Nakhonchai tour: Nakhonchai Tour has announced the suspension of advance bus ticket bookings due to the severe impact of continuously rising fuel prices. Meanwhile, Khon Kaen train station is bustling with activity as more people are opting for train services.
According to Thai News Agency, the Facebook page "Nakhonchai 21" posted a message informing customers about the latest situation regarding services during the Songkran festival. The message stated: "Due to the significant increase in diesel fuel prices, which has affected our ability to manage bus operations continuously, the company finds it necessary to temporarily suspend advance ticket booking and purchase services, both online and at all ticket counters, until the situation improves."
Today, reporters contacted Mr. Chaiwat Wongbenjarat, Managing Director of Nakornchai 21 Company and Deputy Managing Director of Nakornchai Tour Company, regarding the announcement. Mr. Chaiwat stated that the reason for suspending advance ticket bookings was the continuously rising price of diesel fuel. Furthermore, there is no clear plan to address the problem and assist transportation operators, resulting in transportation companies bearing higher fuel costs while fares remain the same. The price of fuel is increasing daily, and it's unclear where the increase will stop.
Mr. Chaiwat added that customers who have already booked tickets until May 5th can still travel on their booked dates and times as usual. Customers planning to purchase tickets during Songkran should plan carefully, as there will be limited unbooked routes available, or they can inquire in advance.
In Khon Kaen province, following the surge in fuel prices, many people have turned to public transportation such as trains. The atmosphere at Khon Kaen train station was bustling with passengers buying tickets to destinations such as Nong Khai or Bangkok.
Mr. Pichit, 76 years old, a citizen traveling to Bangkok, said he has switched to using the train because it is cheaper than the intercity bus. He said it saves him a lot of money traveling to Bangkok these days. If he drove his own car, it would use about 40 liters of fuel, costing around 2,000 baht, but a second-class air-conditioned train ticket costs just over 300 baht.
Meanwhile, Mr. Thamnee Suksan, the station manager of Khon Kaen train station, said that after the price of fuel increased, more people booked train tickets. Normally, trains already have a lot of passengers, but recently it has increased by about 30-40% because the prices are cheaper, more convenient, and faster, thanks to the availability of sleeper cars, air-conditioned cars, express trains, and special express trains.
During the Songkran festival, the railway will increase the number of carriages to maximize the capacity of each train unit. Therefore, we encourage the public to use our services as much as possible.