The boat service on Khlong Saensaeb, a popular travel alternative for Bangkok’s commuters, will suspend operations indefinitely from tomorrow (Friday).
Mr. Chavalit Methayaprapas, managing director of the Krobkrua Khonsong (2002) Company, the operator, said today that the company realizes the importance of social distancing, but that the measure is not practical on a commuter boat, adding that the suspension of the service will help reduce the risk of coronavirus transmission.
An average of about 50,000 people rely on the service each day. In recent weeks, however, the number of commuters has dropped by about 60%, said Mr. Chavalit, adding that the company has already informed the Harbour Department about the service suspension.
Meanwhile, Bangkok Expressway and Metro Plc (BEM), the operator of the Purple Line electric train system, temporarily closed the station at the Nonthaburi government complex station, after an official tested positive for COVID-19.
The Metropolitan Rapid Transit Authority (MRT) said today that the patient has been suspended from work since March 23rd, was sent for testing and admitted for treatment.
It said that the entire station will be cleansed, in accordance with Disease Control Department protocols, before the station is reopened.
For the time being, no trains will stop at the station.
An auto-parts manufacturer, in the eastern province of Rayong, Auto Alliance (Thailand) Company, has announced the temporary closure of the plant, from Saturday until April 19th, for the safety of its employees.
All the employees will be fully paid during the shutdown period, said the company.
