Thailand targets THB45 rail fare cap from January 2027

Thailand is targeting January 1, 2027 for the introduction of a common-fare system across Bangkok’s urban rail network, under which eligible passengers would pay no more than THB45 per journey and would not face repeated entry charges when transferring between lines.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), Ministry of Transport and other relevant agencies met on Thursday (September 17, 2026) to coordinate preparations for the measure, which is intended to reduce commuting costs, improve transfers between rail systems and encourage greater use of public transport.

The meeting was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, with Bangkok Deputy Governor Wisanu Subsompon among the participants.

Maximum fare of THB45 per journey

Under the planned common-fare structure, passengers transferring between participating urban rail lines would not be charged multiple entry fares, while the total fare for a journey would be capped at THB45.

The measure is intended to cover the urban rail network across Bangkok and surrounding provinces. Government policy sets the entry fare under existing contracts at no more than THB17, with the combined fare capped at THB45 per journey.

Agencies are now working on data integration, station access arrangements and the technical systems required ahead of the proposed January launch.

EMV Contactless to serve as main payment system

The meeting agreed that EMV Contactless would serve as the main payment method, covering eligible credit and debit cards as well as Mangmoom cards.

Authorities are accelerating the installation and upgrading of equipment across the rail network to support the system before it enters service.

Passengers would initially be charged the normal fare for their actual journey. If the amount exceeds THB45, the government would refund the difference directly to the passenger under the scheme.

The refund is expected to be transferred through the Paotang application or to the account linked to the card used for the journey within three working days, subject to the final rules.

Relevant agencies have also been instructed to develop fare-calculation and refund rules, passenger protection procedures and complaint-handling arrangements, and to conduct joint system testing before the official launch.

Bangkok prepares Green and Gold lines for common system

The BMA will coordinate with the Ministry of Transport, Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) and Krungthep Thanakom Co Ltd on arrangements concerning the Green and Gold lines.

The plans include transferring management responsibilities for the Green Line, covering both its core and extension sections, as well as the Gold Line, to the MRTA under the relevant legal procedures.

The proposed transfer covers assets, revenue and liabilities, with the aim of consolidating management under the MRTA.

Bangkok will also facilitate access for the installation of temporary card readers or electronic data capture equipment on the Green and Gold lines.

The agencies are expected to prepare a memorandum of understanding for submission to the Cabinet by December 2026.

Existing concessions retained for vulnerable passengers

The policy is intended to reduce travel costs for Thai nationals while providing greater convenience through a common payment system.

Elderly passengers, children, people with disabilities and other eligible vulnerable groups would retain their existing concessionary fares. They would also be able to use the THB45 scheme when that option provides a lower fare.

The government is targeting January 1, 2027 for the launch, although agencies still need to complete technical preparations, business rules and other implementation arrangements before the system becomes operational.

Source: Thansettakij