Fuel surge pushes Samui ferry fare hike, Trat operators on alert

A major ferry company operating between Surat Thani and the two popular islands of Samui and Pha-ngan is to increase fares for passengers and vehicles following a rise in fuel prices and supply shortages, while operators in Trat are holding rates steady for now but warning of possible hikes if costs continue to climb.

Seatran Ferry, which operates services from Don Sak pier to Samui and Pha-ngan, will increase its passenger fare from 170 to 180 baht per trip, effective March 19.

Charges for four-wheel vehicles, vans and pickup trucks have also been increased from 550 to 580 baht.

The increases will affect logistics operators, especially local pickup truck drivers who rely on ferry services to transport goods to the island of Samui.

One of them told a Thai PBS reporter that he is already struggling with higher fuel prices and shortages and that the fare hike will add further pressure. He complained that the situation is becoming increasingly difficult, as his charge per trip remains unchanged while costs continue to rise.

If the situation drags on and the impact spreads, he said he and others may be forced to suspend deliveries, adding, “It’s not the right time to raise ferry fares. We are absorbing all the costs while distances and delivery charges remain the same. Our expenses keep increasing.”

At Laem Sok pier in Trat, ferry services to Koh Kut and Koh Mak islands remained busy yesterday, with tourists continuing to travel.

Operators there said they have secured about 2,000 litres of fuel per day to support operations and are maintaining fares at 600 baht per trip for now.

A ferry captain, however, warned that if fuel prices continue to rise or shortages worsen, fare rises may become unavoidable. In a severe shortage scenario, services could even be suspended, he said.

Atthapol Klintub, an executive of Boonsiri High Speed Ferries, which operates ferry and bus services in Trat, said last week that the company consumes between 4,000 and 5,000 litres of fuel per day.

Passenger boats alone use around 1,200 litres for a round trip. He said even a one-baht increase in fuel prices would significantly raise operating costs.

At present, the firm purchases fuel at refinery prices of about 37 baht per litre, without government subsidies, while retail pump prices are lower, at around 30–31 baht per litre.

To cut costs, the company has shifted some fuel purchases for vehicles to retail stations.

Atthapol said the company will maintain current fares for as long as possible to avoid affecting tourism during the final weeks of the high season in the eastern region.

He said the company could absorb the higher costs for about one month, despite the reduction in profits.