Bangkok: "Pipat" instructs the Ministry of Transport to control fares across all systems to cope with energy fluctuations. Minister Pipat revealed that measures are being prepared to address the tense situation in the Middle East, which could impact global energy prices. The Ministry of Transport is urgently developing measures to protect the public, particularly by controlling public transport fares to prevent increases beyond legal limits.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, stated that the Ministry of Transport has established a War Room to closely monitor the impact of the unrest in the Middle East and to oversee all types of transport operators to prevent them from increasing fares or freight charges beyond the legal limits. He also requested cooperation from service providers to freeze fares while the government continues to freeze domestic diesel prices.
The Minister has instructed subordinate agencies, including the Department of Land Transport, the Department of Rail Transport, the Marine Department, and the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand, to closely monitor and implement measures in each transportation system. For land transport, they are to strictly inspect and enforce regulations on all types of buses, public transport, and hired vehicles to ensure that fares are charged according to the legally mandated rates.
For water transport, inspect passenger and cargo ship operators to ensure they do not exceed the regulated fares, and closely monitor international cargo rates. For air transport, regulate airlines to ensure passenger and cargo fares comply with the law, and consider measures to freeze fares during volatile situations. For rail transport, assess the risks from energy costs, especially for diesel-fueled locomotives, and prepare proactive risk management strategies.
Mr. Pipat added that the Ministry of Transport has also instructed all agencies to collect data on energy usage in the transportation sector and report the situation continuously to the Transportation Monitoring and Warning Center (TMMCC). This is to prepare for ensuring sufficient fuel supply for public services and to study measures to assist operators if the situation persists and affects the transportation system.
The government prioritizes the well-being of its citizens. The Ministry of Transport will oversee the prevention of fare increases that exceed legal limits and closely monitor the situation to ensure that public transportation continues to provide fair and uninterrupted service to the public.