Bangkok's skytrain resumes normal services after hours of technical disruption

BANGKOK, December 24 (TNA) - Bangkok's skytrain has already resumed its normal services, since about 11am on Tuesday, after its overall system collapsed before dawn, the first time in 14 years. Since 3am (Thailand's time), all skytrain lines in the capital were shut down, caused by a technical connection problem at two stations, affecting hundreds of thousands of passengers. Signs were placed at every station and escalator leading up to all skytrain platforms, informing the public of the all-out temporary service halt. A number of commuters were to abruptly backtrack their routes for offices or schools during rush hours, leading to traffic congestion in several areas in the city. Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited (BTS), the operator of the skytrain, reported that the incident was caused by the failure of the skytrain wireless navigation system on its Silom and Sukhumvit lines, which connect to all other BTS lines. BTS President Anat Apapirom, meanwhile, apologised the public for the inconvenience, but the skytrain services resumed normal operations about one hour before his announced schedule.(TNA)