Intercity bus fares in Thailand will increase by 3 satang per kilometre from Tuesday, Sept 15, as operators face higher fuel costs following a sharp rise in diesel prices.
The Department of Land Transport approved the fare adjustment after diesel prices climbed to 39.84 baht per litre. The increase applies to interprovincial bus services and is intended to help operators cope with higher operating expenses.
Although the adjustment is calculated by distance, the actual increase for passengers will vary depending on the length of their journey. A 100-kilometre trip, for example, would cost about 3 baht more, while longer journeys would see a proportionally larger increase.
The fare change comes after transport operators had pushed for higher rates as fuel costs put pressure on their businesses. Earlier proposals had considered a larger increase, but authorities have opted for a smaller adjustment.
The latest increase adds to concerns over rising travel costs as Thailand continues to deal with elevated energy prices. Intercity buses remain an important transport option for passengers travelling between provinces, particularly those seeking a cheaper alternative to air travel.
The Department of Land Transport is expected to continue monitoring fuel prices and the financial impact on bus operators. Any further changes to fares would depend on developments in operating costs and government policy.
For passengers planning long-distance trips, the increase is relatively modest on shorter routes but could become more noticeable on longer journeys, making the new fare rates worth checking before travelling from Tuesday onward.
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