Trat, Thailand
Ferry operators serving the popular tourist island of Koh Chang in Trat province received approval to raise fares beginning April 10th after a provincial meeting addressed persistently high fuel costs.
The decision came during an urgent meeting on April 7th, 2026, chaired by Trat Governor Piriya Chantadilok at the provincial hall. Participants included ferry operators such as Koh Chang International Co., Ltd., officials from the Marine Department’s Trat branch, district authorities from Koh Chang and Laem Ngop, and other relevant agencies. The meeting also touched on services to Koh Mak and Koh Kood, though fares for those routes remain under further review.
Operators explained that fares on the Koh Chang route had remained unchanged since 2016 despite gradual increases in fuel expenses over the years. With diesel prices now soaring, they could no longer absorb the losses and requested an adjustment based on a fuel-linked pricing formula.
Thai media outlets reported that the approved one-way fares effective April 10 are as follows:
– Adult passengers: 130 baht (previously 80 baht)
– Children, students, and monks: 70 baht (previously 30 baht)
– Motorcycles: 130 baht (previously 40 baht)
– Motorcycles with sidecars: 200 baht (previously 80 baht)
– Four-wheel vehicles (cars): 280 baht (previously 120 baht)
– Six-wheel vehicles: 1,000 baht (previously 450 baht)
– Ten-wheel vehicles: 1,600 baht (previously 900 baht)
– Ten-wheel vehicles with trailers (18 wheels): 3,200 baht (previously 1,800 baht)
Some reports note that the new structure ties fares to diesel price bands, meaning rates could fluctuate (for example, adult fares potentially ranging from around 90 to 160 baht or car fares up to 330 baht in higher fuel-price scenarios). The rates approved at the meeting reflect current conditions near 50 baht per litre.
This marks the first major fare adjustment for Koh Chang ferries in more than a decade. Operators had already begun adjusting schedules in recent weeks, with some services running only when fully loaded and earlier last departures to control costs amid the fuel pressure.
Koh Chang, a key destination in Trat province known for its beaches, rainforests, and national park status, depends heavily on these ferries for transporting tourists, residents, vehicles, and goods from mainland piers such as Ao Thammachat and Center Point.
The increase is expected to raise travel expenses for visitors and locals, though operators maintain it is essential to keep services sustainable. Travelers are advised to confirm the latest schedules and exact fares directly with the operators, as minor adjustments could occur if diesel prices shift significantly.
The change comes ahead of the busy Songkran period, the Thai new year, traditionally one of the busiest times of the year for visits to Koh Chang.
Similar fuel-related cost pressures have affected other ferry routes in Thailand in recent months. Fares for Koh Mak and Koh Kood services may see separate announcements following additional reviews.
