Ayutthaya's songthaews are struggling due to soaring fuel prices with continuously rising costs. Operators admit hesitation about raising fares but sympathize with local residents, or might stop running altogether. They said, "Whatever the government decides on price adjustments is their business since we elected them." They expressed this frustration toward government fuel pricing policies.
On 3 Apr 2026 GMT+7 in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province, local songthaew operators have been affected by continuously rising fuel prices. This has increased their operating costs, and they may need to raise fares in the future or stop running if the situation does not improve.
Additionally, a driver on the Ayutthaya–Bang Sai route shared that he has driven this route for a long time, currently operating two trips daily—morning and evening. He charges about 25 baht for the nearly 40-kilometer route from Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya district transport terminal to Bang Sai district terminal. However, if fuel prices continue to rise, he will definitely need to raise the fare to 50 baht. Sometimes, he might even stop running altogether because the increased fuel expenses make it unsustainable.
However, so far, fares have not been raised out of consideration for regular passengers who rely on the service, while they continue to monitor the situation.
"We just leave it be. Whatever price the government floats is their business since we elected them," they said, expressing frustration over fuel pricing decisions.
Meanwhile, a 70-year-old driver on the Ayutthaya–Bang Ban route, with over 40 years of experience, said that fares used to be just 5 baht but are now 30 baht for the full route. Fuel costs have clearly risen—from about 300 baht per refuel previously to over 400 baht now—significantly cutting into profits and causing greater financial hardship, making it harder to afford fuel.
If fuel prices keep rising, he may have to stop running or raise fares, but he has yet to decide. He appealed to the government to help control fuel prices, noting that some operators have already stopped running—about 2-3 vehicles nearby—because they cannot bear fuel costs. Only a few remain operating nearby, but they may also stop if prices continue to rise. He wore a white shirt and has gray hair.
Passengers using the service acknowledged that they would have to pay higher fares if necessary, as they have no alternative transportation and understand the increased costs faced by operators. However, they hope the government will step in to regulate fuel prices because the rising cost of living—including essentials and transportation—affects the wider public.
The rising fuel prices continue to pressure both operators and the public, who bear increased costs, and they hope for government measures to provide relief.