THAILAND VILLAS IN PHUKET, PHANG NGA, KRABI, KOH SAMUI AND KOH PHANGAN

Yesterday a talk between government and transporters was still increasing natural gas price but just one time on Jan 16, said Deputy Prime Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong. The meeting results an agreement of CNG price hike for 50 satang per kilogram on Jan 16.

The plan of price hike is still holding, said him. “But after a week of two, government and transport actor will meet again to consider the price should increase in a second or third time.” Then they will make a committee to determine proper price for CNG in four months. Mr. Kittirat apologized for unclear message to transport sector and for not searching any opinions before making decision.

Previously government decided to gradually increase CNG price by 50 satang per kg a month for 12 months as it starts on Jan 16. The price then will reach 14.50 baht. Under an agreement yesterday, government will publish energy credit cards for taxi and truck drivers to buy CNG during four month period while proper CNG price is ensured. The cards will be targeted truck and taxi operators before CNG price hikes up on Jan 16, said Mr Kittirat.

Yesterday transport operators were blocking streets at the Royal Plaza and in front of Government House to delay CNG price increase. This group closed three lanes of traffic in front of Government House before they sending their representatives to deal with government. Later the taxi operators are ended their protest after government find a solution to break the problem of CNG price in four months. The protester group contains truck drivers and transportation operators under Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) franchise.

Transport Minister Sukumpol Suwanatat said operators who affected by CNG price hike can meet the ministry to solve this problem. Problems should overcome through dialogue not by displaying road blockades, said him. ACM Sukumpol added if transport operators have never came to consult their mind about over fare increase. “Government would not increase fares as long as diesel price remained at 30 baht a liter. It is about 10% of the country or 700,000 trucks operate under CNG power. The other vehicles are using diesel oil, said ACM Sukumpol. Opas Phetmunee, director of the state-run Bangkok Mass Transit Authority, said the BMTA would put free buses into service if private passenger buses under the BMTA franchise cease services.

News by Bangkok Post