PATTAYA, Thailand – The Ministry of Transport has approved a plan allowing metered taxis to collect an additional 10–20 baht service fee during rush hours, heavy traffic periods, or after 9 p.m., effective December 2025. Officials say the measure is designed to reduce passenger refusals while keeping base fares unchanged.
Deputy Transport Minister Mallika Chirarattanavanich said the surcharge would apply per trip and not affect the base meter fare, which remains at 35 baht. She emphasized that this adjustment is classified as a service fee, not a fare hike.
“This aims to ease long-standing problems of taxi drivers refusing passengers, especially during peak hours or late at night,” Mallika explained.
She acknowledged that taxi meter rates have not been revised in over 20 years, despite rising fuel and operating costs. While previous studies explored a new fare structure, the government had refrained from implementing it to avoid burdening the public with higher living costs.
The Department of Land Transport (DLT) is also developing a digital meter system that would automatically calculate fares based on real-time fuel and gas costs, ensuring fair pricing for both drivers and passengers.
DLT Director-General Sorapong Paitoonphong confirmed that the new surcharge system will take effect in December 2025, following technical preparations and final approval.
“We’re confident this additional service fee during rush hours will reduce cases of passenger refusals and make taxi services more efficient,” Sorapong said.
The DLT’s broader fare restructuring plan — which includes the future use of digital meters — is still under review to ensure transparency and fairness for all parties.
