Bangkok: The Department of Railways is making arrangements to accommodate citizens traveling to pay their respects to the late Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavadi, Krom Luang Rajasarinisiripatchara Mahavajrarajathida. The Department of Rail Transport is coordinating with rail service providers to ensure sufficient and safe transportation for those offering condolences.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Pichet Kunathamarak, Director-General of the Department of Rail Transport (DRT), announced that steps are being taken to facilitate the travel needs of the public. The DRT has engaged with all rail service providers to enhance the transportation experience during this period. Officials will oversee the execution of the facilitation and safety plan, and coordination with electric train providers is underway to monitor passenger numbers via CCTV, particularly during peak times. Should passenger numbers rise significantly, additional trains or increased service frequency may be considered to accommodate the public.
Service providers have also been requested to increase staff at ticket and token sales points and provide additional tablets to support QR code scanning for those using "Thai Chuay Thai Plus" privileges at electric train system ticket counters.
Mr. Pichet highlighted that if passenger volumes surge, service providers should consider implementing a Group Release system to manage passenger flow, ensuring convenience and safety on platforms and trains. In case of disruptions, the Ministry of Transport has instructed service providers to swiftly coordinate and resolve issues to minimize impacts on travel.
For long-distance travel, the Ministry has coordinated with the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) to potentially add extra carriages to regular and heavily utilized trains to meet passenger demand. Additionally, free shuttle buses connecting to other transportation modes are available at Bangkok Central Station, with routes to Sanam Luang. The SRT is also offering free parking at Bangkok Station and Bangkok Central Station to aid those traveling to pay their respects.