All MRT, BTS stations closed today

BANGKOK, 15 May 2010 (NNT) – The MRT subway and the BTS skytrain will stop operating at all stations today due to the uncertainty of the ongoing downtown standoff between security officers and protestors.

Major General Chatchai Praditpong, Bangkok Metro Public Company Limited (BMCL) Director of Event Support and Promotion, said the company would suspend the MRT services today for the safety of passengers while the political unrest was heating up in the city. Further announcement will be made by the company if there is any new development.

The BTS Skytrain also announced its closure on both Silom and Sukhumvit Lines today while the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service, which was due to commence today for free of charge, is also postponed.

All commuters are welcome to contact the MRT hotline at 02-624-5200 and the BTS hotline at 02-617-7300, ext 1834, 1835, 1836, 1837, 1842, or 02-617-6000 for more information.

Violent clashes between the state troops and the anti-government United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) protestors broke out throughout yesterday in Bangkok’s commercial district. The incident has left at least 16 people dead and 157 injured.