Thailand Approves 2.06 Billion Baht Transport Subsidy to Stabilize Fares
The Thai government has approved a 2.06 billion baht support package for the transport sector to mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices and stabilize fares. The initiative, endorsed by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, targets public buses, freight trucks, and for-hire vehicles over a 42-day period ending May 31. Subsidies vary by vehicle type, with public buses receiving up to 5,040 baht and larger freight trucks getting 6,000 baht. Payments are processed via PromptPay after eligibility verification through GPS data. However, the rollout faced significant challenges, including technical glitches in the ThaID app that caused overcrowding at Department of Land Transport offices. Additionally, the scheme excludes vehicles using alternative fuels like LPG or NGV, drawing criticism from taxi and electric motorcycle drivers who feel marginalized. Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angkasakulkiat acknowledged these limitations, noting that future assistance for app-based riders might be considered. The program aims to ease household living costs while ensuring continued public transport availability, though initial implementation issues have highlighted gaps in digital infrastructure and policy inclusivity.
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Thailand Approves 2.06 Billion Baht Transport Subsidy to Stabilize Fares
The Thai government has approved a 2.06 billion baht support package for the transport sector to mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices and stabilize fares. The initiative, endorsed by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, targets public buses, freight trucks, and for-hire vehicles over a 42-day period ending May 31. Subsidies vary by vehicle type, with public buses receiving up to 5,040 baht and larger freight trucks getting 6,000 baht. Payments are processed via PromptPay after eligibility verification through GPS data. However, the rollout faced significant challenges, including technical glitches in the ThaID app that caused overcrowding at Department of Land Transport offices. Additionally, the scheme excludes vehicles using alternative fuels like LPG or NGV, drawing criticism from taxi and electric motorcycle drivers who feel marginalized. Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angkasakulkiat acknowledged these limitations, noting that future assistance for app-based riders might be considered. The program aims to ease household living costs while ensuring continued public transport availability, though initial implementation issues have highlighted gaps in digital infrastructure and policy inclusivity.
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