Khon Kaen songthaew drivers are facing severe hardship as diesel prices soar to 43 baht per liter, urging the government to help stabilize prices. They complain that after driving all day, they earn only a few dozen baht to take home.
At 1:00 p.m. on 23 Oct 2026 GMT+7, reporters surveyed several public transport stops for songthaews in Mueang Khon Kaen district, especially the green songthaew line 4 route from Srinagarind Hospital to Bus Terminal 3, covering a total distance of 12 kilometers. This route is important for passengers, now affected by diesel prices rising to 43.54 baht per liter.
Mr. Khamboon Phuangket, 65, a songthaew driver, said that currently, 500 baht of fuel buys only 11 liters, which is used up after two round trips transporting passengers. During school holidays, passenger numbers drop, sometimes forcing him to drive empty from the starting point to the end at Bus Terminal 3, making the trips unprofitable.
“Personally, I would like the fare raised from 15 to 20 baht to cover costs, but I understand the passengers. Some days after driving all day and deducting expenses, I only have 200 baht left to take home for groceries and necessities, saving just 50 baht—not enough for my grandchild’s school expenses. Changing careers is not an option because of my age,” he said.
Mr. Khamboon added that diesel prices during Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s tenure have risen continuously and are higher than during the administrations of former Prime Ministers Thaksin Shinawatra and Prayut Chan-o-cha. Previously, those governments would swiftly intervene to lower prices to assist the public, but the current administration has allowed prices to remain high. He urges the government to reduce diesel prices to around 34–35 baht per liter, a level sustainable for daily wage earners like himself.