Public restrooms set for spruce-up ahead of AEC

The sanitary conditions and security of public toilets at bus and train terminals needs to improve ahead of the launch of the Asean Economic Community, says Transport Minister Prajin Juntong.

He has ordered the Department of Land Transport (DLT) and Transport Co Ltd to improve toilet hygiene nationwide.

The clean-up drive comes after the prime minister raised concerns the AEC will lead to an increase in travellers through the region.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was worried some travellers are likely to find the standard of some toilets wanting, said Deputy Transport Minister Akhom Termpitthayaphaisit.

That could put the country in a bad light and affect tourism.

ACM Prajin said station staff also must stop charging fees, as public restrooms are a government service.

Since many stations upcountry are under the control of the DLT, the government has asked local authorities to refurbish the toilets.

In many provinces, authorities lack funding, so have asked private businesses or restaurants to look after the toilets for them.

Some localities do not have sufficient funds to invest in such work. The DLT might have to increase their budgets.

Transport deputy permanent secretary Pongchai Kasemthaweesak said six transport terminals are under the control of the Transport Co.

These are Chatuchak and Ekkamai stations in Bangkok, Suphan Buri station, Phu Kiew station in Chaiyaphum province, Lomsak station in Phetchabun province, and Surat Thani station. The Transport Co will have to give up concessions granted to private companies which charge fees for public toilets.

It will also need to be responsible for the costs of keeping the toilets in good condition.

Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan said that this shouldn’t be a problem. “The Transport Co makes a 400-500 million baht profit and has enough money to improve the condition of public toilets at terminals,” he said.

Nopparat Karoonyavanich, a highlevel executive at the Transport Co, said the company would accommodate ACM Prajin’s order.

He said the company had actually decided to stop collecting fees for toilet use and is in the process of giving up the concessions. “We will now run the terminal facilities ourselves,” he said.

Mr Nopparat said they will allocate 3 million baht to improve toilets and ensure the service can be offered for free. Another 12 million baht per year will cover staff salaries, and electricity and other costs.