THE Port of Bangkok has been hit by a politically-motivated strike that closed it down for a day and resulted in a continuing work slowdown in support of anti-government pro-democracy demonstrators.
State-owned Bangkok Port, Thailand's second biggest, went on strike for a full day, affecting 5,000 containers, reported Lloyd's List. The port returned to operation, but local shipping executives report a work slow down, with one saying work was moving at quarter speed.
Ships unable to dock at Bangkok went to Laem Chabang, the nation's biggest port which was not affected by the strike, and other private terminals, where there was adequate capacity at other ports but delivery delays.
Bangkok handles 1.3-1.4 million TEU a year while Laem Chabang handles 4.5 million TEU.
Terminals at Laem Chabang, two hours drive from the capital, are operated by Hong Kong's Hutchison Port Holdings, Singapore's PSA International and Dubai's DP World.
"There would seem to be little imminent sign to an end to the protests, with embattled Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej refusing to quit," said Lloyd's List.
State-owned Bangkok Port, Thailand's second biggest, went on strike for a full day, affecting 5,000 containers, reported Lloyd's List. The port returned to operation, but local shipping executives report a work slow down, with one saying work was moving at quarter speed.
Ships unable to dock at Bangkok went to Laem Chabang, the nation's biggest port which was not affected by the strike, and other private terminals, where there was adequate capacity at other ports but delivery delays.
Bangkok handles 1.3-1.4 million TEU a year while Laem Chabang handles 4.5 million TEU.
Terminals at Laem Chabang, two hours drive from the capital, are operated by Hong Kong's Hutchison Port Holdings, Singapore's PSA International and Dubai's DP World.
"There would seem to be little imminent sign to an end to the protests, with embattled Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej refusing to quit," said Lloyd's List.