The Transport Ministry is currently exploring the notion of creating an infrastructure fund dedicated to repurchasing mass rapid transit projects from private enterprises. This bold move could pave the way for a flat fare of 20 baht per ride, revolutionizing public transportation in Thailand. On Saturday, Caretaker Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit revealed that the ministry is keen on advancing a proposal put forth by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra during his riveting “Vision for Thailand” event on Friday.
Mr. Thaksin’s ingenious suggestion involves the government buying back private electric train projects and setting an affordable ticket price of 20 baht per trip. He also recommended introducing congestion charges for car users to subsidize public transport, alongside expanding local airports to bolster tourism. Responding to these proposals, Mr. Suriya said that the ministry is aligned with the idea and is setting plans in motion to establish an infrastructure fund specifically for this purpose.
“We will collaborate with the Finance Ministry to set up this fund,” Mr. Suriya announced. “The funding will be sourced from the Ministry of Finance, distinctly separate from the Joint Ticket Promotion Fund, which currently compensates for the discrepancy in electric train fares,” he elaborated.
Saree Aungsomwang, the secretary-general of the Thailand Consumer Council (TCC), expressed her support for Thaksin’s flat-rate transport system in an interview with the Bangkok Post. She went on to suggest that integrating various forms of transport—such as express boats, public buses, and electric train services—under a unified policy could amplify public benefits.
Further addressing Thaksin’s proposals, Mr. Suriya mentioned that he has entrusted the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) to investigate the feasibility of implementing congestion charges. These charges would be levied on vehicles driven within congestion charge zones in central locations served by mass rapid transit systems. Areas like Ratchadapisek, Siam, and Sukhumvit are touted as potential candidates for these congestion charges, similar to successful models in metropolitan cities like London and Singapore.
Looking ahead, the ministry also aims to transfer the management of 29 airports, currently under the Department of Airports, to Airports of Thailand (AoT) over the next decade. The first phase will include Krabi, Udon Thani, and Buri Ram airports.
In a recent visit to Samui International Airport in Surat Thani, Mr. Suriya, accompanied by Caretaker Deputy Minister Manaporn Charoensri, reviewed the airport’s operational progress. Early reports indicated that the airport, which is owned and operated by Bangkok Airways Plc, has experienced a robust influx of visitors. In the first half of this year alone, the airport welcomed over 1.4 million visitors—marking a 22% increase compared to the same period last year. The facility is designed to handle up to 16,000 passengers per day, roughly translating to about 6 million passengers annually.
The proposed initiatives from Thaksin Shinawatra, coupled with the Transport Ministry’s proactive measures, signal a transformative era for Thailand’s public transport system. If successfully implemented, these steps would not only make commuting more affordable and efficient but also foster sustainable growth and enhance the overall quality of life for residents and tourists alike.
Public transport with a 20-baht flat fare—could this be the dawn of a new commuter-friendly era for Thailand? As the ministry drills down on the logistics and practicalities, only time will tell. For now, the wheels of innovation are in motion, promising a potentially thrilling journey ahead for everyone in Thailand.
A 20-baht flat fare sounds too good to be true. How can the government afford this without cutting corners elsewhere?
I agree. There’s no way this can be sustainable. Remember what happened with other ambitious projects in the past?
But if it works, it could really help people who rely on public transport daily. It’s a big if, though.
True, it could be life-changing. But we need transparency on how the funds will be managed. Last thing we need is another boondoggle.
Maybe congestion charges on car users could cover the costs? It’s worked in London and Singapore after all.
Finally, some sense in public transport! Thaksin’s vision is what we need. Imagine the savings for low-income families!
Yes, but what about the impact on motorists? Those congestion charges could be hefty!
True, congestion charges are a concern. But wouldn’t they reduce traffic, making commutes faster for everyone?
That’s a point. Less traffic could mean less pollution too. Win-win?
Can’t believe people are falling for this. Thaksin’s proposals always sound grand but where’s the execution?
Well, at least someone’s trying to address the issue. What’s your solution then?
Better governance and motivating private investors instead of more government control. Simple.
Privatization has its flaws too, you know. Not everything can be left to market forces.
Sure, but history shows government-run projects often run into corruption and inefficiency.
Combining all forms of transport under one policy is brilliant! The UK did something similar and it worked wonders.
Just another campaign promise that will be forgotten after elections. Wake up, people.
You might be right, but hope keeps us going. Better than having zero plans.
Flat fares are great, but how about improving the existing service first? Trains are always late and overcrowded.
Exactly! What’s the use of cheap fares if the service is terrible?
That’s my point. We need both affordability and reliability.
Let’s hope repurchasing projects will improve the quality. We can’t have one without the other.
Optimistic, but cautious. I guess that’s the mood for most of us.
The plan to transfer airport management to AoT seems logical. Local airports need better handling for sure.
Yes, but it can’t just be about better management. We need investments to expand and modernize, too.
Absolutely. Increased tourism demands a smarter infrastructure. We can’t ignore that.
Just curious, how will this affect the current operators? Will they be compensated?
Good question. The devil is in the details. We need a fair transition plan.
Exactly. If handled poorly, it could lead to lawsuits and delays.
It’s about time we see some innovative ideas like this. Best of luck to the ministry and everyone involved!
Remember, this is still a proposal. Let’s see actual progress before celebrating.
Fair point. Announcing a plan is easier than executing it.
Yes, we’ve seen enough empty promises in the past.
I hope they do some serious cost-benefit analysis before diving in. We need to know this will actually work.
Absolutely. Accountability and clear metrics for success are crucial.
How about bus services? They’re a mess and need attention too. Thailand’s transport issues go beyond just trains.
Focusing too much on urban areas could leave rural regions behind. Balance is essential.