The principal rail hub in the region is Hat Yai Junction. The SRT says this station along with ones at Sungai Kolok, Chana and Wat Khuan Mit will be the first to get scanners. A spokesperson for the SRT noted that the baggage scanners are the same as those in use at airports around the world.
There have been quite a few terrorist attacks and bombs in the southern Thai provinces of Songkhla, Narathiwat, Yala and Pattani over the past decade. The SRT says the new devices will enhance security for passengers as they will be able to detect weapons and bombs. The scanners will also work against drug smugglers as they will show images of any other suspicious packages.
Sungai Kolok is on Thailand’s border with Malaysia and faces across to Kota Baru. The stationmaster at Sungai Kolok said new scanners are already being tested and warned passengers they might face slight delays while their baggage was processed. 12GO ASIA sells train tickets for routes all the way down from Chiang Mai in the north to Sungai Kolok and Padang Besar.
Thai rail operator to install security scanners at southern stations
News in Asia
Thailand’s public rail operator has announced it plans to install x-ray bag scanners at stations in the far south of the country. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) says it will initially set up the machines at four key stations before installing them at the other 23 stations in the region.