Ferry fare increases delayed

SURAT THAINI: -- The Harbour Department has put the brakes on a proposal by a ferry operator to increase fares for trips from Don Sak pier to Samui and Phangan islands.

Surat Thani harbour office chief Apichart Nutnontri said yesterday he had sent a letter instructing Sea Trans Ferry Co to delay the fare hike.

A committee considering ferry fares would study the proposal.

Sea Trans Ferry manager Srisak Srisawat said he would raise the issue with the Surat Thani governor. The company had suffered a loss of 2.9 million baht in April due to rising oil prices, he said.

Sources said the firm wanted to increase the fares on the Don Sak to Koh Samui route and the Koh Samui to Koh Phangan route from 80 baht to 100 baht for individuals and from 250 baht to 300 baht for vehicles.

The Don Sak to Koh Phangan route fare would be increased from 170 baht to 200 baht for individuals and from 500 baht to 600 baht for vehicles.

The firm had planned to introduce the new rates on May 1.

--Bangkok Post 2005-05-04

glad to hear this as i'm traveling to samui that way in june, look after the pennies and the pounds'll look after themsevls!!!!