A BIG JUMP in fuel prices has severely impacted tourist boat operators at Bang Saray and Sattahip in Chonburi with unsustainable costs forcing many of them to dock temporarily as they called on the government for assistance, Amarin TV and TNN said today (March 26).
Retail prices of diesel and petrol rose by six baht this morning after the Oil Fuel Fund reduced the subsidy rate with reporters who surveyed this coastal zone discovering that many tour and fishing boat operators are severely affected as fuel cost now exceeds their operating cost.
Mr. Somprasong Boonthamchuey, a representative of tour and fishing boat operators, revealed that the fuel price increase has directly affected operators, especially small businesses with limited capital.
“Today, we still have to operate boats even though we are losing money because customers have already arrived. However, if fuel prices continue to rise, we will have to gradually return deposits and may have to temporarily suspend operations because we cannot shoulder the expenses,” Somprasong said.
This survey revealed that a number of boats had already docked being unable to provide services because fuel costs exceed revenue, creating a ripple effect. This includes tour boat and fishing businesses plus local fishermen.
Local business operators urged the government to urgently intervene and provide assistance to mitigate the impact before the marine tourism business in both Bang Saray and Sattahip suffers even more severe damage.
The government said the fuel price hike was intended to halt hoarding and stem the smuggling of fuel to neighbouring countries because prices were previously higher in Thailand. Another reason is to ensure that the public is truly aware of market mechanisms.
CAPTION:
Top and Front Page – Tour and fishing boats in Bang Saray and Sattahip.
Insert – Mr. Somprasong Boonthamchuey. Photos – Amarin TV
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