Saen Saeb boat fares to rise by 2 baht from March 30 as diesel hits 38.94 baht/litre
Family Transport (2002), operator of Saen Saeb canal boats, will increase fares from 11-21 baht to 13-23 baht from March 30, 2026 after diesel B7 jumped 6 baht a litre to 38.94 baht, with another cost review due by April 6.
Chaowalit Methayaprapas, managing director of Family Transport (2002) Ltd, the operator of passenger boats on the Saen Saeb Canal, said the company has been hit directly by higher fuel costs after oil prices rose on March 26, 2026. He noted that diesel B7 jumped by 6 baht per litre in a single move, taking the retail price to 38.94 baht per litre, significantly increasing operating costs for canal services.
As a result, Family Transport issued a notice announcing a new fare structure, raising fares from 11-21 baht to 13-23 baht depending on distance—an increase of 2 baht per distance band—to keep the business afloat. The new fares will take effect from March 30, 2026.
Chaowalit said the fare adjustment is based on the fare table linked to a diesel cost range of 33.01-35.00 baht per litre, even though the current diesel price has already climbed to nearly 39 baht per litre. He said the decision is intended as an initial step to ease the impact on passengers, before the situation is reviewed again.
“The 2-baht increase per distance band may not be the final figure, because diesel on March 26 was 38.94 baht, which is higher than the benchmark used for this round of adjustments. The company will reassess the situation and the actual cost base again by April 6 to determine whether a further fare increase is needed,” he said.
Chaowalit added that the company has operated canal boat services for 40 years and has never seen a fuel jump of this magnitude, though he expects it may be temporary. Family Transport said the fare increase follows the energy pricing mechanism, and if oil prices fall in future, the company is ready to reduce fares immediately in proportion to lower costs.
