Thailand truckers protest rising diesel prices, demand 30 baht cap

A convoy of trucks will hit the roads next week as truckers in northeast Thailand protest against rising diesel prices which are massively cutting into their profits, demanding the government cap the price at 30 baht per litre.

Chairman of the Land Transport Federation of Thailand in the northeast and transport company owner, Somkid Kingkrodklang, highlighted the severe impact of rising diesel costs on transport businesses. Diesel prices reached 32.94 baht per litre yesterday, a figure Somkid described as unsustainable for many enterprises.

Somkid emphasised the domino effect of increasing diesel prices on other commodities, pushing their costs higher and endangering the viability of businesses.

“If the diesel price keeps rising, entrepreneurs will not be able to cover the higher costs.”

According to Somkid, the federation has raised the issue three times but their grievances have gone unanswered. To amplify their demands, federation members will gather in Nakhon Ratchasima next Tuesday, forming a convoy of 100 trucks.

This convoy will travel to Bangkok the following day, joining forces with other regional convoys to create a combined procession of 400 trucks, said Somkid.

“The convoy will take up only one traffic lane to avoid blocking roads.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga has urged the federation to suspend its protest plans. He mentioned on Monday that he is advocating for a legislative change to alter the diesel pricing formula, which could lead to price reductions.

Rising diesel prices are already affecting shops, businesses, and transport companies, as diesel is essential for product deliveries. Some businesses have indicated that they might soon need to increase the prices of their goods and services to cope with the elevated fuel costs, reported Bangkok Post.

In related news, road haulage operators have hiked their charges by an average of 9% on June 21 and are now gearing up for a nationwide strike unless the government addresses their demands to cap diesel prices at 30 baht per litre.