The Deputy Minister of Transport visited ports to check readiness for the Songkran festival 2026, ordered strict enforcement of water safety, confirmed no fare increases, and revealed that some ferry services have already lowered their prices.
Mr. Sanphet Boonyamani, Deputy Minister of Transport, stated that he visited the site with Mr. Kritphet Chaichuay, Director-General of the Marine Department, to inspect the Chao Phraya Express boat piers and the Kiak Kai Wat Kaew Fa pier (in front of the Parliament) to monitor readiness in providing services to the public during the upcoming Songkran festival and long holidays.According to reports,overall, the Ministry of Transport is ready in terms of management, facilitation, and safety measures, focusing on preparing all types of passenger boats—including public transport boats, tourist boats, and ferries—to efficiently handle the increased passenger volume during the festival.
He emphasized that the Marine Department must enforce the highest safety standards, including inspecting every passenger boat before service, covering engine systems, boat structure, and life-saving equipment such as life jackets and rescue devices, ensuring they are fully operational and meet standards.
Additionally, he ordered strict enforcement of regulations, such as controlling passenger numbers to avoid overloading, requiring passengers to wear life jackets throughout the journey, suspending services during adverse weather, assigning staff at piers 24 hours a day during holidays, and coordinating with related agencies like the Navy, marine police, and rescue units to promptly handle emergencies.
Furthermore, he instructed to consider increasing boat frequency and extending service hours to accommodate residents and tourists, reduce congestion, and lower accident risks.
The Marine Department confirmed there will be no fare increases during the Songkran festival, to protect the rights of residents and tourists and ensure safe, convenient, and fair water travel throughout the festival. He also instructed the Marine Department to coordinate with operators to strictly enforce fare reductions according to legal rates.
Currently, with oil prices having dropped by 2 baht, some ferry operators have started to reduce fares, including the Tha Tien–Wat Arun and Khlong San–Si Phraya ferry routes. Meanwhile, the Chao Phraya Express and other operators are monitoring oil prices before deciding on fare adjustments, with further discussions planned with operators.
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