Latest news with #RTA
Bangkok Post
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Thai govt targets Cambodia's landmine claims
The government is expected on Monday to finalise retaliatory responses to a recent landmine explosion in the Chong Bok border area of Ubon Ratchathani, near Cambodia, which left three Thai soldiers injured. Members of the government's ad hoc centre for the Thailand-Cambodia border, which includes officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and various national security agencies, will meet at the National Security Council office today to formalise an official response, said R Admiral Surasan Kongsiri, its spokesman, on Sunday. The centre on Sunday held a closed-door meeting to discuss an initial course of action based on findings from the Second Army Region, which confirmed the explosion came from a newly planted landmine, he said. The landmines issue was yesterday subject to a heated back and forth between the Cambodia Mine Action Centre and the Thai army. Heng Ratana, director-general of the Cambodia Mine Action Centre, in an article by the Phnom Penh Post, dismissed speculation the mine had been planted by Cambodia. In the article, he referred to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (Ottawa Convention), which was ratified by Cambodia. "As for possible newly laid mines in Thailand, there have been a number of social media claims that the Thai military placed them," he said, as quoted by the newspaper. "There appears to be no proof that Thai authorities or demining NGOs have attempted to conduct a thorough investigation," he added. In response, Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree, spokesman for the Royal Thai Army (RTA), rejected the remarks by Heng Ratana, describing the claims as false, misleading and damaging to bilateral relations. Mr Heng Ratana also claimed to have photo and video evidence suggesting Thai troops had laid new landmines near the border, Maj Gen Winthai said. The landmines discovered near the Chong Bok border area and other locations were identified as PMN-2 anti-personnel mines manufactured in Russia, which the Thai army has never possessed, procured nor used in any military operations, especially in border areas, he said. The images and video clips, which were published by Cambodia's Fresh News outlet, he said, actually originated from training or clearance operations conducted by Thailand's Humanitarian Mine Action Center, not from active mine deployment. "The presentation of such information constitutes a distortion of facts and causes serious damage to Thailand," said Maj Gen Winthai. Mr Heng Ratana's claim the landmines were found on Thai territory, which therefore placed responsibility on Thailand under Article 5 of the 1997 Ottawa Convention -- which says a sovereign state is responsible for mine clearance within its territory -- only reinforces the fact that the mines were located within Thailand's sovereign domain, said the RTA spokesman. This, in turn, suggests an act of cross-border intrusion, with landmines being secretly planted on Thai soil, said Maj Gen Winthai, who also pointed out inconsistencies in Cambodia's own official statements. Lt Gen Malis Sophat, spokesman for Cambodia's Ministry of National Defense, said a Thai soldier had stepped on a landmine inside Cambodian territory, which directly contradicts Mr Heng Ratana's assertion the mines were found within Thailand and were therefore the responsibility of Thai forces, according to Maj Gen Winthai. "The conflicting statements made by Cambodian officials reflect inconsistencies in their narrative and suggest a failed attempt to distort the facts, ultimately forcing them to backtrack on their own claims," said Maj Gen Winthai. He said Thailand strictly adheres to international humanitarian law and called on Cambodia to immediately cease spreading disinformation. "This could strain diplomatic relations and mislead the international community," he warned. In another development, members of the Network of Students and People for Reform of Thailand, the Dharma Army and the People's Centre for the Protection of the Monarchy, yesterday marched from their rally site at Chamai Maruchet Bridge to the Cambodian Embassy in Bangkok, protesting against Wednesday's landmine incident. At the embassy, protesters delivered speeches from a loudspeaker truck, waved Thai national flags and condemned Cambodia over what they believed to be the planting of new landmines. The government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the military, is currently considering filing a formal complaint with the United Nations over Cambodia's alleged violation of the Ottawa Convention, said Danuporn Punnakanta, spokesman for the ruling Pheu Thai Party. This step is part of the ongoing process, with Thai authorities affirming that the landmines were newly planted by the other party, said the party spokesman. He added, however, that the government remains committed to resolving the border conflict through peaceful means in pursuit of lasting peace.
What's On
6 hours ago
- What's On
Dubai Metro Blue Line: Academic City traffic diversions announced
As you may know, the Dubai Metro network is undergoing a major expansion with the addition of the Blue Line. However, in order to get the construction done, drivers are going to face some temporary road changes. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) that one of the major diversions will impact Academic City, so take note if it's a neighbourhood you're planning on visiting. Here's what you need to know 63rd Street, located in front of the German International School Dubai, will be closed in both directions Access to Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Street will remain open, but expect reroutes The German International School will also have a new entry and exit route to accommodate the changes The RTA is urging motorists to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and use alternative routes to avoid delays during peak hours. The diversions are part of the city's ambitious transport expansion plans, with the Blue Line set to connect key residential and commercial areas once complete. Stay tuned for more updates on the Blue Line and how it'll transform your future commute. *Here's everything we know about the Dubai Metro Blue Line* More on the Dubai Metro Blue Line For those who love to hop on the Dubai Metro for their travel needs, the Dubai Metro Blue Line comes as good news. The project was revived back in November 2024 (after first being proposed in 2006), and construction is already underway, with completion slated for 2029. The Blue Line will be the latest addition to the city's growing public transport network, joining the existing Red and Green lines. So, what areas will the new line cover? The Blue Line is set to connect nine major communities across the city, including Dubai International Airport Mirdif Al Warqa International City (Phases 1 & 2) Dubai Silicon Oasis Academic City Ras Al Khor Industrial Area Dubai Creek Harbour Dubai Festival City The project is part of RTA's wider plan to make public transport even more accessible and efficient for residents and visitors alike. Stay tuned to What's On for the latest updates as the Blue Line gets rolling > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
CairoScene
7 hours ago
- CairoScene
22 Dubai Bus Stations Undergo Major Renovations
This latest batch of upgrades follows earlier overhauls at major stops like Al Ghubaiba, Oud Metha and Terminal 3. Jul 21, 2025 Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority has completed a wide-ranging redesign of 22 public bus facilities across the emirate, part of an ongoing infrastructure update to make public transport more efficient and easier to use. Six major depots and 16 stations - split between Deira and Bur Dubai - received structural upgrades, new waiting areas, and additional amenities like prayer rooms and cycle parking. The redesigned stations now support 110 routes, accommodating up to 710 buses during peak times. Meanwhile, the six revamped depots - from Jebel Ali to Al Qusais - now feature upgraded workshops, enhanced lighting and newly structured parking to better handle daily operations. The enhancements also aim to smooth pedestrian and bicycle access, improve system flow and support multi-modal connections across the city. This latest batch of upgrades follows earlier overhauls at major stops like Al Ghubaiba, Oud Metha and Terminal 3. The RTA also signed a contract to introduce 637 new buses through 2026, including 40 zero-emission electric models manufactured by Zhongtong and tailored for Gulf climates. Dubai's commitment to a low-emission fleet using Euro 6 standards remains a regional first.
Time Out Dubai
8 hours ago
- General
- Time Out Dubai
Dubai Metro Blue Line: RTA warns of road closures in Mirdif and Academic City
Work is now underway on the eagerly-awaited Dubai Metro Blue Line mega project. And to allow work to be carried out, the Roads and Transport Authority has announced several road diversions in Academic City. The diversions have been introduced on Monday July 21, and will mean that commuters will have to switch up their journeys. If you like this: Dubai Metro Blue Line: Stations, opening date and latest updates A post on X from the RTA read: 'RTA announces traffic diversions in Academic City, coinciding with the beginning of construction works on the Dubai Metro Blue Line. 'Please plan your trip in advance and use alternative routes to ensure a smooth and seamless commute.' تعلمكم #هيئة_الطرق_و_المواصلات بتنفيذ تحويلات مرورية في المدينة الأكاديمية، وذلك تزامناً مع بدء تنفيذ أعمال الخط الأزرق لمترو دبي. يرجى التخطيط لرحلاتكم مسبقاً واستخدام الطرق البديلة لضمان وصولكم لوجهاتكم براحة وسلاسة. #راحتكم_تهمنا — RTA (@rta_dubai) July 21, 2025 Diversions include the closure of 63rd Street in both directions in front of the German International School, with access to Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Street. Alternative entry and exit points have been provided for the German International School in the meantime. Last week, the RTA announced diversions in Mirdif, which also coincided with works for the Dubai Metro Blue Line. The Mirdif diversions include closing the roundabout intersection between 5th and 8th Street near City Centre Mirdif, with a diversion from 5th to 8th towards City Centre Mirdif, and vice versa from 8th to 5th Steet towards Algeria Street. Providing alternative access road to the parking area for mall visitors, with a U-turn for residents near Ghoroob Square for traffic flow coming from City Centre Mirdif Street. Mirdif and Academic City will be two of the 14 new stations opening as part of the Blue Line route. Nine will be above ground, while the other five will be underground. Compromising of two main routes, the first will run from Creek Interchange on the Green Line, located in Al Jaddaf, passing through Dubai Festival City, Dubai Creek Harbour and Ras Al Khor before reaching International City 1, which will include an underground interchange station. The first route will continue towards International City 2 and 3, extending to Dubai Silicon Oasis up to Academic City. This section will span 21km and connect 10 stations. And the second route will start from Centrepoint Interchange Station on the Red Line. It will pass through Mirdif and Al Warqa, concluding at International City 1 Interchange Station. This route will be 9km long and link four stations. More Dubai transport news Dubai reveals plans for quicker bus journeys More than 11,000 trips are made daily on city buses 6 wild public transport projects coming soon to Dubai From Elon Musk's underground tunnel to a trackless tram 57 major road projects coming to Dubai by 2027 — here's what to expect And how they'll improve your journey
Dubai Eye
8 hours ago
- General
- Dubai Eye
Dubai Metro Blue Line construction leads to new road closures
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced the closure of 63rd Street in both directions in front of the German International School Dubai, coinciding with the beginning of construction works on the Dubai Metro Blue Line. Access will still be available via Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Street and alternative entry and exit points have been provided specifically for the school to ensure minimal disruption to students, staff and parents. تعلمكم #هيئة_الطرق_و_المواصلات بتنفيذ تحويلات مرورية في المدينة الأكاديمية، وذلك تزامناً مع بدء تنفيذ أعمال الخط الأزرق لمترو دبي. يرجى التخطيط لرحلاتكم مسبقاً واستخدام الطرق البديلة لضمان وصولكم لوجهاتكم براحة وسلاسة. #راحتكم_تهمنا — RTA (@rta_dubai) July 21, 2025 This follows an earlier advisory from the RTA informing motorists of traffic changes in Mirdif, where construction activity is also underway. In this area, the roundabout at the intersection of 5th and 8th Street near City Centre Mirdif has been closed. As part of the diversion plan, traffic is now being rerouted from 5th to 8th Street toward the mall and in the opposite direction toward Algeria Street. These diversions are part of the ongoing development of the Dubai Metro Blue Line, with the new station scheduled to open in 2029.
