The Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTSC) will not press charges against a wheelchair-bound man who punched and broke a glass door on one of its elevators on Sunday, it said on Tuesday.
"We sincerely regret the incident, and any discomfort or inconvenience our services may have caused disabled individuals" it said.
Manit Intharapim, a 50-year-old rights activist, admitted on Monday to punching a glass door on the second floor of BTS Asoke station because he was "fed up with how badly thought-out and degrading" procedures were before he could actually access the skytrain network.
He was allegedly asked several times by staff to sign a sheet to confirm he was disabled so he could use the service for free. After purchasing a ticket to avoid signing the sheet, he said staff still tried to have him sign it.
The BTSC confirmed the Asoke station staff's actions, citing they were trying to follow company protocol specified for disabled individuals.
"The BTSC will review its procedures [in helping disabled passengers] to make them more efficient, while prioritising safety for all its passengers," it added.
The statement said the procedures were originally agreed upon by the BTSC, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and the Association of the Physically Handicapped of Thailand.
Mr Manit on Monday threatened to take legal action against the BTSC, the BMA and the Transport Ministry if there are "no significant, tangible developments" in one week.
Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith yesterday said the ministry has submitted a request to the BMA asking them to make more headway.
