Govt to prepare Bangkok traffic plan ahead of mass rally

[webfact]

Govt to prepare Bangkok traffic plan ahead of mass rally
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Caretaker Transport Minister Chadchart Sittipunt yesterday mapped out a plan to prepare transport routes for businesses in the event of road blockades during the mega rally threatened by anti-government protesters for January 13.

He instructed his ministry's deputy permanent secretary, Chusak Kewi, to take charge of managing goods transport to Klong Toei Port and Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Chadchart said he would today call a meeting with Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) officials.

He added that part of the plan was to encourage people to use public transport instead of personal vehicles. More public parking areas would be provided for commuters wishing to use mass transit systems such as the BTS Skytrain and the Airport Link.

Caretaker Interior Minister Charupong Ruangsuwan said he had advised Bangkok Governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra that he would take recourse to relevant laws to ensure that the BMA enforces its own regulations against any illegal action by protesters.

Charupong also requested that the BMA support the government's Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order (Capo) by providing vehicles, equipment and other resources to help keep the peace in the capital.

He also requested that the BMA remain politically neutral during this conflict.

Furthermore, he instructed that the BMA check all of its security cameras to ensure they function properly, especially at rally sites and routes protesters use, such as the areas around Government House, Parliament and the palaces.

If security officials want to inspect any security cameras, the BMA officials should cooperate.

The BMA was also asked to submit a traffic plan to alleviate the public's plight during congestion caused by the rally. The agency should also provide officials to assist traffic police.


-- The Nation 2014-01-03

[Somtamnication]

An impossible job. Without rallies, BKK traffic is a nightmare. So what makes this new strategy better?

[Soi Sauce]

The traffic is always awful, the public transport is inadequate and often dangerous. What makes the 13th different to any other day?

Don't blame the BMA, just ask the 'fully qualified' transport minister to come up with a plan. I'm sure he'll find a way to get his Benz thru the chaos.

[Gsxrnz]

The plan will be to turn the status quo of disorganised chaos into "organised" chaos for the day. Yeah, I wish them luck with that.

Maybe they should just turn off all the traffic lights for the day and see what happens It couldn't be any worse could it?

[JRSoul]

Can't they use the one Thaksin prepared years ago?

Edited January 3, 2014 by JRSoul

[Scamper]

So it comes down to traffic plans. Clearly the administration is counting on two things. One, that there will be roads that will be open to traffic. And two, that many of the people the administration propose to transport are not on the streets taking part in the demonstrations themselves.

[MaxLee]

Govt to prepare Bangkok traffic plan ahead of mass rally

But, but, but,... the people who ARE LIVING in the city center would already technically be trapped, because then they can't get out if Bangkok

[LuckyLew]

Hope it is better than the traffic plan in place for every other day

[Pib]

It may be hard to notice any traffic jam difference on a protest day compared to a normal day.

[gabruce]

An impossible job. Without rallies, BKK traffic is a nightmare. So what makes this new strategy better?

It gives them an opening to blame the BMA.

[phuketrichard]

suggest to u all in Bangkok, have a 3 day weekend!!!

[BuddyPinkham]

Can't they use the one Thaksin prepared years ago?

You mean the route he used out of Bangkok to Dubai?

[soi41]

Since the 6 million!! Suthep supporters didn't cause any problems trafficwise, what should be different this time around??

Did Bangkok have a traffic-plan before the rallies??

@ Soi Sauce. Do you really think his Lordship the Honourable Khun Chalerm would drive something as simple as a Benz. Remember representing the poor must be done in style!

The labour-ministers humble ride! A Bentley Continental.

[ginjag]

Can't they use the one Thaksin prepared years ago?

You mean the route he used out of Bangkok to Dubai?

Via the Beijing Olympics.

[MMarlow]

Since the 6 million!! Suthep supporters didn't cause any problems trafficwise, what should be different this time around??

Did Bangkok have a traffic-plan before the rallies??

@ Soi Sauce. Do you really think his Lordship the Honourable Khun Chalerm would drive something as simple as a Benz. Remember representing the poor must be done in style!

The labour-ministers humble ride! A Bentley Continental.pink-bentley-1.jpg

What's the connection between this post and the Transport Minister's Benz, and Chalerm's car that you dragged into the thread?

[Bluespunk]

"He also requested that the BMA remain politically neutral during this conflict."

Someone should, but if BMA just does CAPO and PT's bidding I'm fairly sure the BMA won't be seen as neutral.

[spare5]

The traffic is always awful, the public transport is inadequate and often dangerous. What makes the 13th different to any other day?

Don't blame the BMA, just ask the 'fully qualified' transport minister to come up with a plan. I'm sure he'll find a way to get his Benz thru the chaos.

"All public transportations such as buses, skytrains, subways and airplanes will not be affected" said Suthep last night.

BMA will run as usual. Don't worry.

[whybother]

The only plan should be: Don't Drive.

That's for any day.

[Soi Sauce]

Thaksin promised to stop BKK's traffic problems in 6 months, like wise to make every Thai rich in the same time frame.

Where are those promises now?

Suicide gates on the BTS because of too msny users,, traffic ranpant due to the first car scheme, and farmers not getting paid for their rice.

Is there anyone, anywhere who actually believes this guy?,