“Phiphat” Confirms no fare hikes across all public transport systems, continuing to reduce the burden on the public Anticipation builds for cabinet review after 19 Apr Relief measures to extend support for operators through May; travel during Songkran Emphasizes deployment of 300 additional non-regular buses to support homebound travelers; assures no passenger backlogs
Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, revealed that given rising oil prices, the Ministry of Transport will maintain current public transport fares across all types until 19 April 2026 with no increases, aiming to ease living costs during the high travel period.
The fare freeze covers both road and water transport. The ministry has requested operators to keep existing fares throughout the festival, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing public benefit.
However, for the period after 19 April 2026, the Ministry of Transport is discussing with the Ministry of Finance ways to manage fares and impacts on operators, with proposals to be submitted for cabinet consideration on 11 April.
“Preliminary figures for support measures have been prepared but details cannot yet be disclosed, pending cabinet approval, as conditions or forms of assistance may change,” Phiphat said.
Additionally, the Ministry of Transport is considering extending support measures for transport operators until the end of May 2026 to align with ongoing cost fluctuations, though final details depend on cabinet decisions.
To accommodate public travel during the festival, the Transport Company Limited (BorKorSor) and the Department of Land Transport (DLT) have prepared by adding 300 non-regular buses (standard 30) to support passengers without advance tickets. They confirm sufficient vehicles are available for homebound and tourist travel, ensuring no passenger backlog. Water transport fares remain unchanged during Songkran to help reduce public expenses in all travel aspects.
Phiphat emphasized that a key government policy under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is to build confidence among citizens and tourists for convenient, safe travel during the Thai New Year festival without added financial burden. The Ministry of Transport is committed to ensuring smooth travel and maximum public benefit.
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