Thai taxi fare proposal links prices to vehicle size
Thailand’s taxi fare proposals need Cabinet consideration, while officials must conclude a review of meter-use distance limits before 2027.
- On October 30, Thailand's Deputy Transport Minister discussed a proposal to set taxi fares based on four vehicle sizes: small (S), medium (M), large (L), and extra-large (XL).
- The new fare structure, which also includes "Universal" and "Luxury" service types, is intended to align charges with vehicle operating costs.
- The review was conducted during a meeting with three taxi associations who had also formally requested a fare adjustment.
- The proposed rates will be considered by the Transport Ministry before being submitted to the Cabinet for final approval.
Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angkasakulkiat discussed a proposal to set Thailand’s taxi fares according to four vehicle sizes during talks with three taxi associations on October 30, 2026. The approach is intended to align charges with operating costs.
The Department of Land Transport (DLT) is examining small, medium, large and extra-large taxi categories, labelled S, M, L and XL, alongside two service types, “Universal” and “Luxury”, Siripong said. The proposed rates will go to the Transport Ministry for consideration before being submitted to the Cabinet.
Taxi associations submit four requests for support
The Thai Public Taxi Association, Suvarnabhumi Taxi Coordinating Association and Electric Vehicle Taxi Association attended the follow-up meeting on drivers’ difficulties. The three associations asked the Transport Ministry to address four issues:
1. Support small operators in adopting electric vehicles (EVs) as taxis, reducing operating costs while protecting passengers from excessive fare increases.
2. Establish a committee and screening subcommittees to examine and resolve problems affecting public hire vehicles.
3. Adjust taxi fares.
4. Expand the areas where flat-rate taxi fares can be charged.
The DLT will study the request to extend the areas eligible for flat-rate fares.
New committees to address taxi and motorcycle taxi problems
Siripong appointed Panya Chupanich, deputy permanent secretary for transport and head of the ministry’s transport cluster, to chair a committee addressing problems affecting public hire vehicles and motorcycle taxis.
Sorapong Paitoonphong, director-general of the Department of Land Transport, was appointed to chair two screening subcommittees: one covering metered taxis carrying no more than seven passengers and the other addressing motorcycle taxi problems.
The taxi and motorcycle taxi committees are intended to develop practical solutions across both services and improve connections at the beginning and end of passengers’ journeys, known as first- and last-mile mobility.
Siripong instructed the Department of Land Transport to convene its subcommittees and reach a conclusion on the distance limits for taxi meter use before the start of 2027. He required the review to follow the applicable laws and regulations and balance the interests of passengers and operators to ensure fairness.
Suvarnabhumi provides discounted charging and fare calculations
Airports of Thailand (AOT) has installed charging stations offering discounted rates at Suvarnabhumi Airport’s taxi holding area to lower drivers’ operating costs and help prevent excessive fares. AOT has also developed its “SAWASDEE by AOT” app to calculate taxi fares.
AOT has compiled a database of participating drivers operating 169 diesel taxis, enabling staff to recommend those vehicles to passengers with substantial luggage or groups of at least three people. The arrangement is intended to help drivers earn additional income from baggage charges while fuel prices are high.
AOT’s programme to improve taxi services at Suvarnabhumi also covers additional TAXI KIOSK ticket points, construction of a multipurpose building, a canteen and an electricity substation, and improvements to public taxi pickup points. The facilities are intended to make services more convenient for drivers and passengers.
The Department of Land Transport also plans to expand charging provision as a welfare measure for electric taxi drivers. Wider support for electric taxis remains under discussion with the Finance Ministry.
