Wasuchet Sophonsathien, president of the Thai Transportation Operators Association, said that while tourism was at its peak, each bus could generate 50,000 baht a day from tour services. Just 10% of the 40,000 tour buses nationwide are still in use for industrial estates, which are also affected by the economic fallout as factories carry out cost-reduction strategies. The transport segment includes 10,000 tour bus operators, of which 50% are small and medium-sized businesses, generating 100,000 jobs such as drivers, maintenance and other staff. Mr Wasuchet said tour bus operators expect to receive 30% from the 2.4-billion-baht budget for the Moral Support scheme or 8,000 baht per bus per day to get more cash when receiving payments by August. Operators would also like the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration to let tour buses run at full capacity, instead of limited to 70% of available seats, which incurs higher costs.

Source: Bangkok Post July 02, 2020 23:15 UTC