Phuket Boat Fares to Phi Phi Set to Rise Amid Fuel Price Surge

Transport costs for sea travel from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi are set to rise starting April 5, as ferry and speedboat operators received approval to increase fares in response to higher fuel expenses.

The decision followed a meeting on April 2 between Phuket Governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn, officials from the Provincial Marine Department, and local transport operators. During the discussion, companies explained that they had been covering rising fuel costs for some time and could no longer sustain current pricing.

After reviewing the situation, Marine Department Director Adul Raluekmoon agreed that a fare adjustment was justified. Authorities approved a 200-baht increase for round-trip ferry and speedboat services on routes connecting Phuket and Koh Phi Phi. In addition, boat tour operators were permitted to raise their package prices by 200 baht per passenger.

Operators welcomed the decision and confirmed that updated pricing will take effect from April 5. The new rates are calculated based on fuel prices remaining below 45 baht per litre, though further increases may follow if costs continue to climb.

Similar price adjustments have already been introduced in other parts of Thailand. Ferry services between Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan recently raised fares due to the same issue. Water transport operators in Bangkok have also implemented incremental fare hikes on canal boats and river routes.

The impact of rising fuel prices extends beyond maritime travel. Public vans and minibuses across the country will increase fares by 0.5 baht per kilometre from April 6. Long-distance bus fares will remain unchanged for now to support travel during the upcoming Songkran holiday, but are expected to rise after April 20.

Fuel prices themselves continue to trend upward. As of April 2, diesel costs increased by 3.5 baht per litre, while gasoline rose by 0.7 baht, adding further pressure on transport operators nationwide.