The Transport Ministry is considering a proposal to raise taxi fares by 5% and airport taxi surcharges by between 25 and 45 baht a ride. The move is expected to be endorsed by the end of the month.
Darun Saengchai, deputy permanent secretary for transport, in his capacity as the chairman of the central committee on land transport control, said Thursday the committee approved the hikes on Tuesday.
The proposal was forwarded to Chatchai Thipsunari, permanent secretary for transport. He will send it on to Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith and his deputy, Omsin Cheevapruek.
"The final discussion will be held by the end of this month. If the ministers approve, the new rates will take effect immediately," he said.
Sanit Phromwong, director-general of the Land Transport Department, said the 5% fare increase is needed to help taxi drivers cope with expenses.
The Transport Ministry in 2014 approved a taxi fare rise totaling 13% and the first part of that increase, a fare rise of 8%, took effect in December. The current airport taxi surcharge is a single flat rate of 50 baht.