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 Transport Minister Sophon Saram insisted that the strike would end in the next 1-2 days, due to the short-term measure.

 "We have the policy to seek compromise, but this depends on the rules. The service must be resumed, and then there could be a negotiation. All drivers need to uphold their duty, and could not take travellers as the hostages," he said.

 He noted that since the accident in Prachuab Khiri Khan on October 4, the ministry was ordered by the Cabinet to complete the restructuring plan within 3 weeks. He said restructuring is necessary.

 

A few employees of the State Railway of Thailand are held responsible for causing train stoppage, while the police is investigating if there is any outside support for the strike, said Crime Suppression Division deputy chief Supisal Pakdinaruenart.

"The investigative officers will speed up on this and it should take about a week to complete the investigation. Anybody, found to have involved in the strike, would face charges," he said.

 At present, the unit is waiting for the approval to set up the investigative team. If the culprits are employees of the SRT, the charges would be submitted to the National Anti-Corruption Commission.

 Supisal also urged travellers affected by the strike to file charges. 

The union launched the strike on Friday, citing that locomotives are in poor conditions. The strike remains in Trang and Hat Yai, Songkhla.

Hat Yai labour union leader Wirun Sakaekhum said problems on the locomotives will be concluded today as well as the service resumption, pending for the decision from the Bangkok-based labour union.

 He said the labour is ready to fight any charges launched at employees participating in the strike.