ONE OF two ferry operators in Surat Thani today (April 3) announced a fourth fare hike for its service to Koh Samui and Koh Phangan since the oil crisis erupted with the outbreak of US and Israel’s war on Iran on Feb. 28, Amarin TV said.
Seatran Ferry said with diesel price having reached 49.90 baht a litre, effective tomorrow passenger fares from Don Sak pier to Koh Samui will rise from 220 baht to 230 baht while vehicle fares climb from 700 baht per vehicle to 730 baht.
Passenger fares from Don Sak to Koh Phangan will also increase from 290 baht to 300 baht. Fares for various types of vehicles will be adjusted according to the tiered fare structure, based on rising fuel costs, for both outbound and return trips.
The fare adjustments effective tomorrow are the highest rates approved by the provincial committee chaired by Surat Thani Governor Jumphot Wannachatsiri. According to the Marine Department, if diesel prices rise further, ferry companies would be asking for additional hikes.
Meanwhile, Ms. Chan, a taxi driver on Koh Samui, said while waiting for passengers at the pier, that rising fuel prices may affect tourism especially Thai tourists who were planning to visit this popular island during upcoming Songkran festival, with the total likely dropping compared to last year.
In another development, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) to take decisive action against those involved in oil hoarding, profiteering, and smuggling during a meeting of key agencies today (April 3), TV Channel 7 said.
An investigation into the entire oil transportation system up to April 1 showed three patterns of hoarding and profiteering as follows:
– Delaying oil shipments by sea to await a price increase announcement;
– Refusing to distribute oil from large depots to service stations and end-users;
– Transporting oil off-route for hoarding purposes.
Anutin underscored that the government is accelerating investigation of oil supply problems with DSI to handle this as a special case and that the authorities were not complacent about this issue.
Meanwhile, Justice Minister Pol. Lt. Gen. Rutthaphon Naowarat said irregularities were found in Surat Thani province with investigation showing that oil tankers made 96 trips from six oil depots, transporting 217 million litres of oil, but 57 million litres went missing during transit.
ADM Thadawut Thadpitakakul, the Thai navy’s chief of staff, said an investigation into the shipping and routes taken by 96 oil tankers in March revealed abnormalities, including delays and slower-than-expected sailing.
Twenty voyages were found to be abnormal, divided into two groups. The first group consisted of 13 voyages that were a day late, with over 35 million litres of fuel missing. The second group consisted of seven voyages that were two days late, with over 16 million litres of fuel missing. In total, over 50 million litres of fuel were lost.
Anutin assured the public that there would be a normal supply of fuel, especially during Songkran. He urged people not to worry or panic, and not to stockpile fuel in jerrycans.
Regarding the Fuel Situation Management Centre (FSMC), the current one’s term will end when the caretaker government steps down and a new one will be set up next week with more extensive responsibilities – to be “FSMC Plus” agency.
CAPTIONS:
Top, first insert and Front Page – Ferry heading for an arriving at Koh Samui. Photos – Amarin TV
Second insert – Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Photo – Amarin TV
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