Unable to hold back any longer, the Phra Samut Chedi ferry pier is raising its service fee by 2 baht following the oil price crisis, starting tomorrow (1 Apr 2026). The management lamented the severe impact they have endured.
Due to the continuous rise in oil prices in Thailand, most recently on the night of 30 Mar 2026, the diesel price was increased by 1.80 baht per liter, effective from 5 a.m.Today(31 Mar 2026), causing severe impacts on businesses reliant on fuel.
At 11:30 a.m. on 31 Mar 2026, reporters visited the Phra Samut Chedi–Wiboon Sri Market ferry pier, another longstanding ferry pier in Samut Prakan Province.It has been operating for several decades.This is a main route connecting the city side of Samut Prakan Province (Pak Nam) with Phra Samut Chedi District,whichreduces travel distance and cuts travel time to just 10 minutes if water levels are not too low. Recently, additional routes such as the Bhumibol and Kanchanaphisek Bridges have opened for vehicles, though these routes are longer and charge tolls. Currently, the ferry pier is heavily impacted by rising fuel prices but has kept its fares unchanged so far.
Ms. Orathai Chanthamrong, manager of the Phra Samut Chedi ferry pier, explained the current fuel situation: The ferry service uses about 400-500 liters of fuel daily. Initially, there was a fuel shortage as the usual fuel trucks stopped delivering, so they had to search for fuel themselves.Deliveries no longer arrive as before.They have to travel around looking for fuel to supply the boats; some stations have enough, others don’t.
Additionally, fuel prices have increased. Passenger numbers have dropped, but service continues. The number of trips has been reduced to save fuel, fearing shortages that would prevent crossings. Closing the service is unlikely; they must keep sourcing fuel to serve the public.
Previously, 10 boats operated daily: 5 in the morning and 5 in the afternoon. Due to fuel shortages, this has been reduced to 4 boats in the morning and 4 in the afternoon, totaling 8.
Following the fuel price hike on the night of 30 Mar 2026, especially diesel rising by 1.80 baht to 40.74 baht per liter, service is seriously affected. Therefore, the ferry pier will raise fares from 6 baht to 8 baht for the general public, and from 3 baht to 4 baht for students and uniformed government officials, starting with the first trip at 4:30 a.m. on 1 Apr 2026.
Ms. Wanwisa Timkaew, 44, a ferry user, told reporters she has used this ferry for over 5 years, crossing 2-3 times weekly to work in Phra Samut Chedi while living in Pak Nam. She pays 6 baht fare and only recently learned of the increase to 8 baht starting 1 Apr 2026. She feels the fare hike will affect her travel and, as a passenger, she hopes the fare will not increase.
She understands the impact of rising fuel costs on operators but also feels the burden on passengers. Ideally, prices would not rise. The ferry reduces travel time and distance well. She used to take buses which took longer and involved more waiting and distance. She hopes the government will help by stabilizing fuel prices to ease the impact on everyone.