STRIKE ACTION BY STATE RAILWAY STAFF CONTINUES

A strike by employees of the State Railway of Thailand in the southern provinces has entered its 11th consecutive day. Railway service in Pattani, Narathiwat and Yala provinces remain suspended as the rail workers union continues negotiations with management. Service was initially suspended on 15 October when 65 train drivers and mechanics walked off the job to protest the lack of adequate safety and security in the southern provinces. Despite the work stoppage, some limited train service was operating between Hat Yai and Bangkok.