Some 500 taxi drivers rally outside Government House

[Mod]

Some 500 taxi drivers rally outside Government House

The Nation January 9

Some 500 taxi drivers parked their vehicles around the Government House and at the Royal Plaza Monday morning to protest against the hike of NGV price.
They started parking their taxis on roads around the Government House and at the Royal Plaza at 8 am.

But the drivers did not block the road with their taxis. They only occupied two left lanes of the roads.

Some taxi drivers also carried a banner, saying "cremation of NGV".

The taxis were parked on Phitsanulok Road and their vehicles spilled over to Rajdamnone Nok Road until they reached the Makkawan Rangsan Bridge.

Their leaders also organised a make-shift rally stage in front of the Government House and they took turn to criticise the administration for raising the NGV price.

They accused the government of taking an opportunity when farmers and the poor people were suffering from flooding to raise the NGV price.

They said the price hike severely affected their income and they were disappointed in the administration.

"We are sorry to have voted for the Pheu Thai. The increase is like betraying our votes for you, Pheu Thai," a leader said.

The government as of January will allow the NGV price to rise by 50 satang per month, which will in effect increase the price from Bt8.50 per kilo currently to Bt14.50 by the end of next year.