Beginning late April this year, metered taxis in Thailand will increase fare for at least 5 percent as part of the second phase of the fare adjustment which has been long-delayed since 2014.

The Ministry of Transportation approved the implementation of the said fare increase for traditional taxis. The first phase of fare adjustment was in December 2014 with 6-8 percent, the second phase will be after the April Songkran break.

The Department of Land Transport (DLT) Director-General Sanit Phromwong announces in Khaosod online, “ DLT approved the first fare adjustment [in December 2014] for 6 to 8 percent higher. The second adjustment, which will be in late April, is expected to add 5 to 7 percent more but still under the 13 percent approved increase.”

The new fare adjustment also covers airport service charge. Officials are hoping that this will bring fares in line with the actual costs, answering drivers and operators’ predicaments.

The new rate and airport fee have not been finalized yet. Officials are also keen on strictly implementing the law against taxi drivers who will not use the meter or refuse passengers. Every taxi will be given mandate to install GPS devices beginning this year.

Source: www.khaosodenglish.com