Bangkok: Urgent action is being taken to regulate foreign trucks, emphasizing that those entering Thailand must comply with the same laws. Minister Pipat listened to proposals from the transportation sector, urging the regulation of foreign trucks. He emphasized that all foreign trucks entering Thailand must be subject to the same laws. He pledged to move forward with GPS and route monitoring to create fair competition and protect Thai businesses.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Mr. Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, held discussions with the Thai Land Transport Association and the Federation of Thai Land Transport to listen directly to the concerns of operators and to determine solutions to mitigate the impact of foreign trucks operating in Thailand, particularly those from the People's Republic of China traveling through Laos under the Greater Mekong Subregion Cross-Border Transport Agreement (GMS CBTA).
The discussions were attended by Mr. Chayatham Phromsorn, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport; Mr. Sorapong Paitoonpong, Director-General of the Department of Land Transport; Mr. Piyapong Chiwatnakulpaishal, Director-General of the Department of Highways; and representatives from the transportation sector, at the Ministry of Transport.
Mr. Pipat stated that a major complaint from Thai businesses is that some foreign trucks may be operating outside of their authorized routes and transporting goods in more areas of Thailand, including the South. This has caused Thai businesses to worry about price competition and fairness in the business environment.
Furthermore, the private sector highlighted issues regarding the regulation of foreign vehicles, including route verification, GPS system installation, weigh-in procedures, insurance requirements, and scrutiny of business models that may involve foreign capital. Without clear regulatory standards, Thai businesses could be forced to compete under disadvantageous conditions.
Mr. Pipat emphasized that foreign vehicles operating in Thailand must respect Thai law just like those of Thai operators, and must not exploit loopholes in international agreements to gain an unfair business advantage. He stated that Thailand is not blocking international transportation, as cross-border trade and logistics are crucial to the economy, but all parties must compete under the same rules. Thai businesses must not be disadvantaged, and at the same time, the public must benefit from efficient, safe, and cost-effective transportation systems.
The meeting therefore agreed to expedite action on key issues. The Department of Land Transport is currently preparing measures requiring foreign cargo and passenger vehicles entering Thailand to install GPS systems. This will enable the government to effectively monitor their location, routes, and operations, preventing deviations from planned routes or illegal business practices.
The Ministry of Transport will also thoroughly investigate complaints regarding foreign vehicles not passing through weigh stations. Initial information has not yet confirmed these complaints, so relevant agencies have been assigned to investigate further to ensure that law enforcement is fair and impartial for all parties.
Regarding insurance, the Department of Land Transport will ensure that foreign vehicles operating in Thailand have the necessary documents and coverage as required by law, so that the public and road users are protected in the event of accidents or damages during transportation.
The transportation sector also suggested that the government review the terms of the road transport agreement between Thailand and Laos to align with current circumstances, including considering the principle of "reciprocity" to ensure that Thai and foreign vehicles are treated equally, especially in cases where Thai cargo trucks face restrictions on delivering goods into Laos.
Mr. Pipat stated that during the Thai-Lao road transport discussions on September 3rd, the Thai side reaffirmed the principle that Thai cargo trucks can travel to deliver goods into Laos within the existing agreement. Furthermore, if Thailand is restricted from transshipping goods at the border, it is necessary to consider treating Thai trucks equally with those of the other side.
Regarding the proposal to increase penalties for violating land transport laws, from the current maximum fine of 50,000 baht to a stricter rate, the Ministry of Transport will study the proposal thoroughly in terms of legal aspects, appropriateness, and impact, in order to ensure that the penalties are sufficiently effective in deterring violations.
Mr. Pipat concluded by saying that he has instructed the Department of Land Transport, the Department of Highways, and related agencies to expedite the investigation of the facts and develop concrete solutions for each issue. The goal is not only to solve problems for transport operators but also to safeguard the economic interests of the country and its people as a whole.