Phiphat has ordered strict control over airfares after airlines plan to raise ticket prices due to continuously rising energy costs. He pointed out that all airlines are equally affected and emphasized that prices must remain within the established ceiling. He also outlined stringent measures to protect passenger rights, stating that if flight schedules are changed, full refunds must be provided.
Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, revealed that the planned airfare increases by airline groups due to high oil prices are not limited to Thai airlines alone but affect all carriers because of the continuously rising fuel costs.
"This impact is not confined to air transport alone but also affects other mass transit systems and freight transport, which must also adjust in response to fuel price increases," Phiphat said.
Regarding price control measures, Phiphat stated that airfare increases will have a clearly defined price ceiling, with the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) responsible for overseeing and ensuring that fares do not exceed legal limits.
Phiphat added that rumors of flight cancellations are inaccurate; airlines do not intend to cancel flights. However, when passenger numbers decline or flights have less than half capacity, airlines need to adjust flight schedules to better match actual demand rather than using the term 'cancellation'.
. . The Ministry of Transport has implemented strict measures to protect passengers affected by these changes, stipulating that if flight schedule adjustments impact booked travel, airlines must issue a 100% refund. Relevant agencies will closely monitor airline operations to ensure passengers receive their entitled protections.
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