Anti Ancoholic activists have raised the concern after they have learnt that SRT is going to lift the ban on selling alcoholic drinks in the restaurant carriages of the trains by reminding the incident of r-a-p-e before m-u-r-d-e-r-i-n-g a girl by the drunk railway man who had thrown her naked body out of the train. https://www.matichon.co.th/local/quality-life/news_4664791
Thailand-Myanmar Open Border Trade via Sea Transport
Krungthep Turakij, July 8, 2024, 17:07
The President of the Thailand-Myanmar Business Council revealed that Thailand and Myanmar have opened border trade through sea transport at Ranong Port, solving the problem of disrupted border trade due to unrest in Myanmar. The first two container ships from Yangon-Kawthaung-Ranong have inaugurated this route, which is being promoted as a new border trade route for Thailand.
Mr. Krich Aungvithayasthit, President of the Thailand-Myanmar Business Council, disclosed that in April, fighting between Myanmar government troops and various Karen forces disrupted Thailand-Myanmar border trade for a period. After negotiations between the government and various forces, the Mae Sot-Myawaddy border checkpoint reopened in May. However, a bomb explosion on the Myawaddy-Yangon road bridge in Birin town again disrupted border trade.
The Thailand-Myanmar Business Council and Mr. Ekkawat Thanaprasit, Director of International Trade Promotion in Yangon, Myanmar, collaborated to find new alternative trade routes for temporary goods transport to continue Thailand-Myanmar international trade. They met with Mr. U Ni Aung, Managing Director of Myanmar Port Authority, to request opening a sea route for container ships to prevent damage during the upcoming monsoon season. The arrival of the first two ships at Ranong Port marks a new alternative in the current unstable situation.
Mr. Naris Niramaiwong, Governor of Ranong Province, said that the container ships BEYPORE SULTAN and MCL-4, on the Yangon-Kawthaung-Ranong route, arrived at Ranong Port on the morning of July 8, 2024. These two ships represent cooperation between Thailand and Myanmar in promoting a new border trade route between the two countries. BEYPORE SULTAN carried 87 containers of animal feed corn from Yangon Port and will return with 30 containers of goods such as sanitary ware, energy drinks, and electrical wires. MCL-4 brought 41 containers of animal feed corn and will return with 28 containers of goods.
Previously, border traders, especially animal feed corn importers from Myanmar, reduced risks by changing import routes from Mae Sot to Ranong Port using barges. However, weather conditions caused problems, leading to discussions with relevant parties to switch from land to sea transport through Ranong Port, which received good support from Myanmar authorities.
Mr. Chakkrit Kumpai, Manager of Ranong Port, stated that the port is ready to handle containers, with preparations made for container cranes, storage areas, and manpower. When ships arrive and complete customs procedures, goods can be immediately loaded onto trucks. Some animal feed corn importers are interested in using the Ranong Port-Sapli Railway Station-ICD Ladkrabang-Laem Chabang Port route, utilizing the double-track railway at Sapli Station in Chumphon Province, which has container transfer points and a Container Yard (CY) used by local businesses to transport durian to China.
Ranong Province shares a border with Myanmar, with four permanent border crossings at Ranong-Kawthaung and one temporary crossing point. In 2023, Ranong Customs House had the fourth-highest border trade value between Thailand and Myanmar, with total trade value (Jan-Dec 2023) of 21,353 million baht, exports of 15,477 million baht, imports of 5,876 million baht, and a trade balance of 9,601 million baht. Major export items include fuel oil, lubricants, animal feed preparations, and energy drinks, while major imports include seafood (chilled fish), fishmeal, and mangrove charcoal.
Anti Ancoholic activists have raised the concern after they have learnt that SRT is going to lift the ban on selling alcoholic drinks in the restaurant carriages of the trains by reminding the incident of r-a-p-e before m-u-r-d-e-r-i-n-g a girl by the drunk railway man who had thrown her naked body out of the train. https://www.matichon.co.th/local/quality-life/news_4664791
Surapong Hopes to Amend Law to Sell Alcohol on Train Dining Cars
Source: Manager Daily 360 Degrees
Wednesday, July 10, 2024, 05:21
Pushing to Revamp Tourism Trains into "Airline" Model
Manager Daily 360 Degrees - "Surapong" is pushing to elevate and transform tourist trains by adopting the airline system model, seeking scenic views as landmarks, setting routes, and sourcing notable roadside foods from the reign of King Rama V for dining car services. They hope to amend the law to allow the sale and consumption of alcohol in stations and on tourist trains, aiming to increase the number of tourist train trips to at least 700 per year.
Mr. Surapong Piyachot, Deputy Minister of Transport, revealed that the IGNITE Tourism Thailand policy aims to position Thailand as a tourism hub. It leverages public transportation modesland, rail, water, and airto connect tourism from major cities. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has been tasked to improve the efficiency of tourist trains and increase trips from the current two days a week (Saturday and Sunday) to at least four days a week, boosting the number of tourist train trips from around 50 per year to 700-800 trips per year. This initiative will involve collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), incorporating trains, buses, and planes to support travel itineraries.
Additionally, SRT is to enhance trip formats to include both one-day trips and overnight trips (2 days, 1 night), offering diverse options. They will also consider train routes that pass through scenic areas inaccessible by car to create landmarks and selling points for tourist train travel. Moreover, they plan to feature foods that have been traditional roadside delights since the era of King Rama V, now run by third and fourth-generation descendants. These century-old foods will be upgraded for sale on train dining cars, with each regional route having its unique offerings.
These are examples of soft power, such as the classic railway fried rice and Bang Tan grilled chicken, familiar since childhood. We will trace their origins and offer them on tourist trains. We will conduct surveys among passengers and railway staff to gather feedback, prioritize services, and match passenger needs. This will improve the SRTs image by adopting a system similar to air travel, with advance ticket booking and pre-selected meals, said Mr. Surapong.
Mr. Surapong mentioned that enhancing tourist train services requires revising regulations that currently prohibit the sale or consumption of alcoholic beverages at railway stations and on trains. The SRT is in the process of proposing amendments to the Prime Minister's Office regulations to allow exceptions for tourist trains to promote domestic tourism, coordinating with relevant agencies for a swift resolution.
According to reports, on July 5, 2024, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Mr. Suriya Juangroongruangkit chaired the third National Alcohol Beverage Policy Committee meeting of 2024. The committee approved an amendment to the Prime Ministers Office regulations, permitting the sale of alcoholic beverages on Asalha Bucha, Visakha Bucha, Makha Bucha, and Buddhist Lent days at airports operated by Airports of Thailand PLC (AOT) such as Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, and Hat Yai.
Regarding the SRTs request to allow the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages at railway stations or on trains to promote domestic tourism, the Alcohol Beverage Control Committee will collaborate with SRT on public health and tourism measures. The draft law will be reviewed by the National Alcohol Beverage Policy Committee to balance economic stimulation and public health impacts.
Source: Manager Daily 360 Degrees, July 10, 2024 Edition
Anti Ancoholic activists have raised the concern after they have learnt that SRT is going to lift the ban on selling alcoholic drinks in the restaurant carriages of the trains by reminding the incident of r-a-p-e before m-u-r-d-e-r-i-n-g a girl by the drunk railway man who had thrown her naked body out of the train. https://www.matichon.co.th/local/quality-life/news_4664791
"Railway Uni0n" Urges Another Check of "Veerith Amrapal's" Qualifications, Endorses Insider for New "SRT Governor"
Daily News, July 11, 2024, 3:44 PM
Transportation Innovation
The Railway Uni0n has submitted a letter to the SRT Board Chairman, urging a thorough check of Veerith Amrapal's qualifications for the position of the new SRT Governor. They fear potential conflicts of interest and suggest an insider for the role, highlighting that outsiders would take a long time to understand the organization.
On July 11, Sarawut Saranwong, President of the State Railway of Thailand Labor Uni0n (SRLU), revealed that a letter was submitted to the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) Board, with Chairperson Jiruth Wissalchit receiving it. The letter requested an urgent review of the qualifications of candidates selected for interviews and vision presentations for the SRT Governor position. Concerns were raised about a candidate from the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT), amid criticisms that IEAT, as a legal entity, has land lease agreements with SRT in both Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate and Makkasan Station.
If these concerns are valid, it might involve board members, executives, or those with management authority, or those with vested interests with the enterprise, potentially benefiting from state enterprise activities. Therefore, before the interview and vision presentation process, it is crucial that the SRT Board instruct the selection committee, chaired by Aphirat Chaiwongnoi, to thoroughly re-examine the candidates' qualifications, using all available information to ensure clarity and prevent any impact on the selection process and potential harm to SRT.
Sarawut emphasized that selecting a new SRT Governor is critical for obtaining a leader who can decisively develop the organization, benefiting SRT significantly. With the government prioritizing and investing heavily in rail transport system reforms, it is vital to appoint someone experienced and knowledgeable in organizational management, personnel management, and the organizational culture, who can continue the work immediately.
Ongoing projects nearing completion also require continuity to align with strategic plans for Thailand's transport infrastructure development and SRT's development plans. This is crucial to avoid any negative impact on the organization, especially with the urgent task of constructing double-track railways on five routes expected to be completed in 2025, along with two new double-track routes, high-speed rail projects, and various organizational improvements. Therefore, someone who understands and truly knows the intricacies of the system, ideally an internal candidate, should lead SRT. It is well-known that over the past decade, successive governments have prioritized rail transport development in both urban and regional areas to achieve government policy goals effectively.
Sarawut reiterated that SRLU does not intend to exclude external candidates, recognizing that everyone has expertise in their respective fields. However, SRT is a large organization deeply connected with numerous agencies, communities, and society nationwide. An outsider would take significant time to understand the technical aspects of infrastructure, track systems, signaling systems, rolling stock, passenger and freight services, land management, and vast assets, as well as the organizational culture. Therefore, it is crucial to have someone from within SRT who has grown with the organization to become the new Governor.
Reporters noted that the two candidates interviewed and presenting their visions for the SRT Governor position are Aviroot Thongnet, SRT Deputy Governor, and Veerith Amrapal, Governor of the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT).
Anti Ancoholic activists have raised the concern after they have learnt that SRT is going to lift the ban on selling alcoholic drinks in the restaurant carriages of the trains by reminding the incident of r-a-p-e before m-u-r-d-e-r-i-n-g a girl by the drunk railway man who had thrown her naked body out of the train. https://www.matichon.co.th/local/quality-life/news_4664791
Anti Ancoholic activists have raised the concern after they have learnt that SRT is going to lift the ban on selling alcoholic drinks in the restaurant carriages of the trains by reminding the incident of r-a-p-e before m-u-r-d-e-r-i-n-g a girl by the drunk railway man who had thrown her naked body out of the train. https://www.matichon.co.th/local/quality-life/news_4664791
SRT Reveals Plan to Build 'Rail Link Connecting 5 Industrial Estates' in the EEC Region
Source: Thansettakij
Saturday, July 13, 2024, 05:18
The Ministry of Transport unveils SRT's plan to study a railway connecting five industrial estates, with a budget of 3.2 billion baht, aimed at enhancing rail freight transportation in the EEC region. The plan spans 2028-2042, proposing the construction of six new rail lines to help businesses reduce logistics costs.
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is accelerating the development of rail routes connecting industrial estates. If the plan proceeds as scheduled, private businesses will be more inclined to use the convenient and swift rail transport system.
A report from the Ministry of Transport reveals that SRT is currently advancing a project to develop rail connections to industrial estates. The feasibility study aims to expand and integrate the rail network nationwide and support seamless multimodal transportation (R-Map). This would enhance accessibility, facilitate freight rail transport, reduce logistics costs, and shorten delivery times, thus increasing the customer base and the volume of rail freight.
SRT has drafted a plan to urgently develop rail connections to industrial estates that are ready and in need (2023-2027), comprising five projects with a total distance of 14.4 kilometers and a budget of 3.261 billion baht. The projects are expected to be operational by 2027 and include:
1. Sahaviriya Steel Industries Group Industrial Zone, between Napakhuan Station and SSI's Distribution Hub with SSI's Logistics Terminal in Prachuap Khiri Khan, spanning 2.4 kilometers with a budget of 400 million baht. The private sector will conduct a single-track rail study.
2. Green Industrial Estate for Agricultural and Food Products, EGAT Mae Moh Phase 1: Mae Moh Station - CY EGAT Mae Moh, spanning 2 kilometers with a budget of 80 million baht. SRT is currently seeking an annual budget allocation for a detailed design and environmental impact assessment (EIA) report, with 17 million baht allocated over fiscal years 2025-2026.
3. WHA Eastern Industrial Estate in Rayong, spanning 3 kilometers with a budget of 690 million baht. SRT is seeking an annual budget for a detailed design and EIA report, with 13 million baht allocated over fiscal years 2025-2026.
4. Amata City Industrial Estate in Chonburi, spanning 5 kilometers with a budget of 1.071 billion baht. SRT is seeking an annual budget for a detailed design and EIA report, with 21 million baht allocated over fiscal years 2025-2026.
5. World Industrial Estate in Lamphun, spanning 2 kilometers with a budget of 1.020 billion baht. SRT is seeking an annual budget for a detailed design and EIA report, with 20 million baht allocated over fiscal years 2025-2026.
A report from SRT states that after receiving the budget allocation for the study, a detailed design (Detail Design) will be conducted, taking approximately one year, expected to be completed by 2025. Construction can then commence by 2025, with SRT handling the entire project. Initially, the rail routes will directly connect the industrial estates.
"Currently, the automotive industry is becoming more prominent in Thailand, and the countrys automotive production capacity is increasing. These projects are primarily located in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), an area with high development potential. If SRT can push these forward, it will serve as the first model for developing rail systems on the existing infrastructure," the report says.
Additionally, from 2028-2032, SRT plans to advance rail connection projects to three more industrial estates, spanning a total of 19.6 kilometers with a budget of 7.132 billion baht. These projects include:
1. Kaeng Khoi Industrial Estate, spanning 5.1 kilometers with a budget of 1.749 billion baht
2. Sinsakhon Industrial Estate, spanning 6 kilometers with a budget of 3.791 billion baht
3. Sahaviriya Steel Industries Group Industrial Zone Phase 2, between Napakhuan Station and Prachuap Khiri Khan Port, spanning 8.5 kilometers with a budget of 1.592 billion baht
Furthermore, from 2033-2042, three additional industrial estate rail connection projects are planned, spanning a total of 100.4 kilometers. These include:
1. Asia Suvarnabhumi Industrial Estate, spanning 6 kilometers
2. Southern Industrial Estate in Songkhla, spanning 11.4 kilometers
3. Green Industrial Estate for Agricultural and Food Products, EGAT Mae Moh Phase 2: CY EGAT Mae Moh - Ngao Station in Lampang, spanning 78 kilometers
Source: Thansettakij Newspaper, July 14-17, 2024 edition.
Source: Thansettakij Newspaper, July 14-17, 2024 edition.
SRT Plan for the Branch lines to Industrial estates to boost up the industries.
1. Here is the list for the plan in 2023 - 2027:
1.1. Na Phakkhuang Railway station to Sahaviriya Steel Industries Distribution center and Sahaviriya Steel Industries Logistic Hub within Sahaviriya Steel Industries Group Industrial Zone (SSI) - 2.4 km at 400 million Baht => this one done by SSI as single track branch line
1.2 Mae Mo railway station to Container Yard of EGAT Green, Agricultural and Food Industrial Estate - 2 km single track at 80 million Baht => SRT has an obligation to work on EIA in 2025 - 2026 with total budget of 18 million Baht
1.3 Map Ta Phut railway station to WHA East Industrial Estate -3 km double track at 690 million Baht => SRT has an obligation to work on EIA in 2025 - 2026 with total budget of 12.6 million Baht
1.4 Phan Thong railway station to Amata City Chonburi - 5 km double track at 1,071 million Baht => SRT has an obligation to work on EIA in 2025 - 2026 with total budget of 21 million Baht
1.5 Lamphun Railway station - World Industrial estate in Lamphun - 2 km double track at 1,020 million Baht => SRT has an obligation to work on EIA in 2025 - 2026 with total budget of 20 million Baht
2. Here is the list for the middle term plan in 2028 - 2032:
2.1 Ban Chong Tai railway station to Kaeng Khoi Industrial Estate - 5.1 km at 1,749 million baht
2.2 Khok Kwai railway station to Sin Sakhon Industrial estate - 6 km at 3,791 million baht
2.3 Na Phakkhuang Railway station to Sahaviriya Steel Industries Group Industrial Zone Phase 2 - Na Phakkhuang Railway station to Prachuab kirikhan Port - 8.5 km at 1,592 million baht
3. Here is the list for the long term plan in 2033 - 2042:
3.1 Preng Railway station to Asia Industrial Estate Suvannabhum - 6 km
3.2 Ban Din Lan railway station to Southern Industrial Estate in Tha Chang township, Bang Klam district of Songkla - 11.4 km
3.3 Mae Mo railway station to Container Yard of EGAT Green, Agricultural and Food Industrial Estate Phase 2 - Ngao to Container Yard of EGAT Green, Agricultural and Food Industrial Estate - 78 km - effectively creating the bypass to allow the train to Chiang Mai to access to Denchai - Chiang Rai - Chiang Khong
https://www.thansettakij.com/business/economy/601533
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