"Maritime Department"halts news"Khlong Saen Saep boats"announcefare increasethis week by 1 baht per segment, confirming coordination with operators and that no fare increase has occurred. They stressed the need to consider cost structures, especially fuel prices.
On 18 Mar 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, revealed that the Ministry of Transport has established a War Room to closely monitor the impact of unrest in the Middle East. The Ministry oversees all transport operators to prevent fare or freight rate hikes beyond legal limits. It also urges all transport sectors to keep fares stable during the government's diesel price freeze to ease citizens' living costs.
Agencies under the Ministry of Transport have been instructed to strictly manage each transport system. In particular, the Maritime Department is assigned to closely supervise water transport, inspecting passenger and cargo boat operators to prevent excess charges. They also continuously monitor international freight rates. This follows reports that Khlong Saen Saep boats announced a 1 baht per segment fare increase this week, from the previous 11–21 baht to 12–22 baht depending on distance.
Mr. Kritpetch Chaichuay, Director-General of the Maritime Department, stated that close coordination with operators, such as Khropkrua Khonsong (2002) Co., Ltd., the Khlong Saen Saep passenger boat operator, confirmed no fare increase has occurred. Any fare adjustments must comply with the committee's official announcement on setting passenger boat fares in Bangkok and its vicinity, published in the Royal Gazette, and must consider cost structures, especially fuel prices.
The Ministry of Transport affirmed its full commitment to managing all aspects of the transport system to maintain price stability and assure the public during the current global uncertainties.
Thanks to information from the Maritime Department's Facebook page.