Truck operators have issued a stern ultimatum to the government, threatening to raise transport charges by 9% if their demand to cap diesel prices at 30 baht per litre is not met within ten days. This call for action comes from the Land Transport Federation of Thailand and its affiliates, who submitted a formal complaint to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin via the Complaint Acceptance Centre at Government House.
Currently, the price of diesel has surged to 32.94 baht per litre. The federation’s president, Apichart Prairungruang, expressed frustration, noting that three prior complaints on this issue had been ignored. The escalating fuel costs, among other operational expenses, have pushed many truck operators into financial distress, with defaults on truck leasing payments leading to numerous repossessions. This situation is particularly challenging as many operators were only just recovering from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Apichart highlighted the broader implications of the crisis, pointing out that approximately five million people are employed in the logistics sector. A shutdown of truck operations could result in widespread job losses. He also called for a revision of the oil pricing structure to ensure fairness and avoid double taxation on truckers. The Finance Ministry had previously subsidized diesel prices to keep them at 30 baht per litre, a move that had already cost the government around 178 billion baht. However, with subsidies ending, the burden on truck operators has significantly increased.
In light of these developments, the federation insists on a fair pricing structure to sustain the logistics industry and protect the livelihoods of millions.
Officials and representatives from the logistics sector have been urged to consider these pressing issues and work towards a viable solution to prevent further economic fallout.