Taxi Network To Take New Year Complaints & Alerts

GOVERNMENT WILL SET UP A TAXI NETWORK TO RECEIVE COMPLAINTS AND ALERTS ON INCIDENTS DURING NEW YEAR'S FESTIVAL

The government is preparing to set up a taxi network center to take calls on complaints and alerts on incidents during the New Year’s festival. Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, Newin Chidchob (เนวิน ชิดชอบ) said that Prime Minister Thaksin Shinnawat (ทักษิณ ชินวัตร) has ordered a setting up of a taxi volunteer network to listen to complaints and alerts on crimes and incidents to help coordinate with officials during the New Year’s festival. He said that there will be rewards for those who give officials tip-offs on incidents.

Mr. Newin was speaking after a meeting with the Prime Minister, Metropolitan Police Commander, Lieutenant general Wiroj Jantarangsri (วิโรจน์ จันทรางศรี), Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Police General Chidchai Wannasatit (ชิดชัย วรรณสถิตย์). Mr. Newin added that Prime Minister Thaksin has ordered related agencies to produce 200,000 books on short-cuts to be distributed to the people as New Year’s gifts. The books are hoped to help relieve traffic problems on major highways.

However, he said that the Metropolitan Police Office will increase the number of officials patrolling the city by 15,000 people, to help taking care of traffic conditions during the festival. He said that the officials will be paid 1,000 daily.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 29 November 2005