Bangkok: A recent forum organized by the Consumer Council has sparked discussions on public transportation policy, highlighting the need to reduce travel costs and enhance equality across Thailand. Representatives from various political parties gathered to present their proposed policies and exchange views on addressing key transportation issues that impact consumer quality of life, such as fare affordability, uneven coverage in provincial areas, safety concerns, and unequal access to public services.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Sareee Ongsomwang, Secretary-General of the Consumer Council, emphasized that Thai consumers are grappling with multiple overlapping challenges, including rising living costs, unequal public service access, safety concerns, and economic structures that favor certain capital groups. These issues are particularly pronounced in rural areas, where inadequate infrastructure limits transportation, education, and economic opportunities, widening regional inequality.
The forum underscored that public transportation is not the primary choice for many due to its lack of comprehensive coverage, mismatched fares with income levels, and safety limitations. As a result, consumers often resort to private vehicles, increasing expenses and accident risks. The Consumer Council proposed measures such as establishing a public transportation fund in every province, capping fares at 10% of the minimum wage, subsidizing student transport, and eliminating high-risk vehicles on dangerous routes. They stressed that investing in public transportation is an investment in consumer quality of life, safety, and fairness.
Representatives from the Bhumjaithai Party highlighted the need to link public transportation systems to other public services, particularly healthcare and emergency services in remote areas. They noted that inadequate transportation forces reliance on motorcycles or private vehicles, increasing accident risks and living costs. The Pheu Thai Party proposed affordable fare policies, arguing for simultaneous development of bus and rail systems beyond major cities, while addressing environmental impacts and pollution.
The Democrat Party emphasized decentralizing power and budgets to local areas, warning that low-income provinces might struggle to develop transportation systems without central government support. They advocated for a provincial public transportation fund tailored to each area's potential and context. The People's Party viewed public transportation as key to creating equality and economic dynamism, proposing links between Bangkok, surrounding areas, and regions to distribute opportunities, and policies for affordable school bus services and improved road safety.