Bus Services to Chiang Rai Slashed Due to Soaring Diesel Prices

In response to Thailand’s soaring diesel prices, 27 private bus service operators plan to cut regional and interprovincial services starting July 1, 2022

According to the Thai Private Bus Operators Association, 27 of its members have decided to reduce the frequency of their services by 80% as of July 1, 2022.

Providing full bus services was no longer feasible for them due to soaring diesel prices in Thailand.

On average, the owners lose 1,600 baht on each trip, according to association chairman Pichet Jiemburaseth. According to him, the current fare structure is a problem.

Government-regulated fares have been in place since 2019 when the diesel prices were only 27.79 baht per liter.

Thailand’s PTT Oil and Retail Plc report a diesel retail price of 34.94 baht in Bangkok.

A total of 20,000 buses are owned and operated by the association. No details were provided about the number of bus routes that would be affected by the announcement.

On July 1, all 27 bus companies operating between provinces, within provinces, and between Bangkok and other provinces are reducing service frequency.

Among them is Nakhonchai Air, which will reduce bus frequencies on 29 routes including its routes to and from Chiang Rai Province.

State Bus Services to Remain

Nakhonchai Air, also known as NCA and Nakhonchai Air, is one of the largest bus companies in Thailand. Nakhon Chai Air is a first-class operator that offers a wide range of luxury bus services to many destinations all around Thailand, especially Chiang Ra and Chiang Mai.

Many people consider Nakhonchai Air to be among the leading bus operators in Thailand because of their excellent service. Tickets for Nakhonchai Air Chiang Rai to Bangkok can now be purchased online conveniently at BusOnlineTicket.co.th.

Meanwhile, Transport Co-Managing Director Sanyalak Panwattanalikhit said on Tuesday the company did not intend to reduce domestic or international routes.

Transport Co is looking into ways to assist private operators operating under its concessions, he said.

Thailand’s state-owned Transport Co reports it will continue to operate its bus services throughout Thailand as normal.