But is there anything they can do? Probably not.
Thailand’s transport minister says he’s responding to complaints about the high cost of domestic flights by asking the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand to address the issue. Particularly the Bangkok-Phuket legs.
Suriya Juangroongruangkit says the CAAT must work to reduce domestic airfares after one passenger took to social media to vent about the 10,000 baht she paid for a flight from Bangkok to Phuket. One way. Some fares are even more.
The social media post generated a chorus of protest from netizens over the exorbitant fares being charged for domestic flights. In response, Suriya says the CAAT must reduce domestic airfares, particularly ahead of the Songkran holiday in April.
According to a Nation Thailand report, the passenger who made the initial complaint paid 10,000 baht one-way on a low-cost airline. Suriya says in this instance, the fare should have been capped at a maximum of 5,000 baht. He says initial calculations for airfare ceilings was based on the price of oil and as that price has dropped, the calculation should also be adjusted.
Suriya also wants the CAAT to hold talks with Thailand’s domestic carriers, to see how they can reduce costs for passengers.
“But the exact prices would depend on the formula used, though I guarantee that new rates would be implemented in time for Songkran.”
SOURCE: Nation Thailand
