The Transport Ministry is exploring the creation of an infrastructure fund aimed at repurchasing mass rapid transit projects from private companies. The goal is to enable a flat fare of 20 baht per ride under public ownership of these services.
Caretaker Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit stated on Saturday that the ministry seeks to advance a proposal put forth by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra during his “Vision for Thailand” event on Friday.
Mr. Thaksin proposed that achieving the flat fare would require the government to acquire private electric train projects and set ticket prices at 20 baht per trip. He also suggested the implementation of congestion charges on car users to subsidize public transport and proposed expanding local airports to bolster tourism.
In response, Mr. Suriya indicated the ministry’s agreement with the idea and is now planning to establish an infrastructure fund to repurchase electric train services from the private sector.
“We will collaborate with the Finance Ministry to create the fund, which will be financed by the Ministry of Finance, distinct from the Joint Ticket Promotion Fund that compensates for disparities in electric train fares,” he said.
Saree Aungsomwang, secretary-general of the Thailand Consumer Council (TCC), expressed support for Thaksin’s flat-rate transport system proposal. She further recommended integrating all transport modes, including express boats, public buses, and electric train services, under a unified policy to maximize public benefit.
Regarding Thaksin’s other proposals, Mr. Suriya revealed that he has directed the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) to investigate the feasibility of implementing congestion charges—a fee imposed on vehicles driving in central congested zones where mass rapid transit services are available.
He mentioned that it might be practical to introduce congestion charges in areas like Ratchadapisek, Siam, and Sukhumvit, similar to models in metropolitan cities such as London and Singapore.
Additionally, the ministry plans to transfer the management of 29 airports currently overseen by the Department of Airports to Airports of Thailand (AoT) over the next decade. The first phase of this project will include three airports: Krabi, Udon Thani, and Buri Ram.
Mr. Suriya visited Samui International Airport in Surat Thani on Friday to assess its operational progress, accompanied by Caretaker Deputy Minister Manaporn Charoensri.
He noted that the airport welcomed over 1.4 million visitors in the first half of this year, representing a 22% increase compared to the same period last year. He added that Samui International Airport, operated by Bangkok Airways Plc, can accommodate up to 16,000 passengers daily, translating to roughly 6 million passengers annually.
