THE CABINET today (April 11) approved relief for the transport sector with funds to be channelled to over 460,000 vehicles to ensure that the operators are able to stay afloat while the public would not have to pay higher fares during April 20 to May 31, 2026, Naewna newspaper and MNG Online said.
A total of 2.06 billion baht will be injected to subsidise fuel costs of over 180,000 taxis, motorcycle taxis, and minibuses as well as over 280,000 trucks in order to maintain fares and goods prices and freeze the cost of living. The Land Transport Department will open registration for this assistance during April 16-19.
Transport Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn said his ministry, through this department, has been actively pushing for implementing this measure to mitigate the impact of the energy crisis on the general public.
The Ministry has divided recipients of this cash assistance into two main groups as follows:
1/ Public buses and taxis that use oil:
The government will help subsidise the costs of around 180,332 vehicles to ensure operators are able to survive and the public are not saddled with higher fares. Details are as follows:
– Intercity buses (Transport Co. and joint venture buses): Fare difference subsidised during the Songkran festival (April 6-19), guaranteeing the same fares so that people can travel to their hometowns comfortably;
– Vans, minibuses, and songthaews (in Bangkok): Each given a subsidy of 5,040 baht/vehicle;
– Vans and minibuses (Inter-provincial): Each given maximum subsidy of 700 baht/day/vehicle (actual mileage will be verified via the application);
– Non-regular passenger vehicles (e.g., tour buses, employee shuttles): Each given a subsidy of 5,040 – 7,000 baht/vehicle;
– Taxis: Receive a subsidy of 5,040 baht/vehicle;
– Public motorcycles (motorcycle taxis): Receive a subsidy of 840 baht/vehicle.
Trucks transporting goods (to freeze prices of consumer goods): In order to prevent transport costs from being passed on to the market prices of consumer goods, the ministry will be channeling assistance to around 287,175 trucks, divided into two groups as follows:
– Trucks with GPS installed: Receive a maximum subsidy of 6,000 baht/vehicle (actual mileage will be verified via the application);
– Trucks without GPS installed: Receive a subsidy of 3,000 baht/vehicle.
Pipat added that registration for this assistance will be open during April 16-19, 2026 with this measure covering a full 42 days (from April 20 to May 31, 2026). Citizens and businesses can get more information, details, and conditions in applying for the cash handout at the Land Transport Department website (www.dlt.go.th) and its Facebook page PR.DLT.News.
CAPTIONS:
Inter-provincial buses, above, a truck, inserted, and some motorcyclists at a Bangkok intersection, Front Page. All photos – MNG Online
Insert – Transport Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn. Photo – Naewna
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