Public transport operators are demanding the right to raise fares to help compensate for oil and gas prices.
Consumer activists hold placards criticising what they say is Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s failure to address consumer rights issues while demanding the Senate speed up scrutiny of a long-delayed bill governing the setting up of an independent consumer protection agency. THITI WANNAMONTHA
Truckers aren't waiting for permission, however _ they have increased their charges already.
Transport Minister Jarupong Ruangsuwan said public transport operators want to raise fares after the retail diesel price increased to 32 baht a litre.
He has asked the Land Transport Department to study their costs.
The ministry's Central Land Transport Committee would decide if public transport fares should rise. Mr Jarupong said the ministry had to protect both transport operators and the public.
Somchai Siriwatthanachoke, director-general of the Land Transport Department, denied reports taxi operators would be allowed to raise fares.
He said the operators were receiving a gas discount from PTT Plc and his department would decide if taxi fares should increase when the discount ends.
The discount will last until May 16 and he will then ask PTT if it wants to extend it.
Vithoon Naewpanit, head of the Siam Taxi Co-operative, said if PTT does not extend the discount, taxi operators will need a 5% increase in their fares.
A meeting of taxi operators and authorities including Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong agreed taxi drivers should get help as their fuel costs were rising.
Sadit Jaithiang, president of the Pheu Thai Suvarnabhumi Taxi Drivers' Association, said taxi fares had been frozen for a long time although the prices of food, goods and fuel had already increased.
He proposed the government extend the service period of taxis from nine years to 12 years to help driver-owners.
Witthaya Premjit, head of an association of private bus operators in Bangkok, said operators wanted to raise fares by 2-3 baht because not all of them were eligible for the gas discount from PTT Plc.
Sujinda Cherdchai, president of the Passenger Bus Operators Association, said the operators of inter-provincial buses wanted to increase their fares by 6 satang a kilometre. She will file the request with the minister this week.
Parinya Rakwathin, general manager of Chao Phraya Express Boat Co, said it would seek permission from the Marine Department to raise fares by two baht.
Yu Jianyuenyongpong, head of the Land Transport Federation of Thailand, said truck operators had increased their charges by 3-5%.
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said yesterday she was concerned about increases in fuel prices and the cost of living. Energy Minister Arak Chonlatanon would work out some solutions. Her government will campaign for energy saving and promote alternative energy.
Ms Yingluck said the government had not concluded if it should scrap the State Oil Fund.