Transport Federation warns of 10-20 % higher costs

BANGKOK: -- Local goods transportation charges may be raised by 10-20 per cent as the retail price of diesel has increased to near 28 baht per litre.

Thongyoo Kongkun, deputy chairman of Transportation Federation of Thailand (TFT), said his groups members will meet this week and discuss possible hikes in transportation fee.

The Federation understands that any increase in transportation fees would further hurt the economy. which is already in slowdown mode, he said. But transport operators would face difficulty continuing to do business if operating costs continue at the higher levels.

Mr. Thongyoo said TFT supported the government's policy to use more alternative energy but such support, especially regarding natural gas for vehicles (NGVs) and bio-diesel, must be carried out with enough commitment to implementation to make it a viable choice for commercial transport services.

Rhetorical statements regarding the need for alternative energy must be accompanied by a sufficient network of service stations where alternative fuels can be purchased, and where maintaintance on the new technological innovations is available.

One problem, Mr. Thongyoo said, is that there is insufficient supply of bio-diesel and palm oil currently in the market.

--TNA 2006-07-09

Rhetorical statements

what else do govenments do ?

That actually would make sense. From Bangkok to Pattaya for 117 ThB. That is under 5000 for a bus run, how can they afford fuel and maintenance at that price.