Bangkok: The Chao Phraya Express Boat service increased its fares by 2 baht on the first day, resulting in fewer passengers. Operators revealed that the price increase has not yet had a significant impact, but further increases would definitely affect daily life. Similarly, longtail boat tours along Bangkok's canals have seen a noticeable drop in passengers, with operators complaining about the difficulty in making a living.
According to Thai News Agency, Chao Phraya Express Boat Company Limited, the operator of passenger boats on the Chao Phraya River, has increased fares for all types of boats by 2 baht from the previous rates, effective from today, April 7, 2026. This is a continuous price increase after the previous adjustment on March 30. The new fares for each type of Chao Phraya Express Boat are as follows: Orange Flag boat (Nonthaburi-Wat Ratchasingkhon route) increased from 18 baht to 20 baht; Yellow Flag boat (Nonthaburi-Sathorn route) increased from 23 baht to 25 baht; Green-Yellow Flag boat (Pak Kret-Nonthaburi route) increased from 16 baht to 18 baht; Green-Yellow Flag boat (Nonthaburi-Sathorn route) increased from 23 baht to 25 baht; Green-Yellow Flag boat (Pak Kret-Sathorn route) increased from 35 baht to 37 baht; and Red Flag air-conditioned boat (Nonthaburi-Sathorn route) increased from 32 baht to 34 baht.
Overall, the Chao Phraya Express Boat service this morning had fewer passengers than usual, likely due to school holidays and some people starting to work from home. However, at Sathorn Pier, although fewer Thais were using the service, a survey revealed a large number of foreign tourists waiting to board tourist boats since early morning. Most were going on cruises along the Bangkok Noi canals. Regular boat users said that the 2 baht flat fare increase hadn't affected them yet, but if prices rise further, they would need to plan their journeys more carefully.
The crisis of high diesel fuel prices is also affecting long-tail boat tours at Sathorn Pier. Normally, 400-500 Thai and foreign tourists would take a long-tail boat tour to experience Bangkok's riverside life daily, but now the number has dropped to less than 200 per day. The cost of a long-tail boat tour is 700 baht per person for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Long-tail boat operators say that diesel fuel has increased to over 50 baht per liter. They have to adapt everything, and daily operations are not as profitable as before, but they still have to continue providing services. They also say that if there are restrictions on the amount of fuel that can be purchased in the future, it will be even more difficult.
The fare for passenger boats on the Saen Saep canal has also been increased by 2 baht, from the previous 13-23 baht to 15-25 baht (depending on the distance). This change is effective from today onwards.