Koh Samui/Koh Phangan: Proposed increase in ferry charges put off to New Year

[webfact]

Naew Na Thai Caption: Praise for both ferry companies

 

Naew Na reported that proposed increases to ferry charges for both companies operating services from Don Sak to Koh Samui and Koh Phangan from the start of July have been delayed. 

 

Surat Thani governor Wichawuth Jinto had announced on June 6th that the ferry companies would charge more from July 1st due to the increased cost of fuel and other charges. 

 

Picture: Naew Na

 

This would have seen foot passengers to Samui paying 170 baht instead of 150 and the cost of motorcycles increasing from 200 baht to 230 and cars from 470 - 550 baht.

 

The Koh Phangan round trip was set to rise from 220 to 300 for foot passengers and 620-730 for cars. 

 

Other charges were also to increase creating hardship for business people, locals and tourists alike, said the media.

 

Picture: Naew Na

 

A meeting was called after residents complained in which the ferry companies Seatran and Raja pointed out they had not increased fares in 14 years despite things like minimum wage going up from 150 baht to 325 baht a day.

 

However, they agreed with the governor's plea to delay the increases to December 31st 2022 when the matter would be discussed again.

 

Local community rep Thanakhom Reunphanich praised the companies for their spirit in delaying any potential increase. 

 

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[bristolgeoff]

I would imagine they would,no tourist until the next high season from nov 22.So no point in the increase until they get the tourist

[crazykopite]

One of the things not mentioned is that these services have been reduced not as many sailings as there used to be .

[connda]

Just charge farangs 10 times more than Thais.
That will do it by golly.

[connda]

2 hours ago, crazykopite said:

One of the things not mentioned is that these services have been reduced not as many sailings as there used to be .

Typical "This Is Thailand."
If business volume decreases, prices increase.

But - that's not economically viable, but Thais do it anyway.  And now?  Target foreigners with dual-pricing.  I don't care.  We've stopped going places where there is dual pricing, and if we are at a market, I 'sic' the wife on the merchants.  Mrs. Connda is not a shrinking violet and she understands that money out of my pocket is money out of her pocket. 
She's not a fan of dual pricing.  About the only place we'll go with dual pricing is San Kamphaeng Hotsprings (we like it there - it's an enjoyable day-trip) and we can always talk them down to a Thai adult price for me, as being 70 they should be giving me Puu Sung Aayuu prices, so they almost always compromise. 

 

[connda]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

A meeting was called after residents complained in which the ferry companies Seatran and Raja pointed out they had not increased fares in 14 years despite things like minimum wage going up from 150 baht to 325 baht a day.

Long-term inflation is here.  I can understand them making an increase to offset operating costs.  Just as long as it's not solely aimed at foreigners.

[connda]

7 hours ago, webfact said:

The Koh Phangan round trip was set to rise from 220 to 300 for foot passengers and 620-730 for cars. 

Ouch!  That's getting outside of the prices that Thai common-folk can afford.
Well - austerity for the commoners - wealth transfers to the rich elite.

[hotchilli]

Better to streamline the business, look at every aspect of cost savings to the company where revenue is lost.

Maybe reschedule crossings and save a couple of trips a day and run boats that are full and not half empty.

[Troy Tempest]

Well there are certainly fewer Raja ferries because they sink!

 

https://www.samuitimes.com/letter-to-the-editor-raja-ferries-an-accident-waiting-to-happen/

 

[Gulfsailor]

Interesting information in the article stating companies agreed to delay the price increase. The reality is that Raja has increased their prices already by even more than stated, and Seatran is in a serious fight with the governor and has cancelled many sailings and stopped all advance booking options in protest. It’s quickly becoming a real problem getting off or on the island. 

[baansgr]

On 7/9/2022 at 4:10 PM, connda said:

Ouch!  That's getting outside of the prices that Thai common-folk can afford.
Well - austerity for the commoners - wealth transfers to the rich elite.

Lives havnt increased for 14 years...maybe they should wait 30