Deputy PM urges quick railway development

BANGKOK, Feb 2 (TNA) -- Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak has ordered the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) to quickly develop railways to support economic growth and tourism. He met the board of the SRT on Friday. Accompanying him were Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith and Finance Minister Apisak Tantivorawong. The SRT should seriously develop the national railway network so that it could support economic growth. The government would use railways as a key tool to boost the economy and tourism, Mr Somkid said. The deputy prime minister also mentioned his planned trip to Japan. He said he would visit Fukuoka prefecture to inspect tourist trains. He would bring along SRT executives so that they would see if such a train system could happen in Thailand. There were tourist attractions in many provinces in Thailand and they needed support from public transport, Mr Somkid said. Acting SRT governor Anont Lueangboriboon said the SRT lacked staff and would like the government to give it freedom on recruiting staff. He also proposed the SRT be allowed to set train fares at reasonable rates to reduce future losses. (TNA)