Bus operators are urging the government to control "fuel prices," especially after recent price hikes.The situationin the Middle East war has led them to plan a survey of bus trips and propose to the Department of Land Transport a reduction in trips to match operational costs.
On 4 March 2026, Mr. Chaiwat Wongbencharat, Managing Director of Nakornchai 21 Co., Ltd., and Deputy Managing Director of Nakornchai Tour Co., Ltd., revealed the impact on bus operators from rising fuel prices due to the war in the Middle East. He said that in the past 2-3 days, diesel prices have increased by 4-5 baht per liter, causing fuel prices to rise again.Fuel pricesare a major cost, accounting for 35-40% of bus company expenses. Thus, the current increase in fuel prices will raise operators’ costs by about 10%. If prices continue to rise steadily, operators plan to survey bus trips and propose to the Department of Land Transport a reduction in trips to better align with costs.
He added that normally, current bus operating costs already exceed actual fares. If fuel prices continue to rise, operators will need to discuss further. Currently, bus operators pay the same fuel prices as the general public.
Therefore, fares do not yet match the fuel costs borne by operators. What operators want from the government is assistance in controlling fuel prices specifically for bus operators or lowering import taxes on bus spare parts. Nakornchai 21 Co., Ltd. operates route 21 from Nakhon Ratchasima to Bangkok, with 58 trips daily each way. Nakornchai Tour Co., Ltd. serves northern, northeastern, and central routes such as Nakhon Ratchasima to Chiang Mai, Mae Sai, Mukdahan, and Nakhon Sawan.
