PATTAYA, Thailand – Thailand has opened registration for fuel assistance for public transport operators using oil-based fuel, under a government relief package worth more than 2.06 billion baht aimed at easing rising fuel costs for the sector.
The program, approved by the Cabinet, allows eligible transport operators to apply through the “DLT ready to support” system from April 16–19, with service conditions running from April 20 to May 31. Payments will be disbursed after the scheme ends, once the Department of Land Transport (Thailand) verifies eligibility and documentation.
Eligible groups include public buses, freight trucks, taxis, and motorcycle taxis, with fixed payments ranging from 840 baht for motorcycle taxis to 6,000 baht for large freight vehicles.
However, the registration system experienced technical difficulties on the first day due to heavy traffic, causing temporary website downtime before services resumed normally.
Despite the rollout, motorcycle taxi operators voiced concerns over accessibility, saying the program is beneficial but difficult to access for older drivers or those without smartphones. Many applicants also chose to walk in at the Department of Land Transport (Thailand) offices nationwide for assistance.
Transport associations estimate that while more than 100,000 motorcycle taxis are legally registered nationwide, fewer than 20,000 may be able to successfully complete registration due to documentation and digital access barriers.
Officials have advised applicants to prepare required documents in advance and ensure their PromptPay bank details are correctly linked to their national ID to avoid delays. (TNA)
