Free Electricity, Train and Bus Fares for Six Months

‘Free electricity, train and bus fare’ is one of Prime Minister Abhisit’s policies of helping to lower the living expenses of the people living in Thailand especially those with low incomes.

Free electricity will be available to those who use less than 90 units  a month and those who are living in a house, apartment or condo with the rental price lower than 3,000 baht per month. The house, apartment or condo must be legally registered and must also be registered with the Metropolitan Electricity Authority and the Provincial Electricity Authority.

Prime Minister Abhisit said that the free electricity program will cost the government around 7,465.31 million baht.

In another move, the government is also offering free transportation by agreeing to be responsible to 1,259.36 million baht of transportation fees. This policy applies to 800 public buses per day along 73 routes all over Thailand. Bus users will not have to pay the fare if they chose to travel in the non-air-conditioned buses. Those who prefer to take trains can also travel free because the policy also applies to third level trains. These trains run to 173 different stations and locations per day.

After the end of the year Prime Minister Abhisit also has plans to make the free bus and train programme a permanent government policy.

“As much as I want to make free electricity a permanent policy, this topic needs very careful consideration. Instead of allowing 90 units we might lower it so the government does not have to suffer too much,” said Prime Minister Abhisit.

As for maintaining the price of gas LPG and NGV, Prime Minister Abhsit said that he wanted to help taxi drivers. He also is encouraging taxi drivers to change from gas LPG to NGV.

All together the low-income people living in Thailand will all save about 9,254.67 million baht between now until the end of this year.