‘Train marshals’ take their last ride

The railroad officers, also known as the” train commanders,” who have provided security on trains trundling up and down the land for 72 years, come to an end now.

The current Thai rail system was put into use during King Chulalongkorn’s rule, and the onboard patrol was later added.

The Royal Thai Police( RTP)’ s most recent restructuring led to the” marshals'” departure, and under the National Police Act 2022, their members will be redeployed to other divisions of the force.

Officers initially assigned to a” rail track police club” were later moved to operate on trains to combat rising onboard acts.

The unit was renamed the Railway Police Division( RPD ) in 2005, and it is in charge of maintaining passenger safety as well as various trackside areas.

The RPD soldiers were based in a number of locations both inside and outside of Bangkok, close to the facilities of their respective trains, including the Noppawong, Makkasan, Hua Hin, Hat Yai, and Nong Khai facilities.

In order to prevent and combat criminal activity, the unit collaborated closely with the State Railway of Thailand( SRT ). Places inside and around train channels were also under their responsibility to uphold peace and order.

In order to make the RPD more efficient and leaner, the revised National Police Act 2022, which was passed on October 16 of last year, efficiently calls for its dissolution.

According to Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol, the Central Investigation Bureau has been reorganized, which is why the RPD was disbanded. According to him, some of the RPD soldiers might get transferred to work for some new models.

Local authorities did step in to fill the gap left by the RPD officials in terms of ensuring safety at stations.

SRT employees, who have proven to be completely capable of such things, will be given the authority to seek belongings onboard trains.

Recently, a festival was held to honor the RPD’s dedication and service. The event’s host, SRT government Nirut Maneephan, expressed his gratitude to the soldiers who have kept teach travel secure for all these years.