Siripong Proposes 240 Billion Baht Loan to Convert 80,000 Public Vehicles Across 7 Categories to Electric System
Thailand's transport ministry is seeking 240 billion baht in loans to convert 80,000 public transport vehicles across seven categories into electric vehicles, aiming to reduce carbon emissions by 200,000 tons annually and lower operating co
Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angsakulkiatti announced on June 29, 2569, at Parliament that the Transport Ministry has met with Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanprasab and the Finance Ministry to propose a 400 billion baht loan package under a Royal Decree to support the energy transition from fossil fuels to electricity, particularly for public transportation. The initiative targets seven vehicle categories totaling approximately 80,000 vehicles, including taxis, app-based ride services, motorcycles-for-hire, three-wheelers, non-scheduled buses, scheduled buses, trucks, and student transport vehicles.
Siripong emphasized that this measure provides multiple benefits: enhanced public safety, reduced operational costs for operators without raising fares, and reduced dependence on oil energy. The Department of Land Transport calculated that converting all 80,000 vehicles to electric would reduce carbon monoxide emissions by 200,000 tons annually. The project, named "GOV TOPUP," allocates 240 billion baht with differentiated subsidy structures, such as upfront assistance for operators transitioning from old to electric vehicles.
Siripong clarified that the government initiative targets mass transit operators to ultimately improve service quality for the public rather than primarily benefit business operators. When asked about criticism that this isn't an urgent matter, he countered that with current high fuel prices causing widespread public hardship, this is precisely when action is needed. He added that other measures will follow for the general public, but this current focus addresses the public transportation sector where passengers bear fare costs.
