The Democrat Party has vehemently opposed Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit’s proposition to extend the concession of the Don Mueang Tollway operator by 30 years while lowering toll fares to 50 baht. The tollway, stretching 21 kilometers from Din Daeng in Bangkok to Lam Luk Ka district in Pathum Thani, has been central to debate following the concessionaire’s planned fare hike on December 22.
Suriya contends that extending the concession would ease the government’s financial obligations, compensating for reduced revenues resulting from the proposed fare reduction. However, former Democrat MP Charnchai Issarasenarak criticized the plan, highlighting that the current concession already expires in 2034, after which tolls would cease as the expressway transfers to state management.
Former Deputy Bangkok Governor Samart Ratchapolsitte voiced concerns on social media, arguing that the proposal limits state intervention in toll rate adjustments during the extended concession period, potentially disadvantaging the public. The tollway operator, citing contractual terms, justifies the planned fare increase as permissible under its agreement, aiming to adjust rates every five years.
Originally slated for state transfer in 2014, the concession was extended following financial disputes in the mid-2000s.
