The People’s Party (PP), the main opposition in Thailand, has raised concerns over the government’s proposal to introduce congestion fees as a way to tackle urban traffic. The PP insists that the government should instead prioritize developing an efficient and affordable public transportation network to address the root cause of congestion.
Surachet Praweewongwut, a PP list-MP, expressed skepticism about the congestion fee policy, noting that the current public transport system lacks the necessary feeder networks to encourage commuters to switch from private vehicles. He emphasized that many city dwellers already face high transport costs, paying for electric train rides alongside motorcycle taxi fares to reach stations.
Public buses, which remain a key mode of transportation for lower-income commuters, are described as unreliable and poorly maintained. Water transport options, another potential solution, remain underdeveloped, he added. Surachet criticized the fragmented nature of the public transport system, pointing out that the lack of coordination between bus and electric train services has resulted in operational inefficiencies.
He argued that government subsidies currently favor electric train users, typically middle-income commuters, while lower-income residents rely on inadequate bus services. Surachet called for a more balanced approach, saying, “The government has its priorities wrong.” He proposed a fare restructuring to make public transport affordable, suggesting fares should range from 8 to 45 baht per trip, regardless of the travel mode.
Surachet also highlighted the need to streamline fares across different electric train lines. He criticized inconsistencies in the current fare structure, arguing that a multi-line journey of 10 stations should cost the same as traveling the same distance on a single line. Additionally, he urged the government to reconsider which routes should be assigned to electric trains and which to buses, to improve network integration.
PP MP Suphanat Meenchainan, representing Bangkok, echoed Surachet’s concerns, stating that people find it inconvenient to use electric trains due to poor access from their neighborhoods. Suphanat also warned that urban congestion is exacerbated by inadequate urban planning, noting that the government should explore ways to incentivize businesses and services to relocate outside inner-city areas.
Both MPs criticized the idea of congestion fees without first addressing public transport challenges. Suphanat stressed that if the government’s primary objective is to reduce traffic, it will fail unless residents are provided with viable alternatives. He argued that funds raised from congestion charges would be better allocated toward expanding the bus network and improving overall public transportation infrastructure.
The opposition also questioned the government’s intention to buy back electric train systems from private concessionaires, suggesting the move would benefit private operators more than the public. The PP’s stance reflects growing pressure on the government to provide clear objectives for its transport policies, whether the aim is to reduce congestion or subsidize fares.
