Bangkok: Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, has called for patience regarding the Ministry of Transport’s upcoming policies, urging stakeholders to wait for Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s policy statement. He emphasized the ministry’s quick-win policy, aimed at benefiting citizens within four months, but stressed the importance of aligning with the Prime Minister’s forthcoming announcement.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Pipat confirmed that the Bhumjaithai Party is actively drafting the policy statement, collaborating with various ministries and experts. The Prime Minister’s announcement is expected to outline the Ministry of Transport’s contributions to the Quick Win initiative, detailing feasible actions over the next four months alongside plans involving other ministries.
Mr. Pipat highlighted that decisions on reducing expressway and electric train tolls will await the Prime Minister’s policy announcement. The party’s existing policy, the 40-baht common ticket, remains under review to assess its viability. A law supporting this initiative has been submitted to Parliament, but further discussions are needed to find the best solution for its implementation. Policies affecting transportation costs in Bangkok, including regular buses, air-conditioned buses, electric trains, and tolls, will be clarified post-announcement.
On the matter of extending the 20-baht fare on the Red and Purple Lines, Mr. Pipat advised patience. He noted that the Prime Minister and Cabinet are set to be sworn in shortly, with the policy statement likely to follow within a week. The announcement will clarify what is achievable and address previous delays in implementing the 20-baht fare, with explanations provided for past stalls.
When questioned about potential concerns, given that the 20-baht fare is a Pheu Thai Party initiative, Mr. Pipat assured that the Bhumjaithai Party is committed to implementing policies that benefit the Thai population. He reiterated that party affiliation is secondary to the welfare of Thai citizens, underscoring the government’s focus on easing living costs and enhancing public happiness. He urged the public to remain patient, assuring that clarity on these policies would be provided within a week.