Chiang mai: Rising fuel prices are severely impacting red four-wheeled taxis in Chiang Mai, forcing them to maintain their current fares. Following a sudden 6 baht increase in fuel prices, gas stations in Chiang Mai continue to see a steady stream of motorists filling up their tanks this morning. Many stations have begun allowing unlimited full tanks. Meanwhile, Chiang Mai's red songthaew (shared taxi) drivers say they are severely affected by the continuously rising fuel costs while still having to maintain their fare at 30 baht. They are urgently appealing to the government to find ways to help public transport operators.
According to Thai News Agency, this morning, many gas stations in Chiang Mai city were still crowded with vehicle users, including cars and motorcycles, especially pickup trucks, trucks, and public transport vehicles, all waiting to refuel with diesel. A field survey revealed that some stations still limit diesel fuel purchases to over 1,000 baht per vehicle, while others have begun to lift these restrictions, allowing vehicles to fill their tanks completely.
However, the sudden 6 baht per liter increase in fuel prices has not only caused hardship for motorists but has also significantly impacted public transportation providers, especially the red songthaews (shared taxis), an iconic symbol of Chiang Mai. Our news team interviewed several red songthaew drivers at the Chiang Mai Arcade bus terminal. They all complained of the severe hardship they've faced since last week, struggling to find gas stations, and this week they were shocked by the skyrocketing fuel prices. Meanwhile, they are forced to maintain their fare at 30 baht per person, a price they've charged since fuel prices were 10 baht per liter. Now, with fuel prices nearing 50 baht per liter, the fare remains unchanged, leaving them to absorb the increased fuel costs. They also questioned whether the price increase was simply shifting the burden onto the public and transportation workers and urged the government to urgently find ways to help them.