Thailand to improve public services

BANGKOK, February 11 (TNA) - Deputy Transport Minister Police Lieutenantt General Chatt Kuldiloke says that his ministry plans to improve public services, beginning from March 1. Police Lieutenant General Chatt acknowledged that the projects will include road safety measures, especially on highway sections under construction, safety measures for piers and passenger boats, train punctuality and cleanliness, expanded electronic toll collections to reduce delay on expressways, faster baggage claims and airport services, as well as better control on passenger vans to facilitate traffic flows and to promote safety. According to the deputy transport minister, as of April 1, 2012, the Department of Land Transport will use a radio frequency identification (RFID) system to measure speeds of passenger vans on expressways and highways within a 300-kilometer radius of Bangkok, with speed limit violators to be fined 5,000 baht at the first offence and 10,000 baht at the second offence and their driving licenses also impounded. The deputy transport minister said that his ministry will also operate hotline number 1356 to receive people’s complaints to further improve its services. (TNA)