In response to rising diesel prices, bus fares in Bangkok and nearby provinces will rise soon.

"We agree that the fare for non-air-conditioned buses should rise by Bt1.5 and the fare for air-conditioned buses by Bt1," Deputy Transport Minister Songsak Thongsri says.

If the rise is approved on Tuesday, a ride on cream-and-red buses will cost Bt8.5, up from Bt7, and a ride on the cream-and-blue buses will cost Bt10, up from Bt8.5. Cream-and-blue buses are considered to be of a better standard.

Bt1 for aircon buses

For the air-conditioned buses, fares are calculated based on distance travelled. Currently, their fares are between Bt14 and Bt26. Following the rise, a ride on one of these buses will cost between Bt15 and Bt27.

Songsak says the hike applies to Bangkok Mass Transit Authority and concessionaires' buses.

An initial approval has also been given to requested rise of ferry and boat fares, Marine Department director-general Prasong Tanmaneewatthana.

The final rates have not been worked out, but operators of passenger boats wanted Bt2 more for each stop for those running in the Chao Phaya River and Saen Saeb canal, and Bt0.50 for ferries.