Transport Ministry Seeks 24 Billion Baht for Public Bus EV Conversion

The Transport Ministry is preparing to propose allocating 24 billion baht from a 400-billion-baht emergency loan decree to convert public buses to electric vehicles. Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angkhaskulgiatkit revealed that next week the ministry will consult with the Finance Ministry, Customs Department, and relevant agencies on the energy transition project, particularly targeting public transportation, with 24 billion baht from the royal decree loan fund.

The plan aims to establish guidelines for seven target vehicle categories: app-based taxis and ride-hailing vehicles, motorcycle taxis, tuk-tuks, scheduled buses, non-scheduled buses, school transportation vehicles, and cargo trucks—targeting a total of 80,000 vehicles. The proposal will be submitted to the loan spending screening committee chaired by the Finance Ministry Secretary-General by mid-July, before advancing to the Cabinet.

"Our energy transition program focuses on public transportation vehicles, not commercial operators, because we don't want fuel price impacts to affect the public's cost of living," Siripong stated.

Regarding concerns about a Constitutional Court ruling on the 400-billion-baht loan decree scheduled for July 9, he expressed confidence the ruling would be favorable, as the government believes the project is urgently necessary given ongoing Middle East tensions and potential future crises.

Additionally, the ministry is preparing a 2-3 billion baht fuel subsidy measure for public and hired transport operators to stabilize fares without burdening citizens—part of phase two relief measures. However, implementation depends on oil price fluctuations, as both fuel and fares remain volatile, though the government assured it would not hastily implement such measures.