PATTAYA, Thailand – Rising operating costs have led to a fare adjustment for Pattaya’s local “songthaew” shared pickup truck services (baht-bus), with new rates taking effect from April 10.
Operators said the decision reflects continued cost pressures affecting daily operations, prompting a revision of the fare structure across the city’s public transport network.
Under the new rates, passengers will pay between 15 and 20 baht depending on the route and distance travelled. The adjustment applies across all main urban routes widely used by both residents and tourists.
Operators apologized for any inconvenience and thanked passengers for their understanding and continued support.
Public reaction mixed
The announcement triggered a wave of reactions on social media, with opinions divided between acceptance and criticism.
Some users supported the fare increase, pointing to higher costs and the challenges faced by drivers. Others urged passengers to understand the pressures on operators and suggested that people should “empathize with drivers” given rising expenses and competition from other transport services.
However, several commenters criticized service quality rather than pricing, calling for improvements in driver behavior, including more consistent stopping practices, clearer pickup points, and better driving discipline.
Others expressed frustration, saying they would prefer alternative transport options if service standards do not improve alongside the fare increase. Some also questioned whether fares would decrease again if fuel prices fall, reflecting ongoing concerns about fare transparency and consistency.
Despite mixed views, many agreed that both pricing and service quality remain key issues for Pattaya’s informal public transport system.
