Red Line commuters to choose between THB40 daily cap and new rail fares
The State Railway of Thailand board has extended the Red Line’s THB40 daily fare cap until December 2027, retaining THB30 fares for students ahead of a wider integrated rail fare scheme.
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) board has approved a 13-month extension of the Red Line commuter railway’s daily fare cap, maintaining a maximum charge of THB40 for general passengers and THB30 for students until the end of 2027.
The decision, made on 13 November 2026, extends the existing scheme, which is due to expire on 30 November. The revised period will run from 1 December 2026 to 31 December 2027.
Operated by SRT Electrified Train Company Limited, the Red Line will continue to offer eligible passengers unlimited journeys within the daily fare limit, subject to the scheme’s conditions.
The THB40 and THB30 rates are daily ceilings. Passengers whose journeys cost less than the applicable limit will pay the actual fare.
The SRT said the extension was intended to ease household transport expenses, particularly for regular commuters, while encouraging greater use of public rail services.
Integrated rail fares of THB17–45
The extension comes alongside the government’s integrated rail fare policy, endorsed by the Cabinet on 3 November 2026.
Under the policy, the initial fare will be limited to THB17, with no additional initial charge when passengers transfer between participating rail lines. The total fare will be capped at THB45 per journey across Bangkok and its surrounding provinces.
The Red Line and Airport Rail Link are among the rail services covered by the SRT’s responsibilities under the policy.
The integrated fare scheme is intended to make journeys involving multiple rail lines more affordable and improve connections across the capital’s public transport network.
EMV registration required from January
Red Line passengers using Europay, Mastercard and Visa (EMV) contactless cards will continue to receive the existing daily fare benefits under the current conditions throughout December 2026.
From 1 January 2027, passengers wishing to claim discounted fares will be required to register their EMV contactless cards through the Paotang application.
Eligible passengers must then select one of two options: the daily fare cap or the integrated THB17–45 fare scheme. The choice will be subject to the eligibility requirements and conditions established by the relevant authorities.
The SRT reaffirmed its commitment to supporting government measures aimed at reducing living costs while improving the accessibility, convenience and connectivity of Thailand’s rail transport services.
