Falling fuel prices have prompted Transport Minister Prajin Juntong to push for lower passenger boat and bus fares, with the new rates for the latter likely to be proposed Tuesday.
ACM Prajin reasoned Monday that diesel prices have continued to dropped and, as a result, bus and boat fares should continue to decline with them.
He ordered Chula Sukmanop, director-general of the Marine Department, to consider rates and give him a new fare proposal next week.
"With diesel prices falls continuously, I quickly ordered agencies to examine the costs of public transit because I know that everyone is watching them," ACM Prajin said.
Mr Chula said he would discuss fares with the operators of passenger boats and ferries on the Chao Phraya River and the Saen Saep Canal in Bangkok on Thursday.
Chavalit Methayaprapas, managing director for Krobkrua Kongsong Co, which operates Saen Saep Canal boats, and Charoenporn Charoentham, managing director for Chao Phraya Express Boat Co, said diesel was only part of their operating costs. But if it was proved that overall operating costs dropped, they would be ready to cut fares.
The local premium diesel price dropped from 27.39 baht a litre in February to 22.89 baht a litre on Monday.