The dramatic drop in oil prices. The democracy of flying. The VIP buses and their large networks. The odd idea about imposing minimum prices on low-cost airlines.
All of these are major consumer issues that were discussed early in the year, primarily sparked by news reports that bus operators met with the transport minister and asked to help alleviate the loss of business due to the competitive airfare of low-cost carriers. Earlier this year, reports suggested that the Ministry of Transport was considering asking low-cost airlines to raise their prices, though Transport Minister Prajin Janthong denied such a plan — the ministry, he said, just doesn't want to see heavy price dumping.
From the consumers' point of view, cheaper means better. However, other factors to consider are safety, comfort, duration and schedule.
As low-cost airlines continue to draw in more passengers, Sujinda Cherdchai (known as "Je Kiew"), president of the Thai Bus Operators Association, says the group will drop bus fares by 2 satang per kilometre. This means that you have to travel 500km, from Bangkok to Tak, to enjoy a 10 baht discount. For longer distances, from Bangkok to Betong in Yala province, the fare will drop by 25 baht.
Meanwhile, Thai trains beg scrutiny. It was once a luxury means of travel, but is now unreliable and recent scandals have put its image in a bad light.
As an exercise in consumer options, Life compares different costs of different modes of transport.
- Low-cost carriers
Tough competition in the business has reduced air fares considerably (flying to Chiang Mai for 1 baht is possible if you're extremely lucky). Early booking is the most important factor. If you plan months ahead and wait for the right promotion, your flight would be cheaper than a bus fare. However, if you book your flight a few days ahead of your departure, be prepared for an expensive trip.
Many passengers fly low-cost because of their affordable fares. In general, flying takes a much shorter time, but you cannot consider just the flight time. Airline passengers need to check in 30-40 minutes before departure (and you have to leave your home an hour before). Late-night flights are often delayed due to accumulated delays during the day.
After the flight, passengers need to wait for their luggage then continue to their destination. Most airports are located far from town (Phuket especially) so the taxi fare is also a cost passengers should take into account.
In total, it may take three to four hours to travel from your place to the destination.
Air travel is considerably safer than other modes of transport. But when accidents do happen, they're invariably unforgiving.
- Bus
A great variety of routes, destinations, services and affordable fares for most people make this a favourite transport in Thailand. Buses and coaches reach almost every district in Thailand, but passengers have to sit in cramped seats for many hours, with tiny toilets and possibly, snoring passengers.
Bus fares are fixed by route, not by how early you book, and there are no price promotions. Generally, it is much cheaper than flying — unless you're a savvy airline cheap-seat hunter.
There are many bus operators that offer premium services to improve their competitiveness. Nakhonchai Air, for example, offers large comfortable seats with built-in massage machines, personal loud speakers, bus hostesses, dinner boxes, morning coffee and clean toilets.
Bus safety has improved, but there are still incidents of road accidents almost every month.
- Train
Train travel in Thailand was once exotic and luxurious. However, its glory days are long gone due to poor maintenance, not to mention a rail system that cannot cope with rising traffic. Train delays have become something of a national joke.
Train tickets sit between air and bus tickets. First-class trains can be more expensive than low-cost airlines. The second class air-con car, whose fare is a bit higher than an air-con bus, is the preferred choice for most travellers. For low-budget travellers, the government offers free train rides from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Ubon Ratchathani, Nong Khai and Sungai Kolok, but they're on slow trains that have many stops.
It is always better to avoid the free trains at weekends and long holidays.
Due to limited seats, train passengers need to book months ahead, unless using a travel agency which has seat allotments.
Unlike first class which offers private rooms, the second class sleeper train offers only curtains for privacy. Recent news about crime on night trains has put passenger safety under the spotlight. Until now, no solid measures are being taken for passenger protection.
Long haul trains always run late. The express train to Chiang Mai can be delayed for three to four hours.
- Private car
For those who love driving and have a comfortable car, a road trip is just the thing, especially with low fuel costs.
Last year, the cost of fuel for a journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai was around 2,400 baht, when diesel price was priced at 30 baht a litre. Now, it is 26 baht per litre and the fuel cost for each leg of the journey should be less than 2,000 baht. For gasoline, a bigger gap can be expected.
It it is a seven- to eight-hour drive from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Bangkok to Phuket takes around 10 hours and fuel costs a bit more than 2,000 baht each leg.
