Thai PM orders strict safety control of public transport systems

BANGKOK, September 20 (TNA) - Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha has instructed strict safety control of marine and all other types of public transport systems in the country to minimize tragic cases. Government Spokesman Major General Sansern Kaewkamnerd told journalists of the prime minister's order on Tuesday, following last Sunday afternoon's tragedy in which a boat, carrying over 200 passengers, capsized in the central Ayutthaya Province, killing nearly 30 people. The spokesman stated that the prime minister, who is now in New York for the 71st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA71) and related sessions,has also ordered stern legal action against the owner and the operator of the capsized boat. "The prime minister expressed his hope that last Sunday's tragedy would be a major case study to motivate all people in the country to strictly follow the law for the sake of public safety", the spokesman said. Meanwhile, Thai Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith reported to the Cabinet that last Sunday's tragedy was caused by overloaded passengers aboard the ill-fated boat. According to updated reports, the death toll from last Sunday's boat tragedy has reached 27, while nearly 50 others were injured and a few others have remained missing so far. The two-decker boat, carrying the Muslim passengers from the Talat Kwan Community in Bangkok's neighboring Nonthaburi Province on a religious trip, crashed into a concrete barrier in the Chao Phraya River in Ayutthaya on September 18, leading to the tragedy. (TNA)