PATTAYA, THAILAND – Songthaew fares in Pattaya rose for the first time in more than 30 years, with many riders accepting the change but tying it to expectations for safer service and clearer rules.
New fares in effect from 10 April
The revised fare structure had been in force since 10 April and marked the first adjustment in over three decades. Trips between 1 and 10 kilometers now cost 15 baht, while longer journeys increase to a maximum of 20 baht.
Passengers viewed the change as a significant shift after decades of stability in local transport prices. The move affected both residents and commuters who relied on Songthaews for daily travel across the city.
Why prices went up
Surveys among passengers indicated that the increase was largely accepted, mainly due to higher fuel prices and rising living costs. Several riders pointed out that the former flat fare of 10 baht had remained unchanged for decades and was hardly sustainable under current economic conditions.
Some members of the public linked their acceptance directly to cost pressures on operators. They argued that keeping fares at the old level would threaten the long-term viability of Songthaew services.
Calls for fairness and transparency
Parts of the public called for the new system to be implemented in a fair and transparent way, including clearer price practices. They also requested safer, designated stopping points and more disciplined driving to avoid sudden halts and risky maneuvers on busy roads.
These demands reflected wider concerns about road safety and predictability in daily commuting. Riders said that transparent information on routes and fares would be essential to maintain confidence in the public transport network.
Operators say they absorbed higher costs for years
Thongchai Sukhakojai, chairman of the Pattaya Songthaew Operators Cooperative, said this was the first fare increase in more than 30 years.
“This is the first fare increase in over 30 years.”
said Thongchai Sukhakojai, chairman of the Pattaya Songthaew Operators Cooperative.
He explained that operating costs, especially for fuel, had risen continuously over this period.
According to Thongchai, operators had shouldered the additional expenses for a long time but could no longer maintain the old fare level. He described the adjustment as necessary to keep services running and to cover basic operating costs.
Promise of better service alongside higher fares
The cooperative announced plans to improve service standards in parallel with the price adjustment. This included safer driving and correct procedures for allowing passengers to board and alight.
Operators also highlighted more polite communication with passengers as a goal. They said this should help strengthen public trust in the Songthaew system and demonstrate that the fare hike would be matched by visible service upgrades.
Drivers seek income that matches rising expenses
Drivers emphasized that the new fares would help align their income more closely with rising expenses, particularly for fuel. They stressed that the previous fare left little room to cope with increasing daily costs.
At the same time, drivers assured passengers that service quality would remain a priority during the transition period. They said they intended to keep journeys reliable while the new price structure settled in.
Songthaews as backbone of local transport
In Pattaya, more than 712 Songthaew vehicles were in operation and formed a central pillar of the city’s public transport. The new fares therefore had a major impact on locals and commuters who used these vehicles every day.
Residents noted that any change to Songthaew pricing quickly affected household budgets and commuting patterns. Observers said the way the new system was implemented would shape public perception of Pattaya’s urban transport for years to come.