The Department of Land Transport says reports claiming conventional tuk-tuks will soon be banned from Bangkok's inner districts are premature, stressing the proposal remains at the public consultation stage.
Director-general Sorapong Paitoonphong said the draft ministerial regulation has not been submitted to the government and no operational details have been finalised. An online consultation running until Aug 27 seeks public feedback on restricting petrol-powered three-wheelers in the capital's inner areas to curb air and noise pollution.
The proposal would allow only electric tuk-tuks to operate in the designated zone, although conventional vehicles could still be permitted during specific periods set by traffic police.
Mr Sorapong said the department was preparing a long-term framework should the measures be adopted in the future.
"Most tuk-tuks currently operating in Bangkok use internal combustion engines and are between 10 and 50 years old, raising safety and emission concerns," he said.
The draft cites Bangkok's historic centre -- home to landmarks including Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), royal temples and other national heritage sites -- as an area requiring tighter pollution controls to improve the environment and support tourism.
The proposal could significantly impact operators, with 8,582 registered tuk-tuks in Bangkok as of June 30. By comparison, data shows only 1,056 electric tuk-tuks had been registered nationwide by the end of May.
All comments will be thoroughly reviewed before any decision on the draft regulation is made. Feedback can be submitted via the department's online consultation portal.
