Bangkok: The Cabinet has approved a series of measures aimed at supporting the transportation sector, particularly cargo trucks and public transport vehicles, during the ongoing energy crisis influenced by the situation in the Middle East. Assistance will be facilitated through PromptPay, with registration available from April 16-19.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, Deputy Minister of Transport, announced the Cabinet's decision following a proposal from the Department of Land Transport to assist bus and freight transport operators. Recognizing the critical role of freight trucks in production costs and the cost of living, the Cabinet has allocated approximately 1,353 million baht from the central budget to support these operators. The plan involves verifying the actual distance traveled and making payments based on the registered distance of the cargo trucks. Initially targeting 100,000 individuals, the measure now extends to 287,000 businesses, aiming to alleviate financial burdens on businesses and the public. This initiative will be in effect until May 31st, with potential for future measures if the situation persists.
The Cabinet also approved, in principle, the use of funds from the "Lucky Number Fund" or the Road Safety Fund to stabilize prices and prevent public burden. This measure, previously implemented during the Songkran festival to avoid fare increases, will maintain current prices until April 19th.
Further support is extended to various public transport groups, including passenger vans, intercity minibuses, songthaews, non-scheduled buses, and both stand and app-based motorcycle taxis, as well as fuel-powered taxis. These groups are under price controls, necessitating government intervention to prevent additional public burden. The initiative covers 183,302 public transport vehicles, benefiting over 460,000 operators. Registration for benefits is open from April 16th to 19th, 2026, with direct financial support provided via PromptPay.
The Cabinet has sanctioned a budget of 2,061 million baht to subsidize fuel costs over 42 days (April 20 to May 31, 2026). The distribution includes: 1) Non-scheduled trucks - 1,354 million baht; 2) Public motorcycles - 97 million baht; 3) Public buses in categories 2 and 3 - 81 million baht; 4) Public buses in category 4 - 9 million baht; 5) Fuel-powered taxis - 8 million baht; 6) Non-scheduled buses - 311 million baht; and 7) Support for the Transport Company Limited during the Songkran festival - 200 million baht.
Specific financial assistance details include:
- Non-regular route trucks with GPS will receive up to 6,000 baht per vehicle, while those without GPS will receive 3,000 baht.
- Non-scheduled passenger transport: 7,000 baht per bus and 5,040 baht per van or minibus.
- Fuel cost for taxis: 5,040 baht per vehicle.
- Public motorcycle taxi fare: 840 baht per vehicle.