Train trips cut over virus fears

The State Railway of Thailand has announced the cancellation a number of commercial train services as well as some scenic routes until the end of February as a result of Covid-19.

The 12 tourist-orientated lines, which are generally operated at weekends, and 30 commercial routes have been cancelled from today until at least Feb 28, according to SRT governor Niruj Maneepun.

Services cancelled include Bangkok-Phlu Ta Luang, Bangkok-Kanchanaburi, BangkokSuan Son Pradipat and BangkokPasak Jolasid dam.

Bangkok to and from Chiang Mai, Den Chai, Ubon Ratchathani, Nong Khai, Hat Yai Central station, Surat Thani, Trang will stop running, as will trains between Hat Yai Central station and Sungai Kolok.

Those who have already booked and paid for tickets can get refunds at train stations nationwide, said the SRT governor.

In a separate development, Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Dentistry is offering free dental health consultations via telephone and Line application chats.

The service is designed to help assess the severity and urgency of dental problems, with only urgent cases being asked to attend in person for treatment at the faculty’s dental hospital, Asst Prof Pisha Pittayapat, an assistant to the faculty’s dean, said.

The assessment can be sought using Line ID @dentcu_covid19 or by calling 0625546399, 0614392470 and 0990031055 from Monday-Friday between 9am and 4pm.

She said the service proved successful last year when the outbreak began.