Taxi fares will go up, but by how much will not be known for another two weeks.

An increase was agreed upon in principle at talks yesterday between transport officials and representatives of the drivers.

The new rate will be decided by a tripartite committee of representatives from the Land Transport Department, the Consumer Protection Board and taxi drivers. It will report back in 15 days.

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej on Sunday supported an increase, saying the 35 baht flagfall had not changed since meters were introduced in 1992.

The prime minister thinks fares should start at 39 baht, but drivers have demanded an overall 20% rise with the flagfall rising to 40 baht.

"Taxi drivers are satisfied with this solution as they also sit in the committee," Deputy Transport Minister Songsak Thongsri said after yesterday's talks.

"I cannot say now if the fare will be adjusted or not. I admit I sympathise with them, but there must be a proper process."

Although most taxis now run on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), not petrol, the drivers struggle with rising costs because high petrol prices have raised the cost of all items, he said.

However, an increase in taxi fares would have a big impact on the public and must be properly examined first.

Taxi leader Withoon Naewpanit said taxi operators had plenty of evidence to back their request for a fare rise.

He warned there could be a protest if agreement was not reached within the deadline.

Plans being conidered include parking their cars in front of the Transport Ministry on Ratchadamnoen avenue, cutting the number of taxis in service by a third, limiting their speed on streets to 40 kilometres per hour and turning on their headlamps during the day.

There are about 70,000 taxis in the capital, 85% fuelled by LPG and the rest by compressed natural gas, sold as NGV.

The drivers also want lower contribution to the Social Security Fund, which costs them more than 600 a month. They say they receive lower benefits than people in other professions.

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