Governor of the Railway Authority of Thailand Yuthana Thapcharoen (ยุทธนา ทัพเจริญ) stated after meeting with executives of the authority incharge of transport operations, engineering, civil engineering, security and communications that the authority would expedite efforts to remedy a situation created by 240 employees taking a leave of absence at the same time. The governor affirmed the situation would be solved within the day.

The Railway Authority have set up a work committee to investigate the matter and have also set measures to spread present man power inspect the situation in 4 key areas in Nakorn Sawan province, Saraburi province, Nakorn Ratchasima province and Chumporn.

The authority is also scheduled to meet with Railway Workers Union to discuss and find a conclusion to the situation by this evening.

Latest reports have shown that the number of suspended train lines has reached 27, up from 19 earlier this morning and estimated revenue loss has reacehd 3 million baht.

Nonetheless, Mr. Yuthana affirms that the absent employees have done so as a political statement and are not acting out against the management of the Railway Authority. He has asked that employees consider their service to citizens before taking any further leave.

Source : National News Bureau, Public Relations Department of Thailand