Bangkok: The Ministry of Transport has unveiled a series of relief measures aimed at supporting transport and public bus operators, following a recent Cabinet resolution. The initiative involves the provision of subsidies for various vehicle types, including taxis, vans, minibuses, motorcycle taxis, and trucks. Registration for these subsidies will be available from April 16-19.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, the Minister of Transport, disclosed that the Cabinet approved these measures to alleviate the impact of the ongoing energy crisis on transportation costs, which affect the general public's cost of living. The primary aim is not only to assist operators in sustaining their services but also to ensure that the public is not burdened with increased fares.

The Ministry of Transport has categorized the subsidies into two main groups. The first group includes public buses and taxis that use fuel, with a focus on controlling travel costs. Over 180,332 vehicles will receive subsidies, which include intercity buses maintaining ticket prices during the Songkran festival, vans and minibuses in Bangkok receiving 5,040 baht per vehicle, interprovincial vans and minibuses getting up to 700 baht per day, and non-regular passenger vehicles obtaining between 5,040 and 7,000 baht per vehicle. Additionally, taxis will receive a subsidy of 5,040 baht per vehicle, and public motorcycles will be supported with 840 baht each.

The second group targets freight trucks, with measures to prevent transportation costs from increasing consumer goods prices. This will benefit over 287,175 trucks. Trucks with GPS will receive up to 6,000 baht per vehicle, while those without GPS will get 3,000 baht per vehicle. These measures aim to reduce the transportation cost burden and maintain stable prices for consumers.