Showing 1 - 10 of 21
Balancing sustainability, wealth
Oped, Published on 17/10/2023
» Under the shimmering turquoise waters, vibrant-coloured corals pulse with life as marine life weaves through what was, for a while, a scene of unprecedented blight. Thailand's Maya Bay is experiencing a resurgence following a four-year closure. Behind that transformation from a damaging symbol of overtourism to a beacon of sustainable travel in Southeast Asia, lies a cautionary tale of how tourism can leave a trail of destruction.
Revitalise the taxi industry
Oped, Editorial, Published on 11/07/2023
» Drivers under the Thai Public Taxi Association wrote on the association's Facebook page, complaining about how the proliferation of electric trains has left many local taxis idle. The association, in particular, pointed the finger at the Yellow Line, which has reduced the number of taxi passengers due to its convenient interchanges with six other electric trains in the capital.
Tackling BTS fares at root cause
News, Published on 14/04/2021
» Had it not been for the overwhelming opposition from all around, the BTS skytrain fares on the Sukhumvit Line would have risen to one-third of the country's minimum wage since February.
City trains not just for rich
Oped, Editorial, Published on 13/02/2021
» With pressure from the cabinet, Bangkok governor Aswin Kwanmuang on Tuesday decided to delay the controversial Green Line fare hike that entailed a 104-baht ceiling which was due to take effect next week.
Don't let city's buses go to ruin
News, Editorial, Published on 01/09/2019
» In less than two months since taking office, Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob has launched a number of initiatives to ease traffic problems. Some, including reviewing the speed limits, have been challenged.
For commuters, taxi fare hike is least of worries
News, Sirinya Wattanasukchai, Published on 10/08/2019
» Bangkok commuters and visitors are bracing for higher taxi fares that will take effect next month.
Why recent bus fare hike was necessary
News, Published on 26/06/2019
» Defending a bus fare hike which affects millions of low-income people risks earning you a frown. But allow me to explain why the bus fare increase in April was necessary and -- more importantly -- what else needs to be done to protect consumers with better bus quality, safety and services.
Faring poorly in BMTA's war on public bus prices
News, Sirinya Wattanasukchai, Published on 27/04/2019
» Five days after the bus fare increase took effect, the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) insisted the majority finds the hike agreeable. I really wonder who "the majority" is.
The meter is ticking
News, Editorial, Published on 14/11/2018
» For some three years running, the Ministry of Transport has used a stick against recalcitrant and surly Bangkok taxi drivers. Now, the minister himself is on the verge of switching tactics and wants to try using the carrot. Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith thinks a relatively small raise in fares might also raise smiles and turn the dark mood of drivers sunny. This seems unlikely.
Life without populism
News, Alan Dawson, Published on 06/05/2018
» Once upon a time in a land very, very far away with a "government by the people, for the people" there was a plan to fix recalcitrant taxi drivers and make them pick up passengers, politely, and then to reward the drivers with a fare increase. And that plan was carried out in the faraway country, and passengers were happy to reward deserving, hard-working, uncomplaining taxi drivers.