Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit has confirmed the government has no plan to offer an extension of the Don Muang Tollway's operation concession to the operator, Don Muang Tollway Plc, in return for capping the toll.
The confirmation countered news reports that an extension was in the works in exchange for not raising the toll by 5 to 10 baht from December.
Citing findings from a study conducted by the Department of Highways (DoH), Mr Suriya said it is not worth extending the concession to maintain the current toll rates until the current concession expires.
Mr Suriya previously disclosed that the tollway operator was planning to raise fees on Dec 22. The minister reportedly ordered a study to examine the possibility of the company being given the option of an extended concession, provided it does not raise the fees.
Prior to the tollway concession expiring in 2034, the operator is open to adopting two more toll rises, one in December and again in December 2029, according to Mr Suriya.
After the concession expires, a new system of tollway management and toll calculation will be devised.
"We are asking motorists to stay patient while we deal with the issue," the minister said, adding that the ministry will try to convince Don Muang Tollway to offer discounts to users from time to time.
Currently, a 5% discount is being given but a bigger one would be better, he said, adding the DoH is in talks with the tollway operator on the issue.
The toll fees range from 40 to 170 baht, depending on the size of the vehicle and the travel distance, said a source.
Sarawut Songsivilai, DoH director-general, said earlier the study by the DoH suggested that after the concession expires, the fees could be brought down to as low as 20 baht or scrapped altogether.