Bangkok: The government has announced a freeze on fare increases for the Songkran festival in 2026 and is implementing strict GPS monitoring of fuel transport vehicles to prevent shortages.

According to Thai News Agency, the move aims to alleviate public concerns related to the cost of living, travel by public transportation, and the availability of fuel at service stations along various routes during the festival period. Ms. Rachada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, highlighted the government's understanding of these concerns and its commitment to ensuring seamless travel experiences for citizens.

Prime Minister Anutin has directed relevant agencies to prepare comprehensively, facilitating travel, ensuring safety, and managing energy resources. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enable people to travel back to their hometowns confidently, without the risk of fuel shortages.

Ms. Rachada further explained that the Ministry of Transport is enhancing its travel support measures. It is coordinating with PTT Oil and Retail Public Company Limited to replenish fuel reserves at nationwide bus terminals operated by the Transport Company Limited (BKS). This preparation is designed to accommodate both regular and additional buses during peak travel demand. Additionally, there will be no fare increase during the holiday period, helping to alleviate the financial burden on the public.

In parallel, the Department of Land Transport (DLT) is working with operators across all sectors to assess fuel demand in advance and ensure sufficient allocation on all routes. They are also monitoring fuel transportation closely, tracking over 5,700 fuel transport trucks equipped with GPS systems in real-time to prevent any delivery disruptions.

The Ministry of Transport anticipates a significant increase in traffic during the Songkran period, with over 10.65 million vehicles expected to enter and leave Bangkok and 15.89 million on expressways between April 10-19, 2026. Public transportation is also projected to experience over 18.58 million trips, marking a 10-14 percent increase compared to normal periods.

The government emphasizes its commitment to addressing public concerns by ensuring convenient, safe, and fuel-sufficient travel. Citizens are encouraged to plan their journeys in advance to save time and money while enhancing safety and peace of mind.