Express train derails in Thailand

Bangkok: An express train derailed on Saturday in a 382m-long tunnel while heading for northern Thai tourist town of Chiang Mai with 415 passengers on board, many of them foreigners.

Nobody was hurt in the accident at 3 am (local time) which has blocked all Bangkok- and Chiang Mai-bound trains. The Chiang Mai-bound special express train derailed in the 382m-long tunnel between Ban Pang Ton Phueng station in Muang district of Uttaradit province and Huay Rai station of Phrae`s Den Chai district, Poonsawat Im-emchai, the chief of Sila-at railway station, said. Several buses were arranged for the passengers to proceed with their trips to Chiang Mai and other destinations. Deteriorated condition of the rail tracks was believed to cause the derailment, Bangkok Post said. On June 17, a Bangkok-Chiang Mai express train had derailed. PTI