Thailand State Railways introduce all female-trains from August 1st

BANGKOK – The rape and murder of a 13-year old girl by a staff from the State Railways of Thailand generated protest and indignation in the Kingdom. The tragic event ended also with the resignation –or better said the sacking- of SRT Governor Prapat Chongsanguan by the military government. He has been replaced by former Thailand Post President Omsin Cheevapruek. Military also promised to look at assuring the safety of all travellers taking the train. 
 

Here comes then the new SRT service of an all-female train. The dedicated service will be available on three main routes, starting from August 1st. Special coaches watched by security guards will be available on three routes to the North, Northeast and to the South. Available service will be a second class air-conditioned car and a second-class sleeping car. 
 

Only exception to an all female crowd: boys under 10 years old and no taller than 150 centimetres will also be able to travel on these carriages. The special service is introduced on special express trains on Bangkok – Chiang Mai – Bangkok  route in the North, Bangkok – Ubon Ratchathani – Bangkok route, and  Bangkok – Nong Khai – Bangkok route in the Northeast, and Bangkok – Sungai Kolok – Bangkok route in the South.
 

Other safety measures have already been taken: all employees working on sleeper trains will be submitted to psychological evaluation tests including temporary workers. Other immediate measures include the ban on alcohol sale in stations and on trains while the consumption of alcoholic beverage in trains has been banned since July 11. The SRT will also install emergency buttons on the bogies.