Nakhon Ratchasima: Logistics operators in the Northeast have threatened to curb operations next month unless the Transport Ministry allows them to raise transport fees, after the price of diesel rose to its highest in three years earlier this week.
Northeastern Transport Association president, Peerapol Boonshinnawong, said yesterday his members wants fees to increase by at least 5%. He said the diesel price had soared to almost 30 baht with no warning or compensation from the government.
"The ideal figure for businesses which operate lorries and other logistics vehicles to survive is 10%, but we have proposed an initial 5% hike so it does not burden the public," he said.
"If the hikes are not granted, we may be forced to resort to harsher measures to pressure [the government], by cutting cargo delivery services in half."
According to Mr Peerapol, there are around 1,300 road-based logistics operators in the region alone, 900 of which are registered with the Northeastern Transport Association. They account for over 30,000 logistics vehicles, he added.
The association chief said there would be no blockade of roads as it would cause problems for the public. However, there might be symbolic protests.
"Participating trucks will park in their respective provinces, possibly along the sides of the roads, to show the government we are not working [unless the hikes are granted]," Mr Peerapol said.
The diesel price rose to 29.79 baht per litre as of last Saturday, 10.1 baht per litre higher than two years ago. Prices for the fuel were reported to have risen to 30.63 baht in Yala's Betong district, bordering Malaysia, where diesel is currently almost half the price. Diesel remains the main fuel of choice for vehicle-based operators in Thailand, including logistics trucks, public buses and boats.
On Tuesday, Passenger Bus Operations Association president Sujinda "Jae Kiao" Cherdchai went to the Transport Ministry to demand fares on provincial buses be raised by about 10 satang.
Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said there would be no fare or fee rises for the time being.