Bus, air fares cut as fuel prices fall

Interprovincial bus and air fares in Thailand have fallen in line with declining global and domestic fuel prices, easing the cost of travel for the public.

Sorapong Paitoonphong, director-general of the Department of Land Transport, told the media this week that fares on long-distance bus services between Bangkok and the provinces have generally been reduced by 3 satang per kilometre.

Sorapong said the new fares took effect on July 11, following a decision by the department's subcommittee responsible for reviewing fare rates after the retail diesel price fell to 34.94 baht per litre.

He said long-distance bus fares are linked to domestic retail diesel prices and will continue to be adjusted in line with future changes in global and domestic fuel prices.

Meanwhile, Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angkasakulkiat said the fare adjustment is intended to reflect lower operating costs while helping reduce the public's cost of living.

Thai Airways International (THAI) has also announced fare reductions of 20–30% on selected routes following the recent decline in aviation fuel (Jet A-1) prices.

THAI President Chai Eamsiri said the reduced air fares, which took effect on July 1, are intended not only to attract more passengers but also to maintain the airline's competitiveness.