Thailand’s Ministry of Transport has given approval for taxi fares in Bangkok and its suburbs to be increased within a month from now.
Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob today met with representatives of four taxi groups and officials of the Land Transport Department to discuss the demand by taxi drivers to adjust taxi fares, which they claim have remained unchanged for several years despite rising fuel costs.
It was agreed that the new taxi fares, proposed by the Land Transport Department, will be as follows:
- the basic rate of 35 baht for the first 1 km distance remains unchanged
- 50 baht/km from 5.50 baht/km for 1 plus km-10 km
- 7 baht/km from 6.50 baht/km for distance above 10 km to 20 km
- 8 baht/km from 7.50 baht/km for distance over 20 km to 40 km
- 50 baht/km from 8 baht for distance over 40 to 60 km
- 9 baht/km for distance over 60 km to 80 km
- 50 baht/km for distance above 80 km.
If a taxi is caught in a traffic jam and can travel not more than 6 km/hour, the fare will increase by one baht for every minute stuck in traffic.
The new fare rates are expected to come into effect one month from now on the condition that the Land Transport Department develops an application to accommodate the cancellation of Taxi OK service to cut costs.
The meeting also agreed to increase the surcharge for taxies at Suvarnabhumi international airport from 50 to 70 baht for ordinary taxies and 90 baht for large taxies. Airports of Thailand Pcl has been assigned to publicize the new taxi rates.
Passenger luggage will also be subjected to a charge of 20 baht per item for three or more bags.
Private cars will be allowed to operate as a taxi but they have to be registered in the form of a company.
