BANGKOK, June 1 (TNA) - A coalition of metropolitan Bangkok taxi drivers has given the government 15 days to respond to their demand for minimum fare increase and other welfare measures.

Groups of taxi drivers met Sunday to decide their next move, following meetings with government ministers and agencies concerned.

Withoon Naewpanij said the groups have decided to call off their original plan to rally in front of the Transport Ministry on Monday and to give the government 15 days to come up with measures to address their plight.

Among key demands called by the taxi drivers was a demand that the authorities raise the minimum fare of 35 baht for the first two kilometres, unchanged for the last decade.
 
In addition, the drivers ask for the authorities to regulate public taxi services in a more systematic manner,including provision of welfare benefits.

Mr. Withoon said the expectations are for the government and agencies concerned to announce concrete measures for both the short term and the long term.

If their demands are not met, the groups plan to rally over 1,000 taxies to protest at the Transport Ministry, downsize services by 30 per cent, slowing speed to no more 40 kilometres per hour and keeping lights on during the day, he said.