Fare hike hits Bangkok waterways as fuel costs rise

Two major passenger boat services, used by Bangkok commuters and tourists, have announced a 2-baht fare increase across all route, effective Monday March 30.

The Chao Phraya Express Boat company has said it will raise fares on all types of boat by 2 baht, as the price of diesel, which directly impacts operating costs, has climbed to 38.99 baht/litre.

Charoenporn Charoentham, the company’s managing director, said the adjustment is necessary despite efforts to delay the increase out of concern for passengers.

The company operates services along the Chao Phraya River between Pak Kret Pier and Ratcha Singkhon Temple Pier.

The new fares will be:

• Orange flag boats (Nonthaburi- Ratcha Singkhon Temple) - 18 baht (end-to-end)
• Yellow flag boats (Nonthaburi-Sathorn) - 23 baht (end-to-end)
• Green-yellow flag boats:

o Pak Kret-Nonthaburi - 16 baht

o Nonthaburi-Sathorn - 23 baht

o Pak Kret-Sathorn - 35 baht

• Red flag air-conditioned boats (Nothaburi-Sathorn) - 32 baht

Charoenporn added that the company will “consider” reducing fares accordingly if fuel prices decline.

Meanwhile, operators of the Saen Saep Canal boat service have also announced a 2-baht fare increase, raising fares from 11-21 baht to 13-23 baht, effective on the same day.

Chaowalit Methayaprapas, managing director of the Family Transport (2002) company, said the rapid and sharp rise in the B7 diesel price, now at 38.94 baht/per litre, has significantly increased operating costs.

The Saen Saep Canal service runs between Sriboonruang Temple and the Phan Fa Lilat Bridge.

He said the latest adjustment, equivalent to 2 baht per segment, is based on a fare structure tied to diesel prices in the range of 33.01–35.00 baht/litre, even though current prices have already exceeded that level.

The increase is intended as an initial measure to ease the impact on passengers, with a further review scheduled by April 6, to determine whether additional fare rises are needed if the price of diesel price remains above 35 baht/litre.

According to the company’s pricing structure, fares could rise by another 1 baht per segment if diesel prices move towards 37.00 baht/litre or higher.

Chaowalit said the increase “may be” temporary and reflects energy pricing mechanisms, adding that fares would be reduced if fuel costs fall.