Consumer bodies seek court stay on Don Muang tollway fee hike

On Friday (December 20), Saree Ongsomwang, secretary-general of Foundation for Consumers, and Boonyeun Siritham, president of the Association of Confederation of Consumer Organisation, Thailand (ACCOT), submitted a petition to the court seeking a stay on Don Muang Tollway Pcl’s adjustment of toll fee for the Uttaraphimuk Elevated Tollway, commonly known as Don Muang tollway, which was scheduled to take effect on Sunday (December 22).
“The Supreme Administrative Court has not yet given a verdict on the motion to increase the fee, therefore Don Muang Tollway Pcl should postpone the hike until the case is finalised,” she said.
“We, therefore, request the Administrative Court to take action to protect consumers.”
Saree also added that the concession contract between Don Muang Tollway Pcl and the government has suspicious details that could cause damage to the government and impose a burden on vehicle users, urging the Foundation for Consumers and ACCOT to submit a petition in the hope that the court would further investigate this matter.
“We are disappointed that the Department of Highways failed to take action after the Central Administrative Court ruled in 2015 to revoke the Cabinet’s resolution on the tollway concession contract, which should result in the tollway becoming a government property so people can use it for free,” she add.
“Don Muang Tollway Pcl’s contract expired in 2014 but the company overstated its loss and requested extension of the contract for another 20 years, which will end in 2034.”
Plus, it was granted the right to adjust the fee without first seeking permission from government agencies, which is highly suspicious, Saree added.