The Transport Ministry is likely to approve a 5% taxi fare rise and surcharge increases in June, a Transport Ministry source has said.
Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith will "certainly give the green light" to the new taxi fare rates after a survey on passengers' opinions showed 75% were satisfied with the service, the source said.
People's positive responses are a key requirement for the ministry's decision to grant another 5% increase after it allowed drivers to charge passengers 8% more in late 2014 to help them relieve rising costs.
However, the source said Mr Arkhom wants to make sure passengers, who often complain about being rejected and charged unfair amounts not based on metres, really are satisfied with "all aspects of the service".
The Transport Ministry source said ordinary and five-door "van" taxis queuing up at Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports may be allowed new surcharges of 60 baht and 90 baht respectively. The current surcharge for both types of vehicles is 50 baht.
The transport minister had previously said in an interview he was considering increasing taxi fares and surcharges but did not mention when it would take effect.
Meanwhile, the Highways Department has started charging motorists using the Bangkok-Chon Buri-Pattaya motorway based on the actual distances they travel -- about one baht per kilometre according to deputy department chief Anon Lueangboriboon.