tuesday if "the problem" is not solved. Prices of all main fuel types passed 40 baht per litre on Tuesday as

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=128129

Interesting, there were actually somewhere around 500 to 600 trucks taking part but in a number of different locations, not very close to the 700,000 reported.

Do you have news story for the 600 figure?

Elsewhere, here's news on one city in one up-country province...

A mob together with 200 trucks gather at Land Transport Association in Nakhon Sawan

Protestors with more than 200 trucks are gathering in front of the Land Transport Association in Nakhon Sawan province. They demanded the government to provide them with cheap fuel.

In addition, they say the government has encouraged them to install NGV into their vehicles, but there are not enough NGV gas stations yet.

The demonstrators threaten to take about 5,000 trucks from the northern and central regions to Bangkok on June 17th, if the government fails to assist them well.

Meanwhile, it is expected that at least 1,500 trucks will gather in front of the Land Transport Association in Nakhon Sawan province until the protestors receive the responses from the government today.

- ThaiNews (today)

[Briggsy]

Bangkok Post English continues to get worse.

How do you 'solve a cost'? This is Thai.

Thai News gets in on the act.

The word 'mob' has been borrowed from English and has come to mean 'crowd of protestors [of any sort]' in Thai. In English it specifically means a violent and unruly crowd. So if you are writing in English, please write in English.

[hammered]

Another opportunity for the policy lacking government to acquiesce to another groups demands. I wonder who will be next up. Now is a very good time to get anything you want by threatening a rally, demonstration or blockade. There must be a bunch more groups out there getting ready to make their case.

In the meantime, what exactky is government policy on fuel, energy, food, etc?

[onnut]

this makes me laugh

I was reading the news the other day about European trucks being on strick and I thought it would be very soon that Somchai the truck driver would have to copy as well.

so here we are, next week Kaos in Bangkok? does the Thai Government really listen to these people, I think not.

the Government are spending all there time trying to change the Constitution to allow Mr T back, they are not bothered about fuel costs and rising Rice costs. every one in the Government can afford to eat and drive so why do they care.

[Old Man River]

this makes me laugh

I was reading the news the other day about European trucks being on strick and I thought it would be very soon that Somchai the truck driver would have to copy as well.

so here we are, next week Kaos in Bangkok? does the Thai Government really listen to these people, I think not.

the Government are spending all there time trying to change the Constitution to allow Mr T back, they are not bothered about fuel costs and rising Rice costs. every one in the Government can afford to eat and drive so why do they care.

Please see Hammered's post immediately above yours. His take on this inexperienced government is spot on.

[madjbs]

this makes me laugh

I was reading the news the other day about European trucks being on strick and I thought it would be very soon that Somchai the truck driver would have to copy as well.

so here we are, next week Kaos in Bangkok? does the Thai Government really listen to these people, I think not.

the Government are spending all there time trying to change the Constitution to allow Mr T back, they are not bothered about fuel costs and rising Rice costs. every one in the Government can afford to eat and drive so why do they care.

Why shouldn't they? It wasn't just Euro truck drivers striking last week, it was also going on in India for example.

Edited June 11, 2008 by madjbs

[sriracha john]

Another opportunity for the policy lacking government to acquiesce to another groups demands. I wonder who will be next up. Now is a very good time to get anything you want by threatening a rally, demonstration or blockade. There must be a bunch more groups out there getting ready to make their case.

Wondering when I'll come across the ThaiNews report, "Farang Mob Marching To Bangkok To Demand Immigration Reforms"....

Now would be the most opportune time for some guys....

Edited June 11, 2008 by sriracha john

[kmart]

Another opportunity for the policy lacking government to acquiesce to another groups demands. I wonder who will be next up. Now is a very good time to get anything you want by threatening a rally, demonstration or blockade. There must be a bunch more groups out there getting ready to make their case.

In the meantime, what exactky is government policy on fuel, energy, food, etc?

Agreed, but this has seemed like the norm here forever. As soon as someone's profit margins are squeezed or their nose is removed from the trough, all their little minions put on a bandana and sit in the road with their fists clenched until some weird compromise is struck, saving face for all concerned. While shifty little men in suits smirk and wai at each other in the corridors

If the truck drivers are on strike, it must be Sanoh's lot having their profits shaved then? I'm sure he has plenty of friends / ministers in the oil-smuggling game though. Ho hum.

[hammered]

Another opportunity for the policy lacking government to acquiesce to another groups demands. I wonder who will be next up. Now is a very good time to get anything you want by threatening a rally, demonstration or blockade. There must be a bunch more groups out there getting ready to make their case.

In the meantime, what exactky is government policy on fuel, energy, food, etc?

Agreed, but this has seemed like the norm here forever. As soon as someone's profit margins are squeezed or their nose is removed from the trough, all their little minions put on a bandana and sit in the road with their fists clenched until some weird compromise is struck, saving face for all concerned. While shifty little men in suits smirk and wai at each other in the corridors

If the truck drivers are on strike, it must be Sanoh's lot having their profits shaved then? I'm sure he has plenty of friends / ministers in the oil-smuggling game though. Ho hum.

Yes, nice point that certain characters involved in the government to some degree have their hands on some of the businesses making demands right now with Snoh's involvement in trucking being a well known example.

[ray23]

Interesting these dayas block or threaten to block roads and you get what you want. But what is the underlining motivation for giving in. Nothing is free in Thailand. Are we really trying to help the poor or are we building credits to be called upon in the political arena. The truth is Thailand can do little about fuel costs, they are what they are. Subsidies will only drive the cost of oil up, so it's really looking like a no win.

One thing for sure it's not borign here.

[cymruambyth1]

Assuming (unedcuated guess) that the average length of a 'truck' is 10 metres, 700,000 trucks equates to a line 7,000 kilometres long

Can't wait to see that in the centre of BKK on the weekend!

[lazeeboy]

no trucks ,food shortages next j'll bet

[Jefferson]

I just don't get this. (Not for Thailand and not for Europe, etc.)

If price of a resource (fuel) goes up, then they should raise their prices, just like everyone else in the world.. Cost of transportation SHOULD go up, as fuel (oil) is a scarce and increasingly valuable commodity.

Can anyone explain this?

[Briggsy]

I just don't get this. (Not for Thailand and not for Europe, etc.)

If price of a resource (fuel) goes up, then they should raise their prices, just like everyone else in the world.. Cost of transportation SHOULD go up, as fuel (oil) is a scarce and increasingly valuable commodity.

Can anyone explain this?

Yes, I can explain this.

This group who derive their income from the road haulage business want the government to push some of the pie in their direction thereby taking it away from somewhere else. You can call it subsidies, tax reduction, whatever.

You are looking at the big picture (the overall benefit of the country) whilst none of the parties involved are. They are looking at self-interest, the profit line in their businesses, widening their political client list, lining their own pockets, maintaining political alliances etc.

[ray23]

Strikes over the truckers got what they wanted and went home. Someone asked whats next? The answer Taxi's.

Truth is anything that involves fuel is more expensive, but that is well know why do we have to bring National attention to it, for action to be taken

Probably answered very well by the post above this.

[toptuan]

Good. Now if we can just get the buses off the roads too, we can quadruple our road safety!

[ray23]

Sorry they gave the busses what they wanted a week or so a go.

[ray23]

OOPS spoke to soon

"Farmers block road in garlic price protest

Garlic growers in Mae Hong Son were encamped outside the city and blocked two roads in their protest to urge the government to buy garlic at a guaranteed price on Wednesday.

The protesters gathered at city hall and moved to block a second road in Mae Sarieng district.

Garlic farmers have encamped the Mae Hong Son city hall for the second day, and blocked one entrance to the city hall.

Another group of protestors who gathered at the Mae Sarieng district office moved to block the Mae Sarieng-Chiang Mai highway, disrupting traffic.

The protesters on Tuesday blocked the Pai-Chiang Mai road in Pai district, paralysing traffic.

Nirat Chankaen, the chairman of the Mae Hong Son garlic grower network said that the blockage of the two roads and the protest at city hall was to urge the government to solve their garlic price problem.

The protesters said that they would block the roads until the government approves buying dry garlic at a guaranteed price of 25 baht per kilogramme.

Mae Hong Son governor Thongchai Wongrienthong said the province sent representatives to negotiate with protestors to disperse and unblock roads pending the meeting of the committee in charge of farmer assistance policies. (TNA)"

[sabaijai]

Confirmed the last news item with friends in Pai just now. Impossible to leave or enter the town due to farmer road blocks.

[sriracha john]

The "end" of the strike is temporary in some places and in our location and other areas, it has not ended at all....

Transport Operators' Rally Temporarily Disperses

The Land Transport Federation of Thailand has threatened to stage a big protest in Bangkok if the government fails to launch measures to help them cope with increasing fuel prices within seven days.

Following a meeting with officials from the Energy Ministry and the PM's Office to submit a petition for solutions to the oil price crisis, the Land Transport Federation of Thailand's Secretary-General, Thongyoo Kongkan, stated that the federation is calling on the government to provide fuel at a special discount for the land transport sector, to support soft loans with an interest rate lower than 0.5 per cent per annum, and to provide enough NGV stations in every region.

The secretary-general threatened a caravan of at least 10,000 trucks to move to Bangkok if they get no response from the government within seven days.

However, he affirmed that the truck operators' protest has nothing to do with the People's Alliance for Democracy rally in Bangkok because their requests are different. For now they have agreed to disperse the mob temporarily.

Meanwhile, in Chon Buri Province around 1,000 trucks have been parked in front of the Laemchabang port, to pressure the government on the rising cost of fuel.

Truck drivers in Nakhon Ratchasima Province gathered along five kilometers of the Ratchasima-Jakkarat Road while the Chairman of the Northeastern Truck Operators said they would stop their services for a day.

Also, truck operators in the north are heading to gather in Nakhon Sawan Province, while the Chairman of the Southern Truck Operators, Pisit Sae-Ngo claimed the situation in the south is under control.

However, truck operators in all regions affirmed their willingness to join the federation's protest in Bangkok on Tuesday if no action is taken.

- Thailand Outlook

Edited June 12, 2008 by sriracha john

[slapout]

We have had rice, pineapple, garlic, lamyai, and cabbage farmers block or dump produce and block traffic on the roads in recent days, each time they dispersed after being assured that the problem would be solved by the govt. The govt. said diesel fuel is to be discounted 3 baht a liter to certain groups, including farmers, issue food stamps to the poor, export and sell rice to finance buying rice at various prices thru a different group (guess the old group is on inactive leave) The proposal has been made to dam the Mekong and other rivers to irrigrate marginal (at best) land, lease land to poor farmers, raise more fuel producing crops and build facilities to process same. Funds to pay over due loans, or forgiveness of loans were hinted at. Last word on the street is that as of today nothing has been done other than talk about all of the proposed fixes over lunch or dinner at high priced venues. I really do not think the present group has a clue as to what to do or how to even start to approach the problems being thrown at them by their past supporters (voters), without incurring monetary concessions on their own.

[ray23]

Well I think we are about to learn something here, do yuo have to go to Bangkok to wn a strike or can you do it locally?

[ray23]

Ok guys we do this adn the headline will read Thousands of Busses Head to Bangkok to Deport Farrangs.

Lets never forget who is in charge and it sure ain't us

[sriracha john]

A police officer walks next to a row of trailers parked on a Bangkok highway June 11. Thousands of truckers went on a strike in Thailand on Wednesday demanding government help against rising fuel prices.

Reuters

Thai Truck Drivers Strike to Protest Fuel Price Hikes

The government of Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej is facing yet another challenge from critics, this time from truck drivers who are demanding that something be done about drastically rising fuel prices.

Thousands of truck drivers all over Thailand have gone on strike to protest the government’s failure to address the problem of recent fuel price hikes, which they say are squeezing many transport companies out of business.

On Wednesday, hundreds of container trucks were parked on the roadside in Bangkok to demand that the government do something about the situation. Under Thai law, transport companies must receive permission from the authorities before they can increase service prices.

Tongyu Kongkongkhan, secretary-general of Land Transportation Association of Thailand, said that the group has proposed that the government provide subsidies to help companies convert to a natural gas vehicle (NGV) system, supported by NGV stations across the country.

“If we do not receive a satisfactory answer from the government, 100,000 trucks belonging to members of the association will move to Bangkok next Tuesday,” Tongyu was quoted as saying in a report on the Thai news Web site INN.

Tongyu claimed that about 120,000 trucks had stopped working in several provinces on Wednesday.

Banpot Karkiatcharoen, chairman of Tak Province’s Chamber of Commerce, told The Irrawaddy on Wednesday that the truck strike had not yet reached the province, which is located on the Thai-Burmese border.

He added that higher fuel prices have made many products in the province about 20 percent more expensive than they were at the beginning of this year.

“However, demand from Burma is still high, especially since the cyclone tragedy, so it is important to maintain transportation by truck,” he said.

Meanwhile, the performance of PM Samak’s cabinet continues to come under fire from protesters who have gathered in the Thai capital since the middle of last month.

Samak’s cabinet has been criticized for fighting with opposition groups and focusing on plans to amend the constitution rather than working to address public concerns about the state of the economy.

Other groups currently in Bangkok include a farmers’ association which wants help dealing with a debt crisis. Around 20,000 members of the Farmers’ Debt Network of Thailand have already reached Pathum Thani Province, near Bangkok. Another group of farmers has just arrived at Nakhon Ratchasima, en route to Bangkok.

More groups are threatening to rally in Bangkok. While many of the protesters are unhappy with the performance of the government, others vow to show up in full force if the anti-government crowds don’t disperse.

The anti-government People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) has been holding rallies at the Makkhawan Rangsan Bridge on Ratchadamnoen Road for more than two weeks. The PAD has won the support of farmers in the western provinces.

- The Irrawaddy (today)

[Scott]

All these price controls may end up having a very negative impact on the country--not that the opposite won't be painful. Since there isn't a whole lot the gov't can do about rising oil prices, it's going to have to allow prices to rise eventually.

I think we live in difficult times here in the LO(fewer)S.

[webtv]

"700,000 Trucks Parked As Truck Drivers Go On A Nation-wide Strike"

Might be nice to get the car out the drive and go for a drive...

[ray23]

And the answer is no yuo don;t have to go to Bangkok, Garlic Farmers got what they wanted today.

Interestingly no one threatened to block roads today

[Old Man River]

Confirmed the last news item with friends in Pai just now. Impossible to leave or enter the town due to farmer road blocks.

Pai? Let's put this in perspective. The main drag in and out is only two lanes. It wouldn't take more than two trucks in each direction to block all traffic.