Local train services from Hat Yai town to destinations beyond the southern border province of Yala have been suspended from today (Monday) until further notice after a train was shot at, allegedly by insurgents, as it was travelling between two stations in Rueso district of Narathiwat province yesterday evening.
No passengers or train officials were hurt, but the incident prompted the State Railway of Thailand Labour Union to demand a tightening of security on local trains in Yala, Narathiwat and Pattani provinces to ensure the safety of passengers and train officials.
The SRT labour union, in a statement issued today, suggested that only train services to Yala province should continue, while service to destinations beyond the province should be suspended temporarily, until enhanced security is in place.
The union also urged train officials to exercise greater caution and to check safety-related equipment regularly, to ensure it is in working condition and safe.
The long-haul rapid train service from Bangkok to Su-ngai Kolok in Narathiwat province, which is operating twice a day, remains operational, but security has been stepped up.
A unit of railway police and para-military defence volunteers is deployed on each train, between Hat Yai main terminal and Su-ngai Kolok station.
On Saturday, one army officer was shot dead by insurgents in a clash in a forest peat swamp in Bacho district, as security forces continue to lay siege to the swamp to prevent a small group of insurgents from escaping.
