BANGKOK, April 15 - A government spokesman reveals that the Prime Minister is monitoring the problem of expensive plane tickets. instruct the Ministry of Transport Regulate domestic air fare rates to be fair to consumers closely

Mr. Anucha Burapachaisri Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime Minister for Political Affairs Acting as a spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office revealed that according to General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister and Minister of Defense made an order at a cabinet meeting The Ministry of Transport shall supervise domestic air fares to ensure fair competition and airlines determine appropriate fares.

The Ministry of Transport has reported the price situation of domestic air tickets that Demand for air travel has recovered rapidly. Especially in the last quarter of 2022, which is the high season of tourism. The number of domestic passengers increased by 85 percent and international passengers increased by 53 percent. 89 While airlines are unable to increase the number of seats to meet the demand. This is because all airlines have downsized their fleet to maintain cash flow during the COVID-19 situation. In addition, nowadays, airlines around the world are accelerating the procurement of aircraft at the same time. In addition, the price of air tickets varies according to the time of purchase, so if passengers plan their trip in advance, they will be able to buy tickets at a cheaper price. But in the past, passengers had a habit of booking tickets closer to the travel date. This results in having to buy tickets that are more expensive than booking in advance. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand as a regulator Therefore, there are guidelines for regulating fare rates to ensure fairness for both passengers and airlines as follows:

Support airlines to increase the number of seats in line with market demand. This will be one of the factors that can reduce the overall fare price by taking the following actions:

(1) increasing the number of aircraft, which the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand currently considers allowing airlines to increase the number of aircraft, namely Thai Lion Air air conditioner Allowed to increase the number of aircraft to 7 aircraft, Thai VietJet Air is in the process of requesting permission to add 3 aircraft, Thai Airways is requesting permission to add 6 aircraft and Thai AirAsia X is requesting permission to add 2 aircraft (2) to the line

. Flying back to use the original slot that stopped flying during the COVID-19 situation. to increase the number of flights to meet the needs of passengers

(3) Public relations for passengers to plan their travel in advance. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand has prepared public relations materials through various online media, including the website and Facebook of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand. to disseminate understanding Airline fare pricing mechanism The objective is to allow people to plan their trips in advance in order to get tickets at reasonable prices.

Review the fare regulation rules for domestic routes in line with the current situation and promote market competition. In the past, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand has initiated a meeting with representatives of airlines. and organizing workshops with government and private agencies To gather problems and suggestions for further review of appropriate fare regulation regulations. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand has continuously monitored fare prices. By preparing a quarterly ticket fare report which is published on the website of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (www.caat.or.th) as well as randomly checking ticket prices during periods of high travel demand to check that airlines do not sell tickets at prices that exceed the specified ceiling rate.

“The Prime Minister followed up on the air ticket price problem. especially low-cost airlines whose prices have increased considerably. Therefore ordered in the cabinet meeting that the Ministry of Transport supervise domestic air fares To have fair competition and airlines set reasonable fares. The Prime Minister acknowledged the report on domestic air ticket price situations and guidelines for regulating such fares and urged the Ministry of Transport to follow up the consideration of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand. in the supervision of domestic air fares To ensure fairness to consumers closely, ”said Mr. Anucha .-Thai News Agency

Source: Thai News Agency