Public transport operators protested over high fuel prices in Thailand.

The drivers trooped in front of the Ministry of Energy in Bangkok, urging government officials to hear their demands on November 2.

Public utility vehicles with protest placards displayed on their windscreens also lined the road in front of the building.

The protesters handed a letter to Orapin Petchtat, advisor to the Minister of Energy Peeraphan Salirathaviphak, stating their requests.

These included dropping the price of natural gas for vehicles (NGV) 12.74 THB per kilogramme, extending the discount NGV card measure for an additional two years, eliminating the limitations on refuelling NGV, and providing discount diesel fuel cards for public transport operators.

Panya Lertngim, the president of the Public Passenger Van Association in Greater Bangkok, said that the public transport sector was still reeling and financially unstable due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw a slump in passengers due to travel restrictions.

He said NGV prices had also shot up to 19.59 THB per kilogramme in September, prompting some 1,000 van operators to quit due to losses.