Pattaya baht bus fares increase

[Gaybutton]

Not by much. I doubt anyone reading this will have any objections (although Jun usually objects to these baht buses on the streets at all).

The last sentence of the article says "There was also no firm announcement on if this was temporary until gas prices lower once again or would be permanent."

Three guesses . . .

_____________________________________________

Pattaya Baht Bus Fare Increase Officially Announced

By Adam Judd

April 10, 2026

Starting April 10th, 2026, passengers using songthaews (local baht buses) in Pattaya will face new fare rates as operators adjust prices to reflect current economic conditions and increase of diesel prices.

According to an official announcement from the songthaew operators, the new fare structure sets the price for rides within Pattaya at 15 to 20 baht per trip. The adjustment takes effect immediately from April 10th, 2026.

The operators stated that the increase is necessary to align with rising operational costs and the current economic situation. They have apologized for any inconvenience caused and expressed gratitude to both local residents and tourists for their understanding and continued support of the service.

Songthaews remain one of the most popular and affordable modes of transportation in Pattaya, widely used by locals and visitors alike for short-distance travel around the city, beaches, and tourist areas.

This fare adjustment comes during the period leading into and overlapping with the Songkran Festival 2026 celebrations. This comes after several days of confusion with some readers reporting raised prices and some reporting no change. The 15-20 Baht fare will depend on distance traveled, reportedly.

There was also no firm announcement on if this was temporary until gas prices lower once again or would be permanent.

https://thepattayanews.com/2026/04/10/p ... announced/

[Jun]

Not by much. I doubt anyone reading this will have any objections (although Jun usually objects to these baht buses on the streets at all).

The baht buses are very inefficient. They create congestion and pollution, when public transport is supposed to reduce it.

1 A Songthaew operator will maximise his revenue by being at the head of a chain of them. ie Leaving the longest possible gap in front of him and being the first one in the pack. To prevent others passing, some of them stop right in the road, rather than pulling over.
I've even seen them wait at the bottom of Second Road and then start off when the lights turn green just behind them. So they're ahead of all the ones arriving from Jomtien.
Not all behave so badly.

2 There's always congestion around Central. One of the main reasons is Songhtaew parked in the road, sometimes 2 abreast.

3 They create a lot of pollution. About 4~5 songthaew doing the job of 1 bus and old diesel engines , sometimes in a very bad state of repair. Some of the exhaust fumes get sucked into the passenger bay by all the turbulence.

4 Rain protection is poor, although rarely an issue when I'm in Pattaya.

Such a substantial price increase will probably make it more difficult to get rid of them if the authorities ever see the light. I'd fix the price at 10 baht for ever, or at least until banning them from operating.

[Gaybutton]

Other than those issues in the post above, what's the problem . . . ?

[Jun]

Other than those issues in the post above, what's the problem . . . ?

If they ever surveyed foreign tourists and asked us what to do to improve the appeal of Pattaya, improving public transport would be top of my list.
It should be faster & cleaner.
Halving the time to get from Jomtien to North Pattaya and broadening the range of routes would transform the experience.

As for cost, non aircon buses in Bangkok typically cost 8 baht. The aircon type are a few baht more.

As for Songthaew fares, wherever I go in Thailand, they have been between 8 & 12 baht.
The exceptions were Mae Sot, from the border to town, 20 baht and in Chiang Mai, the mafia are clearly in charge, as they are 30 baht.
The latter is disgusting exploitation when you compare it with what people earn in Thailand. When they briefly had proper buses, these run every 45 minutes and also cost 30 baht.

[ilz]

If you take waiting time into account, nothing can beat songthaews - except Bolt or mosai but for a much higher rate.

[Gaybutton]

If you take waiting time into account, nothing can beat songthaews

Looking at it that way, I agree.

Also, for the first time I clicked your signature link and spent some time reading your blog. I am quite impressed and I urge everyone reading this to have a look at ilz's blog. I think you'll find it well worth reading, not to mention having a look at some of the young gent photos too . . .

[gerefan]

The 15-20 Baht fare will depend on distance traveled, reportedly.

There was also no firm announcement on if this was temporary until gas prices lower once again or would be permanent.

If the 20 baht fare is from Pattaya to Jomtien that’s DOUBLE.

As the saying goes “ everything that goes up must come down”….except prices!

[Jun]

If you take waiting time into account, nothing can beat songthaews - except Bolt or mosai but for a much higher rate.

It depends WHERE you're waiting and what you compare them with.

If you want to go from east to west in Pattaya, the waiting times can be 30 minutes or more, if there's a service at all. They more or less seem to have ceased operations on Pattaya Tai. Threprasit occasionally has one waiting to fill up. North Road can be a 20 minute wait, if you're lucky.

Compared with the trams and buses in many European cities, the average waiting time is comparable. Then, once you have got on board, the European tram or bus moves much faster, as they often prioritise public transport. Therefore, we can travel much faster on proper public transport systems.

I also forgot to mention, proper buses don't bugger off and abandon their route, just because someone has chartered the vehicle for 200 baht or more. On some holidays, it's not always possible to get a songthaew.
Also, on the morning after certain holidays, there are far fewer Songthaew around.

Songthaew are better than nothing and they are better than having to pay for a bolt several times per day. But compared with proper public transport, they are very inferior.

[Dodger]

Songthaews are great when you just want a quick ride along a linear route for pocket change.

There are many things in Thailand that may seem outdated to some because they lack the modernization you see in the West. but that's just one of the many things I love about Thailand.

Backwards as it seems at times, things like Songtaews in Pattaya, Tuk Tuks in Bangkok, and elephants in Chiang Rai are all part of the tapestry as I've been saying for years.

If I wanted more modern and efficient public transportation I could have stayed in Chicago.

[Dodger]

I am quite impressed and I urge everyone reading this to have a look at ilz's blog.

I've been looking at Liz's blog for as long as I can remember. Best gay blog in Thailand. And the best "boy pics" as well.

Thanks Liz