More people turn to public transport services during "Bangkok shutdown"

BANGKOK, January 14 (TNA) - Caretaker Transport Minister Chadchart Sittipunt says that more people have turned to use public transport services, especially skytrain and subway systems, during "Bangkok shutdown" by anti-government protesters. Chadchart told journalists of the development on Tuesday morning, before attending a discussion and assessment of the updated domestic situation, chaired by Caretaker Prime Minister and Defence Minister Yingluck Shinawatra at a "war room" set up at the Office of the Permanent Secretary for Defence in Muang Thong Thani on the outskirts of Bangkok. Chadchart acknowledged that the first-day "Bangkok shutdown" gave him a good opportunity to study ways to encourage more people to use public transport services. Chadchart said his field inspection did not find any critical traffic on the first-day "Bangkok shutdown", particularly in the northern zone of the capital, as roads remained passable for commuters. Chadchart noted that his ministry has, however, had measures in good place to cope with impacts on traffic and commuters who would be affected if the "Bangkok shutdown" with spreading demonstrations by the anti-government protesters was dragged on. The caretaker transport minister urged the anti-government protesters not to disrupt operations of the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Ltd. (AEROTHAI), the national air traffic control agency, as it would put the safety of people's lives and property at risk, as well as affect Thailand's commitment with the world community and national image. According to the caretaker transport minister, a combined force of police and soldiers has been deployed at the AEROTHAI head office to provide security as a precaution.(TNA)